NEW
PREDATOR: KILLER OF KILLERS
New on Hulu and Disney Plus: The conflicts may get a tad repetitious at times, but the WWII chapter is thrilling and the animation flows beautifully
ECHO VALLEY
New on Apple TV Plus: A thriller whose every twist and turn may not come across as fully convincing, but benefits from good pacing and an excellent cast
MOUNTAINHEAD
New on Max and HBO: Clever and well cast, but also cruel, with shallow characters
RECENT
THE UGLY STEPSISTER
Darkly enjoyable most of the time, with plenty of torture for those who can take it, even if it’s light on surprises
THE ASSESSMENT
A visually convincing dystopia whose tragic conclusions are moving, especially due to superior performances
BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE
The two leads are entertaining, and there are attempts to reconnect with past films in the franchise, but it’s never funny or thrilling enough
OLDER
THE DRAUGHTSMAN’S CONTRACT (1982)
Not for all tastes, but it’s hard not to admire the poisonous dialogue; Anthony Higgins and Hugh Fraser among the cast
THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)
Interesting to see this film as a symbol of its time, using a racist idea like blackface as an illustration of Jacob’s struggle
THE TASTE OF THINGS (2023)
Inspired by a 1920s novel by Marcel Rouff, Tran Anh Hùng crafted a film that is a delight to all senses
LONGER REVIEWS
THE CROWD (1928)
Watching the ordinary events of the story staged at times with unusual, creative visuals offers a striking contrast
FREAKS (1932)
Tod Browning’s own past in vaudeville is probably one reason why the film also comes across as heartfelt
BABY REINDEER
A compelling watch, with rich doses of humor sprinkled throughout; we are meant to laugh, and feel great discomfort