Movie reviews of Sandy Schaefer

Unlike Louis-Dreyfus' nuanced and sharply drawn performance, Downhill tends to sketch its uncomfortable comedy-drama scenarios a little too broadly. Review

And yet, it's that very combination of simplicity in plotting and stylization that makes A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon such a joy to watch. Review

Timmy Failure explores how kids use their imaginations as a buffer against the hardships of growing up in ways that are funny, smart, and heartfelt. Review

But even with its rich sense of style and intriguing coming of age twist, Gretel & Hansel's revisionist approach is too half-baked to totally work. Review

The Turning is an atmospheric, if generic, psycho-horror movie that devolves into a confused and unintentionally tasteless mess during its third act. Review

In the end, Bad Boys for Life settles for being a surprisingly entertaining sequel (no more, but no less) that partially evolves the Bad Boys brand. Review

Although it tries to revive the brand by including new ingredients and extra gore, The Grudge reboot is mostly a grosser rehash of what's come before. Review

Cats brings Webber's Broadway sensation to life as an audaciously bizarre spectacle sure to delight and divide as much as the original musical does. Review

6 Underground's intriguing setup and awe-inducing stunts are gradually overwhelmed by the commotion of Bay's direction, the further along it goes. Review

Code 8 works better as a proof of concept than a standalone sci-fi thriller, serving up fascinating world-building with a fairly basic story. Review

What might've been a timely parable is instead presented as a capably crafted and acted, yet frustratingly reductive screed in Richard Jewell. Review

Bombshell is a competent dramatization that's hurt by its apolitical approach to the story it's telling, and struggles to provide fresh insight. Review

1917 is well-acted and an undeniable technical achievement, yet its real-time storytelling is both the film's greatest strength and biggest problem. Review

Powered by Adam Sandler's note-perfect turn, Uncut Gems is a stylishly scuzzy work that's as propulsive as it is maddening and exhausting. Review

A moving love story at its core, Queen & Slim is a lyrical piece of cinema that resonates with social relevance, yet always feels very personal. Review

Even with Chadwick Boseman (who's compelling as ever) at its disposal, 21 Bridges struggles to distinguish itself from other police thrillers. Review

It might not break the mold, but there's a depth and undercurrent of darkness to the exquisitely-acted Good Liar that makes it electrifying to watch. Review

What it lacks in substance, The Aeronauts compensates for with thrills and emotions, taking audiences on an exhilarating airborn heroes' journey. Review

Thanks to its breezy humor and a chipper turn by Anna Kendrick, Noelle makes for a harmless (if disposable) addition to the Christmas comedy pile. Review

Although it has trouble reconciling the differences between King and Kubrick's The Shining, Doctor Sleep is an affecting horror drama on its own. Review

Between its thrilling racing sequences and underlying commentary, Ford v Ferrari makes for an entertaining spin on the traditional sports biography. Review

Funny, disturbing, and heartbreaking all at once, Parasite finds Joon-ho in top form as a storyteller, delivering a film like no other this year. Review

A moody and well-acted noir drama, Motherless Brooklyn is held back by its jumbled storytelling and somewhat unrefined filmmaking approach. Review

The Report is a riveting examination of the importance of accountability anchored by an elegantly understated performance from Adam Driver. Review