Movie reviews of Sandy Schaefer

2016, Action, Suspense, Crime

An uninspired sequel to Olympus Has Fallen, but has some of its predecessor’s cheesy action movie throwback charm.

2016, Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Science fiction

A cheesy and visually unimpressive fantasy adventure that’s too dull to make for fun campy entertainment.

2016, Action, Suspense, Mystery

Its talented cast and inspired directorial flourishes are offset by messy storytelling choices.

2016, Horror, Mystery

Effectively unpleasant and creepy, but it works better as a psychological thriller than a horror film.

2016, Comedy, Love

Relies heavily on rom-com tropes, but succeeds in putting a more thoughtful and funny spin on many of them.

2016, Comedy

Aims to be bigger and crazier than its predecessor, but amounts to a serviceable (though less memorable) comedy sequel.

2016, Drama, Action, History, Suspense

A respectful dramatization of the real-life events that inspired it, but is too by the numbers to leave a strong impression.

2016, Action, Comedy

An uninspired retread of its predecessor, but manages to reach the (low) bar set for this action/comedy franchise.

2016, Drama, Action, History, Suspense, War

Has elements of a lean and efficient action/thriller, but is bloated and overblown thanks to Michael Bay’s directorial approach.

2015, Drama, Love

A visually rich period drama that boasts strong performances and refined direction, though some may find it easier to admire than love.

2015, Drama, Comedy

A decent biographical drama anchored by Jennifer Lawrence’s performance, but fails to realize its greater ambitions.

2015, Comedy

A formulaic Will Ferrell comedy, but enough jokes hit their mark to make it a passable one.

2015, Drama, Comedy

Has its flaws, but is one of the more unique movies based on non-fiction literature in recent memory.

2015, Comedy

An uneven mix of raunchy farce and sincerity that’s elevated by the undeniable chemistry between Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

2015, Adventure, Drama, History, War

An effectively grim and well-acted Shakespeare adaptation, but prioritizes style over substance.

2015, Fantasy, Horror, Comedy

Provides enough kitschy fun for those craving a darker holiday yarn.

2015, Drama, Love

A beautiful period drama and rich piece of romantic storytelling that boasts great performances.

2015, Drama, Suspense, Science fiction

An entertainingly kooky, but otherwise messy and slapdash re-imagining of the Frankenstein mythos.

2015, Adventure, Animation

Still boasts a touching story and gorgeous animation.

2015, Drama, Crime, Mystery

A well-acted and politically-charged drama/thriller with ambitions that exceed its grasp.

2015, Drama, History, Suspense

A well-crafted and thoughtful investigative journalism docudrama that is buoyed by great performances.

2015, Adventure, Animation, Comedy

Succeeds at giving the Peanuts property a shiny fresh coat of paint, while keeping its heart and humanist spirit intact.

2015, Drama, Comedy

Fails as a character study, but thrives when bringing the fast-moving world of professional chefs to cinematic life.

2015, Fantasy, Drama, Music

What good intentions Jem and the Holograms has are weighed down by its cheap aesthetic and thinly-drawn storyline.