5.5
There is the potential for a moving tragicomic exercise in the Jan Lewan story, but sadly the latest Netflix feature settles for a middling goofball romp that has a few smiles but little staying power.
4
It has an evocative title and the perfect star to deliver on the promise of a blaxploitation tribute, but Proud Mary is a flavorless mess that not even Taraji P. Henson can save.
8
The director and co-writer (with Jeff Howard) has crafted a heartfelt chiller that keeps its supernatural terrors grounded in humanity, thanks to genuine characters brought to life by a solid cast.
3.5
There is no detectable personality in either the robotic performances or the garrulous script.
6
Shephard’s direction dips into the conniving twists and sudsy appeal of it all, playfully skirting the line between caustic entertainment and prurient antagonism.
9.5
This 1985 story of adolescence has been given the Blu-ray treatment it deserves, and Criterion hasn’t skimped on the bevy of features packed into this release.
2
140 incoherent minutes of dawdling about in underground corridors littered with feral mutants.
This tightly scripted thriller, heavy on the violence, brings a fresh take on prison films of yore, delivering an endlessly entertaining piece of badass cinema, which I consider to be one of the year’s best.
6
There is fun to be had in the wilderness of Jumanji once you take a machete to the excess foliage of its script and cut to the endearing characters at its core.
9
Joy is in short supply these days, and I wish everyone finds something that gives them as much joy as Call Me By Your Name gave me.
8.5
Above all, The Last Jedi is simply a fun time at the movies that quenches desires to see Star Wars stalwarts, while also blazing an exciting new course.
6
When you already have the heartwarming Their Finest and the compelling Dunkirk to come out this year, this by-the-numbers World War 2 movie simply feels inadequate for our times.
9.5
There was not a moment I experienced in the theatres this year that was remotely comparable to the sensation of knowing that 2017 gave us something as pure as Lady Bird.
3
Apocalypse Road wrongly believes some vague question dodging is an acceptable substitute for dedicated world building.
7
Steven Spielberg’s historical drama, The Post, couldn’t have come soon enough.
4.5
A Bad Idea Gone Wrong is a slightly entertaining, yet ultimately forgettable, affair.
