Movie reviews of Sandy Schaefer

2015, Drama, Action, Suspense, Crime

Another solid Fast and the Furious installment – one that (flaws aside) provides a nice farewell to star Paul Walker.

2014, Horror, Suspense

Might not be as deep as it aspires to be, but It Follows is one retro horror movie that’s quite creepy and has style to spare.

2015, Drama

By-the-numbers underdogs sport fare, but good direction and performances make it a respectable addition to the genre.

2015, Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Comedy

Essentially a kid-friendly stoner comedy, but also one that’s clever and inspired enough to keep SpongeBob fans entertained.

2014, Adventure, Fantasy

Would be utterly forgettable, were it not for some decent directorial elements and the performances of Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore.

2016, Drama, Comedy, Mystery

A funny and madcap, if unfocused, farcical salute to Golden Age Hollywood from the Coen Brothers.

2014, Drama

Far from ground-breaking in its social statements, but is still a solid comedy/drama buoyed by good performances all around.

2015, Adventure, Comedy

Lacks the wit and charm that would’ve been necessary for this farcical pastiche to work...

2014, Adventure, Animation, Comedy

Thanks to its playfully idiosyncratic, yet thoughtful nature, Paddington maintains the innocence and charm of the Paddington character...

2014, Drama

The resulting film is one of Tim Burton's better (and more self-reflective) in recent memory.

2014, Drama

More than a showcase for Reese Witherspoon’s performance, it’s a meditative journey that is refreshingly funny, insightful, and poignant.

2014, Adventure, Fantasy, Action

It’s worth taking that final trip to his Middle-earth.

2014, Drama, Love

Well-acted and often moving, Theory of Everything is ultimately an insightful love story that just happens to be about Stephen Hawking.

2008, Animation, Comedy

There’s enough kid-friendly wit and non-stop humor to justify Penguins of Madagascar‘s existence.

2014, Drama

A tense (but somewhat hollow) psycho-thriller that features a ferocious performance to remember from J.K. Simmons...

2014, Drama

Emotionally sincere and thoughtful, but Jon Stewart’s movie also very much feels like a first-time director’s work.

2014, Drama, Comedy, Love

A decent coming of adult age dramedy that (like its protagonist) is a bit too directionless.

2014, Drama, Suspense, Crime

An effective neo-noir thriller that provides insightful (though troubling) social commentary on the side.

2014, Drama, Comedy

A strong debut for a newcomer director, who tackles sensitive racial and cultural topics with wit, sensitivity, and thoughtful commentary.

2014, Comedy

Thanks to Bill Murray’s performance, it’s still a pleasant and funny viewing experience.

2014, Comedy

Ultimately proves to be an affable (and refreshingly brisk) piece of family-friendly entertainment.

2014, Fantasy, Animation, Comedy

Another visually-inventive, witty, and energetic fairy tale adventure to add to Laika’s mantlepiece.

2014, Drama, Horror, Comedy, Suspense

Has a memorably weird premise, sure, but Kevin Smith’s Tusk generally fails to be either that funny and/or scary… much less interesting.

2014, Drama, Crime

Ultimately a solid mood piece, with strong performances that help elevate it above its derivative story elements.