Shazam! Fury of the Gods (*1/2) is a last gasp
If there’s nothing else – and here there really isn’t – the film is worth viewing just for Levi alone.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania – What the hell? (***)
Ant-Man is fun, but it’s definitely the lesser of the series by a longshot.
The Banshees of Inisherin (****) is filled with rich performances
McDonagh shows an incredible grip on the allegory he portrays through Ireland of the past. He also knows how to get the most out of his extremely talented cast.
Glass Onion (****) – As though chidden of Muppets
It doesn’t present anything one might see in real life, but then, that’s why we see movies. Who wants real life?
Spirited (***) will take you, just not away
The filmmakers get credit for trying something new, even if that effort doesn’t quite make the end result more fulfilling. It just makes something similar, but not quite the same as we’re used to seeing every Christmas.
Ticket to Paradise (***1/2) finds its two
The cast, director and writers all work to express a respect for the material.
Another Look: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (****) saves Universal
Lucky viewers will get to see the film as a kid and enjoy it once more when they’re older.
Bullet Train (****) Shatterpoint
Bullet Train is perhaps the most fun you will have dodging blood splatter this summer.
The Gray Man (***1/2) Goes as far as Gosling can take it
If you take this film as a Gosling vehicle, and you won’t be disappointed. If you think of it as the Russo’s and Evans’ followup to their magnificent MCU films, you may be left wanting.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (****) has the hook
It’s a beacon of acting light that could only be ruined by making a sequel.
Thor: Love and Thunder (*****) – Not everybody gets a hammer
Natalie Portman was the least appealing aspect of the first two Thor films. When she was not in on the third film, the series completely hit its stride for the first time. Now she’s back. Will it kill the vibe in the room that Taika Waititi brought with him for Ragnorok?
The Lost City (****) is worth finding
If you have any appreciation for the journey or even just the incredible skill of Bullock, give The Lost City your time.
Another Look: Almost Famous Bootleg Cut (****) feels real but still too perfect
In Almost Famous, we have all problems wrapped up in a nice little bow with not much more than smiles to remember. There should have at least been some sort of venerial disease as a result of all that messing around.
Netflix’ The Adam Project (***1/2) Superhero Landing
The Adam Project is a good diversion if you are home looking for something to explode on screen just a little and warm your heart a little more.
Nightmare Alley (***1/2) Life is a Carnival
There are no surprises. Just misery in waiting.
Christmas Terror Two: Fatman (***) and Krampus (***)
Two films for those who need horrid stories for Christmas.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 