Mae Abdulbaki

The fashion alone, from design supervisor Stefano De Nardis and the costume team, elevates the film, turning it into an extravagant spectacle.

Totally Killer has its flaws, but it also has a distinct flair and charm. The film’s comedy is self-aware and witty, even if not all the comedic elements work, and there’s a love of the 80s that isn’t overshadowed by attempts to emulate it without question.

With Pugh's powerhouse performance elevating the script and an engaging central mystery to keep the plot moving, the film has enough going for it to make it a pleasing watch.

West Side Story is visually entrancing, emotional, and the choreography and staging magnetic even when certain aspects of the story don’t always work.

Elvis seems perfectly content being a glitzy, bejeweled extravaganza, even when the film’s nearly three-hour runtime leaves its energy — which never fully recovers after the first half — waning by the end.

Bob Marley: One Love won't knock your socks off, but there is enough care put into crafting the narrative that turns it into a lovely viewing experience overall.

The horror film has an engrossing premise that remains engaging even in its lulls.

The film is ultimately an action comedy that is as sickly saccharine and over-the-top as Valentine’s Day itself. For a cool hour and 23 minutes, Love Hurts allows us to enjoy every minute of its absurdity, and you’ll never look at a boba straw the same way ever again.

While the film does take its time stepping out on its own and out of the shadows of Aladdin and its "tale as old as time" story (Long's own words), Wish Dragon is a heartwarming, charming film with a great message and lovely characters.

All told, Swiped is a conventional, even hopeful biopic. Lily James is great in the lead role.

Held together by the cast’s chemistry and strong character dynamics, The Tender Bar is a touching film about growing up and the people who shape you.

Mark Wahlberg leads a good ensemble cast while sweetly interacting with Arthur the dog, and it’s cute and heartwarming, with the film doing exactly what it aims for.

The film is full of heart and humor, and the message of self-acceptance in a world where there is pressure to be anyone but oneself is affirming and lovely. Bolstered by a fantastic performance by Verma, Mustache makes for a sweet and wholesome viewing experience.

Late Bloomers offers a nice take on the coming-of-age story that is endearing and gives its characters the attention they deserve.

Appendage is a solid outing by Zlokovic, and the horror elements complement the story’s message about self-doubt, even if it doesn’t push the envelope any more than it has to.

While the first half of the film struggles, the second half deftly explores the character dynamics in a tender way that makes it well worth the watch.

At times, the movie is deeply compelling, but its complexities can get lost in the shuffle and repetition of the same points. Striking cinematography and philosophical reflections can’t make up for this too-slow film that pokes at life’s meaningful moments without inspecting them further.

While the human characters are there for exposition and could’ve used additional development, Godzilla vs. Kong is engaging and visually stunning.

The biggest disappointment is perhaps that it doesn’t do enough to focus on Natasha, opting to set up Yelena as her successor. There is just enough Black Widow, however, to make this a distinct film, one that is less of a traditional superhero outing in the MCU, with the film more interested in exploring the lengths of human cruelty, perseverance, and the ties that bind despite everything.

Bolstered by a solid performance by Will Smith, King Richard is a feel-good, charming sports biopic that uplifts but never reaches its full potential.

The Surfer is a slow-burn film that requires a lot of patience. Cage does his best with limited material, as his character doesn’t have much depth beyond wanting something and aiming to get it.

While the drama gets the wind knocked out of its sails after introducing other characters, Encounter gets in plenty of emotional, nuanced scenes between Malik and his sons that become the beating heart of this often unsettling, uneven, yet strangely mesmerizing film.

While the film tells a raw, intriguing story, it isn’t always smooth sailing.

With a game cast and thrilling action sequences, Huang’s film offers more than expected to keep us engaged.

Powered by an incredible, devoted performance from Jonathan Majors, Magazine Dreams stumbles in its last act and repeats itself too often, but it is gripping and intense all the same.

Bad Boys continues chugging along with Ride or Die. Watching the sequel reminded me a bit of the Fast and Furious franchise — it tries to go bigger than before, while also maintaining its core relationships as a key to its success.

While the film isn’t overly ambitious or deep, it’s an energetic, occasionally thoughtful and honest film about the lack of honesty and its effects on relationships.

From a horror perspective, the film is lacking, but it more than makes up for it with well developed characters and a killer who preys on secrets.