Kinetic Go-Big Spectacle ‘Twisters’ Is Familiar, But Less Fresh Than Original

Kinetic Go-Big Spectacle ‘Twisters’ Is Familiar, But Less Fresh Than Original

By Lynn Venhaus The manufactured mayhem of “Twisters” may check off all the boxes for an entertaining summer blockbuster, but its unremarkable storyline neutralizes the... Details
Bloody Horror Thriller ‘MaXXXine’ Can’t Reach Heights of Predecessors

Bloody Horror Thriller ‘MaXXXine’ Can’t Reach Heights of Predecessors

By Lynn Venhaus Bursting with style and verve, director Ti West’s “MaXXXine” features yet another outstanding Mia Goth performance, but sacrifices heart in its unwieldy... Details
Charming Old-fashioned Rom-Com ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ Soars

Charming Old-fashioned Rom-Com ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ Soars

By Lynn Venhaus A stylish nostalgic romantic comedy-drama that vividly recalls the high-stakes of America’s Space Race with the Russians, “Fly Me to the Moon”... Details
‘Ghostlight’ Laser Focused About Healing Power of the Arts

‘Ghostlight’ Laser Focused About Healing Power of the Arts

By Lynn VenhausDemonstrating the healing power of the arts, the disarming “Ghostlight” is a deeply moving and affectionate examination of how community can get us... Details
Despite ’80s Kitsch and Cool, ‘MaXXXine’ Is Weakest of West’s Horror Trilogy

Despite ’80s Kitsch and Cool, ‘MaXXXine’ Is Weakest of West’s Horror Trilogy

By Lynn Venhaus Slashy and trashy, “MaXXXine” falls short of the thrills that made Ti West’s “X” and “Pearl” superior horror films in 2022. The... Details
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ Keeps Alien Story Humming with Unnerving Prequel

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ Keeps Alien Story Humming with Unnerving Prequel

By Lynn Venhaus Still terrifying and unnerving, the third chapter of this durable horror science fiction franchise presents a smart origin story, “A Quiet Place:... Details
Haunting ‘Fancy Dance’ Offers Natural Portrait of Reservation Life

Haunting ‘Fancy Dance’ Offers Natural Portrait of Reservation Life

By Lynn VenhausA raw and real portrait of Native American life on an Oklahoma reservation, “Fancy Dance” is a haunting, heartbreaking missing-person drama from an... Details
Excellent Performances Buoy Predictable Nostalgic Ride Through Past in ‘The Bikeriders”

Excellent Performances Buoy Predictable Nostalgic Ride Through Past in ‘The Bikeriders”

By Alex McPherson Richly atmospheric and suspenseful, yet frustratingly conventional, director Jeff Nichols’ “The Bikeriders” can’t quite connect its engaging performances and visceral thrills with... Details
‘Treasure’ Never Connects In The Way It Sets Out to Achieve

‘Treasure’ Never Connects In The Way It Sets Out to Achieve

By Lynn VenhausAlternating light humor with traumatic memories, “Treasure” never really comes together as an effective homeland revisit by a Holocaust survivor and his well-meaning... Details
While Not As Innovative as Original, ‘Inside Out 2’ Is A Clever Revisit

While Not As Innovative as Original, ‘Inside Out 2’ Is A Clever Revisit

By Lynn VenhausNearly 10 years after Pixar Animation Studios raised the bar again with a mind-bending and rib-tickling “Inside Out,” which became an instant classic,... Details