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It Ends With Us
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Lively’s poignant performance truly elevates what could have devolved into a cloying Hallmark moment. The adroit adaptation heartily serves its core audience.
Posted Aug 07, 2024
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Deadpool & Wolverine
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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It feels like the entire Marvel Universe devoured itself and vomited all over the screen.
Posted Jul 25, 2024
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Twisters
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Director Lee Isaac Chen has created a film, powered by the infinitely charismatic Glen Powell, for people of all ages who just want a good time at the movies. A film that can move, tickle, excite, and leave you breathless, is a rare thing.
Posted Jul 19, 2024
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Despicable Me 4
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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If director Chris Renaud has not come up with the most original concept, surely the Minion mayhem, as well as the outstanding voice cast, make the weaknesses forgivable. In short, Minions make me happy, and probably always will.
Posted Jul 07, 2024
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Fancy Dance
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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It's a haunting indie that only Native American writer/director/producer Erica Tremblay could tell, and only Oscar nominated Native American actress Lily Gladstone could bring to life, with such quiet dignity, force and emotion.
Posted Jun 30, 2024
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Daddio
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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If anyone can carry a film like this, it’s Sean Penn. And Dakota Johnson is good enough. I’m just not sure most viewers will want to spend an hour and forty minutes with a couple of talking heads discussing cringe-worthy, intimate details of their lives.
Posted Jun 30, 2024
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A Quiet Place: Day One
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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A Quiet Place Day One is the ideal horror film for those who don’t like horror films… but also for those who love them.
Posted Jun 30, 2024
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Inside Out 2
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Way more fun than therapy! Anyone who’s experienced puberty, no matter how long ago, will appreciate it. We are reminded that just because we grow up doesn’t mean we’re not still dealing with Embarrassment, Ennui, Envy and especially Anxiety.
Posted Jun 15, 2024
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Cora Bora
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Cora would be great as a recurring SNL sketch character. But an hour and a half of her unfunny, obnoxious, delusional antics create a film only Gen Z could love. Have at it.
Posted Jun 12, 2024
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I Saw the TV Glow
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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It’s important to just flow with the film's curious currents, and not try too hard to connect it with the reality you know. Try to see everything through Owen’s eyes, and you may find it intriguing and rewarding in ways you never before considered.
Posted May 28, 2024
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Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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The film is a blazingly brilliant and bizarre battle of the senses. More than a movie, it’s an experience. George Miller awes audiences with his savage what-the-hellery.
Posted May 25, 2024
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East Bay
(2022)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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A refreshingly original take on a coming-of-middle-age story, buoyed by stellar performances from its ensemble cast.
Posted May 17, 2024
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IF
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Not a sequel, prequel, reboot or adaptation, the ambitious IF sprang solely from Krasinki’s wondrous imagination. The originality is refreshing—a new classic for the whole family.
Posted May 15, 2024
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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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There is nothing really new or original here. It examines the same time-worn theme its predecessors do, begging the question "Can humans and apes co-exist?" But with tedious and murky characters and narrative, you have to wonder if anyone really cares.
Posted May 10, 2024
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The Idea of You
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Anne Hathaway gives the film weight and substance. Even though her beauty is superlative, she shares our universal pain and insecurity, so often caused by ignorance, rejection, betrayal, aging and life.
Posted May 06, 2024
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The Fall Guy
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Viewers may be disappointed by the lack of suspense—outcomes are obvious before the credits roll. But in the end, it's saved by the charisma of its stars, whose talents could have been put to better use.
Posted May 04, 2024
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We Grown Now
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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You seldom see such authenticity from child actors, and you seldom see so much hope and light emitted from such bleak circumstances. We Grown now nourishes the soul.
Posted Apr 27, 2024
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Challengers
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Zendaya has been extraordinary playing teens and young adults, but she simply doesn’t have the physical or emotional gravitas to pull off the portrayal of a fierce world class tennis player turned ruthless world class coach.
Posted Apr 27, 2024
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Abigail
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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If you’re not a horror fan but your bestie or your significant other is, Abigail is a film you can enjoy together. Remind him/her of your compromise when the next musical comes out.
Posted Apr 20, 2024
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The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Riveting source material, wry casting, and director Guy Ritchie’s talent and wit combine to make this WWII comedic thriller a fun watch.
Posted Apr 19, 2024
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Civil War
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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A riveting, brutal, heart-stopping look at the ravages of war and inhumanity. Writer/director Alex Garland has created a cautionary epic.
Posted Apr 11, 2024
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Monkey Man
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Although it's a well-made film for the genre, the relentless violence, brutality and mayhem are so disturbing I can't recommend it.
Posted Apr 05, 2024
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Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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While this, the fifth installment of the strange in the neighborhood franchise, may not be the strongest, it's still spooktacular fun. Ultimately, bustin' makes us feel good.
Posted Mar 22, 2024
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Arthur the King
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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It's fair to say that most of the characters and dialogue lean towards the cliche. And a little more depth would have been appreciated. But once the humans turn toward saving the dog, the dog saves the humans...and the film.
Posted Mar 14, 2024
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American Dreamer
(2022)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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This home buying hell comedy is elevated by the soaring virtues of Peter Dinklage and Shirley MacLaine, and by the fact that the frustrations are so darn relatable in today's real estate market.
Posted Mar 09, 2024
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Kung Fu Panda 4
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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The animation is phenomenal, as we've come to expect from Dreamworks projects. These animators do love their fight scenes, however, and while they're wildly artistic, the over abundance of them does get a bit tiring.
Posted Mar 07, 2024
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Dune: Part Two
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Just sit back and be dazzled by the world that writer/director Denis Villeneuve has so artfully created. Wrapped in Hans Zimmer’s magical, masterful score, it’s a multi-sensory experience that surpasses the first installment.
Posted Mar 01, 2024
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Madame Web
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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The entire film seems like one long, tiresome setup for a sequel, a goal that is sadly (but perhaps fortunately for viewers) out of its reach.
Posted Feb 20, 2024
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Argylle
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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The film starts off as catnip and ends up as kitty litter, despite the best efforts of the talented and engaging cast.
Posted Jan 31, 2024
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Mean Girls
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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This reboot is a musical—a crazy, wacky, colorful production that doesn’t take itself too seriously. These musical numbers, with their bouncy acrobatic choreography, almost feel Bollywood-ish. That stuff is timeless, and never fails to entertain.
Posted Jan 11, 2024
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The Book of Clarence
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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A fresh, admirable and ambitious attempt, if only the mix of comedy and drama were more effective. Instead they're oil and vinegar. Director Jaymes Samuel never quite attains a cohesive balance, and the tone is discordant and confusing.
Posted Jan 11, 2024
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Night Swim
(2024)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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If you like your horror movies like you prefer your salsa—mild with fresh ingredients (Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon qualify)—don't be afraid to take a dip.
Posted Jan 05, 2024
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American Fiction
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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What Jefferson, Wright, and an astoundingly adroit supporting cast accomplish is one of the most wry, biting and extraordinary movies of the year. It’s a daring film, poking fun at many things some people believe to be sacred. Enjoy the sacrilege.
Posted Jan 03, 2024
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The Holdovers
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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The Holdovers will doubtless become an instant Christmas classic, but don’t let that stop you from seeing it any time of the year. The great performances, poignant storyline, acerbic quips and cunning production value are timeless.
Posted Jan 03, 2024
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Poor Things
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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The art direction alone is enough to make it one of the top five movies of the year, but the breathtaking originality and imagination, plus stellar performances, could make it one of the top five movies of the decade.
Posted Jan 01, 2024
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Saltburn
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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At first glance, Saltburn appears to be just another film about a young upstart trying to break into the insouciant, moneyed British aristocracy. But as the layers quickly begin peeling off, it becomes a compelling film that will haunt you.
Posted Jan 01, 2024
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Wonka
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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This world of pure imagination is wondrous and sugary choleric intake inspiring, which is just what we come for. What Wonka lacks in edge and gravitas it makes up for in radiant art design and good natured movie magic.
Posted Dec 26, 2023
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The Color Purple
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Just in time for Christmas – a jaunty movie musical about incest, rape and abuse. The musical numbers are gorgeous, but confusing and tone deaf. They trivialize the gravity of truly unconscionable crimes and the people who commit them.
Posted Dec 26, 2023
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Maestro
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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In the first five minutes it became apparent that this would not be your typical, candy coated musician biopic, but something much more expansive, compelling and consuming. A masterpiece befitting the master.
Posted Dec 22, 2023
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Wild Boys
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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The film, flawed yet admirable, resonates with its complex emotions and raw handling. It’s not just about finding some elusive loot; it’s also a journey of personal growth and transformation.
Posted Dec 15, 2023
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Dream Scenario
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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It's a cunning take on media, both social and traditional, as well as pop culture. Director Kristoffer Borgli avoids tarting up his film with flashy CGI, schtick or an overly imposing score. He stands back and lets Cage do his brilliant best.
Posted Dec 13, 2023
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Eileen
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Just when you think you know where this film is going, Rebecca drops a line that abruptly changes the direction of the plot, and the film becomes something very different. It’s a delicious WTF moment that is seldom pulled off with such impact.
Posted Dec 13, 2023
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Napoleon
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Although masterful battle scenes abound, at the core of the film is Napoleon's mercurial fascination with Josephine. Kirby is sublimely layered, while Phoenix is creepily unhinged. It’s a portrayal of a relationship unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Posted Dec 01, 2023
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Wish
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Lovely Andalusian visuals and an extraordinarily talented voice cast elevate this Disney animated feature that is otherwise just meh. But Disney enthusiasts will have a great time noting the nods to the classics.
Posted Nov 30, 2023
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The Drive to Sing
(2022)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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The Drive to Sing is more than just a documentary; it’s a reminder to keep the community spirit alive, especially when times are tough. Set in the COVID era, it shows how music has a unique superpower to lift spirits and add joy to our lives.
Posted Nov 21, 2023
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The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Readers, fans and followers of the series will certainly get more out of the film, but even those who are completely unfamiliar with the Hunger Games franchise will appreciate this movie for what it is—a compelling dystopian fantasy.
Posted Nov 17, 2023
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The Marvels
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Kind of like your neighbor's overstuffed Christmas lawn display, it's a garish, nonsensical, mismatched cacophony that tries too hard on every level, and achieves excellence on none of them. Even the superhero cast can't save it.
Posted Nov 09, 2023
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Nyad
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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This is a heart-rending diversion from your typical athlete biopic, directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (directors of 'Free Solo'). They seem eminently qualified to tell the story of Nyad, who was hardly your typical athlete.
Posted Nov 08, 2023
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Don't Look Away
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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Director Micheal Bafaro co-wrote Don’t Look Away with actor Michael Mitton make a good team. Despite a low budget and obscure actors, they crafted a smart script that carries through with striking cinematography, effective music, and eerie sound design.
Posted Oct 31, 2023
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Five Nights at Freddy's
(2023)
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Lisa Johnson Mandell
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The plot is as dingy and full of holes as a 10-year-old pair of underpants, and about as much fun to watch.
Posted Oct 28, 2023
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