Reviews

Equity (R) ★★½

A compelling financial thriller, but still not the “women on Wall Street” film I was hoping for.

As possibly the only film critic in the world who has two business degrees, used to work in … Read more

Suicide Squad (PG-13) ★★

Suicide Squad makes very little sense.

When I was at Comic-Con a few weeks ago, I couldn’t believe there were hundreds of people—many of whom were in full Joker or Harley Quinn costumes and makeup—standing … Read more

Life Animated (Documentary) ★★★½

An inspiring, hopeful documentary about one family’s experience with autism.

I knew what Life, Animated was about before I saw the film, and so I was not surprised to find my eyes welling up only … Read more

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (R) ★★½

No Need to RSVP to the Theater

Two girls tricking two brothers into taking them to a Hawaiian wedding sounds like an attempt to create a female version of Wedding Crashers. Oddly enough, however, Mike … Read more

The Secret Life of Pets (PG) ★★★½

“The Secret Life of Pets” is a Pet Lovers Delight

The Secret Life of Pets is an amusing, animated tale that centers on the curiosity of what pets do and think about all day while … Read more

The BFG (PG) ★★★½

The BFG, Fantasy Story with a Big Heart

Thankfully, Spielberg’s The BFG stays faithful to the treasured Roald Dahl young adult novel with old-fashioned storytelling of the love between a wise older giant and … Read more

Finding Dory (PG) ★★★½

Finding Dory is a whopper of a film that’s part comedic ‘fish tale’ but mostly life lessons for kids. Sensitivity to disabilities is front and center with the added bonus of parenting advice.

 * Extra … Read more

Genius (PG-13) ★★★

If anyone can make the editing process interesting, it’s Colin Firth and Jude Law.

I love it when a film can expose me to something—a historical figure, a place, an idea, an event—that I would … Read more

Now You See Me 2 (PG-13) ★½

It’s extra sad when a sequel about magicians delivers absolutely nothing magical.

The 2013 “heist… with magicians!” film Now You See Me had plots issues, sure, but overall I found it to be a whole … Read more

Me Before You (PG-13) ★★★

An Inspiring Love Story

Let’s get something out of the way from the get-go: you will, I repeat, you will need to bring a box of Kleenex to the theater while viewing the film Me … Read more

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (R) ★★★

Popstar Successfully Skewers Modern Pop Music

The movie This Is Spinal Tap (1984) was a groundbreaking comedy that introduced many to the mockumentary style of filmmaking and focused on the ridiculousness of 70s heavy metal … Read more

Alice Through the Looking Glass (PG) ★½

Don’t Waste Your ‘Time” On Yet Another Second-rate Sequel

Six years ago, many anxiously awaited director Tim Burton’s take on the wacky world of Alice. Equally so was the anticipation of Johnny Depp’s new redheaded, … Read more

X-Men: Apocolypse (PG-13) ★★★

When X-Men: Apocalypse is good, it’s really good. But when it’s bad…

While I have seen all of the X-Men films and liked several of them, I would not go so far as to call … Read more

The Angry Birds Movie (PG) ★★½

The Angry Birds Movie Lacks the Story to Soar 

In the 90s, several movie studios tried to cash in on the success of video games with live action adaptations of popular games. Although movies like … Read more

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (R) ★★

An unnecessary sequel that fails in its girl-power message.

I was not a fan of 2014’s Neighbors, so I admittedly didn’t have high hopes for Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising. This time around, Mac (Seth … Read more

The Nice Guys (R) ★★½

Ryan and Gosling and Russell Crowe make a fun pair, but it’s not all laughs. The Nice Guys is one of those movies you’re either going to get, or you’re not. And I didn’t get … Read more

Money Monster (R) ★★½

A fast-paced but ultimately forgettable thriller, despite its A-list cast and director.

It’s a horrific situation that seems all too possible these days: an unstable gunman takes a TV host hostage live on-air, straps a … Read more

Captain America: Civil War (PG-13) ★★½

Captain America: Civil War Does Not Leave Audiences United

The summer blockbuster season is upon us, which for the last decade has included a steady diet of superhero movies. Although many super hero flicks can … Read more

Captain America: Civil War (PG-13) ★★★½

Another Awesome Hit for Marvel

Who knew comic book characters struggle with feelings of guilt, anger, patriotism, revenge, betrayal, and loyalty? All of these issues are explored as the “Avengers” take sides. Either you’re with … Read more

The Jungle Book (PG) ★★★½

Those who were anxious about this remake can forget about their worries (and their strife).

“Now I’m the king of the swingers-oh, the jungle VIP; I reached the top and had to stop and that’s … Read more

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (PG-13) ★1/2

A Battle of Titans That Faults Way Short of Its Potential (PG-13) ★1/2

Superman and Batman in the same movie…sounds good on paper. Both have devoted fan bases and a history of bringing in … Read more

Eye in the Sky ★★★

When is it OK to kill a nine-year-old girl?

It’s a horrific thought. And you’re probably thinking, “Well, NEVER, of course.” But Gavin Hood’s Eye in the Sky doesn’t let its audience off that easy. … Read more