Mae Abdulbaki

What the film does have is a sense of style and an ability to keep us engaged through a riotous cast that is clearly having a lot of fun.

Crimes of the Future has an intriguing enough setup, but it doesn’t know how to tie everything together, leaving the disparate pieces of the plot adrift and turning the film into a tedious watch.

It's good to have the actor, whose diverse filmography is certainly a memorable one, back in an exciting, eccentric big studio film.

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.

The Way of Water is overlong and stretched thin on story, but the Avatar sequel is beautiful, with lush world-building and characters that add depth.

A tale of power and misogyny masquerading as honor, the film is engaging and occasionally funny, embracing its themes despite a narrative imbalance.

All told, Fresh has a lot of potential even though it doesn’t fully deliver. Cave makes a case for herself in a directorial debut that is ambitious, even when all the pieces don’t seamlessly fit together.

Annette is extravagant and ambitious, but it’s also frustrating, pompous and emotionally flat.

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.

The film is poignant and meaningful, with an appreciation for life that reminds us why we live it and how to enjoy it as well.

There are a lot of things that could have gone wrong, but Triplett directs with confidence, bringing style, intrigue, and character depth to a story that will keep you engaged and holding your breath in suspense for what comes next.

The psychological thriller is clever, sharp, and intoxicating, even in its eeriest moments. There’s a charm and depravity that are all too real, hanging over every scene as it makes us wait with bated breath for the big reveal that comes in glimpses and acts as stark contrasts to the characters’ initial excitement.

Brian and Charles is a soothing, lighthearted, and warm story about friendship and connection that is strengthened by its titular characters.

Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry are excellent together. They have great chemistry and their conversations and jabs at each other feel natural.

Cyrano is a magnetic, musical romance that peels back the layers of its title character in new, exciting ways.

Better Nate Than Ever is full of charm, supportive friendships and familial relationships, and a passionate love of musical theater and these elements work together to create a lovely, entertaining viewing experience.

Though it has its merits, an excellent supporting cast & fun musical numbers, Wonka wobbles in its journey & storylines while remaining heartfelt.

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.

Buoyed by a strong, effective performance by Boyega, and even despite its pitfalls, Corbin’s film is a solid debut feature.

Diallo knows how to create a deeply disconcerting atmosphere.

It’s a lovely, heartfelt movie that is also gritty and deep and evocative, with outstanding performances that ground the story in every possible way.

Its focus may have needed some more fine-tuning, but Steve proves meaningful regardless.

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.

Consequences, choices, love, identity, and paranoia are all at the center of this mesmerizing thriller.

Despite a solid performance from the film’s lead and an interesting character arc, Rounding winds up getting a bit lost in all it’s trying to accomplish.

Caught Stealing is a refreshing addition to Aronofsky’s filmography. It’s deliberately funny and macabre, but it asks us to take it seriously.

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.

It’s the kind of film that not only makes for a great theatrical experience but will also make you want to watch it again immediately afterward to see what you missed the first time.