Movie reviews of Sandy Schaefer

2016, Drama, Suspense, Crime

Another solid docudrama/thriller from Wahlberg and Berg...

2016, Drama, History

The rare true story-based historical drama that succeeds at being as inspirational and feel-good as it aspires to be.

2016, Drama

Struggles to make the leap from the stage to the big screen, but is kept afloat by the powerhouse performances of its leads.

2016, Drama

An affecting examination of the grieving process brought to life through strong direction and compelling performances.

2016, Drama, Comedy, Love

Makes for Damien Chazelle’s most technically-accomplished love letter to music yet, as well as the filmmaker’s most poignant work.

2016, Drama, Suspense

Has style and ambition to spare, yet as a whole Tom Ford’s dark psychological thriller rings hollow.

2016, Adventure, Animation, Comedy

A funny, heartfelt and richly-crafted hero’s journey adventure that effectively puts a Disney spin on Southern Pacific culture.

2016, Drama, Action, Suspense, Love, War

Most compelling as a dramatic spy thriller – less so as a sweeping romance that unfolds against the backdrop of WWII.

2016, Drama, Comedy

Captures the spirit of classic John Hughes comedies – at the same time, refining and innovating Hughes’ storytelling approach.

2016, Drama

One of the most poignant, poetic and beautiful movies of the year.

2016, Drama, Suspense, Science fiction, Mystery

A smart tale of alien contact that boasts great visuals and performances, if also more brains than heart.

2016, Drama, History, War

A grisly WWII movie that excels as an action/thriller, but has mixed success in realizing its loftier thematic ambitions.

2016, Drama, Suspense, Mystery

Unlikely to earn the Robert Langdon movie franchise any new fans – and isn’t worth the long wait that it took to get made.

2016, Horror, Suspense

More solid horror film than soulless franchise continuation.

2016, Drama

A work of passion-fueled filmmaking and messy storytelling that struggles to make the grand statement it aims for.

2016, Drama

A heavy-handed variation of the Disney inspirational sports drama formula, but a sincere and well-meaning one too.

2016, Action, Comedy, Crime

A disposable and middling off-kilter heist comedy that squanders its cast’s talents on subpar material.

2016, Drama, Action

Effectively turns the real-world disaster into an action/drama that’s more disturbing than thrilling to watch.

2016, Comedy, Love

A perfectly enjoyable addition to the Bridget Jones franchise, if not a particularly meaningful one.

2016, Drama, History

Amounts to a respectable yet unmemorable account of real-life heroism, despite fine performances and capable direction.

2016, Drama, Love

Strong performances and beautiful cinematography elevate, yet soap opera contrivances and uneven writing hold it back.

2016, Drama, Comedy, Crime

A solid movie, but only partly succeeds at blending Todd Phillips’ brand of bro-comedy with social/political commentary.

2016, Drama, Western, Suspense, Crime

Makes for a contemplative dramatic thriller that is fueled by great performances and strong direction.

2016, Drama, Action, Suspense

Offers solid genre film entertainment, but works better as a character piece than as a pulpy thrill ride.