Therese Lacson

Ultimately, Kermani's film is not strong enough to be called a complete success. Its lackluster ending and uneven characters weigh it down from potentially becoming a cult hit.

A vital documentary, Teng gives an intimate look at not only the toll the genocide has had on Gaza, but on the first responders who can do nothing but give their everything, even as the hospitals they work in become military targets of bombings, and survival is far from a certainty.

There are no easy answers, and Nuisance Bear presents none of them.

Emerald Fennell's film is merely telling a shallow story about two people overcoming all obstacles to fall in love — not necessarily awful on paper, but it's an adaptation that feels like a 14-year-old skimmed the book and jumped to her own conclusions without any true understanding of the novel.

Does Exit 8 work as a film on its own? Yes, it does, but it likely works best for those who've played the game before and are familiar with the concept. Otherwise, the tedious nature of the game that is duplicated in the film can feel like more of a chore than entertainment. As a lover of the game, it felt like the perfect adaptation, but, much like the game, the film isn't going to be to everyone's taste.

Poulter's acting keeps it afloat ultimately, but there are moments when the desire to focus on the recovery journey overshadows the actual story at the heart of the film. Ultimately, Union County is a respectable debut for Meeks, but in trying to do too much, it fails to land on solid ground by the time the film is over.

With heartfelt and emotional performances by the cast, See You When I See You is a stirring tale about survivor's guilt, grief, and reconnecting in the wake of tragedy. Though the film hits on all emotional notes, there's one crucial setback that holds back an otherwise moving story.

Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson's romantic fantasy film is a delightful and silly tale that masquerades as a fable. Beneath the surface of its folklore-esque concept, Wicker is more an exploration of human connection, a criticism of the patriarchy, and a fun exploration of just how far one ridiculous concept can be taken.

It ends up in an odd space between psychological thriller and straight-up jump-scare horror that unfortunately drags down an otherwise compelling film.

Unafraid to lean into Isla's naivete, Rankin's performance playing off both O'Rourke and Gleeson is what places her at the center of this tale and makes it worth watching.

It's a colorful and delightful movie that delivers both thrills and heart. A fantastic follow-up to the original, Zootopia 2 swoops in right at the perfect time for the holidays as a perfect family movie to enjoy.

Wicked: For Good is not only a loyal adaptation, but it builds on what works from the first film while leaning into its lead performances. The characters are more mature and nuanced, making it a worthy successor to the first film. It doesn't surpass Wicked, but as a double feature, these two movies do justice to one of the best musicals ever, and that's not an easy feat to accomplish.

At the end of the day, Rehmeier's take on an outlaw romance wrapped in a road movie is entirely too enjoyable to give too much hate to. From the country music needle drops to the oozing on-screen chemistry, anyone who loves a good crime movie that doesn't take itself too seriously will need to get their butts into the theater for this one.

The Choral offers a unique look at WWI, while struggling to maintain balance between its compelling lead and somewhat lackluster storytelling with its other subplots.

Etzler carefully walks the line, taking a dark subject and ratcheting up both the tension and the humor until the two are inextricably linked, making for an entertaining and unpredictably exciting debut.

River Gallo shows not only that these stories are powerful and have value, but can also be beautiful and deeply moving.

Although your mileage may vary when it comes to Honey Don't's tone, what's undeniable is that Qualley was made to play Honey. She's cool, slick, and wildly charismatic.

The Mastermind vascillates between wanting to lean into the thrills of a heist and falling back on Reichardt's tried-and-true formula. The result is a confusing mix of tones with a fairly basic concept that rarely dips below the surface.

Artfully combining song, romance, and unique settings, Oliver Hermanus offers a heartbreaking and emotional film that reminds us not only of the enduring nature of love but also the power of sound and song.

Trier's understanding of complex family relationships and his ability to portray them honestly make this yet another win for him and a solid entry into his filmography.

Despite beautiful shots and strong performances in the film, what ultimately comes up lacking is the story.

Eagles of the Republic's greatest strength lies in Fares Fares, who is all too convincing as a superstar actor in Egypt, striking a delicate balance between his comedic scenes and dramatic ones

While it's far from Lee's best, Highest 2 Lowest is an entertaining watch, and for lovers of Denzel Washington, it's a must-see.

Moving, emotional, and ultimately cathartic, Renoir is a quiet and stirring coming-of-age story that reminds us of our own childhood and the impactful time that can be.

Ducournau's story is brilliant, but without the leading actors of the film, the movie wouldn't have been nearly as impressive.

Part caper, part spy movie, and part family drama, The Phoenician Scheme feels both like a return to form for Anderson while also feeling like an evolution for the auteur as his style changes bit by bit.

Sugar Babies is an intimate look at poverty and the changing of the American dream, but it fails to look deep enough to make the impact it intends to.

Ultimately, the concept behind The Virgin of the Quarry Lake might have embodied Mariana Enriquez's short stories, but it feels too jumbled and fails to meet its full potential.