Movies I Watched in 2021
All the movies I watched in 2021.
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- DirectorHarry BradbeerStarsMillie Bobby BrownHenry CavillSam ClaflinWhen Enola Holmes (Sherlock's teen sister) discovers her mother is missing, she endeavours to find her, becoming a super-sleuth in her own right as she outwits her famous brother and unravels a dangerous conspiracy.6/10 - whether it be the near-constant breaks in the fourth wall, the fact that the mystery seemed to be more of a secondary storyline, or another thing entirely, this highly-anticipated Netflix-acquired flick didn’t quite click for me as much as I expected
- DirectorRon HowardStarsTom HanksAudrey TautouJean RenoA murder inside the Louvre, and clues in Da Vinci paintings, lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years, which could shake the foundations of Christianity.6/10 - occasionally confusing but nonetheless engaging thriller dives deep into the Catholic Church
- DirectorRon HowardStarsTom HanksEwan McGregorAyelet ZurerHarvard symbologist Robert Langdon works with a nuclear physicist to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican during one of the significant events within the church.6/10 - the second iteration in the series continues to be mildly confusing if you do not devote your undivided attention and its dive into the workings and theories of the Catholic Church
- DirectorThor FreudenthalStarsCharlie PlummerAndy GarciaTaylor RussellDiagnosed with a mental illness halfway through his senior year of high school, a witty, introspective teen struggles to keep it a secret while falling in love with a brilliant classmate who inspires him to not be defined by his condition.8/10 - a pleasant and surprisingly emotional look at life with schizophrenia is aided by strong acting performances and a production team that clearly cares about the film
- DirectorRon HowardStarsTom HanksFelicity JonesIrrfan KhanWhen Robert Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Dr. Sienna Brooks and they race across Europe together against the clock to foil a deadly global plot.6/10 - pandemic-centered thriller makes for a nice and less confusing addition to the Robert Langdon series
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsGary OldmanAmanda SeyfriedLily Collins1930s Hollywood is re-evaluated through the eyes of scathing social critic and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish the screenplay of Citizen Kane (1941).5/10 - as someone not very knowledgeable on older film history, I did not connect with this story and was routinely bored throughout the 2 and a quarter hour runtime
- DirectorKitty GreenStarsJulia GarnerOwen HollandJon OrsiniA searing look at a day in the life of an assistant to a powerful executive. As Jane follows her daily routine, she grows increasingly aware of the insidious abuse that threatens every aspect of her position.4/10 - this film feels really monotonous and like a major missed opportunity for a more direct and overall better film for the #MeToo movement
- DirectorRegina KingStarsKingsley Ben-AdirEli GoreeAldis HodgeA fictional account of one incredible night where icons Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown gathered discussing their roles in the Civil Rights Movement and cultural upheaval of the 60s.6/10 - while it does lag at times, One Night in Miami offers an interesting look at the historical lives of four prominent Black leaders in the 1960s
- DirectorRachel Lee GoldenbergStarsHaley Lu RichardsonBarbie FerreiraGiancarlo EspositoA 17-year old Missouri teen named Veronica discovers she has gotten pregnant, a development that threatens to end her dreams of matriculating at an Ivy League college, and the career that will follow.7/10 - I feared this would be too similar to Never Rarely Sometimes Always, also released in 2020, but this one found a way to make the dramatic conflict light and comedic, allowing this one to stand on its own quite well
- DirectorMark WilliamsStarsLiam NeesonKate WalshJai CourtneyWanting to lead an honest life, a notorious bank robber turns himself in, only to be double-crossed by two ruthless FBI agents.6/10 - if you manage to find some entertainment value from a traditional Liam Neeson action thriller, this one will be right up your alley
- DirectorGus Van SantStarsRobin WilliamsMatt DamonBen AffleckWill Hunting, a janitor at M.I.T., has a gift for mathematics, but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life.9/10 - the movie that made Matt Damon and Ben Affleck stars is an effective drama with plenty of heart
- DirectorAaron SorkinStarsEddie RedmayneAlex SharpSacha Baron CohenThe story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.8/10 - The Trial of the Chicago 7 satisfied my love of courtroom dramas, but left me wanting a little more
- DirectorMichael MatthewsStarsDylan O'BrienJessica HenwickMichael RookerSeven years after he survived the monster apocalypse, lovably hapless Joel leaves his cozy underground bunker behind on a quest to reunite with his high school sweetheart.6/10 - unexpected sci-fi hit has good special effects but an unfulfilling story
- DirectorSofia CoppolaStarsBill MurrayRashida JonesMarlon WayansA young mother reconnects with her larger-than-life playboy father on an adventure through New York.4/10 - maybe my taste is just too low brow, but this movie ended without anything worthwhile happening, leaving me unfulfilled and feeling robbed of my time
- DirectorDestin Daniel CrettonStarsMichael B. JordanJamie FoxxBrie LarsonWorld-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson works to free a wrongly condemned death row prisoner.8/10 - while it is not flawless, this hard-hitting true story will get you emotional and just might challenge some ideas you may have held before you viewed the film
- DirectorBennett LasseterStarsKeean JohnsonMadeline BrewerRya KihlstedtMarcus, an audio-obsessed high school senior, learns he must undergo brain surgery that will render him deaf, and decides to seize control of his fate by recording the Ultimate Playlist of Noise.6/10 - this Hulu Original teen romance attempts to follow in the footsteps of several of the past decade's teen movie hits (particularly the John Green film adaptations: The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns), but has some problematic messaging and simply fails to elicit the emotional response it clearly desires
- DirectorEmerald FennellStarsCarey MulliganBo BurnhamAlison BrieNothing in Cassie's life is what it appears to be - she's wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she's living a secret double life. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs from the past.10/10 - this incredibly well-made and remarkably fresh thriller features a plethora of strong performances (particularly that of Carey Mulligan) and bravely goes where few films before it have in utterly blasting rape culture
- DirectorDoug LimanStarsChiwetel EjioforAnne HathawaySonicA couple attempts a high-risk, high-stakes jewelry heist at a department store.2/10 - I don’t know where they went wrong because everything and everyone involved would recommend this would be good, but the end result is steaming hot garbage
- DirectorNeill FearnleyStarsLori LoughlinSarah StrangeSteve Bacic'Searched & Seized' finds Jenn's friend Miles running a police auction that features items seized in a money counterfeiting operation. When Miles turns up dead, Jenn suspects he may have gotten involved with criminals to solve his debt problems.6/10 - finale in the cut short Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series is a fun and gripping mystery
- DirectorSeth GordonStarsDwayne JohnsonZac EfronAlexandra DaddarioDevoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon butts heads with a brash new recruit, as they uncover a criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay.8/10 - funny, sexy, and attention-grabbing, this action comedy is good for some mindless entertainment
- DirectorCharlie KaufmanStarsJesse PlemonsJessie BuckleyToni ColletteFull of misgivings, a young woman travels with her new boyfriend to his parents' secluded farm. Upon arriving, she comes to question everything she thought she knew about him, and herself.4/10 - boring and not as smart as it thinks it is, this Netflix film is not what I was expecting at all
- DirectorMax JosephStarsZac EfronWes BentleyEmily RatajkowskiCaught between a forbidden romance and the expectations of his friends, aspiring DJ Cole Carter attempts to find the path in life that leads to fame and fortune.5/10 - empty and lifeless take on the LA dance music/DJ scene leaves so much on the table
- DirectorDerrick BorteStarsRussell CroweCaren PistoriusGabriel BatemanAfter a confrontation with an unstable man at an intersection, a woman becomes the target of his rage.6/10 - Caren Pistorious shines in this implausible, but oddly entertaining thriller that will leave an impression
- DirectorRamin BahraniStarsAdarsh GouravRajkummar RaoPriyanka Chopra JonasAn ambitious Indian driver uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and rise to the top. An epic journey based on the New York Times bestseller.7/10 - a wonderfully original story is combined with great acting and a solid creative team to produce a good film to ring in 2021
- DirectorSam Taylor-JohnsonStarsDakota JohnsonJamie DornanJennifer EhleLiterature student Anastasia Steele's life changes forever when she meets handsome, yet tormented, billionaire Christian Grey.4/10 - watching this movie is like watching a car crash - it is so unbelievably awful, but you can’t help but keep watching
- DirectorJames FoleyStarsDakota JohnsonJamie DornanEric JohnsonWhile Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her.5/10 - retaining a stellar soundtrack and having a sliver of more story, Fifty Shades Darker is the rare sequel that outshines its predecessor
- DirectorKevin MacdonaldStarsTahar RahimNouhe Hamady BariSaadna HamoudMohamedou Ould Slahi fights for freedom after being detained and imprisoned without charge by the U.S. Government for years.7/10 - with such an amazingly talented cast and a compelling real life event, I couldn’t help but feel like this movie was one missed opportunity after the next
- DirectorJon LucasScott MooreStarsMila KunisKathryn HahnKristen BellWhen three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun and comedic self-indulgence.10/10 - non-stop laughs and a charming cast keeps this modern comedy fresh and worth repeat viewings
- DirectorJay RoachStarsCharlize TheronNicole KidmanMargot RobbieA group of women take on Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network.10/10 - this is one of the year's absolute best with award-worthy acting, impressive makeup and costuming, and an incisive look at an important and relevant current event
- DirectorJames FoleyStarsDakota JohnsonJamie DornanEric JohnsonAnastasia and Christian get married, but Jack Hyde continues to threaten their relationship.6/10 - they really saved the best for last in this surprisingly decent and thrilling conclusion to this box office juggernaut of a franchise
- DirectorLee Isaac ChungStarsSteven YeunHan YeriAlan KimA Korean American family moves to an Arkansas farm in search of its own American dream. Amidst the challenges of new life in the strange and rugged Ozarks, they discover the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home.8/10 - thanks in large part to a stellar cast (including the young actors) and dedicated direction, this film is a delight
- DirectorJohn Lee HancockStarsDenzel WashingtonRami MalekJared LetoKern County Deputy Sheriff Joe Deacon is sent to Los Angeles for what should have been a quick evidence-gathering assignment. Instead, he becomes embroiled in the search for a serial killer who is terrorizing the city.6/10 - what is set up to be a relatively good crime thriller turns out to be a muddled, pointless drama unworthy of its cast and crew’s talents
- DirectorMike CahillStarsOwen WilsonSalma HayekNesta CooperA mind-bending love story following Greg who, after recently being divorced and then fired, meets the mysterious Isabel, a woman living on the streets and convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is a computer simulation.3/10 - the trailer for this one had me expecting something more along the lines of Welcome to Marwen or Serenity (which I actually enjoyed), but this muddled mess of a film failed in almost all aspects
- DirectorShaka KingStarsLaKeith StanfieldDaniel KaluuyaJesse PlemonsOffered a plea deal by the FBI, William O'Neal infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton.6/10 - like many of the awards contenders this year, this film settles on being just good instead of taking the next step to be truly great
- DirectorSam LevinsonStarsJohn David WashingtonZendayaA director and his girlfriend's relationship is tested after they return home from his movie premiere and face each other's turmoil during one long night.6/10 - apart from giving Zendaya and John David Washington an opportunity to brilliantly portray deeply flawed characters, this film seems to lack much purpose
- DirectorHarry MacqueenStarsColin FirthStanley TucciPippa HaywoodSam and Tusker are traveling across England in their old RV to visit friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with dementia two years ago, their time together is the most important thing they have.5/10 - slow and depressing dementia drama never really makes it worth your time investment
- DirectorMark JeanStarsJesse MetcalfeSarah LindEric KeenleysideWhen an art gallery robbery leads to the death of the contemptible gallery manager, former Boston detective Jeff Jackson teams up with local doctor - and old flame - Dr. Zee Madeiras, to catch the killer.4/10 - bad writing and worse-than-usual acting plague the newest installment in this Hallmark mystery series
- DirectorSusan JohnsonStarsLana CondorNoah CentineoJanel ParrishA teenage girl's secret love letters are exposed and wreak havoc on her love life.7/10 - surprisingly good Netflix original based on the best-selling YA novel (maybe Netflix can actually make a decent teen movie?) - not to mention that I credit it for popularizing the career of Lauv
- DirectorMichael FimognariStarsLana CondorNoah CentineoJordan FisherLara Jean and Peter have just taken their relationship from pretend to officially official when another recipient of one of her old love letters enters the picture.7/10 - solid sequel kept it cheesy and kept up the incredible music that I have grown to expect from this series, but where on Earth was Josh (Israel Broussard)?
- DirectorMichael FimognariStarsLana CondorNoah CentineoJanel ParrishLara Jean's senior year of high school takes center stage when she returns from a family trip to Korea and considers her college plans--with and without Peter.6/10 - while parts of the plot felt redundant of last year’s The Kissing Booth 2 (I understand this book came first, but nonetheless) and it felt like the weakest of the series, the last half of this movie is a nice conclusion to the hit Netflix trilogy
- DirectorNicol PaoneStarsMalin AkermanKat DenningsJack DonnellyMolly and Abbey, along with their crew of close friends and acquaintances, host a dysfunctional, comical and chaotic Thanksgiving dinner.5/10 - good cast can’t make this low quality script amount to anything worth your time
- DirectorEvan MorganStarsKaitlyn Chalmers-RizzatoAdam BrodyKaleb HornA once-celebrated kid detective, now 32, continues to solve the same trivial mysteries between hangovers and bouts of self-pity; until a naive client brings him his first 'adult' case to find out who brutally murdered her boyfriend.7/10 - while the movie as a whole had a few issues, I honestly did not expect such a good mystery to come out of this movie
- DirectorPeter DeLuiseStarsLori LoughlinRick RavanelloAndrew DunbarJen hunts at garage sales. At one she makes a lunch date with Kate. She finds her dead in her house. The police says accident. Jen thinks murder related to her break-ins after garage sales theory.6/10 - nice start to the beloved Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series is engaging and has a good mystery
- 2013–20201h 27mTV-PG6.9 (1.3K)TV EpisodeDirectorPeter DeLuiseStarsLori LoughlinSarah StrangeSteve BacicThe owner of a storage place is found by Jen's deduction, murdered. Jen saw an upset ex customer there earlier and the owner mentioned divorce. Is the break-in at Jen and Dany's store related? Dany meets a new guy.5/10 - not a bad entry in the series, but this one was not as intriguing nor entertaining as its predecessor
- DirectorPeter BensonStarsLacey ChabertBrennan ElliottBarbara NivenAfter volunteering to participate in a crossword solving competition with a new supercomputer, crossword puzzle editor Tess Harper finds herself swept up into the investigation of the bizarre murder of the tech CEO.7/10 - classic Hallmark Movies & Mysteries light-hearted fun is paired with a fun techy twist
- 2013–20201h 23mTV-PG6.9 (1.3K)TV EpisodeDirectorPeter DeLuiseStarsLori LoughlinSarah StrangeSteve BacicJennifer uses her intuitive skills to investigate her friend's death in a multimillion-dollar home with a dark history.7/10 - fun and original mystery is one of the better Hallmark Movies and Mysteries features
- DirectorJosh GreenbaumStarsKristen WiigAnnie MumoloJamie DornanLifelong friends Barb and Star embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they decide to leave their small Midwestern town for the first time - ever.10/10- definitely a love-or-hate kind of movie (I for one loved it) that is part musical (I’m looking at that showstopper from Jamie Dornan), part rom-com, part spy flick, and a whole lot of satirical fun
- DirectorJ BlakesonStarsRosamund PikePeter DinklageEiza GonzálezA crooked legal guardian who drains the savings of her elderly wards meets her match when a woman she tries to swindle turns out to be more than she first appears.8/10 - stellar acting, twisty writing, and stylish filmmaking make this darkly comedic thriller worth your attention and time
- 2013–20201h 23m6.9 (1.2K)TV EpisodeDirectorPeter DeLuiseStarsLori LoughlinSarah StrangeSteve BacicThe owner of an antique store comes across a wedding dress with a mysterious past and vows to solve the mystery of the missing groom.5/10 - flawed mystery makes for the weakest entry in the Garage Sale Mystery series so far
- DirectorThomas BezuchaStarsDiane LaneKevin CostnerKayli CarterA retired sheriff and his wife, grieving over the death of their son, set out to find their only grandson.4/10 - maybe I am just too far outside of the target audience, but this sort-of western’s acting was its only redeeming quality
- DirectorGlenn FicarraJohn RequaStarsSteve CarellRyan GoslingJulianne MooreA middle-aged husband's life changes dramatically when his wife asks him for a divorce. He seeks to rediscover his manhood with the help of a newfound friend, Jacob, learning to pick up girls at bars.6/10 - disappointing rom-com has a great cast, but fails to live up to the other great reviews it has received from critics and audiences alike
- 2013–20201h 24mTV-G6.9 (1.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorPeter DeLuiseStarsLori LoughlinSarah StrangeSteve BacicAntiques guru Jennifer Shannon (Lori Loughlin) investigates a murder after an old college friend becomes the prime suspect.6/10 - captivating mystery will hold your interest and keep you guessing
- DirectorMiranda JulyStarsRichard JenkinsDebra WingerEvan Rachel WoodA woman's life is turned upside down when her criminal parents invite an outsider to join them on a major heist they're planning.5/10 - maybe I saw this too quickly after the superior and somewhat similarly themed I Care a Lot, but this one just didn’t have the “it” factor I felt it needed
- DirectorPaul FeigStarsKristen WiigMaya RudolphRose ByrneCompetition between the maid of honor and a bridesmaid, over who is the bride's best friend, threatens to upend the life of an out-of-work pastry chef.7/10 - after watching this writing team deliver near-constant laughs in Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, I have a newfound respect for this movie even though it made me sad more often than I found myself laughing
- DirectorJonathan WrightStarsJeremy JordanJessica LowndesCallum BlueA small-town cook impersonates his big city chef twin to compete in a culinary contest and falls for the woman in charge of the event, who thinks he is the brother who is married.6/10 - the huge step for Hallmark in the inclusion of the first gay main character and beautiful sets are wasted on this been-there-seen-that plot
- DirectorMikael HåfströmStarsAnthony MackieDamson IdrisEnzo CilentiIn the near future, a drone pilot sent into a war zone finds himself paired with a top-secret android officer on a mission to stop a nuclear attack.4/10 - bland sci-fi action feature won’t be remembered next month, let alone in the years to come
- DirectorTate TaylorStarsAllison JanneyMila KunisRegina HallA woman takes advantage of her growing celebrity status when the police and the public think her dead husband is just missing.6/10 - this direct-to-DVD film is one that I wouldn’t have bothered with except they happened to get some of my favorite stars and director on board...and let’s just say while engaging, it isn’t a must-see by any means
- DirectorTim StoryStarsChloë Grace MoretzMichael PeñaColin JostA chaotic battle ensues between Jerry Mouse, who has taken refuge in the Royal Gate Hotel, and Tom Cat, who is hired to drive him away before the day of a big wedding arrives.4/10 - I hope Chloë Grace Moretz and the rest of the cast/crew got a big payday for having their names attached to this poorly-plotted, strange 2D animation-live action hybrid
- DirectorLouis LeterrierStarsJesse EisenbergCommonMark RuffaloAn FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances, and reward their audiences with the money.10/10 - an absolutely fantastic movie that keeps the audience entertained time and time again
- DirectorTiller RussellStarsNick RobinsonJennifer YunJimmi SimpsonPhilosophical twenty-something Ross Ulbricht creates Silk Road, a dark net website that sells drugs, while DEA agent Rick Bowden goes undercover to bring him down.7/10 - compelling cat-and-mouse game between drug cyber criminal and past-his-prime federal agent shines a light on a fascinating real story that I had somehow escaped hearing about (also loved the Love, Simon reunion)
- DirectorJosh GreenbaumStarsKristen WiigAnnie MumoloJamie DornanLifelong friends Barb and Star embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they decide to leave their small Midwestern town for the first time - ever.10/10 - second time this year (see #47 for full review)
- DirectorAmy PoehlerStarsHadley RobinsonLauren TsaiAlycia Pascual-PenaInspired by her mom's rebellious past and a confident new friend, a shy 16-year-old publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school.7/10 - while definitely flawed, this funny and empowering Netflix feature is unabashedly woke and feminist without feeling too “messagey”
- DirectorRobin WrightStarsRobin WrightDemián BichirSarah Dawn PledgeEdee, in the aftermath of an unfathomable event, finds herself unable to stay connected to the world and retreats to the wilds of the Rockies. After a local hunter brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.5/10 - Robin Wright’s directorial debut was a well-acted drama that unfortunately was far too dull for my personal tastes
- DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsFrances McDormandDavid StrathairnLinda MayA woman in her sixties, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.6/10 - while expertly crafted and a good follow-up performance for McDormand after Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, this movie did not leave the lasting impact on me that it did for so many others
- DirectorLee DanielsStarsAndra DayTrevante RhodesGarrett HedlundFollows Holiday during her career as she is targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics with an undercover sting operation led by black Federal Agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she has a tumultuous affair.7/10 - thanks in large part to an outstanding performance from Andra Day as Billie Holiday, this story that needs to be shared with the masses should receive lots of awards consideration
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsAlison LohmanJustin LongRuth LivierA loan officer who evicts an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try and save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point.4/10 - a bit too campy and with an overall feeling of cheapness, this Sami Raimi horror flick didn’t do it for me
- DirectorDon HallCarlos López EstradaPaul BriggsStarsKelly Marie TranAwkwafinaGemma ChanIn a realm known as Kumandra, a re-imagined Earth inhabited by an ancient civilization, a warrior named Raya is determined to find the last dragon.5/10 - while pretty to look at, this movie felt really redundant and I doubt I will remember much if anything of this movie in a few months
- DirectorJosh GreenbaumStarsKristen WiigAnnie MumoloJamie DornanLifelong friends Barb and Star embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they decide to leave their small Midwestern town for the first time - ever.10/10 - third time this year (see #47 for full review)
- DirectorLucia AnielloStarsScarlett JohanssonKate McKinnonZoë KravitzThings go terribly wrong for a group of girlfriends who hire a male stripper for a bachelorette party in Miami.10/10 - absolutely hysterical comedy from an amazing duo of writers and a terrific cast (Kate McKinnon takes the cake)
- DirectorMarc MeyersStarsJessica RotheHarry Shum Jr.Marielle ScottA couple's wedding plans are thrown off course when the groom is diagnosed with liver cancer.7/10 - whether she is reliving the same day over and over again, rocking 80s style, or now dealing with the impending loss of her love, Jessica Rothe never disappoints and elevates this from a rather run of the mill romantic drama to something special
- DirectorCoky GiedroycStarsBeanie FeldsteinCleoDónal FinnA teenager living with her working-class family on a council estate in Wolverhampton, England, grows up to become a popular but conflicted music journalist.5/10 - usually Beanie Feldstein doesn’t disappoint, but this movie fell flat on most accounts (and don’t even get me started on Beanie’s accent)
- DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsChris PrattWill FerrellElizabeth BanksAn ordinary LEGO construction worker, thought to be the prophesied as "special", is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the LEGO universe into eternal stasis.8/10 - this modern animated classic will keep kids and adults alike laughing and engaged
- DirectorRobert LuketicStarsReese WitherspoonLuke WilsonSelma BlairElle Woods, a fashionable sorority queen, is dumped by her boyfriend. She decides to follow him to law school. While she is there, she figures out that there is more to her than just looks.10/10 - a delightful classic that will have you laughing and clapping
- DirectorDavid MirkinStarsMira SorvinoLisa KudrowJaneane GarofaloTwo dim-witted, inseparable friends hit the road for their ten-year high school reunion and concoct an elaborate lie about their lives in order to impress their classmates.7/10 - this comedy classic screams 90s at every turn and is funny throughout despite relatively few laugh-out-loud moments
- DirectorGreg BerlantiStarsNick RobinsonJennifer GarnerJosh DuhamelSimon Spier keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends and all of his classmates: he's gay. When that secret is threatened, Simon must face everyone and come to terms with his identity.10/10 - such an important and groundbreaking film, not to mention hilarious - go watch it...like right now!
- DirectorDavid FrankelStarsAnne HathawayMeryl StreepAdrian GrenierA smart but sensible new graduate lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, the demanding editor-in-chief of a high fashion magazine.9/10 - fun film about fashion even for the fashionably clueless
- DirectorSteve BasiloneStarsSteve BasiloneJennifer IrwinJess JacobsA struggling writer meets an enigmatic woman who enters his life at the right time.6/10 - surprisingly impactful romantic drama will be one I hope to revisit despite a weird and slightly off-putting twist
- DirectorJason BourqueStarsAlison SweeneyBenjamin AyresRebecca StaabAlex and Drew investigate a self help retreat and the controversial life coach who oversees it.5/10 - interesting, but not particularly noteworthy entry in the only okay Chronicle Mysteries series
- 2013–20201h 24m7.0 (1.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorNorma BaileyStarsLori LoughlinSarah StrangeSteve BacicAntiques expert Jennifer Shannon thinks two clues found at the scene of a murder are really clues from a mystery novel.6/10 - clever murder mystery is extra enjoyable for fans of classic mystery novels
- DirectorMiguel ArtetaStarsJennifer GarnerEdgar RamírezJenna OrtegaA mom and dad who usually say no decide to say yes to their kids' wildest requests with a few ground rules on a whirlwind day of fun and adventure.6/10 - fun family flick has lots of positive messaging, inclusive depictions, and the everlasting charm of Jennifer Garner
- 2013–20201h 24mTV-G6.7 (1.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorKristoffer TaboriStarsLori LoughlinSarah StrangeSteve BacicWhile setting up a charity garage sale, Jennifer Shannon discovers a body in the attic of a nearby home. Using her eye for detail, as well as her experience with antiques and murder, Jennifer puts together clues that help catch a killer.5/10 - not much else to say except this Garage Sale Mystery was just not as engaging as they usually are
- DirectorJustin BensonAaron MoorheadStarsAaron MoorheadJustin BensonCallie HernandezAs kids, they escaped a UFO death cult. Now, two adult brothers seek answers after an old videotape surfaces and brings them back to where they began.5/10 - cult-set indie drama does not reach the heights that I thought it would, but I still look forward to checking out some more of Moorhead/Benson’s films
- DirectorDominic CookeStarsBenedict CumberbatchMerab NinidzeRachel BrosnahanBusinessman Greville Wynne is asked by a Russian source to try to help put an end to the Cuban Missile Crisis.5/10 - fascinating true story does not make for as good of a movie as one would likely expect
- DirectorEmerald FennellStarsCarey MulliganBo BurnhamAlison BrieNothing in Cassie's life is what it appears to be - she's wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she's living a secret double life. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs from the past.10/10 - second time this year (see #17 for full review)
- DirectorOlivia WildeStarsKaitlyn DeverBeanie FeldsteinJessica WilliamsOn the eve of their high-school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realize they should have worked less and played more. Determined not to fall short of their peers, the girls try to cram four years of fun into one night.10/10 - apart from the weird animated scene, this one was absolutely hysterical and truly delightful
- DirectorTyler MacIntyreStarsBrianna HildebrandAlexandra ShippJack QuaidA twist on the slasher genre, following two death-obsessed teenage girls who use their online show about real-life tragedies to send their small mid-western town into a frenzy, and cement their legacy as modern horror legends.7/10 - unique and stylized horror flick has an incredible cast and what I imagine to be great rewatchability
- DirectorEugene KotlyarenkoStarsJoe KeeryDavid ArquetteJoshua OvalleThirsty for a following, Kurt Kunkle is a rideshare driver who has figured out a deadly plan to go viral.6/10 - this felt like a much darker version of 2016’s Nerve, but Joe Keery and Sasheer Zamata gave good, compelling performances
- DirectorEddie HuangStarsTaylor TakahashiPamelyn CheeJorge Lendeborg Jr.Coming-of-age story of Alfred "Boogie" Chin, a basketball phenom living in Queens, New York, who dreams of one day playing in the NBA. While his parents pressure him to focus on earning a scholarship to an elite college, Boogie must find a way to navigate a new girlfriend, high school, on-court rivals and the burden of expectation.5/10 - this film will not be one that I remember much of beyond the fine line it walked in terms of Black cultural appropriation and the charisma exuding from Taylour Paige
- DirectorJohn PolsonStarsJesse BradfordErika ChristensenShiri ApplebyA high school senior with a promising swimming career has a one-night stand with consequences.7/10 - a super fun teen thriller in the vain of Fatal Attraction or 2017’s You Get Me with the campiness of a early-2000s teen movie and the remarkable Shiri Appleby
- DirectorShaka KingStarsLaKeith StanfieldDaniel KaluuyaJesse PlemonsOffered a plea deal by the FBI, William O'Neal infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton.6/10 - second time this year (see #34 for full review)
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioEmily MortimerMark RuffaloTeddy Daniels and Chuck Aule, two US marshals, are sent to an asylum on a remote island in order to investigate the disappearance of a patient, where Teddy uncovers a shocking truth about the place.6/10 - with the typical pretentiousness of a Martin Scorsese film, this psychology-driven thriller is captivating but not revolutionary
- DirectorKitao SakuraiStarsEric AndréMichaela ConlinLil Rel HoweryThis mix of a scripted buddy comedy road movie and a real hidden camera prank show follows the outrageous misadventures of two buds stuck in a rut who embark on a cross-country road trip to NYC. The storyline sets up shocking real pranks.3/10 - this unbelievable Borat knockoff is frustrating (can we give Tiffany Haddish a role that isn’t so stereotypical and tired?!) and remarkably unfunny (especially given the cast involved)
- DirectorLonny PriceStarsJason AlexanderDonna Marie AsburyJames BonkovskyThis film from acclaimed theater director Lonny Price charts the journey of the original cast of Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along" in the 30-plus years since the musical debuted on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre in 1981.7/10 - very fascinating look at one of the biggest flops to ever hit the Broadway stage and the legacy that continues to this day
- DirectorFlorian ZellerStarsAnthony HopkinsOlivia ColmanMark GatissA man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.8/10 - affecting and innovative film leaves a mark in large part due to the performances of its talented cast
- DirectorAdam WingardStarsAlexander SkarsgårdMillie Bobby BrownRebecca HallThe epic next chapter in the cinematic Monsterverse pits two of the greatest icons in motion picture history against each other--the fearsome Godzilla and the mighty Kong--with humanity caught in the balance.8/10 - while some problems from Godzilla: King of Monsters continue and it will certainly not win any storytelling awards, this visually-stunning blockbuster is truly epic
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsEddie MurphyPaul BatesGarcelle BeauvaisAn extremely pampered African prince travels to Queens, New York and goes undercover to find a wife that he can respect for her intelligence and strong will.5/10 - such a well-regarded and cult classic comedy failed to make me laugh much or meet the high expectations it set
- DirectorTony Dean SmithStarsCandace Cameron BureNiall MatterMarilu HennerWhen one of Aida Teagarden's real estate clients is found murdered, her sleuthing daughter, Aurora sets out with her fiancé, Nick, to solve the murder.6/10 - one of the more forgettable entries in the long-running mystery series, but good enough for the hour and 20 minutes spent watching
- DirectorRoman WhiteStarsKevin QuinnBailee MadisonJahbril CookWith nowhere left to go, Will Hawkins finds himself at camp for the first time. His instinct is to run, but he finds a friend, a father figure, and even a girl who awakens his heart. Most of all, he finally finds a home.5/10 - I love a good musical, but this Netflix movie lacked the “it” factor for me and fell into too many “Christian theme” traps
- DirectorPaul W.S. AndersonStarsMilla JovovichTony JaaRon PerlmanWhen Cpt. Artemis and her loyal soldiers are transported to a new world, they engage in a desperate battle for survival against enormous enemies with incredible powers. Feature film based on the video game by Capcom.2/10 - the only thing that this kind of movie has going for it are impressive visual effects and these looked like they were cheap, 80s style effects done entirely on a green screened sound stage
- DirectorDeon TaylorStarsHilary SwankMichael EalyMike ColterAfter a one-night stand, a successful married man finds himself entangled in a cunning police detective's latest investigation.7/10 - this one-night stand turned nightmare thriller in a similar (but also quite different) vain of Fatal Attraction or Swimfan is visually pleasing and has a good soundtrack which can help to make up for the sometimes off pacing and miserable sound mixing