magic

How SLEEPING BEAUTY Set The Stage For The Anti-Princess Movie
How SLEEPING BEAUTY Set The Stage For The Anti-Princess Movie

On top of being a visually breathtaking feat of animation, Sleeping Beauty is an incredibly unique film in the classic Disney princess canon.

CURSED Season One: A Bumpy Reimagining of an Old Tale
CURSED Season One: A Bumpy Reimagining of an Old Tale

While not a solid addition to the mystical stories of old, Cursed will keep viewers entertained while introducing a new generation to the stories of old.

WHITE SNAKE: The Classic Myth + A Mesh of Hollywood Ideas
WHITE SNAKE 白蛇:緣起: The Classic Myth + A Mesh Of Hollywood Ideas

This telling of White Snake adds an action-fantasy plot to its romance story, and feels like a mesh of other fantasy films you’ve seen before.

FROZEN 2: Perfectly Fine With Amazing Animation
FROZEN 2: Perfectly Fine With Amazing Animation

Frozen 2 is a perfectly fine sequel. It features gorgeous animation, but the story lacks the magic of the first one. Maria Lattila reviews.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD: Overstuffed & Messy Sequel Fails To Impress
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD: Overstuffed & Messy Sequel Fails To Impress

The Crimes of Grindelwald introduces us to a plethora of new characters, attempts to do too much with them, and then, unfortunately, overly relies on the nostalgic factor of the original films.

EXCALIBUR: Is This The Best King Arthur Movie?
EXCALIBUR: Is This The Best King Arthur Movie?

Offering a backstory to the infamous tale of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, Excalibur excels in its fantastical showcase delivering a story that is still fresh and grand today.

THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS: Retro Fun With A Dash Of Creepiness
THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS: Retro Fun With A Dash Of Creepiness

The House With A Clock In Its Walls has a sense of mischievous fun, with a hearty serving of chills and chuckles to overwhelm any shortcomings.

I KILL GIANTS: Low Budget Fantasy-Drama is Ambitious but Uneven
I KILL GIANTS: Low Budget Fantasy-Drama Is Ambitious But Uneven

Though grounded by a strong presence in the young Madison Wolfe, I Kill Giants is often too dreary to be truly engaging, and too under-realized to be an immersive escape into a fantastical world.

A WRINKLE IN TIME: Packed With Magic, But Lacking In Subtlety
A WRINKLE IN TIME: Packed With Magic, But Lacking In Subtlety

A Wrinkle in Time has many touching and beautiful moments, in large part due to the incredible and relatable performance of its young star. However, the heavy-handed direction and sugary-sweet story may wear on adults used to more nuanced fare.

BRIGHT: A Misguided Magical Disappointment
BRIGHT: A Misguided Magical Disappointment

Bright is a film trying too hard, with an execution that leaves something to be desired. What is good gets smothered under the excess, and while it might keep some entertained it doesn’t stick with you.

KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD: Lads of the Round Table
KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD: Lads Of The Round Table

Guy Ritchie has joyously updated King Arthur with the same distinctive style as his Sherlock Holmes movies. Purists may want to look away.

SLEIGHT: Strong themes Shine Through Its Frustrating Plot
SLEIGHT: Strong Themes Shine Through Its Frustrating Plot

Sleight offers great commentary about the lack of opportunities for minority communities – yet ironically never lets its hero use his powers.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM: Mostly Magical
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM: Mostly Magical

Fantastic Beasts is a mostly satisfactory return to the world of Harry Potter, though it also suffers from confused and muddled plot-lines.