‘Eternity’ is warm, witty, and wonderfully old-fashioned
Ultimately, Eternity is a delight. Timeless in theme and confident in craft, it’s a film well worth the time and price of admission.
‘Wicked: For Good’ flies high, but never truly soars
Wicked: For Good isn’t undone by its excess, but it’s certainly limited by it, ultimately landing at “very good” when it could have achieved “great.”
‘The Running Man’ sprints to strong performances, relentless action, but dated dystopia
There’s no doubt 2025’s The Running Man is a good time at the cinema. It’s obviously a well-crafted film with engaging performances. However, audiences seeking a less cynical view of the future may look elsewhere.
‘Predator: Badlands’ is neither bad nor does it totally land
Predator: Badlands is neither bad nor does it totally land, becoming a fun, if imperfect, theatrical experience
‘Good Fortune’ is fortunate to have Keanu but fumbles comic potential
Good Fortune grazes the funny bone, misses the heart, and completely sidesteps the nerve.
‘Nobody 2′ is lean, mean and relentlessly fun
“Nobody 2” may be the perfect summer film. It’s fun, action-packed, quick-witted, and at a fast-paced 89 minutes, it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Without the weight of a cinematic universe to either build or prop up, it feels like a fun and easy time at the theater, blending family stakes with bone-crunching action.
‘Freakier Friday’ forgets what made ‘Freaky’ fun
They’re not afraid to dunk on grandma, but won’t lay a finger on Gen Z — who couldn’t care less anyway.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is delightful, stand-alone Marvel fare
The film is equal parts lovable for its simplicity and frustrating with the knowledge that the simplicity ends in 2026 with “Avengers: Doomsday.” However, as a standalone experience, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is top-notch Marvel, certainly worthy of a watch in theaters.
‘Superman’ — the most comic book movie of all time
‘Superman’ has moments of greatness, and moments of utter insanity. I’m not sure general audiences are ready for this one.
‘F1 The Movie’ is a big, sleek, thrilling summer ride
“F1 The Movie” is a high-octane thrill ride featuring well-drawn characters, snappy dialogue, grand orchestrations from the legendary Hans Zimmer, and beautiful cinematography by Claudio Miranda. It’s the best movie of the summer so far and begs to be seen on the largest screen possible with the best available sound system.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ soars again in faithful live-action remake
How to Train Your Dragon delivers spectacle and heart in equal measure, much like the film it remakes. Newcomers will find it an engaging introduction to the franchise, while longtime fans may find themselves measuring every frame against the original.
‘Ballerina’ pays off after early struggles
The best that can be said for the John Wick spin-off is that the first two acts are not so much of a slog that a viewer can’t sit through them to get to what turns out to be a fantastic ending. The filmmakers decided to save the best for last. Next time, it might…
‘Lilo & Stitch’ is an enjoyable family comedy, but can’t eclipse its classic source material
Disney presents a solid family comedy that finds time to tug at the heartstrings. When looked at without the lens of nostalgia, there’s plenty to like here, and “Lilo & Stitch” will please families who venture to the theater for a screening.
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is a relentless ride that misses the franchise’s heart
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” an action-packed sprint to the finish, and slows down for nothing. However with little to now levity to balance the seriousness it delivers a theater-worthy thrill ride that ultimately falls short of the storied franchise’s highest highs.
‘Novocaine’ brings the pain, but leaves little to feel
Originally published to 8 News Now on March 8, 2025. In what has proved to be a slow start to 2025, “Novocaine” is an action-packed bloodbath hoping to boost the box office. Nathan Caine, portrayed by Jack Quaid, is a man with a rare disorder that doesn’t allow him to feel pain. While that may sound like…
‘September 5’ examines the high-stakes world of live reporting
September 5 is not a groundbreaking film, but its strength lies in the sum of its well-crafted parts. It weaves a taut, claustrophobic narrative that will resonate with viewers drawn to high-stakes historical events and the intricacies of journalism.
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ is stunning to see, but difficult to feel
Mufasa: The Lion King is visually appealing, family-friendly, and sure to capture the attention of younger audiences. However, those looking for emotional depth, or music that rises above the surface may find themselves unsatisfied.
‘Kraven the Hunter’ is a dull finish to Sony’s Spidey-adjacent ambitions
Kraven the Hunter is a dull, cringeworthy entry into a shared Spider-Man universe concept that seemed doomed to failure from the start.
‘A Complete Unknown’ stuns visually but struggles to find its rhythm
For fans of Dylan and aficionados of meticulously designed period pieces, A Complete Unknown will undoubtedly have its moments of brilliance. For others, it may feel like a beautifully wrapped package that’s frustratingly light on substance.
‘Moana 2’ struggles to chart its own course
While Moana 2 fails to rise to the cinematic, storytelling, and musical heights of its predecessor, its slapstick humor and colorful characters will be just enough to keep youngsters glued to the screen, and isn’t that kind of the point?
‘Wicked’ soars as a faithful adaptation that will leave fans excitedly waiting for part 2
For fans of the musical, Wicked is a joyous celebration of everything that made the stage show special in the first place. For newcomers, it offers an accessible entry point into the world of Oz, albeit one that might feel incomplete until the second installment arrives. Until then, we’ll have to savor this impressive, if…
‘Red One’ is disposable holiday cheer that narrowly avoids the naughty list
Red One isn’t destined to become a holiday staple but offers enough disposable fun to entertain for two hours. While many viewers may forget it as soon as the holiday season ends, the promise in J.K. Simmons’ version of Santa Claus lingers. Red One is hit-or-miss but hits enough to forgive the misses, narrowly avoiding…
‘Gladiator II’ holds its own next to the revered original
What Ridley Scott and his team have achieved with Gladiator II—a sequel that holds its own next to such a revered original—is impressive. It’s a violent, fast-paced epic that justifies its existence despite its flaws.
‘Venom: The Last Dance’ is a forgettable third act in a forgettable trilogy
Venom: The Last Dance will go down as a forgettable third act in a forgettable trilogy that provided an initial retro appeal but ultimately proved that Venom shouldn’t exist onscreen without Spider-Man.
‘The Wild Robot’ is no more, no less than delightful childrens fare
As a kid’s movie, “The Wild Robot” succeeds. There’s not much to dislike here, only the promise of what could have been if the filmmakers had slowed down and trusted their audience.
‘Mr. McMahon’ is the history of pro wrestling, warts and all
“Mr. McMahon” is a compelling story of an industry that is uniquely American, warts and all, portrayed in an honest way that will keep eyes glued to the screen.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’: Artistry the focus in comfortable if forgettable nostalgia sequel
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is like slipping on an old, comfortable t-shirt. You may not remember it for years to come, but in the moment, it’s just what the doctor ordered.
‘Alien: Romulus’ is a thrilling throwback to the franchise’s horror origins
‘Alien: Romulus’ is a thrilling, pulse-pounding sci-fi horror-thriller in tune with the franchise’s original offerings from the late 70s and mid-80s, and one that should leave scare-seekers quite satisfied.
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is a hilarious, loving send-up of Fox’s alt-Marvel Universe
Deadpool & Wolverine is the best in the series, creating enough laughs and emotional momentum to carry its audience through a few nitpicks. Chock full of surprises, the loving send-up of Fox’s alt-Marvel provides hope for a return to form for the MCU. Let’s go, indeed.
‘Twisters’ has oodles of throwback charm
Between the charm of the up-and-coming cast and the comfy, nostalgic 90s-style thriller feel, Twisters has oodles of throwback charm, making it a good time at the movies for anyone looking for disposable fun.
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ has strong performances overshadowed by clichéd tropes
“A Quiet Place: Day One” falls short of its predecessors, with strong performances by Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn overshadowed by reliance on clichéd jump scares and apocalyptic tropes.
‘Inside Out 2’ is S-tier Pixar that lives up to its predecessor’s high standard
Inside Out 2 is the best animated film of the decade and lives up to the original’s high standards. The sequel creates an entertaining, insightful, and poignant jaunt that comfortably reaches Pixar’s “S-tier,” sitting alongside its predecessor as one of the studio’s best.
‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ is a formulaic romp elevated by its leads’ charisma
‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ is a middling action sequel boosted by the charm of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, offering plenty for fans to enjoy despite a diminishing sense of magic and substance.
‘The Garfield Movie’ is for the kids, and that’s fine
Kids should enjoy the bright colors, slapstick comedy, and quick, witty dialogue. There’s not much here for the parents, but they won’t hate their lives while they get a few hours of quiet time in a dark theater and that’s probably enough.
‘IF’ is a family-friendly reminder that when we grow up, we don’t have to forget
While devoid of any edge “IF” hits its target as a PG-rated family movie: the heart, reminding us that while we all have to grow up, we don’t have to forget.
‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ is slow-burn, but eventually finds its footing
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is a slow-burn, something that audiences might find unappealing, but as the film finds its footing and makes its stakes clear, the compelling continuation of the “Apes” franchise hits a pleasing groove. Indeed, the film is enough of an acquittal to elicit more “Rise of the Dawn of…
‘The Fall Guy’ is a summer blockbuster worth leaving the house for
While not a film that demands deep philosophical thought, The Fall Guy is a rollercoaster ride of quick, occasionally dumb, but mostly hilarious moments wrapped in an action-packed love letter to cinema and the people who help tell the stories we see on-screen from behind the camera. The Fall Guy is a summer blockbuster worth leaving the…
‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ is a stylish, fun time at the movies
“Ungentlemanly Warfare” is a stylish, fun time at the cinema. When the action hits, it hits hard. Though the film meanders a little in the middle bits, its finale satisfies, providing an enjoyable respite from the current deluge of self-important Hollywood fare.
‘Challengers’ is an unlikable film about unlikable people with unlikable results
The film is constructed on such flimsy bedrock that all efforts to amp up tension collapse, all characters become unbearable, and all attempts at sparking interest are sullied by the loud, albeit relentlessly dull, experience.
‘Civil War’ is a difficult-to-watch technical marvel
While a technical tour de force, with very camera shot meticulously crafted and purposeful creating a feast for the eyes, Civil War is a dour, depressing drag of a film. There is shockingly little levity here. Perhaps Mary Poppins was right, and a spoonful of sugar would have helped this medicine go down. However, what…
‘Monkey Man’ is not John Wick, and adrenaline-seeking filmgoers may be best served elsewhere
Those looking for an action thriller with tightly choreographed, pulse-pounding fights, as the marketing seemed to indicate, may look elsewhere. For the vast majority of its runtime, Monkey Man is not that film.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” has plenty of ghosts but no spirit
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire feels as if an adaptation of a young adult novel wore the franchise as a suit to gain access to an audience jonesing for a nostalgia pop, providing a story with plenty of ghosts but no spirit.
‘Arthur the King’ is about the dog, and the dog is cute
It’s hard to muster a profound take on Arthur the King. We have a perfectly serviceable and enjoyable family-friendly adventure with the rough edges sanded down enough to make the final product acceptable for general audiences. It succeeds in being a satisfying “based on a true story” tale, which is all it needs to be.
‘Dune: Part Two’ is cinematic excellence created by the world’s best storytellers
Originally published to 8 News Now on February 21, 2024. After 2021’s Dune began playing on whichever screen pandemic-weary audiences were viewing it on, but before the credits rolled, it was unknown that the film was a “part one.” For many, the best screen available was the one in their living room, as theaters were unavailable thanks…
‘Madame Web’ might be the worst comic book movie of all time
Originally published to 8 News Now on February 13, 2024. Going into Madame Web, the newest addition to Sony’s Spider-Man canon, one thing is clear: all of the studio’s modern efforts at nailing the superhero’s live-action extended universe have had mixed reviews at best. From Venom to Morbius, forgettable has ruled the day. Now, with Madame Web, we dive…
‘Argylle’ is a ‘pretty good’ effort, with third act problems that hamper it from being ‘pretty great’
‘Argylle’ is a fun film, but it’s third act problems find it downgraded from ‘pretty great’ to ‘pretty good.’
“The Book of Clarence” is interesting, even if its substance is eclipsed by style
The Book of Clarence is certainly something interesting in the current cinematic landscape, even if the film’s style overwhelms its substance by a fair bit.
Gen Z will decide if “Mean Girls” remake is timeless or out of time
Mostly free of reliance on its audience’s nostalgia, Mean Girls largely converts successfully from a Millennial icon to a Gen Z offering. Whether or not the younger generation will see themselves in the story remains to be seen. The filmmakers gave the film its best shot.
‘The Iron Claw’ is propelled by outstanding performances
The outstanding performances and unbelievable real-life story help The Iron Claw overcome a murky and sometimes confusing characterization of professional wrestling to create an enjoyable, if heartbreaking, cinematic experience.
Is ‘May December’ horror? Is it farce? Is it society-reflecting parody? Yes.
The viewer’s enjoyment of May December is going to depend on their willingness to be challenged. Is it horror? Is it farce? Is it society-reflecting parody? Yes.
‘Wish’ may leave adults wanting, but should please the kiddos
While ‘Wish’ doesn’t necessarily succeed in transcending age groups, it should hit its target and provide joy for the children it’s intended for.
‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ will please fans but lacks memorable moments
Without having read the book, it can be assumed that this film covers all the bases from its source material. However, as a film, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes fails to create any investable characters or memorable moments in its 156-minute runtime.
‘Napoleon’ channels the clinical boredom of a dusty history book
For history buffs, there may be something in Napoleon worth watching, but anyone seeking character or a coherent narrative best search elsewhere. Napoleon has all the charm and intrigue of a dusty high school history book.
‘The Marvels’ brings a much-needed influx of energy to the genre
Iman Vellani pumps fresh positivity into a genre in need of an influx of energy, helping to create an airy and enjoyable experience that earns a recommendation.
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ is half enjoyable, but that other half …
Five Nights at Freddy’s is half-passable thriller, half self-important drama that only finds its footing an hour into its runtime.
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is a good limited series in the form of a 3½ hour movie
Originally published to 8 News Now on October 18, 2023. Killers of the Flower Moon tells the true story of a string of murders in turn-of-the-century Oklahoma that left at least 60 members of the Osage indigenous American tribe dead. It’s a story that is important to tell. However, in the case of director Martin…
‘Postcard from Earth’ is a theme park ride, but that may not be a bad thing
‘Postcard from Earth’ is akin to a theme park ride, albeit a good one. As long as visitors tune their expectations to that fact, they aren’t likely to be disappointed.
‘The Creator’ is an original breath of fresh air
Originally published to 8newsnow.com on September 26, 2023 An original sci-fi action movie with no ties to previous intellectual property or obvious set-up for a sequel. Like dry land in the 1995 classic bomb Waterworld, “It’s not a myth, I’ve seen it.” In The Creator, we join a hot war already in progress between humans…
‘Dumb Money’ is bullish on heart, shorts comedy
Dumb Money is a well-acted, well-shot underdog story, derailed too often by misplaced humor and sullied by its proximity to real-life events.
‘American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes’ is more than a wrasslin’ story
Mutant Mayhem an entertaining and efficient story that leaves open the opportunity to tell more of these Turtles’ stories, maybe even allowing kids who become fans of Leo, Mikey, Donnie, and Raph to grow up with these turtles as they move forward into more mature sequels.
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ doesn’t rely on nostalgia for its fresh turtle take
Mutant Mayhem an entertaining and efficient story that leaves open the opportunity to tell more of these Turtles’ stories, maybe even allowing kids who become fans of Leo, Mikey, Donnie, and Raph to grow up with these turtles as they move forward into more mature sequels.
‘Haunted Mansion’ actors deserved better than this forgettable fare
It’s not that Haunted Mansion is a horrible time at the movies. It’s not. The film isn’t offensively bad, just entirely forgettable. Such ephemeral content may be acceptable for streaming services — sitting on a comfy couch in the living room, having already invested the $7.99 per month necessary to watch the film.
‘Oppenheimer’ masterpiece is here for a long time, not for a good time
While Oppenheimer represents some of the finest filmmaking of the modern era, it’s hard to imagine an audience revisiting the biopic for future viewings.
‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ entertains with exquisite style and substance
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is here to entertain, and it does, with exquisite style and substance. It is the movie of the summer so far.
‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ is a delightful throwback
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a delightful throwback that, following the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, works as a great chaser, and is just what the doctor ordered.
‘Elemental’ is a fresh take on a familiar tale
“Elemental” is what so many have asked for on-screen. It’s a fresh, original tale without the burden of intellectual property. While the film never quite reaches “S tier” and fails to hit the highs of Pixar’s best, it’s an enjoyable time worthy of a recommendation.
‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ with all of its volume, is somehow boring
Originally published to 8newsnow.com on June 6, 2023 “Rise of the Beasts” represents the seventh in the Transformers series of films, which range widely in quality from really good to downright awful. The last film, 2018’s “Bumblebee,” was a massive step in the right direction. A period piece that was more of an 80s coming-of-age film than…
‘The Little Mermaid’ is the same old song on repeat
Watching 2023’s version of The Little Mermaid is like watching a good cover band. The musicians might be playing well, and the instruments are in tune, but at the end of the day, it’s just the same old songs over again with no spark of magic to be found.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ brings feelings back to Marvel
There are missed opportunities and questionable decisions in the film. However, with a great soundtrack and fantastic fist-pumping action, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the best MCU movie since No Way Home despite some issues with uneven tone.
‘Air’ flies high with Affleck in the director’s chair
Air is well crafted, with solid performances from the cast. The screenplay doesn’t push the film from good to great, but the likability of the characters takes Air high enough to recommend a watch.
‘Tetris’ puts the pieces together
Originally published to 8newsnow.com on March 26, 2023 There are movies that, upon announcement, seem impossible to translate to the screen. After all, who wants to watch a film about creating a social media platform? It’s not exactly the most enticing subject matter. Who could possibly care about a movie documenting the rise of objective,…
‘Scream 6’ starts with a roar, ends with a whimper
From the word go, Scream 6 does its best to subvert your expectations, and in many ways, the movie begins by doing just that. The film has a dynamite opening that will both thrill and surprise those familiar with the tropes of a Scream movie.
‘Ghostbusters’ is much ado about nothing
Originally published to kmph.com on July 14, 2016 Ghostbusters is the 2016 reboot of a 1984 comedy classic. The new cast includes Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones as the Ghostbusters. Online, this movie has been very controversial. Some disapprove of the casting of this remake, and some just don’t want Ghostbusters…
‘Captain America: Civil War’ is one of Marvel’s best outings to date
If you like Marvel superhero movies, Captain America: Civil War will rock your socks off. It’s the film to beat this summer.
‘The Jungle Book’ justifies the rare 3D ticket
The Jungle Book is fun for the whole family with a familiar story and visual effects that might actually be worth a rare 3D ticket!
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a beautiful disaster
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a beautiful disaster, but not an unenjoyable time at the theater. If you’re planning on watching it, it might as well be on the big screen where the strongest aspect of the film is able to shine.
Justin Walker 