NEW

Aliette Opheim and Felix Östergren. Photo: SF Studios

Bloody Men

New in Swedish Theaters: Alternately dark and charming, with a good cast

A Dog’s Perfect Christmas

New on Netflix: Sweet cast and pleasant story; easily digested, but a little more seasoning wouldn’t have hurt

Liam Neeson. Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Films

The Mongoose

New in U.S. Theaters and on Prime Video in Other Countries: Bites off more than it can chew, but enjoyably off-kilter at times


RECENT

The Magic Faraway Tree

The cast, including the kids, are game in this colorful, fun film

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

The story is a mess, failing to do anything new with its characters or create memorable shocks

Lily Sullivan. Photo: Universal

SOULM8TE

Lily Sullivan is good, but it’s a predictable story about the meaning of authentic love


OLDER

The Exorcism

Premiered in 2024: Russell Crowe turns in a good performance, but the film lacks scares and turns into a bit of a drag

Photo: Universal

Child’s Play 2

Premiered in 1990: Subpar acting hurts the film, but Chucky is fun to watch

Elsa Lanchester and Peter Ustinov. Photo: Disney

Blackbeard’s Ghost

Premiered in 1968: A fine example from Disney’s era of lovely live-action comedies for the whole family


LONGER REVIEWS

ABOVE AVERAGE

East of Eden

New on Netflix: Uses all of its seven episodes wisely, pulling us into an intelligent, emotional, lavishly staged story

Adult Supervision

New in Swedish Theaters: Alex Schulman makes it ring true, even as he ratchets up tension in the film’s second half

Digger

New in Global Theaters: Watching this film is like being thrown from one sentiment or crazy idea to another