The Inspection has a few poignant moments, but its lack of introspection, well-developed character dynamics, and exploration of the systems in place keep the film from reaching its full potential.

The Devil's Bath is bleak but well worth the watch, especially if you like being guided down Franz and Fiala's dark, twisted rabbit hole.

The Long Walk is a film that requires patience from the audience as it unfolds; there is plenty to digest. With a stellar ensemble cast and a challenging, emotionally-driven narrative, this atypical ghost story will nestle into viewers' minds until Mattie Do’s next directorial triumph.

Zootopia 2 is just as strong as its predecessor. It manages to expand the world in exciting ways, tell another compelling story with its main characters and recapture the magic of Zootopia.

If you’re looking for an overall fun time at the movies, One of Them Days delivers.

When Ma focuses on the grounded journey of Sara's fish-out-of-water story and the genuine chemistry between her and Sam, the film sings.

To say Leonor Will Never Die is making bold choices would be an understatement. One never sees the comedy coming, the film is gorgeous, and the script is easily one of the year's best.

Fire Island is a mesmerizing, joyous experience and one of the best modern adaptations of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The film has also solidified itself as one of the best romantic comedies to date. It is filled with plenty of hearty laughs, heartfelt sighs, and heartbreaking moments, making it worth revisiting repeatedly.

The adaptation isn't perfect (what stage-to-screen adaptation is?), but Matilda the Musical comes with a game cast, expertly staged musical numbers, and just a touch of magic that all the best musicals have.

The documentary doesn't know who Jeff Buckley was. However, it might expose what we are desperate to get from him, long past the time he has anything left to give.

The fascinating characters that populate the film and the masterful buildup of tension that unexpectedly erupts midway through the story more than compensate for any shortcomings.

Those willing to embark on Fremont's modest, gently heartbreaking journey will find themselves rewarded by what it has to offer.

It’s an imperfect film that is intriguing until the end.

While it does succeed in creating a bizarre atmosphere that captures plenty of simmering tension, it's trapped between being a proof-of-concept short film and a feature-length effort.

Yet, despite this apathy, there is an emotional core to Friendship, one that made me root for Craig despite all of his shortcomings and unpleasantness.

Promising Young Woman is a wildly thrilling revenge story, taking an unflinching look at rape culture, but errs more pessimistic than triumphant.

Thanks to the intriguing nature of the titular character’s existence, audiences everywhere can expect a thrilling horror feature that capitalizes on the charm and acting of its leads, campy sequences, and fun uses of music. This is the type of film enjoyed best with a crowd.

That exquisite balance of art and entertainment is exactly what makes each Bong Joon-ho film a gift to be savored – here's hoping his next one doesn't take quite so long to reach us.

Armed with a truly feminine perspective, Blow the Man Down rises above being a Coen Brothers imitation to deliver a gripping and tightly-woven yarn.

7 Days is emotionally resonant, sweet, tender, and genuinely funny.

Thoughtful and hauntingly beautiful in style and treatment, Nine Days emerges as a sublime slice of cinema that sincerely tugs at the heartstrings.

It’s meant to shock and disgust — and it does — but while Infinity Pool starts off interestingly enough, its take on power, corruption, and privilege only goes so far.

Piggy (Cerdita in Spanish) has a slow-burn intensity that culminates in a superb ending and, though the film could have had tighter writing and better pacing in places, it’s still a satisfying watch.

With a powerful central performance and an occasionally chaotic but nonetheless captivating and moving narrative — helped along by fantastic editing and cinematography — The Outrun is a detailed film strengthened by its connection to nature’s beauty and belonging to it.

What I connected to wins out over what I didn't – I have enjoyed sitting with its ideas, and there are a couple flourishes that will stick with me.

At times coming across like a fusion of Babe and The Thursday Murder Club, The Sheep Detectives gets by a lot on pure charm. The mystery is compelling enough to keep audiences guessing, while the central characters are engaging enough to follow as they find out more about George's death. The film doesn't quite overtake other entries in the cozy mystery genre, but the sweet morals and clever twists make this a worthwhile watch.

The Color Purple is a resounding success with respect to quality and entertainment. From its messaging about sisterhood and self-love to its stunning filmmaking achievements, it’s a film that's easily enjoyed on the big screen. While the entire cast brings their A-game, Barrino, Henson, and Brooks steal the show with Oscar-worthy performances.

It's as rewarding as it is challenging.

Though faithful to the book in many ways, this adaptation, though serious in tone, removed many of the more upsetting elements of the story, including darker aspects of Scrooge's visions of his death and his past tragic romance.

Bugonia will make you laugh, squirm, and gasp in equal measures, but the film always feels in control of which of these emotions it wants you to feel at any particular moment. Lanthimos is a master of creating atmosphere, and Bugonia really feels like he’s at the top of his game.

From its endearing animation style, which blends a 2D aesthetic with 3D technology, to its poignant and refreshing writing, Orion and the Dark is a true joy to watch.

Cummings and McCabe don’t quite balance the purple envelope mystery with the character study of a self-involved man, and the ending takes a sharp left towards confusion, but it is surely something worth watching.

While introducing a few arcs it doesn’t fully explore, Candyman is replete with haunting imagery, disconcerting horror, and thought-provoking themes.

Sometimes the central metaphors of the film are so cleanly didactic they risk becoming preachy, but, more often than not, the film tilts in such inventive ways that recognition only breeds appreciation.

The film is infectiously exuberant, with kinetic energy that never lets up. Paired with its lighthearted tone, Honor Among Thieves is a wildly good time at the movies.

Thought-provoking, beautifully edited and told, Sirens explores the band members’ relationship with each other, gender, and conformity in a society that isn’t always open about such things.

In its gorgeous animation and stylization of motion blur, Arco pleads us to return to a time when we dreamt about the future as hidden through fluffy clouds and resplendent rainbows.

Visceral, bruising, and darkly humorous, Die, My Love hits like a sledgehammer thanks to Lawrence and director Lynne Ramsay's uncompromisingly grim vision of domestic life.

There’s a sincerity that underscores its central themes, and the performances, writing, and direction don’t cut corners to get to the end. And what we end up with is a comedy-drama that understands what a thoughtful exploration of a relationship can look like onscreen.

It's the kind of filmmaking that rewards returning fans while being accessible to new or casual viewers. As a result, The Suicide Squad is a delicious, deviant and delightful watch for everyone.

Sam somewhat shrinks into the periphery of the story to make way for Amanda Peet's Dianne, whose tonal world is welcome, but certainly different. Rather than hold things together, Shear the filmmaker seems to step back, too. The result is a film that only exists in moments: sometimes funny, sometimes interesting, always lacking the cohesion necessary to add up to anything.

Thanks to Liu as both performer and producer, Rosemead not only earns its place among those films’ superlative ranks, but achieves a surprisingly powerful balance between intimate cultural authenticity and urgent, universal relevance.

Late Night with the Devil is tremendously fun.

As hypnotic as Eileen is, the film ultimately falls short. Its final moments suggest that it could have become a completely different film than what was initially presented. Had there been enough time to flesh out the story and build up the tension, the final Rebecca twist would have worked a lot better.

An obvious inspiration pulled from experiencing losing his wife Carolyn to cancer, Cronenberg delivers a subdued horror film on grief, which feels unlike any of his previous works.

Thanks in large part to Moss's performance, The Invisible Man becomes a fascinating dive into a survivor's psyche wrapped up in a compelling and truly scary horror movie.

With exhilarating action scenes, a layered story & poignant, in-depth characterization, The Batman is a worthy addition to the live-action DC slate.

The cast's chemistry really sells what transpires here and without that, it's hard to see the film working. Luckily, Brooklyn 45's disparate pieces come together to make for a wholly unique film that feels rare to come across these days.

Embedded in its humor is a sense of melancholy that heightens the emotions prevalent throughout the film, surprisingly tugging at our heartstrings.

Featuring interviews from his ex-wife Priscilla Presley and those who knew him best, and including four different actors portraying him at four distinct time periods of his life, it's a comprehensive, defining look at his rise as well as what continues to make him an enduring pop-cultural icon decades after the height of his career.

Bolstered by a star-making performance from Simu Liu, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings gets the MCU's newest hero off to a promising start.

Luca is a wonderful coming of age story with a nice message that balances deep emotions and a lot of adventurous fun.

Audiences may not have much of an appetite after watching the film, but the experience, like Slowik’s promise to his own guests, will be one they won’t soon forget.

Poignant and raw, the film is effective in all the ways it should be. While it does a better job engaging with its revenge-fueled storyline in lieu of a more familial exploration in the wake of the tragedy, the film still manages to land a heart wrenching blow.

Heretic knows exactly how to keep us mesmerized. It's a unique horror experience that's sure to have everyone talking.

Ultimately, The Long Walk is a terrific, entertaining film with some interesting things to say about the state of the world. They're not all fully articulated, but I’ll always prefer a film that advances cautiously in the right direction rather than one that hits the ground running without knowing where it’s going.

No Way Home is Spider-Man’s most intriguing & fun story yet. Though the multiverse looms large, the film's thoughtful in its focus on Peter's journey.

It's to the actors' credit that it works when it does, and what it ultimately posits about marriage is as grossly haunting as it is disturbingly poetic.

A lot happens, story-wise, but if the film had just followed Sylvia and Saul learning how to be around each other, it would've been enough.

It grows tedious because it feels like we’re holding our breath waiting for something more significant to happen for the lead’s character development, and yet it remains largely stagnant. Exit 8 has so much squandered potential. It might have made for a better short film than a full feature, but as a psychological horror, the film falls flat.

Tyrell goes from gorgeous to viciously reptilian in the blink of an eye in her tour-de-force performance, and the film’s homosexual subplot, though not particularly PC, is an intriguing early instance of gay life depicted in a mainstream film genre.

The anime film Blue Giant is a jazzy tribute to aspiring young musicians, offering a glimpse into the world of music in a stunningly visual way. Starring relatable characters with a solid bond of friendship, Blue Giant hits a lot of the right notes to get an interesting story while keeping the music center stage.

A Quiet Place Part II feels hollow where it could have brilliantly captured the nuances of the characters and their journey. The sequel provides some new information, but doesn’t do the work to deepen the story.

The Outpost finds success in its thrilling, white-knuckling battle sequence, but rarely digs below the surface of the ones who fought in it.

Dan Trachtenberg's third Predator entry is exciting, but also tonally askew in ways that prevent it from hitting its stride.

Overall, The Hidden World ends the How to Train Your Dragon movies on a strong note and shouldn't disappoint those who've spent the last five years anxiously awaiting the final chapter in Hiccup and Toothless' story.

There may be few miracles in The Wonder, but it's clear that Pugh is one unto herself.

Ultimately, Watchmen: Chapter 1 is a relatively promising start to this two-part adaptation of Moore's graphic novels, though it's brought down by familiarity, failure to surpass its prior adaptations, and a somewhat rushed pace.

Enzo is subtle in its examination of queer desire, understanding that quick glances and soft touch can be just as sensual — and even more effective — as anything intense.

Somewhat disorienting and riddled with deep-rooted anxiety, fear, and uncertainty that is expertly portrayed, All My Friends Hate Me is a standout.

While Cohen’s latest doesn’t break any genre barriers, this coming-of-age story dissects and visualizes female friendships with grounded realism, welcoming us into its world while leaving room for us to picture ourselves in it.

Yes, God, Yes is an achingly honest and entertaining-as-hell journey through one teen's burgeoning sexuality and personal reckoning with Catholicism.

Laymon expertly crafts a narrative that feels as universal as it is unique. This film embraces a hopeful path, expressing with absolute sincerity that believing in the humanity of others is essential to healing.

Unicorns is fascinating for such a simple movie, largely due to the testaments of a struggling single parent trying to make ends meet, as well as the references to the sometimes harrowing experiences of being queer and South Asian, all set against the backdrop of a casually evolving romance that feels so very real.

While Blitz may not be transformative, it isn’t all bad. McQueen is a capable director who deftly moves between different points in time, offering a glimpse into Rita and George’s life before and during the war.

If Sloan and Mastroianni made Gazer with only their limited resources and spark to create something new, it bodes well for the filmmakers' futures and whatever their next project will be.

The Spanish director's fingerprint is there, undoubtedly. But the movie feels strangely incomplete, as if made with one hand tied behind his back.

Showcasing a harrowing horror story about the cost of happiness, Best Wishes to All is a terrifying, twisted tale that never lets up on the scary revelations it keeps unearthing.

Stephen Lang’s career has been defined by authoritarian roles, with physically grounded performances and command-heavy dialogue. It is surely surprising to see Avatar's fearsome Colonel Miles Quaritch be so vulnerable and tempered, with the spring in his step dampened by age. Even though this is not his first biographical role (he previously portrayed Stonewall Jackson in Gods and Generals), this is arguably his most restrained and moving performance.

Theater Camp won't be for everyone, but thespians and drama geeks will find themselves right at home, and even laymen may find more than a few laughs.

Ultimately, Michel Franco’s Sundown feels hollow and too nihilistic for its own good.

Nuanced yet ambiguous, and imbued with raw emotion and care, Campbell-Hughes crafts a worthwhile story that digs into the aftermath of a near-death experience.

Companion wants to surprise you, but has no real interest in trying to outsmart you.

I walked away from the film feeling distant from Bob Dylan. That seems to be by design but it’s no less frustrating from a storytelling point of view.

Many times, the movie felt like a tonal jumble, even though both the heartbreak and the antics certainly serve the inspirational animal story genre.

Gradually, everything becomes burdened with story. The more the triangle of Kathy, Benny, and Johnny is played up for drama, the less interesting it becomes.

It’s a simple story about the power of pure determination and will, and it’s certain to leave you fully captivated from the minute lead actor Jorma Tommila appears onscreen.

As a testament to its strong script, Basir’s latest tackles various themes related to addiction, religion, and even manhood. And in its methodical approach towards addressing mental health, To Live and Die and Live defies and exceeds emotional expectations.

The film has no easy answers for Celestina’s questions, but her journey throughout is all the more powerful because of it.

The film would've been better served had it stuck to either satire or tense drama, but whatever the case, the climax of Saleh's film is aces and as taut as can be.

DaCosta makes some key changes to the ending of this story that slightly undermine its more subversive inclinations, but that doesn't make the film any less effective. Her confident direction and Sean Bobbitt's lush cinematography make Hedda an electrifying adaptation that relishes the chaos as much as its characters, even as blood, bullets, and booze continue to fly.

Brought to life by yet another astounding performance by Olivia Colman and exquisitely shot and designed, Wicker's treasure is in its hopeless romanticism that insists that pure love and adamant individuality can create irrevocable progress through osmosis.

It's not a perfect film, but Emilia Pérez is endlessly captivating, an exercise in genre, tone, and sheer fearlessness.

The film certainly delivers on the action set pieces, but it also scales back to lay the groundwork for the story so that the payoff is well worth it. Monkey Man isn’t some basic action thriller; it’s an underdog story about the power of the people.

If Infested suffers from anything, it's that Vaniček makes its characters and themes too real, and the monsters can't keep up.

Anchored by excellent lead performances from Ed Helms and Patti Harrison, Together Together is a charming crowd-pleaser with a lot of heart.

The ending feels way too cookie-cutter perfect. Scrambled is a worthwhile experience, though, as it is a personal tale that aims to empower through laughter.

Led by a great Lesley Manville, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is a delightfully wholesome film and the very definition of a "feel good" story.