It’s blend of emotional realism, a fantastic lead performance, and exacting direction from Pankiw (a filmmaker making the transition from television with aplomb) make for one of the essential movies of the season.

Ten Tricks is a sweet, goofy little comedy about sex. If that or any of the stars appeal to potential audience members, then prepare for a sexy and silly time.

Clara Sola is an intriguing film ripe with symbolism and strong performances.

This is a poignant examination of the many forms of love. Even if one isn’t totally on board with the lifestyle at the center, it makes it hard not to wonder what that seemingly mild-mannered couple you know might be up to when the shades are drawn.

As a cinematic experience, Yomeddine is near flawless, with a skillful direction, an engaging story, a fitting score and a captivating visual, but it particularly has to be praised for its actors.

What I appreciated about this movie was how it captured trauma and selective memory.

Plan C presents how, within a concise timeline that includes before, during, and after a pandemic and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a determined group of women, veteran public health advocates, researchers, social justice activists, and digital strategists fight to increase access to abortion pills in the United States outside of a clinical setting.

As a fan of stop-motion animation and the works of Ray Harryhausen and Henry Sellick, King Kong will remain the granddaddy of the art form and remains a classic for all generations.

The First Step works because it’s as honest about the state of government as it is passionate about doing so.

All around, King Richard is a solid, inspiring film.

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.