Movie reviews of Sandy Schaefer

2015, Drama, Mystery, Love

Not the most poignant or ground-breaking coming of age tale, but it‘s gentle nature and noble intentions make it a respectable one.

2015, Drama, Mystery

A solid (if unremarkable) period drama that is anchored by a great Ian McKellen performance as an old Sherlock Holmes.

2015, Adventure, Animation, Comedy

Delivers just enough of what people love about the eponymous Despicable Me characters to please their fanbase – but not much else.

2015, Drama, Comedy

May not be an insightful continuation of its predecessor, but it delivers an experience that many wanted the first time around.

2015, Adventure, Action, Suspense, Science fiction

A big, shiny, and entertaining roller coaster ride, though the ‘World’ is more interesting than the people.

2015, Action, Comedy, Crime

A very good showcase for Melissa McCarthy and another successful collaboration between her and director Paul Feig.

2015, Drama, Comedy, Love

Has elements of Cameron Crowe’s best work, but poor storytelling results in a film that’s more perplexing than charming.

2015, Action, Comedy, Crime

Will provide some moviegoers with a few easy laughs, but others are likely to find it just boring and unfunny.

2015, Fantasy, Drama, Love

A ludicrous romantic fantasy, but solid craftsmanship and good acting make it an enjoyable one too.

2015, Action, Comedy

Only just meets its quota for guilty laughs.

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.