Movie reviews of Hope Madden

The film itself dips too often into maudlin traps. And though the third act is far from awful, the filmmaker’s insights for family dynamics and dysfunction are stronger. Review

85 minutes of not too much—not much point, very little action, not a lot of scares and even fewer answers. Review

But that is the primary problem with Green Book. It sympathizes greatly, but has absolutely no idea how to empathize. Review

The score feels cribbed, the action is video-game superficial and the costuming came directly from Forever 21. Why did they make this movie again? Review

There are double crosses, flying bullets, car chases, explosions—genre prerequisites that feel like new toys for the super-serious director. McQueen proves a versatile a filmmaker, though he has certainly left his own distinctive mark on the action flick. Review

Characters are quirky, wardrobe is glorious, Ezra Miller broods well—all of which is a lot of what we’ve already seen. What Grindewald doesn’t offer is anything new, or any reason to care. Review

A film quite unlike anything else, one offering layer upon provocative, messy layer and Abbasi feels no compulsion to tidy up. Instead, he leaves you with a lot to think through thanks to one unyieldingly original film. Review

A satisfying Good V Evil film that benefits from layers, Overlord reminds us repeatedly that it is possible to retain your humanity, even in the face of inhuman evil. Plus, Nazi zombies, which is never not awesome! Review

The story of Lee Israel offers a weirdly optimistic if cautionary tale for misfit women. It’s also a great reminder that Melissa McCarthy can really act. Review

As well and as wildly as the movie-making satire plays, at the heart of this film is humiliation on exhibition. Hero worship is hollow, commerce is still king and a man who can’t pay can’t play. Review

There are lovely moments peppered through this visually elegant picture, but there is no passion, no danger and no excitement. Review

It’s a performance simultaneously full of life and of death. You see the enormous loss, but more than that, the deflating ugliness of this world etched on Everett’s face, echoing in his every gesture. Review

Occasionally skirts mawkishness, but what YA film doesn’t? In truth, Lange doesn’t run from the baggage associated with his chosen genres. He embraces it, forgives it, makes something powerful out of it. Review

Director Donovan Marsh’s film is not unwatchable. It’s shallowly packaged derivative entertainment, boasting passable water scenes and hand-to-hand action choreography that’s entirely adequate. Review

The result is a respectful, fun and creepy experience meant to be shared with a crowd. Review

Equally on-target is the tension about sharing holidays with politically opposed loved ones, as well as the image of our irrevocably altered news consumption. But beyond that, The Oath doesn’t offer a lot of insight. Review

The two actors again share a natural rapport that makes you a believer. Review

The jarring quiet, the stillness and vastness are captured with reverence and filmed beautifully. Review

Not a bad movie. It’s fun, competently made entertainment. And a disappointment. Review

While a couple of the attractions are fun, the main problem with Hell Fest is that it is not scary. Review

Those are small successes in a film that squanders a lot of talent and all of our time. Review

All of it’s empty, of course: lurid and stylish, pseudo-feminist and pretend-woke. Review

There is utterly forgettable fun here, mainly thanks to Black and Blanchett, but the intended audience is a little tough to gauge. Review

A fresh and believable take on a very old, oft-told story, so that counts for something. Review