Movie reviews of Craig McKenzie

A thoughtful and complex exploration of an illicit relationship between flawed and damaged characters that makes excellent use of an unconventional structure and sharp script to create an experience that feels fresh and doesn’t shy away from the messiness of relationships. Review

An unmitigated disaster with no convincing performances, terrible storytelling, negligible characterisation, baffling dialogue that in no way resembles human speech, headache-inducing action and laughable attempts at fan service. The collection of terrible decisions that resulted in this film should be studied. Review

A stylish and engaging heist movie with strong performances and snappy dialogue that defies expectations. Review

A strong example of single-location filmmaking with an excellent leading performance, expertly crafted mood and atmosphere and a uniquely presented mystery that creatively builds over the running time. Review

An entertaining watch effortlessly carried by Camila Mendes endlessly charming and charismatic performance that could make better use of its ingredients. Review

An excellent opening to the trilogy that tells a powerful character-driven story that grounds the Crisis event with relatable emotional stakes. Review

A creative and fun crossover that moves at a brisk pace, offers plenty of exciting action and vibrant visuals that doesn’t alienate either side of the fanbase. Review

A light, fun and unchallenging viewing experience with a delightful central dynamic, impressive action and strong comedic beats. It’s far from a masterpiece but also far from a waste of time. Review

An entertaining riff on the slasher genre with a strong cast that doesn’t quite manage to be more than the sum of its parts. Review

A positive and hopeful film about the power of love and the influence it can have on someone’s life that boasts positivity shining like a beacon through the darkness of an unpleasant community. Review

Site 13 is a straightforward yet engrossing spin on a subgenre rarely achieved well on film, fusing the past and the present into a single tale of damnation and madness. A found footage mystery, a cosmic horror, a 2000s chiller, a 2020s psychological exploration and a contemporising of immensely popular yet uncomfortably dated stories, the film is many things at the same time and manages to do justice to them all. Review

A fun and visually creative experience with a strong leading performance that makes great use of the potential that a hero with super speed brings. Review

An entertaining blockbuster with likeable characters and an uncomplicated plot that contains some impressive set pieces making good use of its premise. Review

An expertly crafted, visually stunning triumph of animation that has more than enough substance to back up the abundance of style. Review

An excellent swansong for the titular team with a heartfelt character-driven narrative, stunning visuals, expert balancing of an ensemble cast and a strong command of theme. Review

A fun and visually impressive movie with strong pacing made with boundless affection for the source material. Review

This Land is both a political allegory and an engaging horror movie, balancing enough of each that its main issues are clear within its microcosmic framework. Review

A slick and entertaining dramatisation of the insane story behind the popular video game with a charismatic lead, stylish presentation and an accessibly breezy tone. Review

A compelling take on the Dark Knight with an excellent visual aesthetic and a strong take on Lovecraftian horror that will leave a lasting impression. Review

A fun and visually stunning superhero outing with excellent production design, creative set pieces and an abundance of charm. Review

An infectiously fun time at the movies that is impressively constructed, endlessly entertaining and visually vibrant with engaging instantly memorable characters. Review

A very poor entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a sloppy script and ugly visuals that definitely doesn’t qualify as a “must-see” cinematic event. Review

Teen Wolf: The Movie is an utterly unnecessary revisit that plays like glorified fan fiction, managing to forget everything that made the TV series such a success in the first place. Review

A well-directed mid-budget action movie with excellent pacing, a variety of entertaining set pieces and a capable lead in Gerard Butler that succeeds far more than it doesn’t. Review