Review: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ toddles in the right direction
The long-awaited entrance of Marvel’s “first family” into the MCU attempts to revive the Marvel brand and bring fans back, with mixed results.
How ‘Back to the Future’ Changed My Density
When I felt alone and invisible, Back to the Future became my way of accessing the world—and eventually connecting with others.
Minor Characters in ‘Back to the Future’, Ranked
Marty, Doc, and Biff are iconic names in movie history. But what about other citizens of Hill Valley?
Review: Somehow ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ hooks you in
There’s a winking, Gen-Z tone to this legacyquel that never fully descends into parody, but also makes sure the audience gets plenty of laughs and hook/harpoon-related mutilation.
Review: Fear and loathing in ‘Eddington’
In Ari Aster’s new COVID-era, hysteria-western Eddington, cell phones have overtaken shootouts as the primary mechanism of frontier justice.
I Found Religion in ‘Palm Springs’
The characters in Max Barbakow’s terrific 2020 time-loop comedy Palm Springs confront their existential crisis with denial, anger, and curiosity. As someone who left the religion of my youth, I found that very familiar.
Review: ‘Superman’ is a well-cast blockbuster lost in its own self-importance
Overwritten and under-executed, James Gunn’s Superman is yet another entangled, CGI superhero slop fest disguised as something meaningful.
Review: ‘F1’ is an exhilarating ride without a higher gear
Between the pulse-pounding sequences of Joseph Kosinski’s Top Gun: Maverick followup is the formulaic fodder of every feel-good sports movie.
‘M3GAN’ Slays, Literally and Emotionally
At first glance, M3GAN looks like just another evil-doll genre flick. But after the titular robot belts out a semi-soulless rendition of “Titanium” it becomes clear Gerard Johnstone’s 2022 sci-fi slasher has layers.
Review: ‘28 Years Later’ is bloody and bizarre in the best ways
The third entry in Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s zombie series could have easily become a “legacyquel” IP cash grab, yet it remains grounded as a heartfelt, harrowing, and often zany story.
Review: ‘Ballerina’ has just enough jaw-shattering action to justify itself
In this expansion of the John Wick universe, flamethrower duels and grenade fights win out over witty dialogue, characterization, and compelling lore.
6 movies to pair with Kevin Andrew Prchal’s album ‘New World Rhythm’
The Chicagoland singer-songwriter on the movies that influenced the making of his new album.
6 Unorthodox Religious Films to Watch After ‘Dogma’
If you loved (or even hate-watched) Dogma, Kevin Smith’s polarizing religious comedy that’s back in theaters for its 25th anniversary, you’ll want to give these other unconventional faith-based films a try.
Review: ‘Bring Her Back’ is yet another twisted A24 horror experience
The Philippou twins’ follow-up to their 2023 breakthrough Talk to Me continues to plumb the blackened depths of grief without an ounce of light.
6 Movie Franchises That Need to Stop
Despite their best intentions, some franchises just beat a dead story so relentlessly that it’s an embarrassing cash grab for everyone involved.
Review: Is ‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ the best horror sequel ever?
The latest installment in the Final Destination franchise is a non-stop thrill ride that’s stuffed with surprises and knows exactly what it is.
Review: I’m still laughing about ‘Friendship’
Unhinged and relentless in all the best ways, Andrew DeYoung’s Friendship is the buddy comedy I never knew I needed.
Interview: ‘A Little Prayer’ Writer/Director Angus MacLachlan
12+1 questions with playwright and screenwriter Angus MacLachlan about directing, Junebug at 20, David Strathairn’s physical comedy chops, Winston-Salem, and more!
Review: Watching ‘Sorry, Baby’ is like making a new friend
Eva Victor’s directorial debut may be small in scale, but its emotional impact is bigger than any film I’ve seen in recent time.
Review: ‘A Little Prayer’ is a small movie with a big heart
In Angus MacLachlan’s quiet, unpretentious dramedy, a small-town family reckons with each other and themselves.