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Why you need to watch “Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) now that it’s back on Netflix!
Premise A young storyteller, Kubo (Art Parkinson), lives the truth of his stories as he must find an ancient suit of armor to fight against the vengeful Moon King (Ralph Fiennes). A Dying Art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r01mk6F_Pk See how stop-motion played a...
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...
Dani’s Five Best Viewing Experiences of 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the movie theatres this year, seeing what’s new on the big screen. However, I feel like the most impactful movie-related moments I had were the times I returned to an older film. You can check out what I thought of 2021’s new releases...
Marvel Follows Movie’s Advice to Achieve Full Potential | Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Review
Premise Shaun (Simu Liu) lives an aimless life as a valet attendant until his past catches up with him. Much to the surprise of his best friend, Katy (Awkwafina), he turns out to be the son of powerful Kung Fu masters, one of whom is a power-hungry immortal warlord...
A Wedding On a Budget | “Once I Was Engaged” Review
“I'm sorry, I know ‘cheap’ is a trigger word for you.”“‘Frugal’ is such a better word!” This is a low budget comedy that comes with all the cheesiness you can expect for a movie intended for a niche audience, but it is unexpectedly insightful. Premise Bree Carrington...
Why we need to talk about The Chosen Season 2
Premise Based on stories in the New (and Old) Testament, “The Chosen” brings to life how Jesus Christ led his followers as they went about doing good. I first thought from the previews that the show would center on all the expected Bible stories, following the life of...