Calvin Wilson

As original and risk-taking as its subject, Steve Jobs will make you think differently about an American icon.

Shares the magical appeal of the “Harry Potter” movies, which should come as no surprise.

A beautifully realized drama that gets to the essence of what it's like to be young, confused and in love.

The tale of Jake and his pals is something of a time capsule — and the kind of film from which sociologists decades from now might glean extremely useful information about American culture.

Not many films address motherhood with as much irreverence and insight as Tully.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi has more than enough action, humor and stuff blowing up to thoroughly satisfy fans of the long-running franchise.

The kind of film that’s capable of eliciting wildly different reactions. Art-film aficionados would be impressed with its atmospheric storytelling and emphasis on character. Devotees of mainstream cinema would likely complain that “nothing happened.”

Unhurried in its storytelling but unshakable in its impact.

Based on a book by Brian Selznick, Wonderstruck is a visually striking film that’s uncompromising in its approach — less about narrative momentum than about surrendering to the power of images.

Gordon-Levitt turns in an Oscar-worthy performance as a man who’s all too aware of what he’s letting himself in for. And Woodley skillfully balances a range of emotions as Lindsay.

The film is perhaps best appreciated as a showcase for the gifted Simonischek, whose portrayal of Winfried/Toni is one for the ages.

As the deeply principled Donovan, Hanks deftly balances earnestness and humor. And Rylance’s spirited performance is almost certain to yield an Oscar nomination.

Pratt is engagingly rascally as Quill, and Saldana brings a sassy charisma to the no-nonsense Gamora. But as might be expected, Baby Groot steals the film.

Bonnaire, whose films include "Vagabond" and "Monsieur Hire," gets Helene just right, registering her joys and disappointments with finesse.

It’s true that not much happens — except cinema at its finest.

Has been criticized as endorsing or condoning violence, but that assessment is unfair and inaccurate. If terrorism is to be eliminated, it must be understood, not oversimplified.

Zobel's unsparing approach is justified. This film should be hard to watch - and it is. But it's also hard to forget.

Black Swan is ridiculously over the top, but in a way that makes it fascinating to watch.

This is the kind of intelligent, thought-provoking mainstream film that’s in danger of becoming extinct. Eye in the Sky is miles above the average multiplex flick.

Although Lebanon is to be congratulated for its bold visual strategy and strong antiwar stance, the film becomes claustrophobic after a while.

A film that's all the more intriguing for being virtually impossible to categorize.

Put aside any hang-ups you may have about subtitles. As action flicks go, Point Blank is right on target.

Is this a family film? No way. Does it include scenes that some may find painful to watch? You bet. Will you be entertained? Thoroughly.

The Oscar-nominated No has the gritty feel of a foreign film from the 1970s. As such, it may take a few minutes for most moviegoers to adjust to its rhythms. Ironically for a film about advertising, there’s nothing slick about it — and therein lies much of its greatness.

Arrival is science fiction in the classic sense and a film of otherworldly ambition.

A Monster Calls is the rare film that addresses the mysteries of childhood without succumbing to schmaltz.

The performances are spot-on. Ali brings depths of feeling to Juan, giving us a drug dealer we haven’t seen before. Harris (Miss Moneypenny in the recent Bond films) is uncomfortably authentic as an ultimately repentant junkie.

It’s hard to imagine an actor more appropriate to portray Sully than Hanks, who brings to the role a bedrock decency and soulful introspection. And Eckhart is perfect as the droll, easygoing Skiles.

Although The Gatekeepers lacks the stylistic inventiveness of “Fog,” it is nonetheless a compelling account of what can go wrong when power is unrestrained.

Another “Jurassic” flick wasn’t necessary, but it’s a fantastic ride all the same.

A refreshingly down-to-earth comedy-drama about family, ambition and the liberating power of music.

This is a “Game” that couldn’t be more fun to watch.

Fury is a guided tour through a manmade hell.

Lean on Pete is not the sentimental boy-and-his-horse flick that audiences might expect, and it’s certainly not for children. It’s a contemplative art film of subtle beauty.

An old-fashioned film that slyly nods to contemporary sensibilities, Allied is an engaging showcase for Pitt and Cotillard.

Smart, sexy and outrageous, Deadpool delivers.

The Hedgehog sneaks up on you with its heartfelt storytelling and sophisticated wit.

With spot-on vocal performances from Thewlis, Leigh and Tom Noonan, the film is nothing less than mesmerizing — and must viewing for serious cinephiles.

Where to Invade Next isn’t his funniest documentary, but it may be his most poignant.

One of Pixar’s most charming achievements.

Burton delivers his most ambitious and engaging film since “Sweeney Todd” (2007). Although the story becomes increasingly complex as it goes along, the emotional payoff is more than worth it.

This is very much an ensemble film, with Wahlberg, Hudson and Russell turning in performances that get the job done without begging for attention.

This is the rare mainstream film that addresses the complexities of real life. Brad’s Status may motivate you to question your own.

The fact-based Stronger is an inspiring tale of reconciliation and reinvention that sidesteps sentimentality to get to emotional truth.

Reeves is thoroughly persuasive as a killer who takes pride in his expertise. The role he began with 2014’s “John Wick” is tailor-made for his laconic acting style.

It’s not necessary to be a classical-music buff to be charmed by this thoroughly entertaining film that never hits a false note.

As the highly focused Hanna, Ronan - who had a breakout role in "Atonement" - is simply brilliant.

Deftly balances subtle humor with sharp observations about class, wealth and power.

As memorable as it is insightful, Take This Waltz is one of the best films of the year.

Looking for a feel-good movie? Fortunately, this film doesn’t qualify.

An enthralling lament for an era in which beauty is in danger of becoming extinct.

It's one of the funniest and most perceptive films of the year.

Best appreciated as a movie about being obsessed — a character trait that’s certainly not limited to chess masters.

Diesel and Johnson are at their testosterone-charged best. Theron, who seems to be auditioning to become the next Bond villain, is ruthlessness personified.

At the end of the day, it’s still a comic-book movie, but one that actually raises serious questions about security, accountability and revenge.

Working from his own screenplay, director David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”) delivers a risky, challenging film that unfolds with a spellbinding momentum. Just what it all means is left to the viewer to contemplate.

Naysayers will no doubt argue that mother! is an incomprehensible mess. But as sheer visceral filmmaking, it’s a must-see. If you’re looking for meaning, read a book.

An action comedy that works. But it’s also a surprisingly poignant romance. This is the summer flick you’ve been waiting for.

This is a smart, moving film that's also very, very funny.

It's an original that plays as if it were based on a novel.

A rebuke to the genteel period costume dramas that have long reigned as arthouse staples. Working from a screenplay by Alice Birch, director William Oldroyd turns the genre on its head, penetrating the pretty exteriors that conceal wild and dangerous emotions.

As the central character in “Polar Bear,” Ruffalo impressively explores the geography of a troubled mind, and makes the journey fascinating.

A terrific but uncompromising film that's definitely not for everyone.

The storytelling is solid, propelled by characters that you come to care about.

An art film in the classic sense — ambitious, provocative and hard to shake off.

As usual, Ridley is immensely appealing as a born warrior with an indestructible sense of right and wrong. Her expressive face lends the fantastical goings-on an emotional resonance.

In a first-rate cast, Titieni turns in a brilliant performance as a man who sacrifices long-held values to bow to the expediency of the moment.

Gilchrist ("United States of Tara") is immensely appealing as a kid who's just a bit too wrapped up in himself to grasp that perhaps his problems aren't insurmountable.

In one of his best roles, Hawke is galvanizing as a man who has lost his way and is desperately searching for meaning in his life. And as Mary, Seyfried turns in a poignant and beautifully nuanced performance. Provocative and mesmerizing, First Reformed is a film that demands to be seen.

An offbeat and fascinating film.

Films often fail to capture the turmoil of being a teenager — but not this one.

At once a fascinating character study and a scathing indictment of the role of the medical-pharmaceutical complex in exacerbating the AIDS crisis, the fact-based Dallas Buyers Club is one of the best films of the year.

Like Elizabeth Olsen in "Martha Marcy May Marlene," Oduye brilliantly slips inside the skin of a sensitive young woman who's having trouble finding her place in the world.

Reportedly, at least two more “Alien” prequels are planned. If they’re half as good as this one, prepare to tremble.

If you’ve got a hankering for a Western, Hostiles is must-viewing.

The Lovers is the rare film that acknowledges that romance isn’t limited to people in their 20s and 30s. It’s also a smart, quirky comedy that moviegoers of any age should find eminently appealing.

Macbeth takes liberties with the particulars of the Shakespeare play, but is fascinatingly true to its spirit.

This reboot starring some of today’s finest comic actors — male or female — is a wonderfully hilarious and boldly imaginative creation in its own right.

Starts out so promisingly that it's a huge disappointment when it ultimately becomes way too predictable - and unbelievable. It's as if "Raging Bull" suddenly morphed into "Rocky."

If you’re looking for a film that will keep you thrillingly off-balance, this is the place.

If you’re open to embracing a film that declines to pander to expectations, you should definitely make a date with The Lobster.

Fresh and delightfully offbeat, The Accountant proves that a thriller can be complex and nuanced while fulfilling its mission to entertain.

James Franco is fascinatingly weird as Wiseau, and brother Dave Franco complements him perfectly as a regular guy who has little choice but to go with his flow.

The multiplexes are full of films that promise little more than a forgettable good time. The Man Who Knew Infinity is just as entertaining, but far more substantial.

A gripping account of a pivotal moment in the early days of World War II, grounded by an Oscar-worthy performance by Oldman.

It’s hard to imagine a better Belle than Watson, who radiates much the same intelligence and spunk that she brought to Hermione in the “Harry Potter” films. And Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”) is excellent as the soulful Beast.

The Big Sick has a lot of charm. Just don’t expect the revolution in romantic comedy that its aggressive hype would suggest.

Keaton, who deserved an Oscar for his performance in “Birdman,” brings to Robinson a bracing blend of humor and authority. Ruffalo is the essence of the newsman who just won’t quit, and McAdams is just as effective as his more low-key colleague.

The story unfolds not as contrived drama, but with all the surprise and inevitability of real life.

Bernie could easily have gone horribly wrong. But Black and Linklater finesse this tricky material with as much virtuosity as Bernie brings to that broccoli.

Daringly unsentimental, 45 Years makes a persuasive case that marriage demands not only patience, but guts.

Director Matthew Heineman (“Cartel Land”) sticks with the group as it moves from strategy meetings to safe houses, documenting not only its political commitment but also intimate moments of reflection.

The film is hard to watch, but its timeliness is impossible to ignore. Still, a case could be made that Bigelow dwells on the violence a bit too obsessively.

Particularly memorable are scenes in which Calvin loses his cool as Ruby holds onto her calm. It all adds up to a movie that's sparklingly entertaining.

Tatum is terrific as a sort of anti-Clooney, and Driver complements him perfectly.

Bursting with style and imagination, The Incredibles 2 sets a standard that few superhero flicks — animated or live-action — can match.

Rogers has been criticized by conservative pundits and parodied by comedian Eddie Murphy. But those backhanded acknowledgments only confirmed his status as a force to be reckoned with.

Not just another biopic, The Founder is a morality tale that raises provocative questions about consumer culture, its benefits and its consequences. You won’t look at a Big Mac the same way again.