The go-for-broke yuletide musical Spirited is an overstretched and not particularly funny updating of a seasonal classic, despite the game involvement of a talented cast.
Octavia Spencer
Director Robert Zemeckis’ take on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s tale The Witches is an underwhelming adaptation that looks outstanding, yet feels unnecessary.
Although it might be biting off more than it can convincingly chew in a single sitting, the smartly written and exceptionally acted drama Luce is great examination of the muddy nature of modern discourse, human selfishness, race, and societal expectations, among other things.
Ma, a silly B-movie thriller from prestige picture director Tate Taylor (The Help, Get On Up) and starring Octavia Spencer as a murderous middle aged woman terrorizing a group of hard partying teens, is an oddly entertaining film with enough good ideas and basic storytelling chops to paper over the fact that it’s all a bit flimsy and obvious upon closer scrutiny.
One of the finest, funniest, and smartest mainstream family comedies in recent memory, the moving and charming Instant Family balances flashes of snappy banter and slapstick comedy with an overwhelming amount of realism and emotional intelligence.
Chris Evans might be recognized best as Marvel Superhero, Captain America, but the actor plays a different kind of hero in his new drama, Gifted.
The historical drama Hidden Figures takes great liberties with its admittedly uplifting subject matter, but it’s still an admirable film that isn’t any better or worse for it.