Rachel LaBonte

Too often, though, the creativity gets bogged down beneath the references and standard mystery. Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers still makes for an entertaining viewing experience, just as long as one doesn't mind the extra baggage.

Tankhouse might not be for everyone with its outlandish humor, but if viewers are willing to invest in the absurdity, then it's worth watching. Tomaschoff has clearly created this movie out of respect for anyone who has loved spending time in the theater, and with a game cast ready to shoulder the material, it becomes something very sweet underneath all the quirk.

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.

Though it lacks the same zippy energy as the first film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is bolstered by fun new characters and a perfectly wacky Jim Carrey.

All the Old Knives lacks innovation, but it still serves up an entertaining ride thanks to Pine and Newton's twisty dynamic.

The Secrets of Dumbledore holds positives and negatives alike, and that makes for an entertaining, but slightly unsatisfying viewing experience. There is magic to be found, though, and perhaps that is all that matters.

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.

All told, Rescued by Ruby is perhaps not the most revolutionary dog movie audiences are likely to find, but it will certainly do the trick if one is looking for something sweet and inspiring. With little real drama and plenty of adorable puppy shots, Shea's film goes down easy.

Though Meester puts on a solid performance atop an intriguing plot, The Weekend Away doesn't supply enough thrills to make it an entertaining watch.

Marry Me could've gone deeper with some aspects and laid off the musical numbers a little bit, but it will still be the perfect movie for anyone looking for some romance this Valentine's Day.

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.

Ultimately, The Laureate pushes past the tone and format of a typical biopic to make something fresh, though it holds weak spots in an otherwise compelling story.

Sing 2 doesn’t offer enough originality to truly make it stand out, though those who got a kick out of the first movie will find plenty to love.

Aided by solid performances, National Champions has a great story, but ultimately its individual parts aren't enough to score the winning touchdown.

Mixtape feels familiar and new all at once thanks to its earnest story and central messages of family and grief that will touch viewers of all ages.

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.

It has plenty of logic gaps, over-the-top action, and is generally a lot of fun. Red Notice doesn't quite coalesce into something that could become a timeless classic of its own, but it provides plenty of entertainment.

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.

Copshop won't be for everyone, but those looking for some old-fashioned gun-slinging hijinks will get some enjoyment out of it.

Unfortunately, Dating & New York can't find anything new to say about the world of casual dating, so its love story never fully gets off the ground.

Together finds moments of real emotion between its main prickly pair, but it still makes one wish there weren't movies about COVID already.

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.

The Last Letter From Your Lover is a charming look at two love stories, and while it's hardly anything new, the film holds plenty of warmth.

True crime buffs could find something here, but they might be better off reading the novel it's based on. Susan Smith's story deserved to be told, but there had to have been a better way to do it.

Here Today finds warmth in leads Crystal and Tiffany Haddish, which then allows it to push past some tricky tonal and pacing problems.

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

Its leading ladies are in fine form, as always, and they're backed by some lively performers. It's the story that struggles to come through, along with a reluctance to just let loose in every way possible.

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.

As a celebration of love and music, Sylvie's Love is a comforting and sweet movie that, while not breaking ground, is noteworthy in its earnestness.

Led by two powerhouse performances, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom soars when it lets its stars shine, hitting the audience with a gut punch of emotions.

The Prom is a bright yet flawed musical extravaganza that, while holding a vital message about acceptance, sometimes gets lost in its own celebrity.

Bolstered by the sweet chemistry of its attractive leads, All My Life doesn't listen to its central message: Make the most of the time you have.