Movie reviews of George Wolf

Armand presents a challenging, but ultimately haunting take on the lingering dangers of convincing ourselves that everything is fine. Review

With a solid sense of setting, cast and framing, Bring Them Down heralds Andrews as a filmmaker of great potential. Once his actors get a little more character to chew on, he may start building his own legacy. Review

Often filming in secret, Rasoulof assembles the escalation of events so carefully, and the performances are so achingly real, that nearly every frame of the film’s two hour and forty-five minutes seems necessary. Review

With Will & Reese at the top of this engaging guest list, You’re Cordially Invited throws a home steaming party that’s slightly more fun than forgettable. Review

But there is heart here, and the real Nathan’s closing credits plea to “pay it forward” is sweetly schmalzy. Even better, the sincere attempts at storytelling are just competent enough to reach beyond the choir. Review

Screenwriters Chad Law and Josh Ridgeway provide plenty of Scooby-Doo style exposition that anyone not named Richard can’t come close to elevating. Review

The Brutalist is nothing if not memorable. Though the sheer accomplishment may stand a bit taller than the final statement, it cements Corbet as a voice that cannot be ignored. Review

There is a poetic nature to Kapadia’s storytelling. With only the most gentle of nudges, Kapadia speaks for the scores of Indian women who come to Mumbai for the promise of a better life in the city, only to be disillusioned. Review

Coppola’s camera comes in close, and Anderson does not flinch, letting every line on her face tell a story. Review

Like any good sports movie, the film gives us plenty to cheer for. But that’s the easy part. It’s a bit more difficult to paint heart, humanity, and the drive to never settle with genuine feeling. Review

A Complete Unknown is an intoxicating, engrossing mix, and one of the best films of the year. Review

The Six Triple Eight tells a lesser-known story of unsung heroes who deserve the acclaim, but the best intentions of writer/director Tyler Perry are often hamstrung by his broad brush and heavy-handed approach to telling it. Review

A tightly-wound account of one anxious search for the thrill of victory, September 5 is one of the year’s unforgettable thrillers. Review

For Elton’s legions of fans (full disclosure: including me), Never Too Late will be a nostalgic and hit-filled salute. And if you don’t expect much more depth than a super-deluxe souvenir tour book, you’ll be plenty satisfied. Review

The Order is another example of Kurzel’s skill as a craftsman. He again re-imagines case history with the taut instincts of a narrative storyteller, leaving nothing but hard, compelling truths behind. Review

There are laughs to be had before things get overly silly, but Mooney finds his groove by serving up plenty of nostalgic callbacks that will hit 90s kids in the feels and give the older viewers some knowing smiles and head nods. Review

Beatles ’64 weaves intimate moments from idols and fans alike into a warm and wonderful snapshot of wistful innocence. Review

Part one of the film version reminds us why we were captivated in the first place, and how satisfying a move from stage to screen can be. Review

But much like Santa for most Red One‘s two hours, the moviegoing joy is missing in action. Review

The guy loves his dogs, he loves his mushing, and he loves his family farm. Underdog makes it nearly impossible to root against him. Review

This larger-scale Best Christmas Pageant Ever is still aimed at young viewers, and for that target it is serviceable. For adults, the most compelling aspect here is the glaring hypocrisy of so many who will be recommending it. Review

The are plenty of characters here, but instead of arcs, Taormina serves up some terrific production design, visual mischief and plenty of throwback needle drops to keep the mood festive. Review

For a story so deeply rooted in family legacy, that seems only right. The Piano Lesson is played with a committed intensity of feeling, giving a symphony of talent the room to honor its source material with lasting resonance. Review

Give the film room enough to blend its many voices, and you’ll find some surprisingly touching, blood-soaked harmony. Review