Movie Reviews

Owen Grady wants nothing to do with dinosaurs. Nothing. That’s partially why he’s building a cabin in a remote mountainous area, far removed from the ocean and from Isla Nublar – the island which he escaped from three years earlier after dinosaurs took over the Jurassic World theme park. He hasn’t been back since, and he has no desire to return.

Fascinating - and quite beautiful - from opening to closing, Is Genesis History? is a necessary multi-tool in the kit of anyone who hopes to believe more deeply in - and communicate more knowledgeably about - the possibility of a young Earth and the reliability of the Bible's creation account. 4.5 out of 5.

All that's going away is a standard review format from an experienced critic, and a commitment to cover nearly every movie Hollywood produces. What will remain is a clearer focus on informing our audience about the following...

Though most young adult movie series tend to flame out before their final chapter, Maze Runner: The Death Cure has just enough momentum to keep audiences entertained while it ties up loose ends. It may not satisfy every fan, but this final film still gives the franchise a welcome sendoff. 3 out of 5.

A touching blend of A Walk to Remember and Country Strong, Forever My Girl is the heartwarming film that we all need to kick off 2018. 3.5 out of 5.

A sturdy, taut modern war movie about the first U.S. soldiers that went into combat after 9/11. 12 Strong is fairly straightforward, but also rousing. 3 out of 5.

This grim western does go beyond "Cowboys vs. Indians" - but only just barely. Hostiles is sorrowful, and perhaps unsure of what it’s trying to say, but is pulled up by an incredibly strong cast led by Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike. 2.5 out of 5.

A sequel that's even better than the original. As sweet as marmalade, Paddington 2 is a welcome antidote to the daily news (real or fake). In Paddington's world, a kindhearted bear can always find the good in people. We can't live there but it sure is a nice place to visit. 4 out of 5.

Another Liam Neeson thriller involving threatened family members, The Commuter could have been tired and shopworn. Instead, it feels, if not fresh, sometimes surprising, and it's vigorous enough to satisfy most action and mystery fans. 3.5 out of 5.

A crisp opening leads to a drawn-out drama about poker that grows sluggish as it tries to sustain its two-hours-and-twenty-minutes runtime. Writer Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, Moneyball) knows how to make complex material exciting and ethically challenged protagonists sympathetic, but as a director, he's a bit more challenged. 2.5 out of 5.

In what should be a gripping tale of kidnapping and ransom, the most memorable part of All the Money in the World remains the dramatic re-casting of Christopher Plummer as J. Paul Getty (replacing the recently disgraced Kevin Spacey) at the eleventh hour. 2.5 out of 5.

Though there is nothing glitzy or jaw-dropping about Steven Spielberg's Oscar-season offering, the story resonates. Two stellar leads, a strong supporting cast, and eerily relevant subject matter warrant The Post a strong 3.5 out of 5.

A musical spectacle the founder of “the greatest show on earth” would appreciate—especially since it whitewashes much of his life story. P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) and his rags-to-riches story set to music will charm most in this family-friendly extravaganza. 4 out of 5.

This third franchise entry doesn't veer far from the formula that established Pitch Perfect as a female-driven phenomenon. But while it can still wring humor out of a familiar premise, it's all beginning to feel a little out of (auto)tune. 2.5 out of 5.

A fun bit of fluff to enjoy over the holidays. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has plenty of laughs and enough adventure to keep things interesting. The comedy is broad but mostly family-friendly and the bankable stars are fun to watch. 3.5 out of 5.