Movie reviews of Sandy Schaefer

Standard, kid-friendly entertainment, but it succeeds at bringing the colorful Smurfs universe to playfully-animated life.

Struggles to dig below the surface of its thought-provoking concepts and bring real depth to its striking visuals.

Amounts to a middling (and derivative) sci-fi horror/thriller that never fully realizes its potential.

Offers enough playful storytelling and spectacle to offset its flaws.

Does right by its predecessor, delivering a musical experience that both dazzles the eyes and plucks the heartstrings.

A shared universe launchpad that fulfills its promise of big, goofy, monster mayhem...

A grisly and somber character drama that sends off Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine on a high note.

May be as slight as a half-hour sitcom comedy, but enough of its R-Rated jokes hit their target to sustain the movie’s brisk runtime.

Will probably be little more than a small step up (at most) from such past Legendary tentpole misfires as Seventh Son.

Exceeds its predecessor in some ways, in other respects it’s just as ridiculous...

Works as not only a funny riff on the Batman character and his legacy, but also as a great action/comedy on its own terms.

Has many of the same flaws as its predecessors in the areas of plot and craftsmanship...

One of Shymalan’s better offerings and certainly his most consistent from the past several years, in terms of quality.

Beautifully-crafted and well-acted, but often frustrating in the way that it examines spirituality through historical drama.

Another solid docudrama/thriller from Wahlberg and Berg...

The rare true story-based historical drama that succeeds at being as inspirational and feel-good as it aspires to be.

Struggles to make the leap from the stage to the big screen, but is kept afloat by the powerhouse performances of its leads.

An affecting examination of the grieving process brought to life through strong direction and compelling performances.

Makes for Damien Chazelle’s most technically-accomplished love letter to music yet, as well as the filmmaker’s most poignant work.

Has style and ambition to spare, yet as a whole Tom Ford’s dark psychological thriller rings hollow.

A funny, heartfelt and richly-crafted hero’s journey adventure that effectively puts a Disney spin on Southern Pacific culture.

Most compelling as a dramatic spy thriller – less so as a sweeping romance that unfolds against the backdrop of WWII.

Captures the spirit of classic John Hughes comedies – at the same time, refining and innovating Hughes’ storytelling approach.

One of the most poignant, poetic and beautiful movies of the year.