Movie reviews of Sandy Schaefer

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

More solid horror film than soulless franchise continuation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Succeeds as a dramatic reimagining of its predecessor – giving rise to a soulful modern fairy tale in the process.

A serviceable Bourne franchise installment, but an uninventive and unnecessary epilogue to the original Bourne movie trilogy.

Makes for a lean and mean scare-delivering machine, but is less effective as a supernatural horror parable.

A stylishly crafted and well-acted dramatic thriller, but breaks little new ground despite fascinating subject matter.

Isn’t a mold-breaker for animated movies, but it’s a consistently funny and inspired madcap romp nonetheless.

Too overstuffed and rough around the edges to fly high.

A technically impressive adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel – one with whimsy and heart to spare.

Well-crafted and tells a worthwhile story, but makes for a better history lesson than moviegoing experience.

A stylishly surreal, but hollow, horror/thriller – and another Nicolas Winding Refn film bound to divide audiences.

Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson’s comedic chemistry save it from being a passable, yet forgettable, mainstream action/comedy.

While it isn’t as innovative a horror film throwback as its predecessor, it’s an excellent ghost story in its own right.

Essentially a solid Lonely Island sketch over-stretched to fill a feature-length running time.