Aquaman is the sort of overstuffed extravaganza that’s so intent on hitting all the requisite superhero beats that it never develops a heartbeat of its own.
Matt Brunson
Review: Mary Poppins Returns
Emily Blunt was the right choice to assume the Andrews mantle. As the magically endowed nanny who reappears in 1935 (25 years after the first film’s timeframe) to again aid the Banks family, she’s an absolute delight, retaining Andrews’ frosty demeanor but adding a spark of sly mischievousness to her interpretation.
Holiday Film Preview
Here’s a checklist of the handful of films coming our way throughout the rest of December.
Review: Ralph Breaks the Internet
While the film doesn’t quite reach the bar set by its predecessor, it’s propulsive enough to build up enough goodwill long before it reaches its rocky third act.
Review: The Grinch
Those expecting to hear a variation on Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes might be startled to learn that they’re instead hearing what’s doubtless a variation on Will Ferrell’s upcoming Sherlock Holmes.
Review: Bohemian Rhapsody
For those seeking nothing more than a rollicking good time, Bohemian Rhapsody largely gets the job done. But those looking for some depth – or, heck, even some historical context – will be sorely disappointed, as the film wreaks havoc on chronology, ignores key albums and songs.
Review: A Star Is Born
Any worries that Lady Gaga might have turned out to be another Madonna (great pop star, wretched actress) are dispelled almost immediately, with the superstar delivering a performance that’s instinctively warm and natural.
Review: The Happytime Murders
If watching felt characters get felt up sounds like a winning proposition, The Happytime Murders might just be the ticket.
Review: Crazy Rich Asians
This is finance porn raised to an absurd level, which actually plays into the film’s general view that life’s a party and everyone should be invited.
Review: Christopher Robin
Ever the perpetual money machine, Disney is stumbling over itself in its attempts to make new versions of seemingly every property it has ever owned.
Review: Mission Impossible — Fallout
Tom Cruise has spent this series playing Superman rather than Everyman, but here he takes it a step further: His character of Impossible Mission Force agent Ethan Hunt is now basically God.
Review: The Equalizer 2
A particularly dreary movie, one which makes no attempt to freshen up or even disguise its rote storyline.
