News

Weak ending undermines suspenseful ‘Heretic’

Heretic (2 ½ stars out of 4) During the two years I spent as a missionary in Northern Illinois, I would occasionally wind up at an appointment where the investigator clearly wasn’t interested in learning about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the best cases,...

‘Love and Thunder’ is a step down from ‘Ragnarok,’ but pretty good for post-‘Endgame’ MCU

Thor: Love and Thunder – 3 stars out of 4 For the “Thor: Love and Thunder” soundtrack, director Taika Waititi uses Guns ‘n Roses the same way he used Led Zeppelin for “Thor: Ragnarok” in 2017. Guns ‘n Roses was a great band, far superior to most all its peers, but it...

“Cryo” (2022) is one to keep on your radar

Premise Five people suddenly wake up from cryosleep in a mysterious underground facility with no immediate recollection of who they are or why they are there. As they get a sense of their roles and situation, not all is as it appears as each person seems to be...

Disappointing ‘Dominion’ ends Jurassic trilogy with a cluttered whimper

Jurassic World: Dominion - 2 stars out of 4 There are a lot of scenes in “Jurassic World: Dominion” where characters have threatening encounters with a dinosaur, enough that they start to feel redundant. But one stands out in particular. As with most of these scenes,...

“The Congress” Predicted Today’s Entertainment Industry Landscape Nearly a Decade Ago… and I’m Terrified

Premise “The Congress” (2013) is a very bizarre avant-garde film starring Robin Wright who plays a future version of herself during a time when what it means to be an actress is evolving in Hollywood. She is pressured into giving away the rights to her likeness to...

Disney delivers 1st trailer for ‘Pete’s Dragon’

CANDLE ON THE WATER — Disney fans are getting their first peek at a very different take on a childhood favorite with the recent trailer release for “Pete’s Dragon.” The live action/animation hybrid musical from 1977 is getting a makeover from director David Lowery who...