OLD ENOUGH: A Girlhood Cult Classic Tragically Lost in Coming-of-Age Canon
OLD ENOUGH: A Girlhood Cult Classic Tragically Lost In Coming-Of-Age Canon

Old Enough is an affectionately accurate depiction of how it feels to grow into an age when the opinions of friends are all that matters.

SPEECH & DEBATE: Teen Film Lacks Focus
SPEECH & DEBATE: Teen Film Lacks Focus

Speech & Debate isn’t great, but is enjoyable despite its plot holes, and features a great performance from Sarah Steele.

LOVESONG: A Delicate Tune
LOVESONG: A Delicate Tune

So Yong Kim’s Lovesong is a minimalist, strikingly formed small-scale drama about two female friends slowly falling in love.

BEFORE THE FALL: Lost In Adaptation
BEFORE THE FALL: Lost In Adaptation

Although the idea of reimagining Pride & Prejudice with a same-sex couple, Before The Fall lacks the fiery spirit of the source material.

THE WIZARD OF LIES: Though Nothing Profound, De Niro Astounds
THE WIZARD OF LIES: Though Nothing Profound, De Niro Astounds

While The Wizard of Lies is overly long and brings nothing new to Bernie Madoff’s story, Robert De Niro’s performance more than makes up for it.

STEFAN ZWEIG: FAREWELL TO EUROPE: Beautiful & Smart, But Still Lacking
STEFAN ZWEIG: FAREWELL TO EUROPE: Beautiful & Smart, But Still Lacking

Stefan Zweig: Farewell To Europe is a fine display of craftsmanship, but it’s far too infatuated with its own beauty to engage on the level to which it aspires.

BAYWATCH: Who’s Going to Save The Lifeguards From the Script?
BAYWATCH: Who’s Going To Save The Lifeguards From the Script?

Though blessed with a talented cast, Baywatch is overall a shipwreck, due to its rudimentary, unfocused script and few laughs overall.

PICKPOCKET: Crime & Punishment Of The Mundane
PICKPOCKET: Crime & Punishment Of The Mundane

Pickpocket (1959) is an intricately staged, intimate character study from Robert Bresson – solidifying itself as one of his greatest works.

ALIEN: COVENANT: Even Ridley Scott Can’t Wade Through A Script This Poor
ALIEN: COVENANT: Even Ridley Scott Can’t Wade Through A Script This Poor

Alien: Covenant takes a valiant attempt at re-creating the magic from the original, but ultimately falters from screenplay to screen.

ANNIE WAITS: Stuck At the Intersection Between Life & Relationships
ANNIE WAITS: Stuck At The Intersection Between Life & Relationships

Annie Waits is a well-made short comedy that explores strong themes of young identity and love.

TAKE ME: Pat Healy Finds His Calling
TAKE ME: Pat Healy Finds His Calling

With Take Me, actor Pat Healy brings his talent behind the camera, and in the process creates a delightful twist on the kidnapping narrative.

RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO At 30: Strange Bedfellows In '80s Britain
RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO At 30: Strange Bedfellows In ’80s Britain

Thirty years on, Alan Clarke’s fitfully funny film, Rita, Sue and Bob Too, still holds up as a first-rate character study and resonant critique of the Thatcher era.

Chicagoland Shorts Vol.3: The Sidelined Speak
Chicagoland Shorts Vol.3: The Sidelined Speak

Despite some reservations, the short films featured in Chicagoland Shorts Vol. 3 are creative, thought-provoking and accomplished.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES: Grab The Rum - You'll Need It
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES: Grab The Rum – You’ll Need It

Overloaded with action and lacking in strong character moments, Dead Men Tell No Tales is an unworthy addition to the Pirates franchise.

EVERYTHING THE LIGHT TOUCHES: A Profound & Touching Portrait
EVERYTHING THE LIGHT TOUCHES: A Profound & Touching Portrait

Everything the Light Touches is an introspective look at a Welsh Elvis impersonator, and also manages to be something even more profound.