The story and music shine. Maybe it is not an instant classic like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, but it definitely will enrapture a new generation of Disney fans.

Night Shift is an impeccably crafted, clever ghost infestation that has a lot going on under the sheets.

Bushido is an epic story, but instead of warring samurai factions fighting it out on the open plain, the battle takes place on a 19-by-19 lined gameboard. Don’t get me wrong, there is swordplay, but here, even a game of Go has never felt more dangerous.

Didn’t Die is a hopeful zombie narrative with more than a few heartwarming moments and just enough quirk to earn its laughs.

Leaving a traditional narrative structure in the dust, Beshir uses breathtaking cinematography to bring you into the Horn of Africa. The movie is moving poetry about the struggles in khat fields and Ethiopia itself.

The Devil’s Bath is one of the more memorable foreign horror movies in some time.

Though Jack’s past is both uplifting and tragic, the heart of Jack Has A Plan comes in the final months leading up to Jack’s ultimate fate.

The film is a statement and will carve its place in modern Korean cinema just as surely as its conclusion penetrates so profoundly and so indelibly.

What I love most about Little Women is how Gerwig’s script refuses to turn each character into a stereotype of their time. There is a complexity to each character and a real arc for each.

Cruise and McQuarrie promised an action film like no other, and they delivered.

A funny, tragic and moving look at the love we share…and all the complicated crap that hangs from it.

With Adult Swim Yule Log, Kelly delivers a new dimension in seasonal insanity, and won’t the kids just love it? Just slide your arm into the crazy stocking until you hear a click.

Farewell My Concubine is a tragic and poignant story in every sense of the world. It’s a tough watch, dramatically, as there is darkness in this classic film.

Couple the brilliant construction with the intense performances from Saboia and Fasanaro, and we have one of the more memorable foreign romance films in recent memory.

I should be complaining about how bloated Being The Ricardos is, but I can’t. There’s a lot going on, but I wouldn’t cut a single word or scene. Like Lucy herself, the film is funny, deadly serious, and heartwarming all in one package.

The Black Guelph is as gritty as gritty can get.

Total Trust asks a lot of questions that each of us must answer before it is too late.

American Factory is an example of my favorite type of documentary. It’s one that merely documents. It has no agenda to push, even though one grows organically throughout.

If you’re a fan of crime documentaries or are fascinated by the grey areas of law, Michael Neelsen’s Beyond Human Nature is a sobering look at American justice at its best and worst.

Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World is a highly engaging and fascinating documentary that questions the validity of the “truth” being presented to us on television, in news stories, and through social media. The facts presented are convincing, and the investigation of MH17 plays out like a crime thriller.

Prisoner’s Daughter is a drama that stings hard but also unleashes a lot of hope. It is a splendid reason to be excited about the great American indie again.

In the Court of King Crimson: King Crimson at 50 is not an exploration of what was or who the band used to be, but rather a voyage into their present and future.

It’s a moving drama with an excellent central performance.

The story may be light, but the execution is strong, and the performances are engaging. It’s one of my go-to movies to see again this year, and it’s worth watching in a premium format.

Like a good thriller, Inheritance draws you in and takes you right into the middle of the action. Then when it’s all over, you’ll want to revisit it as soon as possible to pick up on all the little details and clues. It feels real, which adds to the intensity.

The Last Showgirl is a grand moment for Coppola, which she does well, especially with Anderson and Curtis, who are fully committed to their characters and well-studied for their roles.

True creativity is not always found in creating something new but figuring out ingenious solutions to seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and these people are very creative.

The Blue Trail is an examination of not only what it means to be free, but what it feels like to earn that freedom yourself.

The Last Stop In Yuma County is a stylish, great-looking noir with an excellent cast.

The story is about being held accountable for your actions and making things right. But it’s also about the love and honesty of family and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Spaz does not break any ground in terms of style and technique. However, the main subject is fascinating all on his own, and his story is equally as compelling. The good, the bad, and the ugly are presented here for everyone to consider and draw their own conclusions about Spaz’s work and temperament.

Returning in Lightyear is the trademark Pixar sense of humor. Like every film, all jokes are meticulously crafted in a way that will make children laugh and adults laugh harder.

You need to see Sing Sing for what it represents. It’s never too late to turn your life around. No matter where you are in life, you can be a positive impact on the world around you…no matter how small it is. Lastly, never give up on hope.

Lee Fields: Faithful Man shows that this planet is an even groovier place than we thought. You sometimes just need to hang in long enough to find out.

With Come As You Are, the laughs are good and abundant, the characters are well-defined, and the story takes us on a wild trip to its heartfelt destination.

While the authenticity of a television show from that era may dampen the intensity of the scares, the film is still just plain fun to watch. The effects are wonderful, with the vast majority of them being practical. The Cairnes brothers lean on fun over terror, which may irk some. But, what fun is had!

Fraught with all-consuming dread and familial mystery, Here Before is an emotionally and psychologically demanding thriller surrounding the loss of a child.

The Seeding doesn’t rely on jump scares to frighten its viewers because the plot and characters are devilishly creepy on their own.

The story structure and characters are compelling, while their actions are intentionally offputting. Plus, the meta-angle isn’t overplayed and is used just enough to make everyone watching question where the plot will go next.

Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken is not only informative in the same way Super Size Me was, but his story about opening a fast-food restaurant and the journey he took to get there is entertaining and telling.

Writer/director Nicole Riegel brings such richness to all of her characters that they feel authentic, garnering empathy.

Rare is the film that refuses to moralize the actions of its characters, and boy, does this make Acidman refreshing.

My Dead Dad could have been histrionic, filled with overacting, based on just its plot synopsis. However, thanks to carefully written characters, an excellent cast, and some jaw-droppingly inspired editing, the drama finds the truth in the small moments between people.

The drama is a powerful examination of the many forms of grief. Without Exarchopoulos, though, this would have been a banal flight in coach, but thanks to her work, it is akin to a Business Class upgrade.

Mikkelsen is at his best, but all the actors convey a range of emotions masterfully and share real chemistry. Add in Vinterberg’s careful direction of the wry screenplay he wrote alongside Tobias Lindholm, and you have a great dramatic comedy.

The acting is superb, and the pacing is remarkable. But most importantly, the look into women’s rights, morality, and normalized societal oppression speaks volumes about its country and the road to freedom.

No Time To Die tells a fantastic Bond story. It has everything you expect from Bond and appropriately honors Daniel Craig for his service to the Queen.

Sunday Best reminds us that Ed Sullivan’s influence went far beyond introducing legendary performers—he directly influenced the cultural fabric of America. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of television to unite people and move society forward.

It signals a strong new voice in the genre with the Philippous that is equally confident, commanding, and committed to slinking under your skin.

Not since The Florida Project have I felt this emotional about a story of children forced to grow up way too fast.

Wicked: Part 1 is an incredible adaptation that captures the core of what fans adore about the stage musical while offering its own cinematic flourishes. Despite a few pacing hiccups, Jon M. Chu’s direction and the cast’s passionate performances create a magical journey worth experiencing.

It’s probably one of the best nostalgia documentaries to come out in years. It’s all feel-good and good-feels from start to finish and a surprise here and there.

The Man in the White Van is the perfect primer for someone thinking about getting into horror films but is a bit skittish. The killing is implied, and the gore is off-camera. Yet, the film is all about that uneasy tension that we feel, wondering what’s around the corner or what goes bump in the night.

Porcelain War is an engaging, timely look at art, war, homeland pride, and the resilience of the human spirit. While it is not subtle, it is impactful and never dull.

It’s tough to watch, and you will fight the urge to walk out but stick with it.

Andrea Eckerbom’s film effectively fuses fantasy with relatable issues for families during the holiday season.

Even if the corporate claims are true—that films like Pistachio Wars are anti-corporate propaganda—it’s important never to turn a blind eye to any issue where the only thing we’re being told is, “trust us… nothing to see here.”

Sleep No More may not be flawless, but it is a solid and entertaining watch. The pacing is mostly excellent as things move so fast audiences barely have time to breathe. The cast is phenomenal and makes even underwritten parts feel whole. [2024 re-release]

Presence’s great strength is not in the exquisiteness of its detail but in its quietness, its delicate vision.

Connecting to humanity as a whole through reading ancient prose and writings and trying to decipher them, Mishory parallels the idea of immigration as not only progress but also survival.

In the end, Project Hail Mary works because it is thrilling, smart, and emotionally engaging, turning a giant cosmic problem into an exceptional adventure. It earns its emotional payoff by making every problem, every choice, and every human connection matter.

The best thing about the film is the repeat viewing value.

Sheep Without A Shepherd is good fun as both an action flick and a heartfelt crime-thriller at the same time. In case you were wondering, the ending is fantastic, which is traditionally problematic for thrillers in general. It wraps everything up nicely and in a satisfying way.

Whatever bias you may have about Sandler’s comedies fade away here. Sandler gives a genuine and physically brutal performance of a man who’s trying to stay one step ahead of total collapse.

Despite minor hang-ups, Blizzard of Souls is a great war movie with a story that needs to be shared.

It’s a fantastic World War II movie, the action is tense, and the stories on the ground are inspiring and heartbreaking.

Although Hepi admits that he still has a lot of questions regarding his late mother – and his audience is bound to have theirs, as well – he’s nevertheless put together a stirring, deeply personal, and hard-hitting profile that goes a long way toward illuminating and immortalizing Mita’s contributions to Maori culture and world cinema as a whole.

It is an anxiety-inducing production that is bolstered by the astounding performances of Patric and Krause. While the ending is weak, two-thirds of the film works so wonderfully it is still worth watching.

I’m here simply for the brilliant performance of Cate Blanchett. She’s imperfect, incredibly flawed, and a villain who doesn’t know it.

Queen of the Ring is a must-see for lovers of sports films, biopics, and period pieces. The drama surrounding Millie Burke’s life remains engaging throughout, thanks to the writing, directing, and acting.

Close To You is ultra-real, ultra-important, ultra-fascinating, and ultra-recommended.

With standout performances from Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza, it sticks the landing beautifully—don’t be surprised if it ends up on your favorites list, too.

The Cuban does not develop everything in its screenplay to complete satisfaction. But what’s there is very good and believable. Combine that with the jaw-dropping directing and visual style, along with the pitch-perfect cast, and you are left with a compelling drama that is well worth it, flaws and all.

Chick Fight is an effective and modern twist on the classic fight club story. It, in many ways, reaches audiences in ways that other films with a primarily female cast are unable and delivers neverending excitement, intensity, and entertainment.

Deep down, it’s a story about family and how the strong bond of the family comes in many different and imperfect forms. The cast gives it their all and finds the heart of this sweet narrative.

Boy Kills World is a two-hour roller coaster. You’ll leave exhausted and beaten, and yet feeling like maybe you too can defeat the fascist dictators in your life.

While simple, there is great depth to this uncomplicated story.

Two Prosecutors does not offer the audience easy answers or an emotional release; this restraint is exactly what gives it power. It’s a heavy film, one that is important and deserves to be seen.

The film feels like a passing of the torch from some of Hong Kong’s veteran actors to the next generation. It’s sometimes brutal and gory, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Despite being slow at times and having moments where characters’ motivations can be unclear, The Dinner Party still delivers a solid horror film that had me watching parts through slightly covered eyes.

The Accountant 2 is a pleasant surprise. It scratches that crime procedural itch, along with paramilitary-style gunplay, for a winning combination.

Emotionally charged, enigmatic, electric, and inspiring, Mogwai: If the Stars Had a Sound is the ideal gateway for the new listener. But for those who have known their greatness from day one, this movie is a celebration of the individuality, creativity, unity, simplicity, community, and majesty of one of the most exceptional and innovative musical acts on the planet. Turn it on, and turn it up!

For its searing look at mental deterioration in solitary confinement and ingrained racism in the prison system, Caged is an absolute must-watch, minor flaws and all.

Levack’s screenplay is sharp, deeply human, painful, but genuinely hilarious. You’ll laugh, you’ll swoon, you may even shed a tear. And while it’s formulaic at times, it resists the grand, third-act romantic gesture for a quieter, more resonant finale.

Its complicated story, hero, and visual style are a great reminder of the beautiful thrillers birthed during the Golden Age of Hollywood, albeit with the help of modern technology to pull it off with a modest indie budget.

The whole picture trades in the type of exotica that is fundamentally linked with the Arabian Nights stories, which melds amazingly well with the sci-fi tropes employed. The strategic use of location shots abroad, perhaps on a vacation, hides the fact that most of this was shot in Michigan, which is truly impressive.

Solo Mio is good, sappy fun, and the perfect date movie for all the craziness going on in the world at the moment.

With Garland crafting the script and DeCosta at the wheel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a winner on all fronts. It is wildly entertaining, never predictable, and explores the clash between superstition and tradition versus hard science.

Bonjour Tristesse is a rich experience in more ways than one, while it also burns beneath with a rising secret fire. Give it some patience, and it will give you an unforgettable experience.

You’ll be holding your breath at times.

The archival footage, reenactment, well-executed cinematography, and stunning wardrobe and makeup allow Framing Agnes to linger in your thoughts much past its ending. Joynt created an exquisite beauty that banishes the notions that trans is wrong or dirty and highlights how it is wildly misunderstood.

As a film, Reagan is about as perfect a biopic as you will get. The story flows quickly and feels cinematic for a man whose life plays out like a movie.

The Wedding Banquet is the kind of film that reminds you why we fall in love with movies in the first place—because they surprise us, move us, and make us laugh at how messy and magnificent life can be.

The Biggest Little Farm not only has by-the-minute drama and an ever-present tension between success and failure, but as an accomplished cinematographer, the film’s images of the farm is breathtaking.

This isn’t just an aesthetic exercise. It’s a sandblasted fable about meaning and memory. The Phoenician Scheme doesn’t ask you to love it. It dares you to look closer. And for those who do, the reward is quietly spectacular.

Atlantics can be seen as telling a haunting, tragic story. Despite its ethereal style, and a semblance of magical-realism, it is mostly grounded in the drama of reality.

In the final analysis, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is not as good as the first, but comes pretty damn close and is another example of a well-executed sequel. As cliched as it sounds, yes, this is a film for the kiddies, yet suitable for adults.

None of the shortcomings diminish how ridiculous and darkly funny the narrative is from fade-in to closing credits. Bess and the cast take viewers on an engaging, comedic journey through making a deal with the demon, crafting an enjoyable reminder of how innovative indie film can be.