Movie Reviews

A sequel that's even better than the original. As sweet as marmalade, Paddington 2 is a welcome antidote to the daily news (real or fake). In Paddington's world, a kindhearted bear can always find the good in people. We can't live there but it sure is a nice place to visit. 

Another Liam Neeson thriller involving threatened family members, The Commuter could have been tired and shopworn. Instead, it feels, if not fresh, sometimes surprising, and it's vigorous enough to satisfy most action and mystery fans. 

Though there is nothing glitzy or jaw-dropping about Steven Spielberg's Oscar-season offering, the story resonates. Two stellar leads, a strong supporting cast, and eerily relevant subject matter warrant The Post strong consideration for your family.

A musical spectacle the founder of "the greatest show on earth" would appreciate—especially since it whitewashes much of his life story. P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) and his rags-to-riches story set to music will charm most in this family-friendly extravaganza. 

This third franchise entry doesn't veer far from the formula that established Pitch Perfect as a female-driven phenomenon. But while it can still wring humor out of a familiar premise, it's all beginning to feel a little out of (auto)tune. 

A fun bit of fluff to enjoy over the holidays. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has plenty of laughs and enough adventure to keep things interesting. The comedy is broad but mostly family-friendly and the bankable stars are fun to watch. 

It shouldn't surprise us that not everything in The Last Jedi holds together. (Unlike, say, the Millennium Falcon.) The movie has so many moving parts that, at times, it can swing a bit off balance. And, naturally, it has the same content problems that almost every Star Wars film has: Its muddy spirituality; its rare-but-still-there language issues; its massive casualty count.

But for fans of the franchise, this film hits home where it matters most.

Lighthearted on the surface, Ferdinand tells a familiar story of triumph while navigating some darker elements. Although this animated kids flick doesn't break new ground, it should prove diverting for younger viewers. 

An appalling waste of two fantastic actors, this dismal comedy putters through its worn-out storyline before reaching a predictably dull conclusion. At its best, Just Getting Started is a boring way to pass two hours. At its worst, it's downright painful. 

Gary Oldman is a likely Oscar contender with his portrayal of Winston Churchill. Plagued by public failures and private doubts, Churchill faces an uphill battle—not his last, but one of the fiercest. Political intrigue abounds in this true story of how WWII almost had a very different ending. 

Though not a sequel to one of the studio's earlier hits, Pixar's Coco feels like a retread. Colorful and musically buoyant at times, the film nevertheless has a too-familiar story arc—not to mention a rather creepy premise. 

You've never seen Denzel Washington like this. Washington stakes his claim as a major Best Actor Oscar contender for his performance as quietly crusading lawyer Roman J. Israel. It's a pleasure to watch the unkempt, sometimes off-putting Israel work through his self-inflicted moral dilemma. 

The Man Who Invented Christmas is a merry treat for the holiday season. Well-acted and brimming with a message of love, hope and charity, this film is sure to inspire warm feelings of Christmas cheer in audiences everywhere. 4 out of 5.

Thanks to a grand ensemble of voice actors, The Star becomes an upbeat Christmas story the whole family can appreciate. Children will be delighted by the animated shenanigans and adults can rest easy through this perfectly palatable movie experience. 3 out of 5.

An uninspired corrective for the DC Universe that doesn't correct nearly enough. Justice League has more laughs but it takes fewer risks, bogged down by a generic doomsday plot. Fans may have fun, but they won't be leaving eager for more. 

The feel-good movie of the Fall! Wonder is a gentle, uplifting story for anyone who’s ever had to find their way in a not-always-welcoming world. Young Auggie (Jacob Tremblay) can't help the way he looks but he may change the way you see. Grab a tissue (or three) and head to your theater now. 

Lauren Daigle has had the opportunity to both write and perform the feature song that comprised the motion picture soundtrack for Blade Runner 2049.

We have details and video interview!

Intrigue, murder, doubt, cinematography and a compelling cast come together in Kenneth Branagh's remake of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. Branagh also stars with an original take on Belgian detective Hercule Poirot that manages not to mimic David Suchet, Albert Finney or others who embodied the fastidious, mustachioed flatfoot. If this film births a new series of Poirot films, it would not be the worst thing for cinematic mystery fans. 

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are in perfect harmony throughout this zany, off-the-walls comedy, but even they can't stop Daddy's Home 2 from becoming another tired and unnecessary sequel.  

Thor: Ragnarok offers a swashbuckling good time. With his home threatened by a powerful new (to him) villain, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) has to find a way to save his people "because that’s what heroes do." The laughs keep coming; the action is fierce and fun; there are even valuable takeaways.