AwardsCircuit.com

Even if this doesn't break any new barriers, Alice Waddington's voice is a welcome one and it will be fun to see where she goes next.

Posted Feb 6, 2019

3.5/4

Paddleton (2019)

Even when things get sad, they never swerve too far into depressing. This isn't a film that tries to manipulate the viewer into tears. It simply asks you to feel, in whatever way is natural.

Posted Feb 6, 2019

1.5/4

Wounds (2019)

The underdeveloped mystery never satisfies. The result is a general sense of bewilderment as the credits roll and you realize that everything is meaningless.

Posted Feb 6, 2019

4/4

Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)

Setting the stage primarily in Los Angeles, Gilroy provides a view of a city that is constantly in motion and never seeming to find its destination...a perfect setting for a supernatural horror film with roots in the contemporary art scene.

Posted Feb 6, 2019

3/4

Fighting with My Family (2019)

The filmmaking is pretty standard, and it hits all the expected plot points, but "Fighting with My Family" has a tremendous amount of heart. It's the kind of feel-good movie that families can enjoy together.

Posted Feb 6, 2019

3.5/4

The Farewell (2019)

"The Farewell" is not a film about loss or grief. It is about family and identity and love. It is about the people we are and how we become.

Posted Feb 6, 2019

4/4

Gaza (2019)

Much like "Cries from Syria" two years ago, "Gaza" should be viewed far and wide. It needs to be seen by the biggest audience possible. The world needs to know the truth of what decades of ignorance have done.

Posted Feb 1, 2019

2/4

Rent Live (2019)

However, for reasons both outside of and within its control, Rent Live misses the mark. The earnest nature shines through, but the craftsmanship does not.

Posted Jan 28, 2019

3.5/4

Fyre (2019)

Fyre succeeds at being both insatiably entertaining while also conscious of the larger impact of the festival.

Posted Jan 25, 2019

2.5/4

Fyre Fraud (2019)

Overall, Fyre Fraud works better as a longform journalistic piece. It's sprawling and detailed at the same time.

Posted Jan 25, 2019

3/4

Perfectos Desconocidos (2019)

J. Don Birnam

This Mexican remake of the Italian film of the same name is clever, entertaining, and highly persuasive, even if the ultimate message or analysis is not as profound as it thinks. A delectable little piece of dinner theater.

Posted Jan 10, 2019

3.5/4

Ruben Brandt, Collector (2019)

Alan French

Seek this one out as one of the most visually imaginative films of the year. A mashup of noir, heist, action, and surrealist films yields a wholly original concept.

Posted Jan 3, 2019

2.5/4

Second Act (2018)

Toni Gonzales

Perhaps the brightest and best bit is the chemistry between Lopez and Remini.

Posted Dec 21, 2018

2.5/4

Aquaman (2018)

Because it is entertaining, "Aquaman" can rest comfortably as the second best film in the DCEU.

Posted Dec 21, 2018

2.5/4

Welcome to Marwen (2018)

A good tearjerker is hiding within "Welcome to Marwen," buried beneath technological quirk and poor pacing.

Posted Dec 19, 2018

4/4

Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Mary's loving lessons remind us that sometimes we need to simply let go of the bad, embrace the good, and leave ourselves open to a little bit of imagination.

Posted Dec 18, 2018

2.5/4

Vice (2018)

Christian Bale may have delivered the performance of his career as the divisive former Vice President Dick Cheney, hammering home the inclinations and sentiments of a man whose own judgments and motivations are called into question.

Posted Dec 17, 2018

2.5/4

Memoir of War (La douleur) (2018)

A somewhat lifeless film saved by handsome production values and a strong central performance.

Posted Dec 16, 2018

4/4

First Man (2018)

"First Man" is an astonishing triumph of ingenuity and dexterity - simply brilliant.

Posted Dec 15, 2018

2.5/4

The Front Runner (2018)

At its best, "The Front Runner" is snappy and quick-witted, with dialogue that keeps the pace moving as best as it can. The problem, however, is less with the screenplay, and more with the tedious direction that has often plagued a Jason Reitman film.

Posted Dec 15, 2018

3/4

The Old Man & the Gun (2018)

The chemistry between Redford and Spacek's lights up the screen with the sizzle and crackle of a prescribed Midwestern burn. It was a pleasure to watch the film legends bounce tender moments off each other.

Posted Dec 15, 2018

2.5/4

The Front Runner (2018)

Posted Dec 15, 2018

4/4

First Man (2018)

"First Man" is an astonishing triumph of ingenuity and dexterity - simply brilliant.

Posted Dec 15, 2018

2.5/4

Destroyer (2018)

There are a few good components going on in the film, most notably Kidman's brilliant and harrowed performance.

Posted Dec 15, 2018

3/4

Killer Bees (2018)

"Killer Bees" does a terrific job showing the significance that high school athletics plays in the life of a kid, and the gravity of value that one person can add to the life of a developing youth.

Posted Dec 15, 2018

2.5/4

Under the Silver Lake (2019)

Transitioning from horror to neo-noir with "Under the Silver Lake," Mitchell once again infiltrates the hyperactive mind of paranoid youth.

Posted Dec 15, 2018

3.5/4

Vox Lux (2018)

Natalie Portman is as convincing a pop star icon as she is a legendary actor. Part of what makes Portman the most daring of performers is her wondrous ability to navigate a scene.

Posted Dec 15, 2018

2/4

The Mule (2018)

Bloated, meandering, and completely lacking in tension, it's a throwaway effort that has no business being spoken of in the same breath as the legend's best work.

Posted Dec 13, 2018

3/4

Supa Modo (2018)

A true delight in its unbridled humanity.

Posted Dec 10, 2018

3.5/4

Dumplin' (2018)

It's fun, warms your heart and leaves you with a smile on your face.

Posted Dec 7, 2018

4/4

Springsteen on Broadway (2018)

Not only does "Springsteen on Broadway" work on its own as a Netflix special, it gives you all the same feels seeing the show live at the Walter Kerr Theater brought out.

Posted Dec 7, 2018

3/4

The Party's Just Beginning (2018)

By and large, Gillan clearly showcases a handle on the gig. With this outing, she's established herself as a multi-hyphenate to watch out for.

Posted Dec 7, 2018

2/4

Village Rockstars (2017)

Das' warm direction conveys a palpable affection for these people. But the thin plot keeps the audience at a distance.

Posted Dec 5, 2018

1/4

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (2018)

It's not just that the movie is poorly made, written and acted. That was a given. What's most criminal is that the movie has no fun.

Posted Dec 3, 2018

2/4

The Princess Switch (2018)

It's a mess, but it's a jolly fun mess.

Posted Dec 3, 2018

3/4

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

The Christmas Chronicles fares better than one might expect. It hits every Christmas trope under the tree, but does so with great glee and charm.

Posted Dec 3, 2018

4/4

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

The directing team of Bob Persichette, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman's singular vision is a collaboration of geniuses, searching not only for perfect optics but a respectful interpretation for all engage.

Posted Nov 28, 2018

3/4

Song of Back and Neck (2018)

Lieberstein showcases a great handle on tone.

Posted Nov 28, 2018

3/4

Tito and the Birds (Tito e os Pássaros) (2018)

What makes it stand out among this year's animated films is the underlying philosophical themes which will spur conversations.

Posted Nov 26, 2018

1.5/4

The Clapper (2018)

The concept here had potential, but the execution makes it completely dead on arrival.

Posted Nov 24, 2018

1.5/4

The Boss Baby (2017)

The Boss Baby is the loaded diaper of animated comedies

Posted Nov 24, 2018

3.5/4

Creed II (2018)

Where Caple's direction is truly mastered is in his active command of his actors, most notably Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson. Strap in, because "Creed II" is a wild, great time at the movies.

Posted Nov 21, 2018

3.5/4

Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

In a wicked display of tension and percolating drama, Josie Rourke's smartly effective and intoxicating "Mary Queen of Scots" showcases two grandiose performances from Academy Award nominees Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.

Posted Nov 21, 2018

3.5/4

Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

Impressively crafted, "Ralph Breaks the Internet" is full of riches, monetizing the experiences of our fateful duo and their persistent fascination with the world.

Posted Nov 21, 2018

3/4

The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2018)

Alan French

Featuring a strong woman as a rebuff to traditional anime issues, it [Night is Short, Walk On Girl ] serves as a funny and fancy romantic narrative.

Posted Nov 19, 2018

2.5/4

MFKZ (2018)

Alan French

Regardless of what you think of the actual substance of the movie, MFKZ can be stunning to watch.

Posted Nov 19, 2018

3/4

Outlaw King (2018)

Chris Pine gives a strong performance in this well-constructed tale of Robert the Bruce's fight for Scotland's freedom.

Posted Nov 19, 2018

3/4

Instant Family (2018)

While it's being an amiable comedy, it's preparing to get you right in the feels by the end.

Posted Nov 17, 2018

3/4

Sunset (Napszállta) (2018)