Tania Hussain

It might not answer every lingering question or fully offload his tensions, but it does capture something more elusive and wholesome.

Like the songs it’s built around, it’s simple and familiar, and sometimes that’s enough to make a movie feel so good, so good.

This version of Merrily We Roll Along doesn’t fix every flaw in the material, but it doesn’t need to. What it does instead is honor how difficult, tender, and painfully human this story has always been, giving it the kind of intimacy that a lot of pro-shots never quite reach. For a musical that was once called a massive flop, it’s got a pretty satisfying second life — and one that’s very easy to roll along with.

Smart, stylish, and suspenseful, The Woman in Cabin 10 works in large part because of Knightley’s performance.

Drifting between heartfelt dramedy and broad comedy, Driver’s Ed doesn’t always blend the two with enough finesse.

McAvoy creates a story of ambition, prejudice, and performance that gives Scotland’s underdog spirit its due. It isn’t a flawless directorial debut and stumbles in places, but it plays like an anthem for outsiders with a dream.

Poetic License is one of the smartest, most heartfelt films of the year. It never tries too hard, is sentimental without being gooey, and is brilliantly anchored by an ensemble that makes the movie truly sparkle. If this is what Apatow is delivering with her first film, we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Whimsical in concept but hollow in execution, Eternal Return drifts aimlessly despite Naomi Scott's glow.

Sure, there is a subplot or two that feels a bit uncooked, but it’s easy to forgive because the movie is brisk and wickedly fun. Like its affable hero, Normal is impossible to ignore and proof that when Odenkirk takes on an action role, things are anything but normal.

John Candy: I Like Me is a beautiful love letter to the comedian.

Riz Ahmed's fiery turn and a bold South Asian lens make this Hamlet compelling, even if uneven.

With a career-best Tatum at the center and an ensemble that fills in every corner with warmth and wit, Roofman is one of this year's most pleasant surprises.

Despite its flaws, the film still stands out for its bold visual approach and Golding’s performance to offer a thoughtful yet imperfect reflection on what it’s like to really move on from loss.

Its masterful blend of action and emotion through tightly nuanced writing and performances elevates the film to stand out as one of the most endearing films of 2024.

Despite a top-tier cast and bone-rattling action to keep you engaged, the Netflix flick buckles under a cluttered story with chaotic execution. It’s watchable, even entertaining in bursts — but beneath all the bruises and broken bones, there’s not much else to hold onto.

While G20 doesn’t always rise to meet Davis at her level, it’s a performance that elevates even the weakest beats, giving audiences a satisfying, if uneven, ride.

Offering a fresh take on a legendary folk hero, William Tell’s solid cast and engaging battle sequences will keep viewers hooked. Easy to overlook its faults with impressive sequences, performances and sharp cinematography, the film is an appreciated one for its throwback feel.

As a story that’s more about finding oneself than finding love, Lonely Planet is a thoughtful and heartfelt meditation on how identity and love are intertwined, and how the most unlikely connection with others can serve as a mirror to the best parts of ourselves we’ve been avoiding.

As a film that thrives on its leads’ undeniable chemistry, Wolfs draws most of its strength from Clooney and Pitt’s effortless interplay, despite its narrative shortcomings. But for fans of light-hearted action comedies, Wolfs is a howling good time — even if it doesn’t quite sink its teeth in for a lasting bite.

Even with striking visuals that offer compelling depth and beauty to Minahan’s overall look, the film’s inability to keep a consistent pace and tone, or even establish its primary focus through its leads undercuts its biggest, most poignant messages.

Thanks to a witty script and a charming cast led by Damon and Affleck, The Instigators is a fun heist film with heart that blends the right dose of humor, action, and emotion for a comedy you can watch again and again.

Despicable Me 4 understands its appeal and plays to its strengths. With fun details, vibrant animation, and strong comedic energy, it is a delightful and entertaining addition to the franchise, offering enough laughs and heartwarming moments to satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

As the film attempts to weave itself into a screwball comedy, it unexpectedly bobs into a weak character study, skewing situations and characters while never quite touching the ground or giving us reason to care.

It’s moderately entertaining thanks to its VFX but falls short on its performances and story as the overall idea exceeds the final product.

Thought-provoking and poignant, In Flames isn’t an easy conversation, but it is a necessary one that rests its narrative on the pervasive gaze of patriarchal oppression.

To watch This Is Me…Now: A Love Story is to admit Lopez’s ambitions as an artist stretches well beyond what people say about her. But even though the film acts as a manifesto of her creativity, not all of it works.

Migration embraces a rather touching and family-oriented narrative to weave an energetic tale of humor and sincerity.

Baking up a storm of humor and heart, the pro-shot Broadway production with Bareilles leading the charge is the perfect treat this holiday season.