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.