2010s

MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL: Magic Does Its Best To Shine Through An Unremarkable Sequel
MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL: Magic Does Its Best To Shine Through An Unremarkable Sequel

Maleficent: Mistress of Magic is a movie that feels at war with itself, but when the right side breaks through, it can be something beautiful, like the film that came before.

IN SEARCH OF GREATNESS: Unpacking The Secrets To Sporting Success
IN SEARCH OF GREATNESS: Unpacking The Secrets To Sporting Success

By relying on the best possible ambassadors to convey its message, In Search of Greatness provides an intriguing and inspiring look at sporting excellence.

LUCY IN THE SKY: A Disaster of Cosmic Proportions
LUCY IN THE SKY: A Disaster Of Cosmic Proportions

Lucy in the Sky is an absolute flatline, dragging to an anticlimactic ending. Noah Hawley might do best to stay in television.

EL CAMINO: A BREAKING BAD MOVIE: An Ordinary But Affectionate Farewell
EL CAMINO: A BREAKING BAD MOVIE: An Ordinary But Affectionate Farewell

While it isn’t a terribly exciting conclusion to a richly-textured saga, it’s the little moments along the way that make El Camino a heartfelt final chapter in a great character’s story.

ARROW (S8E1) "Starling City": The Beginning Of The End
ARROW (S8E1) “Starling City”: The Beginning Of The End

Arrow has kicked off its final season with a mostly entertaining and emotionally engaging episode.

THE INFORMER: Kinnaman Strives In The Spotlight In This Gritty Thriller
THE INFORMER: Kinnaman Strives In The Spotlight In This Gritty Thriller

While initally an intense thriller, The Informer buckles with an insuffiently used cast and material to provide for good impression.

EMANUEL: Radical Forgiveness In A World Desperately In Need
EMANUEL: Radical Forgiveness In A World Desperately In Need

Emanuel digs knee-deep into the prevalence of racist violence reaching yet another horrible conclusion with the acts committed against the Charleston 9 that fateful day in 2015.

BY THE GRACE OF GOD: More than just the "French Spotlight"
BY THE GRACE OF GOD: More Than Just The “French Spotlight”

By the Grace of God is flawed, but undeniably powerful. It definitely needs to be regarded as more than just the “French Spotlight”. 

UNBELIEVABLE: Unsettling True Events Make for Shocking, Sensitive Miniseries
UNBELIEVABLE: Unsettling True Events Make For Shocking, Sensitive Miniseries

As a true crime miniseries, Unbelievable does well in telling the womens’ side of things, depicting their trauma, and how they are forced to relive the horrific events over and over.

THE PARTS YOU LOSE: Bides Its Time
THE PARTS YOU LOSE: Bides Its Time

While not challenging, The Parts You Lose is a thoughtful if not meager meditation on the relationships that define us.

AHS 1984 (S9E4) “True Killers”: This Season Is Far from Slowing Down
AHS 1984 (S9E4) “True Killers”: This Season Is Far From Slowing Down

As we approach the midseason, body count rising and with no escape, “True Killers” was proof that AHS 1984 is far from slowing down.

THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN: Empathy In Real-Time
THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN: Empathy In Real-Time

As poetic as its title, The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open cannot be understated for its power and must not be erased from the conversation.

IN THE TALL GRASS: Is The Mind-Bending Premise Enough?
IN THE TALL GRASS: Is The Mind-Bending Premise Enough?

Somewhere in the passable 90-minute In the Tall Grass is an hour long short that’s riveting, tense, and short enough to not overstay its welcome.

BORED IN THE U.S.A.: A Meditative Piece That Shines In Aesthetics Yet Lacks In Fuel
BORED IN THE U.S.A.: A Meditative Piece That Shines In Aesthetics Yet Lacks In Fuel

Though executed gracefully, Bored in the U.S.A.’s characters lack the chemistry needed to have us stay invested in their journey.

BETWEEN TWO FERNS: THE MOVIE: A Constant Stretch of Narrative with Rich Awkward Humour
BETWEEN TWO FERNS: THE MOVIE: A Constant Stretch Of Narrative With Rich Awkward Humour

Between Two Ferns: The Movie  is a unique type of performance with unique humour crafts a unique type of film.