United States

Film Fest 919: GREEN BOOK: Friendship & Prejudice On A Journey Through The Deep South
Film Fest 919: GREEN BOOK: Friendship & Prejudice On A Journey Through The Deep South

Green Book is cinematic comfort food, equipped with witty performances and the aura of social importance, yet undistinguishable from the tons of other polite Oscar dramas that came before it.

I STILL SEE YOU: Doesn't Have 20-20 Vision
I STILL SEE YOU: Doesn’t Have 20-20 Vision

I Still See You is another entry to the endless array of young adult fare, and it’s a near flop that doesn’t look to be boundary-defying, instead playing it safe.

SADIE: A Coming-of-Age Drama Both Disturbing & Deeply Moving
SADIE: A Coming-of-Age Drama Both Disturbing & Deeply Moving

Disquieting and deeply moving, Sadie takes its story to extreme lengths while still feeling utterly grounded in the emotional reality of its characters.

SAY YOU WILL: A New Approach to Grief and Romance
SAY YOU WILL: A New Approach To Grief & Romance

Avoiding the classic cliches of a grieving teenager, Nick Naveda’s debut Say You Will will pleasantly surprise any movie lover, perfectly capturing the feeling of loss and romantic confusion.

BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE: Deconstruction that’s Stylish to a Fault
BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE: Deconstruction That’s Stylish To A Fault

On the performances alone, Bad Times at the El Royale is worth your time and money, lending itself to justifiable reasons to revisit for multiple viewings.

MONROVIA, INDIANA: Humor And Absurdity From The Fly On The Wall
MONROVIA, INDIANA: Humor & Absurdity From The Fly On The Wall

The mild and moderately amusing take precedence over any grander scheme in Monrovia, Indiana, lacking a moment of discovery in the mundanity and never evoking superiority.

FOLLOWED: A Lot of What We've Seen Before, With Some Decent Scares
FOLLOWED: A Lot Of What We’ve Seen Before, With Some Decent Scares

Followed, with its contrived shaky ghosts and shoddy script, is the millennial’s answer to The Shining and 1408, without the compelling stories.

HELL FEST: Innovative Concept Gives Way To Familiar Slasher Tropes
HELL FEST: Innovative Concept Gives Way To Familiar Slasher Tropes

In an age where horror options are plentiful this time of year, Hell Fest’s derivative thrills almost feel insultingly disappointing.

LITTLE WOMEN: A Bland Adaptation of Not-So-Little Proportion
LITTLE WOMEN: A Bland Adaptation Of Not-So-Little Proportion

Little Women will cater to a specific demographic of viewers who are not picky when it comes to the movies they watch, passing off Lifetime and Hallmark movies as good times.

MONSTERS AND MEN: Frustrating But Subtle & Complex

Monsters and Men is beautifully directed, but it lacks focus, as its choppy and undeveloped structure soon distracts from the matter at hand.

FIRST MAN: Thrilling Space Adventure Is Out Of This World
FIRST MAN: Thrilling Space Adventure Is Out Of This World

There has never been a film that so thoroughly captures the excitement and danger of space travel as First Man, capturing that intoxicating mix of euphoria and terror of the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing.

The Two Jakes: One Movie Too Many?
THE TWO JAKES: One Movie Too Many?

The Two Jakes may be an inferior sequel to Chinatown, but this Jack Nicholson-directed follow up is more intriguing than its reputation suggests.

QUINCY: The Quintessence Or Robot Portrait?

Considering Quincy Jones’ origins, his struggle, and his accomplishments, the Netflix documentary Quincy is a missed opportunity.

PRIVATE LIFE: A Bittersweet Portrait Of A Couple’s Pursuit Of Parenthood
PRIVATE LIFE: A Bittersweet Portrait Of A Couple’s Pursuit Of Parenthood

Private Life is a beautifully crafted study of two people who struggle to relinquish their desire to control and plan every element of their life.

RIDE: Respectable Film Drives Towards A Confused Conclusion
RIDE: Respectable Film Drives Towards A Confused Conclusion

Ride takes a simple premise and rides it to its logical conclusion, with enough charisma and style to remain interesting.