Rachel LaBonte

It's the kind of eccentric true story that seems tailor-made for a movie, and McAvoy brings it to life with plenty of high-spirited energy.

The Christophers trusts its two leads and their characters to guide the audience to its desired conclusion, and watching it unfurl is a rewarding experience.

With an aching heart, lush visuals, and magnetic acting, Hamnet is undoubtedly one of the best movies of the year and will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Even with its flaws, it’s largely an entertaining film with plenty of humor and a story that truly must be seen to be believed.

Ansari has brought his familiar comedic charm to a solid, original story, and the end result is an all-around good time.

As a character study, Blue Moon is imperfect, but its smart framing of a pivotal moment in Hart's life elevates it.

This movie is as close to a perfect ending as the franchise could get.

With such incredible performers as Colman and Cumberbatch at the center of it all, though, it's easy to have a blast. You'll want them to break up just as much as you want them to make up, and that is the most impressive thing of all.

I would love to spend more time with this ensemble. While the story deviations can prove a bit frustrating, the movie is its own thing, and I suspect it'll be a crowd-pleaser.

The jokes fly and mostly land, though that's largely thanks to the skill of the cast.

She Rides Shotgun packs a punch — or, to use one of Nate's lessons for Polly, hits you like a baseball bat to the back of the head. The subplot with the local gang may be forgettable, but the father-daughter relationship will stick with you for a long time.

Gordon and Lerman are both in great form, going a long way in carrying the somewhat problematic premise.

Sorry, Baby is the kind of movie that will linger and stick with you. It is far more than a story about trauma; it's also about friendship and growing up, concepts that will feel deeply relatable to anyone.

Pixar's latest big screen adventure, Elio, is a big-hearted tale about friendship, family, and connection, and it will both delight and wreck you.

Between the humor and Quaid's performance, there's so much fun to be had here that it's easy to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

The whole Armand cast is stellar, perfectly conveying the characters' shifting allegiances and uncertain moral stances.

This is a franchise that has treated its supporters with respect while opening its arms to newcomers. Because of that, the weaker elements of the film feel unimportant in the wake of a genuinely entertaining time that will no doubt thrill audiences of all ages.

Assisted by franchise veteran Lebo M., Miranda brings his addictive melodies and spry lyricism to the movie and creates a soundtrack that can hold its own against the original.

Scrap is ultimately an unflinching and sensitive portrait of a woman faced with the terrifying uncertainty of rebuilding her life. Though some of the harsher realities of being homeless aren't explored in much depth, and the ending is a touch too neat, Kerr crafts a compelling journey for us to go on, one that should linger after it's over.

Save for the tiniest of things, Wicked is a worthy screen adaptation of the musical, guaranteed to make viewers feel like they could defy gravity too.

The animators bring this world to life with expert skill.

It's a testament to the care that went into this movie, the hard work of the cast and crew, and the power of the story itself that I left the theater both moved and inspired. This is a movie that will likely stick with me for some time, and I'm glad; I think it's not one that should be forgotten.

Twisters is the kind of blockbuster the summer movie season was made for, and it proves sequels don't need to be beholden to what came before.

This is the kind of movie I'd like to see more of, the kind that wears its heart on its sleeve and takes us on a ride. A meandering ride, sure, but even a long trip can have its perks.

Luckily, Johnson and Penn's compelling dynamic keeps us hanging on, right up until the moment they part. That final beat could've been shorter to make more of an impact, but that doesn't lessen the satisfaction of the journey overall.

Despite the clunkier elements, though, IF pushes through with its warmth and optimistic tone, paving the way for some truly effective moments.

Though following a familiar formula that's running the risk of wearing thin, Kung Fu Panda 4 still finds heart in the reliable Dreamworks franchise.

Marmalade is one wild ride, as long as you're willing to stick with it.

It's an interesting idea, trying to base a story around the idea of wishing on a star, a concept that has been Disney's foundation for decades, but Wish struggles due to a weaker script. But I can't lie: I was charmed by Asha's story and the vibrant world she lives in, and that can make up for any flaws in the execution.

With top-notch performances and production design, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a worthy addition to the Hunger Games franchise.

What Happens Later isn't without some hiccups in its execution, but with Ryan at the helm, it's impossible not to feel charmed.

It's a fascinating and sympathetic look at the anxiety that can arise and the ways OCD can affect a person's relationships with those they love most.

Those willing to embark on Fremont's modest, gently heartbreaking journey will find themselves rewarded by what it has to offer.

Marshall has captured enough of the magic from the original to entertain longtime fans. Bailey's Ariel is one for the ages, and McCarthy is fantastic as Ursula. With these two ladies on board, The Little Mermaid is a genuine delight.

The Quiet Girl is an earnest depiction of family and unexpected connections that lingers long after the credits roll.

Led by a stunning Emma Mackey, Emily is a striking depiction of a woman embracing her individuality while crafting an iconic piece of literature.

Somebody I Used to Know is a refreshing take on routine rom-com tropes that, while suffering from a slow start, makes for a rewarding journey.

Alice, Darling is a respectful and piercing character study that also serves as an excellent showcase for Kendrick's talents.

Though messy at times, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an impactful examination of grief aided by excellent character work and exhilarating action.

It's an absurd and stunning story, but it also holds such heart and authenticity that it feels deeply relatable.

Led by a great Lesley Manville, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is a delightfully wholesome film and the very definition of a "feel good" story.

First and foremost, this remains a film for the fans. As such, Downton Abbey: A New Era is a triumph. After several tumultuous years, returning to a well-known universe with beloved characters is a balm and anyone who has followed along with the Crawleys will find plenty of enjoyment within the film.

Enhanced by an all-in performance from Watts and impressive behind-the-camera work, Infinite Storm is a ride that's both engrossing and emotional.

Grief and trauma don't provide easy answers and The Fallout doesn't either. But it does take viewers on a poignant journey right alongside its heroine. It can be heavy, but it can also hold moments of humor and joy.

Though it can't quite break out of the Disney mold, Encanto is greatly aided by a unique story, a delightful cast of characters, and a vital message.

The Harder They Fall is a crowd-pleasing and worthy addition to the Western canon that knows how to have a good time with a familiar story.

Froseth and Silvers keep both of their complicated characters and the bond that lies between them grounded, mixing well with the sensual tone Smith has created. Those looking for a sexy, intriguing drama might be happy to call up Birds of Paradise for some nighttime viewing.

Bolstered by a star-making performance from Simu Liu, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings gets the MCU's newest hero off to a promising start.

Led by the delightful pairing of Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, Jungle Cruise knows how to enjoy itself, even if the journey is a bit overstuffed.

Anchored by excellent lead performances from Ed Helms and Patti Harrison, Together Together is a charming crowd-pleaser with a lot of heart.

Nomadland might tell an unconventional story, but thanks to Zhao's careful hand and McDormand's performance, it will resonate with all audiences.

By not giving into what might be expected from a typical immigrant story, Chung has given the material space to breathe on its own, creating a space that can be appreciated by all kinds of people. The cast shines, the story hits home, and Minari stands as a winner.

Quietly immersive and poignant, Supernova excels as a showcase for leads Tucci and Firth, even when the story can't quite match them.