Review: The Bad Guys 2 Brings Big Voice Talent to a So-So Story
In this sequel to the moderately popular 2022 original, The Bad Guys 2 follows the crew of animated animal villains (former villains, actually) down their new path of being Good […]
Review: Creating a World of Imaginary Friends, IF Overstuffs Its Plot, Cast and Saccharine Message
When you line up an army of famous friends to do character voices and even manage to get Ryan Reynolds to star as the impish ringleader of a group of […]
Review: Kung Fu Panda 4 Loses a Few Familiar Animals, But Finds Laughs and Action in Po’s Latest Adventure
While my memory tells me that I moderately enjoyed the previous three installments of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, I couldn’t tell you a blessed thing about their plots. I […]
Review: Nicolas Cage is Dracula in Horror-Action-Comedy Renfield, About A Toxic, Blood-Sucking Friendship
Like most “original” ideas from “The Walking Dead” and “Invincible” creator Robert Kirkman, Renfield isn’t that original, but it is damn fun. From director Chris McKay (The LEGO Batman Movie, […]
Review: Despite a Star-Studded Ensemble Cast, The Bad Guys Lacks Originality and Style
If you told me that I was about to watch a movie with such immensely talented and interesting actors as Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beetz, Anthony Ramos, Craig Robinson, Marc Maron, […]
Review: A Powerful Performance from Mahershala Ali Is at the Center of Sci-Fi Swan Song
The thrill of watching Mahershala Ali in any role has only grown over the last couple of years, so the prospect of getting two of him in one movie is […]
Review: Marvel’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Highlights the Best of Martial Arts in a Solid Stand-Alone Saga
I have been a massive admirer of martial arts films since I was a youngster, so seeing the genre represented, respected and modified to fit the superhero mold the way […]
Review: Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon Is a Magical, Thrilling Fable Bursting with Impressive Visuals
Sometimes, a film being magical and beautiful goes a long way with me. But when it decides to throw in a great deal of thrilling action, really fun voice talents […]
Review: A Familiar Cast—And a Few New Faces—Play the Same Game in Jumanji: The Next Level
I went into the last Jumanji film, Welcome to the Jungle, with such neutral expectations that I was pleasantly surprised to discover a funny, energetic adventure comedy featuring an array […]
Review: A Family Affair, The Farewell Feels the Love
Awkwafina (née Nora Lum) made a splash last year as the boisterous, straight-talking sidekick to Constance Wu’s Rachel, visiting Singapore to meet her fiancé’s family. Her performance as a say-anything, […]
Review: Important, if Imperfect, Crazy Rich Asians Is Fun yet Flat
It is possible for a film to be important and culturally significant without it being especially great. For me (and I’m guessing many critics) to call any film great, a […]