3 out of 5 stars (average) If my audience is anything to go by, kids are going to embrace Raya and The Last Dragon. The newest fantasy from Disney animation has plenty of cool action sequences, a pair of solid voice performances from Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina, and several cute animal sidekicks I’m sure… Continue Reading
Pixar’s New Fantasy Will Lift Your Soul
4 out of 5 stars (one of the best of the year) Note: I asked a family friend with young children about Soul, and the results varied. The youngest (4) got bored and left while the two older (7 and 10) enjoyed the goofy moments, but were stymied by the human drama and somewhat scared… Continue Reading
Thelma & Louise: Feminist Road Trip Has Heart, Humor, Modern Resonance
5 out of 5 stars (Classic) Note: Thelma & Louise discusses and shows an attempted sexual assault. Something I’ve learned as a critic is that time changes perspective. A person can see a film or show at one age and not comprehend what it’s talking about, but see it later and connect with it in a whole… Continue Reading
Just Mercy: Entertaining Legal Drama Has Strong Message
3 out of 5 stars (average) Just Mercy is a good film with the ingredients to be a great one. Taking a racially charged true to life story, the film tells a well-acted but somewhat simplistic tale elevated by its cast and direction that ends on a surprisingly perfect note. Just Mercy will entertain fans… Continue Reading
Gerwig’s Little Women A Big Misfire
1.5 out of 5 stars (One of the Worst of the Year) I don’t like Greta Gerwig’s Little Women. While it has received near-universal adoration from audiences and critics, I was alternately bored, confused, and frustrated. I loved the 1994 version, so what went wrong? In my opinion, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women entirely misunderstands its… Continue Reading
You’ll Have A Beautiful Day Watching Emotional Drama
4 out of 5 stars (one of the best of the year) I didn’t grow up loving Mister Rogers. While his soothing voice and quiet demeanor lured my younger self to sleep, I have since grown to appreciate Rogers for addressing real-world topics with kids rather than talking down to them. Similarly, A Beautiful Day in… Continue Reading