Isabella Soares

In spite of its faults, Vanessa Caswill's latest directorial effort offers a pair worth rooting for and winning romantic leads, proving that Monroe and Withers have what it takes to captivate audiences in a genre that they haven't previously been linked to.

This Is Not a Test won't give you shivers, but its zombie invasion will leave you hopeful.

Although the concept of making a thriller that examines somnambulism seems quite captivating, Sleepwalker doesn't effectively incorporate this complex disorder into its premise, resulting in a puzzling story about a woman going on a spiral without any healing prospect.

Overall, Goodbye June proves Winslet is just as talented onscreen as she is calling the shots, bringing a raw approach to this already emotionally-driven story. Through her thoughtful direction, the ensemble is able to deliver a convincing portrayal of a dysfunctional yet loving family dealing with potential loss and precocious grief.

As Hallmark-esque as this Netflix rom-com might be, it offers the perfect combo for what you anticipate from a seasonal title. It delivers on a low-stakes love story between two people from different cultural backgrounds, allows for its main character to grow into her own and understand her worth, and gives viewers the opportunity to escape to Paris without leaving their couch.

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie is utterly enjoyable, giving fans a handful of new tracks to set the tone for the end-of-year festivities.

Despite Lane and Chandler elevating Anniversary with their respective performances, the film doesn't reward its stacked cast with the memorable onscreen moments they each deserve.

Although the cast does what they can with a script that never cuts deeper than the surface, their performances aren't enough to give Regretting You the emotional resonance expected from a story like this.

Madelyn Cline and KJ Apa engage in a summer romance that neither makes your swoon nor sob.

Everyone you'd hoped to see is here, the chemistry between Lohan and Curtis is still spot on, and the new additions to the ensemble don't detract from the narrative that won us over two decades ago.

By the time the credits roll, Diciannove doesn't give the viewer enough food for thought.

Despite Rebel Wilson's signature comedy and her reunion with Pitch Perfect co-star Anna Camp, there is little that can justify an audience member giving this film a chance.

A Widow's Game sets out to be an intriguing portrayal of a high-profile case but doesn't really hit the mark.

The ensemble is the main reason why the film has its delightful instances, especially when it comes to the scenes in which He, Ka-Yan Lam, and Chau are featured. But, ultimately, the script lacks the originality or the character development necessary to give its multiple couples their ideal sendoffs.

Although Off the Record is well-intentioned, it misses more beats than not.

With a limited budget and a lot of dedication to the craft, the project is able to build on its references to thrillers from the '70s and '80s while finding its own footing.

Even though the romantic elements aren't as rewarding as the familial ties at the heart of The Life List, the project still has its merits. From Carson's captivating depiction of Alex to Britton's warm and motherly presence, there are parts of this film that will be enjoyable for a viewer looking for something sweet and emotional to tune into for an hour and a half.

Seven Veils is an intense psychodrama, enriched by Seyfried's magnetism and the director's ability to piece together the content of Strauss' opera with the protagonist's repressed memories.

Overall, Younus' directorial effort is engaging to an extent, displaying the lengths to which a vulnerable person longing to be understood can go to achieve a sense of belonging.

Tyler Spindel's latest directorial effort might falter when it comes to its approach to physical comedy, but it still deserves some appreciation for what it does well: make you laugh and feel.

What starts as a promising storyline soon dwindles as tired tropes take center stage and no sparks fly between the main pair.

The truth is that by the film's final moments, the audience will likely leave their viewing experience with a headache and a bitter aftertaste from all the melodrama.

Overall, the biggest takeaway that I had while watching Mary is that it was a missed opportunity. A missed opportunity to give the mother of Jesus more development than we've seen in prior depictions of the Nativity story, and a missed opportunity to truly show the cruelty of Herod's actions as a ruler.

With a well-composed original soundtrack and stunning visuals, Spellbound is one of the best animations of the year.

Despite some issues with pacing and its exploration of the two main storylines, this buddy comedy is entertaining and powered by a delightful trio.

It features a predictable love story with two charming leads, spicy but comical all-male performances, and a fast-paced plot that will pass you by. Beware, this isn't a groundbreaking watch by any means. It is just another cozy title to keep you in high spirits while you sip hot chocolate and control the urge to unwrap presents before Christmas Day.

If you are hoping to double down on the gore this Halloween season, this delightful, yet cheesy title will fit the bill.

Through sensitive portrayals by Glaser and Schwerdt, and a moving sequence featuring Anderson, the new Palacio adaptation once again proves that kindness is the remedy to evil, and it is never too late to choose the high road.

With energetic dance sequences and a heartwarming bond between a father and a son, K-Pops! is a bundle of joy that rarely misses a beat.

The main reason why The Penguin Lessons is sweet, but also poignant, is due to the script's keen eye for comedy in the face of a tumultuous backdrop.

Though powered by incredible performances and worldbuilding, what truly leads The Assessment to have an exceptional final product is its refreshingly original premise. The script, written by John Donelly, Nell Garfath Cox, and Dave Thomas, takes full advantage of the sci-fi genre to tap into relevant topics such as climate change, parenthood, and elitism.

Although the film is by no means a groundbreaking biopic, it has an effective execution that will appeal to the masses, especially viewers urging for another hero to root for in the face of adversity.

'It Ends With Us' is a sensitive depiction of abuse and its performances elevate the adaptation.

I Am: Celine Dion is a piercing portrayal that doesn't shy away from making audiences feel like a fly on the wall

It's enjoyable, sexy, and features a romance worth rooting for — because the only red flag here is the public's reaction to their relationship.

Even though the cast helps to nurture the sense of nostalgia in the film, it doesn't prevent the screenplay from failing to match the tone of the OG series.

While often bloody, It's a Wonderful Knife is never too spooky for non-horror fans and never too focused on a cheesy love story for those watching the film for its gory delights. There is a little bit for everyone here, making for a pleasant enough viewing experience for this holiday season.

In short, this is the perfect cinematic venture for those who are fond of chaotic, psychological thrillers that keep you engaged, but that don't keep you guessing when it all comes to a close.

Without much footage of the war itself, the firsthand accounts from the passengers in the car are enough to paint a picture of the terrors that they've endured and their need to find a better place to stay.

A film filled with intensity, this is a worthwhile, deliciously vile watch.

The film has the power to bring its audience to tears because the story is powerful, and the thoughtful creative decisions do justice to it.

As a whole, Arquette's directorial effort is fun, but forgettable. Despite pulling out laughs from viewers here and there or Dafoe and Morrone's impeccable deliveries, the plot doesn't quite stay with you.

Given that the two leads in this project don't seem to have a clear driving force to their actions, this feminist thriller does more to show the challenges that women face than to create fully developed characters. Although the film does end with a bang, these missteps leading up to the resolution make the final scene bittersweet.