Cinema Sentries

This movie should have more rocking and less talking.

A dark examination of violence and imprisonment against trans women of color.

Director Anna Rose Holmer crafts a coming-of-age film on par with The Witch.

Jojo Moyes’ novel gives audiences a generic portrait of disability couched in a formulaic melodrama.

Oft-bootlegged festival footage finally gets an official release.

What’s worth reading in June?

An awesome action movie premise suffers from lack of any real interesting characters.

Jodie Foster’s latest turn as director is too little, too late.

This ’90s cheese fest could only be elevated by our Rifftrax trio.

A creature feature that would work much better today than it would back in 1985.

From the Tudors to terror, actress Sarah Bolger shines as an unhinged babysitter.

What’s worth reading in the month of May?

The grue is ramped up to 11 with Arrow’s latest output.

Allison asked the Liars to come home and give statements that would attest to the okay-ness of Charlotte being released. Yeah, right.

A stylish thriller that combines both Let The Right One In and Carrie.

This unnecessary prequel/sequel piles on opulence in lieu of interest.

A documentary that both fascinates and infuriates audiences to action.

Maggie Smith as a one-note character is the only good thing in this very droll comedy.

Jon Favreau recreates The Jungle Book lusher and grander than ever before.

The creator of television’s greatest hits is the focus in this great documentary.

Desires and religion clash in this absorbing familial documentary.

Karyn Kusama creates a slow-burn with a stellar cast.

Ethan Hawke sizzles in unconventional Chet Baker biopic.

What’s worth reading for April?

An enjoyable, albeit very predictable, martial arts action movie.

In They’re Watching, comedy meets horror, but you have to wait about an hour.

The Hateful Eight is a pretty good film, but “pretty good” is well below Tarantino’s usual standards.

Psychics battle each other in this anime series where the villains are just as compelling as its heroes.

The lively tale of the computer cowboys who changed personal computing.

“L’il Foster is very sensitive and incredibly loyal to his family.” – Ryan Hurst

A cry baby stalks the blandest family in this found-footage feature.

A history of the electric guitar and the people who love them.

If you think this is going to be just another home-invasion story, please come on in.

Clouds of Sils Maria’s currency is poignance, and in that sense it is infinitely wealthy.

Disney’s latest is a mixed bag of political inquiry and film noir.

What’s worth reading this month.

Director Ridley Scott and writer Drew Goddard show us a crowd pleasing blockbuster.

An exciting glimpse into the making of one of the most exciting films of the year.

Arielle Holmes gives a frightening and cathartic performance based on her personal memoirs.

“Miracle” boasts a “population of 9,261 – 0 Departures.” It is this special spot that beckons Kevin Garvey and family to leave Mapleton, NY.

A look back at one of Marvel Comics’ first big-screen adaptations.

Every bit as vivid, eye-popping, and gut-punching as the film, but slowed down enough that it can sit on your coffee table.

It’s a wonderful blend of acting, writing, and directing.

Our own mortality is the most scariest creature of all.

If you think this write-up is all over the place and confusing as hell, then you know how I felt about that 60 minutes of my life.

Disney’s latest has great effects but squanders a decent plot in a contrived love story.

The new special intricately weaves three different threads of plot and leaves the viewer with dozens of puzzles to tide them over until the next season.

Some of the best action sequences in years are on display in Wilson Yip’s latest martial-arts romp!

Not my favorite film of the year, but a bold and unbridled effort nonetheless.