Movie reviews of Sandy Schaefer

Has more spooky ideas than it knows what to do with, but enough of what it throws at the wall sticks to make for one twisted horror movie. Review

Makes for an intriguing exercise in pulpy sci-fi noir, even though the film's story leaves something to be desired. Review

A solid dramatization of real world events, Adrift is nevertheless more compelling as a grisly survival drama than a love story. Review

Forgoes convention in order to explore a young woman's experience growing up in a way that packs a subtle, yet lasting punch. Review

A slow burn zombpocalypse drama that hits some familiar beats, yet there's a rich humanism at its core that makes the journey meaningful. Review

McCarthy and Falcone stay firmly within their comfort zone on Life of the Party, but their take on the college comedy sub-genre is good natured fun. Review

As less success breaking the mold for its genre, but explores the often ignored corners in thoughtful and intriguing ways. Review

Doesn’t blend action, comedy, and heart as well as The Rock’s best tentpoles, but there’s good dunderheaded fun to be had here. Review

Lives up to the ambitious challenge that it sets for itself, taking audiences on a compelling and suspenseful journey along the way. Review

An impressive work of technical showmanship, Ready Player One nevertheless falls short of recapturing that old-school Spielberg blockbuster magic. Review

Makes for an effectively creepy and visually experimental B movie psycho-thriller. Review

Though entertaining in the moment and briskly paced, Tomb Raider never overcomes feeling like a video game that you watch instead of play. Review

Delves into the messy realities of the emotional and physical fallout of rape, giving rise to a moving yet sensitive drama. Review

Despite some promising elements, Mute struggles to explore philosophical questions within a sci-fi setting in a way that feels innovative and fresh. Review

Anchored by Jennifer Lawrence’s performance, Red Sparrow is a slow-burn spy/seductress thriller that’s shiny on the surface, yet lacking in depth. Review

A great MCU superhero adventure that smoothly blends rich narrative substance with sheer popcorn entertainment. Review

A disjointed, but enjoyable sci-fi horror/thriller that has mixed success as a shared universe film. Review

A bland horror film that avoids being altogether forgettable thanks to leads Helen Mirren and Jason Clarke. Review

Another gorgeous fever dream of a film by Anderson, with Day-Lewis’ powerhouse performance matched by his costar Vicky Krieps’ here. Review

Grim and slow-burn to a fault in its deconstruction of the American West’s violent legacy, but strong performances keep the film on track. Review

A charming confection of a film that manages to exceed its predecessor in terms of both visual splendor and good-natured storytelling. Review

A goofy and formulaic thriller, but also an entertaining one thanks to Neeson’s action star chops and Collet-Serra’s sense of style. Review

A solid finale to the Insidious franchise that gives series lead Lin Shaye the chance to take a graceful final bow. Review

A solid dramatic thriller, but falls short when it comes to being an insightful biopic about John Paul Getty. Review