Therese Lacson

Bursting with laughter and heart, Joy Ride is not only chock-full of ribald comedy, but it's a wholesome story about friendship which is what grounds these types of movies.

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.

A good thriller will ramp up the anxiety with each step as it hurtles towards its conclusion, and Fair Play does not let up until the very end, offering a twisted and toxic tale of a couple driven to the brink by a shift in power dynamics.

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

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.

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.

Unable to make his ideal documentary about the Zodiac Killer due to a rights issue, Shackleton breaks down the movie he might have made in painful detail that reveals a shocking lack of self-awareness, systematically dismantling the genre without an ounce of introspection.

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.

Okuno is certainly not showing us anything we haven't seen before, indeed these stories are all too familiar, unfortunately. But the skill is not making the horror indulgent. Julia's dread is something we feel distinctly. Monroe, someone familiar with the horror genre, is perfect as our hero who is equal parts determined and terrified.

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.

From the careful casting of Navajo actors — vital not only to representation but when it comes to speaking the language — to its honest look into rez life without any Hollywood spin, Frybread Face and Me isn't just a joy to watch but spells a bright future for Luther after this narrative feature debut.

The conclusion might leave some throwing their hands up in frustration and others applauding its audacity, but it's an ending that will definitely leave you with something to talk about and ponder long after the credits finish rolling.

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

Emilie Blichfeldt combines the classic grotesque horror often associated with Grimm fairytales and injects new life into it with her feminist message and new perspective. Coupled with strong performances — with special praise for lead Lea Myren — this horror flick is well worth a watch. Just maybe don't watch it after a meal!

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.

By the end of the film, the film that seems so much like Collateral on the surface is actually far more personal, reminding us of the unlikely bonds that we can share together as human beings and that it's never too late to find a home and family beyond the conventional boundaries of what is expected.

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.

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.

McGann weaves together an emotional and tragic tale in the third act, one that hits hard after following the story of these two lovers throughout the film. Mixing this with the magnificent footage of an alien underwater world, one that few of us will ever see with our own eyes, and there is a lot to like.

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.

The concept is an exciting new vehicle for a spin on some well-worn tropes, giving them a facelift for today's audiences. If this is just the beginning, then the future looks bright.

While Park injects his own joie de vivre to his on-screen performances as an actor, there is a distinct lackluster quality to Shortcomings in its biggest moments. It feels, at times, generic. The story, penned by Tomine, still holds the same feelings for me as the graphic novel, which is to say that at least they provoke thought, but Park’s own style feels far from refined.

At the very least, Diamond Hands is an entertaining and informative look at a moment in time when the many overcome the few, but it doesn't land solidly enough to leave a lasting impact.

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

With a stellar cast and inspired direction, Master is a thrilling and potent horror story about academia that has made its impact.

Howard's no-frills approach to Thirteen Lives is what makes it such a success.

With little-to-no accountability when it comes to the YouTube industry, Under the Influence makes a clear case that mainstream media outlets should be turning a more scrutinizing eye toward the community, and the community itself perhaps needs to differentiate the difference between what is considered 'drama' and what is a criminal offense.

It is moody and creepy, though perhaps not brave enough to wander into true melodrama or bizarre fantasy. In the end, its performances and the way it incorporates Gothic elements, along with a strong visual aesthetic, make the film a worthwhile watch.