Reviews — In Reel Deep

Pixar, Art, and the Artists

John Lasseter is set to depart Pixar and Disney quietly, but his legacy has grown complicated.

Essays and AnalysisAndrew JohnsonAugust 1, 2018John Lasseter

No one is trying to reinvent the wheel here, but Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie have gotten the Mission: Impossible series (mostly) back on track.

The Scars of Erik Killmonger

As indelible images from this year’s films go, it’ll be hard to beat out Erik Killmonger with his shirt off.

FeaturesAndrew JohnsonJuly 26, 2018Michael B. Jordan

'Ant-Man and the Wasp'

No one expected a Paul Rudd-led superhero franchise to exist, let alone be this enjoyable, but you can’t help but wonder if Marvel’s formula drags it down.

'Won't You Be My Neighbor?'

The life, times, and beauty of Fred Rogers are captured brilliantly in this documentary about a radical in a sweater.

Documentary, ReviewsSteve CiminoJuly 4, 2018Morgan Neville, Fred Rogers

'Tag'

If you’re looking for a fun summer comedy with a lot of laughs, look elsewhere. Not even Hannibal Buress can save this one.

Comedy, ReviewsSteve CiminoJune 29, 2018Jon Hamm, Ed Helms, Jeremy Renner, Rashida Jones, Hannibal Buress, Jake Johnson

'Incredibles 2'

The territory the Incredibles are in has become a great deal more charted since the original film was released.

Andrew JohnsonJune 25, 2018

'Upgrade'

Someday they’ll make a modern action flick that smartly comments on our relationship with technology. This is not that movie.

Action and Adventure, ReviewsSteve CiminoJune 7, 2018Logan Marshall-Green, Leigh Whannell, Betty Gabriel

'First Reformed'

Ethan Hawke gives the performance of a lifetime in Paul Schrader’s haunting look at one man’s severe loss of faith.

Drama, ReviewsSteve CiminoMay 28, 2018Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, Paul Schrader, Cedric the Entertainer

'Deadpool 2'

Despite Ryan Reynolds still doing his damnedest, this sequel feels like more of the same with less of the wit and charm.

The Future of Film Is Now

Piecing together two excellent books brings our Executive Editor to the inescapable conclusion that the future of film isn’t emerging - for better or worse, it’s already arrived.

Features, Essays and Analysis, Technology, BusinessAndrew JohnsonMay 19, 2018

'The Rider'

Chloé Zhao’s feature about rodeo life in South Dakota stars real people and taps into genuine emotion like few other films with this conceit.

Drama, ReviewsSteve CiminoMay 15, 2018Chloé Zhao, Brady Jandreau

'Avengers: Infinity War'

This massive Marvel mashup isn’t exactly a good movie, but a decade of excellent casting and character development makes it far more fun and cohesive than anyone thought possible.

'Blockers'

Though it loses its early momentum and ends with a thud, an excellent cast—led by John Cena—makes this female-first teen comedy worth the watch.

Comedy, ReviewsSteve CiminoApril 25, 2018John Cena, Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz, Gary Cole

'A Quiet Place'

Anyone looking for an exquisite theater experience needs to bask in the terror of writer-director-star John Krasinski's near-wordless nightmare.

Horror, ReviewsSteve CiminoApril 10, 2018John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Michael Bay

'Tomb Raider'

Though Alicia Vikander almost makes this reboot into something special, it ultimately buckles under the weight of too much video game backstory.

'Isle of Dogs'

Wes Anderson is unlikely to garner any new fans with his latest stop-motion adventure, but existing enthusiasts will find a lot to like.

'Ready Player One'

Pleasurable in the moment, but overwhelming in sum, Steven Spielberg's latest film should be approached with caution.

'The Death of Stalin'

The man who brought us Veep and In the Loop satirizes the post-Stalin power vacuum with dark, hilarious results.

Comedy, ReviewsSteve CiminoMarch 17, 2018Steve Buscemi, Jeffrey Tambor, Jason Isaacs, Armando Iannucci, Rupert Friend

'Red Sparrow'

Too often lurid for the sake of being lurid, this spy thriller boasts another great Jennifer Lawrence performance and not much else.