Sound of Freedom (****) rings a clarion call
The portrayal that we are granted by Monteverde and his writing partner Barr give those in bondage a light. Let’s hope it’s a light that never goes out.
The Little Mermaid (****) swims eloquently
Evil Dead Rise (****) above the maggots
If one is a fan of creative gore, Evil Dead Rise has it in spades.
Creed III (****) The edge of a dream
How and where this series goes, is hard to tell. This feels like a complete cycle to me. Jordan has earned the right to keep going, as this series and the name Creed is completely his by now.
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?
The Menu (****) – Willy Wonka in hell
Even with the tongue firmly in cheek, there will be some who step away from the film viewing only what they see, but not why they see it.
Another Look at The Fly (1986) – Cronenberg at his most…
As long as Cronenberg has the lens on Goldlum, The Fly is a winner.
Violent Night (****) is done right
In the list of movies with Santa Claus being an ass-kicker, this has to be near the top.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (****) means family
a worthy, if occasionally slight tale that serves as a solid springboard for a Marvel franchise that right now is happy to have one.
Shudder’s Tailgate (****) what happens when you don’t let your wife drive
Most women, whether on a bicycle, or a motored device, don’t get into road rage situations. They have no need to express themselves on the freeway.
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.
Smile (****) wears its trauma bravely
It’s quite remarkable to think that this is the first full length feature of the writer/director. It’s even harder to believe I have never seen or heard of Sosie Bacon until today.
Terrified (****1/2) is an effective scare
We are not outside of the danger. It’s there waiting for us.
Barbarian (****) Keeps its story down deep
Cregger handles some very common story elements in a completely original way.
Bullet Train (****) Shatterpoint
Bullet Train is perhaps the most fun you will have dodging blood splatter this summer.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 