Take Two: “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/01/2023 |

The quirky short story by Roald Dahl ("The Witches") is now a quirky short film on Netflix directed by Wes Anderson ("Asteroid City").

Freeze Frame: “Napoleon” (R), “Wish” (PG), “Saltburn” (R), “Dashing Through the Snow” (PG), “Leo” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/24/2023 |

A historical drama that aims to be an epic, a Disney animated fairy tale, a pitch black British comedy, a holiday fantasy and an animated Adam Sandler production...all new this week!

Take Two: “Miranda’s Victim” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/24/2023 |

The story behind the Supreme Court's historic Miranda Ruling is the focus of the drama, "Miranda's Victim." Abigail Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine") plays Trish Weir, who suffered a rape in 1963 and fought a technicality that kept her rapist out of jail.

Take Two: “The Killer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/17/2023 |

The dark Netflix thriller "The Killer" stars Michael Fassbender ("Next Goal Wins") as a philosophical assassin who scrambles to save himself when a hit goes bad. It's the latest from director David Fincher ("The Social Network," "Gone Girl"). 

Freeze Frame: “Rustin” (R), “Next Goal Wins” (PG-13), “Trolls Band Together” (PG), “Best. Christmas. Ever!” (TV-PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/17/2023 |

A dramatic look at a Civil Rights legend, a feel-good sports movie, an animated musical farce and a hokey holiday comedy...all new in theaters or streaming this week!

Freeze Frame: “The Marvels” (PG-13), “Journey to Bethlehem” (PG), “Quiz Lady” (R), “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/10/2023 |

The latest entry from the Marvel Universe, a musical about the Nativity, a raucous Hulu comedy and a documentary about a brilliant comic mind...all new in theaters or streaming this week!

Take Two: “Nyad” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/10/2023 |

Annette Bening ("Being Julia") and Jodi Foster ("Silence of the Lambs") star in the Netflix biopic "Nyad." It focuses on famed swimmer Diana Nyad's attempts to swim the Florida Straights at age 63.

Take Two: “Pain Hustlers” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/03/2023 |

Emily Blunt ("Oppenheimer") and Chris Evans ("Captain America") star in the Netflix opioid crisis drama, "Pain Hustlers." They play pharmaceutical sales reps who skirt the law by offering bribes to doctors to prescribe their addictive meds.

FREEZE FRAME: “Priscilla” (R), “What Happens Later” (R), “The Marsh King’s Daughter” (R), “Nyad” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/03/2023 |

A biopic about the wife of a rock superstar, a rom-com featuring a comeback actress, a suspense thriller and a biopic about a swimming legend. Here's a quick overview to help with your viewing choices!

Freeze Frame: “Five Nights at Freddy’s” (PG-13), “The Killer” (R), “Anatomy of a Fall” (R), “Pain Hustlers” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/27/2023 |

Murderous animatronic mascots offer Halloween scares, a slick hitman drama, a cerebral French courtroom drama and a Netflix movie about the opioid crisis...all new this week! Check out these reviews.

Take Two: “The Burial” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/27/2023 |

Oscar winners Jamie Foxx ("Ray") and Tommy Lee Jones ("The Fugutive") star in the Amazon Prime drama, "The Burial," based on a compelling true story.

Take Two: “Book Club: The Next Chapter” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/20/2023 |

Three Oscar-winners and an Emmy winner reunite for a sequel to the hit 2018 comedy, "Book Club."

Freeze Frame: “Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour” (PG-13), “Butcher’s Crossing” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/20/2023 |

Travis Kelsey's girlfriend dominates the box office, but is her concert film all that? Does Nicholas Cage cut it up in "Butcher's Crossing?" Check out this week's movie reviews for the answers.

Take Two: “Fair Play” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/13/2023 |

Phoebe Dynevor ("Bridgerton") and Alden Alden Ehrenreich "Solo: A Star Wars Story") star in the Netflix drama, "Fair Play," a throwback to the erotic thrillers of the 80s and 90s.

Freeze Frame: “The Burial” (R), “Dear David” (R), “Garden City, Kansas” (Not rated), “Herd” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/13/2023 |

A crowd-pleasing courtroom drama on Amazon Prime, a horror entry based on a viral Twitter thread, a documentary about an infamous terrorist event in Kansas and a Missouri-lensed horror thriller. All new this week!

Freeze Frame: “The Exorcist: Believer” (R), “Fair Play” (R), “The Royal Hotel” (R), “Totally Killer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/06/2023 |

A reboot of a classic horror franchise, a Netflix psychological drama, a disturbing suspense thriller, and a horror comedy on Amazon Prime...are all new this week!

Take Two: “Nelly Don – The Musical Movie” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/06/2023 |

The remarkable life of Kansas City dressmaker Nell Donnelly gets musicalized in the locally-made feature, "Nelly Don - The Musical Movie."

Freeze Frame: “The Creator” (PG-13), “Nelly Don – The Musical Movie” (Not rated), “The Kill Room” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/29/2023 |

A sci-fi opus about artificial intelligence, a musical about a KC legend and a dark comic satire about the art world...all new in theaters this week!

Take Two: “El Conde” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/29/2023 |

The dark Netflix satire "El Conde" is a horror entry inspired by the late Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. It's the work of noted filmmaker Pablo Larrain ("Jackie.")

Freeze Frame: “No One Will Save You” (PG-13), “El Conde” (R), “It Lives Inside” (PG-13), “Spy Kids: Armageddon” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/22/2023 |

A surprisingly original alien invasion movie, a political horror satire, a demonic possession movie and an adventure flick for the kids...all new this week.

Take Two: “Hypnotic” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/22/2023 |

Ben Affleck ("Air") stars in "Hypnotic," a sci-fi mystery thriller from filmmaker Robert Rodriguez ("Alita: Battle Angel").

Freeze Frame: “A Haunting in Venice” (PG-13), “A Million Miles Away” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/15/2023 |

The latest Agatha Christie whodunit from Kenneth Branagh and an inspirational Amazon Prime biopic are both new this week. Here's the lowdown.

Take Two: “Bottoms” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/15/2023 |

The raunchy sex farce "Bottoms" stars Rachel Sennott ("Bodies Bodies Bodies") and Ayd Edebiri ("The Bear") as lesbians who start a high school fight club.

Take Two: “Golda” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/08/2023 |

Helen Mirren ("The Queen") stars as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in "Golda," a drama about the tense days of the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

Freeze Frame: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” (PG-13), “Sitting in Bars with Cake” (PG-13), “The Changeling” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/08/2023 |

The latest big fat offering from filmmaker Nia Vardalos, a four-hankie weeper for the Gen Z generation and a creepy supernatural thriller...all new this week. Are they any good?

Freeze Frame: “The Equalizer 3” (R), “The Good Mother” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/01/2023 |

Two-time Oscar-winner Denzel Washington is back for another go-round as an uber-talented vigilante and two-time Oscar-winner Hillary Swank plays the mother of a murder victim in a dark crime drama. Check out these reviews to see what's worth your while.

TAKE TWO: “They Cloned Tyrone” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/01/2023 |

John Boyega ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens"), Teyonah Parris ("WandaVision") and Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx ("Django Unchained") star in the Netflix sci-fi satire "They Cloned Tyrone," a pointed social commentary and homage to Blaxploitation movies.

Take Two: “The Deepest Breath” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/25/2023 |

The Netflix documentary "The Deepest Breath" focuses on the extreme sport of free diving.

Freeze Frame: “Gran Turismo” (PG-13), “Bottoms” (R), “Golda” (PG-13), “Retribution” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/25/2023 |

A video game movie that's not really a video game movie, an edgy teen sex comedy, a historical biopic and a violent action thriller...all new in theaters this week! Check out these reviews.

Take Two: “Heart of Stone” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/18/2023 |

Gal Gadot ("Wonder Woman") stars as an uber talented double-agent in the new Netflix spy thriller, "Heart of Stone."

Freeze Frame: “Blue Beetle” (PG-13), “Strays” (R), “Landscape with Invisible Hand” (R), “The Monkey King” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/18/2023 |

The latest superhero movie from the DC Comics universe, a comedy about foul-mouthed dogs, a sci-fi social commentary and an animated Chinese fantasy...all new in theaters or streaming this week. Check out these reviews before you spend your time and money!

Freeze Frame: “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” (R), “Jules” (PG-13), “Heart of Stone” (PG-13), “Red, White and Royal Blue” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/11/2023 |

Hollywood takes another bite out of Dracula, presents a new take on friendly aliens, recasts Gal Gadot as a super spy and offers a gay rom-com. Check out these reviews to see what's worth your time.

Take Two: “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/11/2023 |

Tom Cruise ("Top Gun: Maverick") returns for the seventh time as super spy Ethan Hunt in the thriller "Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One."

Take Two: “Happiness for Beginners” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/04/2023 |

Ellie Kemper ("Unbreakable Kimmie Shmidt") and Luke Grimes ("Yellowstone") star in the Netflix romcom, "Happiness for Beginners," about two people who backpack their way to romance.

Freeze Frame: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” (PG-13), “Meg 2: The Trench” (PG-13), “Shortcomings” (R), “Dreamin’ Wild” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/04/2023 |

The latest animated adventure from freaky, pizza loving martial artist tortoises, another giant shark movie, an anti-romcom and a bizarre true musical story....all new in theaters this week!

Take Two: “Barbie” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/28/2023 |

The blockbuster toy becomes the blockbuster movie. Find out what our critics thought about Great Gerwig's "Barbie," starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling

Freeze Frame: “Haunted Mansion” (PG-13), “Theater Camp” (PG-13), “Earth Mama” (R), “The Beanie Bubble” (R), “Happiness for Beginners” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/28/2023 |

Disney's latest attempt to adapt an amusement park ride into a movie, a mockumentary about theater folks, a hyper-realistic social drama, a comedy based on a story of corporate greed and a Netlfix romcom...all new this week!

Take Two: “The Out-Laws” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/21/2023 |

Adam DeVine ("Pitch Perfect"), Pierce Brosnan ("The King's Daughter") and Ellen Barkin ("Ocean's Thirteen") star in the wacky farce, "The Out-Laws."

Freeze Frame: “Barbie” (PG-13), “Oppenheimer” (R), “They Cloned Tyrone” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/21/2023 |

It's the bomb vs. the bombshell in theaters this week. Margot Robbie stars as "Barbie" and Cillian Murphy plays "Oppenheimer." There's also a wacky sci-fi farce on Netflix. Check out these reviews!

Freeze Frame: “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One” (PG-13), “The Miracle Club” (PG-13), “Bird Box Barcelona” (R), “Sound of Freedom” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/14/2023 |

The latest in the "Mission Impossible" franchise, a sentimental Irish comic drama, a Netflix horror sequel and a controversial film about child sex trafficking, all new this week. What's worth your time?

Take Two: “Mafia Mamma” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/14/2023 |

Toni Colette ("Hereditary") takes on a comic role in the gangster spoof, "Mafia Mamma."

Freeze Frame: “Joy Ride” (R), “The League” (Not rated), “The Out-Laws” (R), “The Lesson” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/07/2023 |

A raunchy girl trip comedy, a documentary about the Negro Leagues, a lowbrow Netflix comedy and a dark British mystery thriller...all new this week.

Take Two: “To Catch a Killer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/07/2023 |

Shailene Woodley ("Divergent") stars in the dark crime thriller, "To Catch a Killer," the tale of a troubled police officer on the trail of a serial killer.

Freeze Frame: “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (PG-13), “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” (PG), “Run Rabbit Run” (Not rated), “Nimona” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/30/2023 |

Harrison Ford returns as Indiana Jones, an animated sea creature swims into theaters, and Netflix offers a new horror film and animated fantasy...all new this week. Here's what you should...and shouldn't...see.

Take Two: “Extraction 2” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/30/2023 |

Chris Hemsworth ("Thor") returns as black ops mercenary Tyler Rake in "Extraction 2," the sequel to the hit Netflix action thriller from 2020.

Freeze Frame: “Asteroid City” (PG-13), “No Hard Feelings” (R), “The Perfect Find” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/23/2023 |

The latest offbeat comedy from quirky filmmaker Wes Anderson, a raunchy sex comedy starring Jennifer Lawrence and a bawdy Netflix rom-com starring Gabrielle Lewis are all new this week. But what's worth seeing? Check out these reviews!

Take Two: “80 for Brady” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/23/2023 |

Take three Oscar-winning actresses (Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and Sally Field) as well as an Emmy winner (Lily Tomlin), add a Super Bowl-winning quarterback (Tom Brady), and you've got a recipe for a streaming movie hit called "80 for Brady."

Freeze Frame: “The Flash” (PG-13), “Elemental” (PG), “The Blackening” (R), “Extraction 2” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/16/2023 |

Does the latest superhero flick have flash? Is the new Pixar flick elemental? Is "The Blackening" bleak? Is Chris Hemsworth's Netflix action opus epic? Check out this week's movie reviews!

Take Two: “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/16/2023 |

"How to Blow Up a Pipeline" is a fictional thriller inspired by the non-fiction book of the same name by noted ecology professor, Andreas Malm.

Freeze Frame: “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” (PG-13), “Flamin’ Hot” (PG-13), “The Idol” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/09/2023 |

The latest in the Hasbro Toy action franchise, a biopic about an American success story, and a drama that caused a major controversy at the Cannes Film Festival...all new this week!

Take Two: “Moving On” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/09/2023 |

Jane Fonda ("The Book Club") and Lily Tomlin ("80 for Brady) reunite for a dark revenged comedy, "Moving On."

Freeze Frame: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (PG-13), “The Boogeyman” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/02/2023 |

The sequel to the 2018 Oscar-winning animated Spider-Man feature has finally arrived. So does an adaptation of a creepy 1973 Stephen King short story. Do they hold up? Check out this 2-minute review segment!

Take Two: “Rare Objects” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/02/2023 |

Katie Holmes directed and stars in the drama "Rare Objects," which she adapted from the 2016 novel by Kathleen Tessaro.

Take Two: “The Mother” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/26/2023 |

The Netflix action thriller "The Mother" stars Jennifer Lopez as a retired assassin. When bad guys threaten the safety of her daughter, J Lo gets back into backside kicking mode.

Freeze Frame: “The Little Mermaid” (PG), “Kandahar” (R), “You Hurt My Feelings” (R), “The Starling Girl” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/26/2023 |

Yet another live-action adaptation of a Disney animated classic hits the big screen. So does yet another Gerard Butler action flick. Two indie films are new, too...a comedy with Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and a drama that gives a glimpse into a rural Christian community. Check out these reviews.

Freeze Frame: “Fast X” (PG-13), “Carmen” (R), “Rare Objects” (R), “White Men Can’t Jump” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/19/2023 |

The tenth entry in the "Fast and the Furious" franchise races into theaters, an arthouse re-imagining of "Carmen" changes settings, Katie Holmes updates the novel "Rare Objects," and Hulu reworks a classic basketball comedy...all new in theaters or streaming this week.

Take Two: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/19/2023 |

Judy Bloom's 1970 coming of age novel finally gets the big screen treatment. Abby Ryder Fortson ("Ant-Man and the Wasp") takes the title role, supported by Kathy Bates ("Richard Jewell") and Rachel McAdams ("Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness").

Freeze Frame: “Hypnotic” (R), “Book Club: The Next Chapter” (PG-13), “Blackberry” (R), “Fool’s Paradise” (R), “The Mother” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/12/2023 |

A Ben Affleck sci-fi thriller, a Hollywood satire, a drama of corporate intrigue, a comedy sequel and a Netflix action thriller starring J Lo...all new this week. What's worth seeing? Check out these reviews!

Take Two: “Plane” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/12/2023 |

Gerard Butler ("Olympus Has Fallen") stars in the thriller "Plane," a disaster movie/action hybrid.

Freeze Frame: “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” (PG-13), “Love Again” (PG-13), “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/05/2023 |

The latest blockbuster from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a bit of romantic comedy counter-programming, and a new Peacock reality series filmed in Kansas City...all new this week. Check out our reviews!

Take Two: “The Quiet Girl” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/05/2023 |

An Oscar nominee for Best International Feature, the Irish language drama "The Quiet Girl" is now available on many streaming platforms.

Freeze Frame: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (PG-13), “Showing Up” (R), “Peter Pan and Wendy” (PG), “TNT Jackson” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/28/2023 |

A 1970YA coming-of-age novel finally gets its movie adaptation. One of our top actresses joins forces for the fourth time with a noted writer/director. A Disney animated classic gets a live-action reboot. A locally produced film pays homage to blaxploitation movies of the 1970s. All new in theaters and streaming this week. Check out these reviews!

Take Two: “A Tourist’s Guide to Love” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/28/2023 |

Rachel Leigh Cook ("Josie and the Pussycats) and Scott Ly star in the Netflix offering "A Tourist's Guide to Love," a rom-com set in Viet Nam. 

Take Two: “Air” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/21/2023 |

Ben Affleck directs old pal Matt Damon in "Air," the dramatic true story about Nike's efforts to land Michael Jordan's basketball shoe endorsement contract. 

Freeze Frame: “Beau is Afraid” (R), “Chevalier” (PG-13), “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant” (R), “Ghosted” (PG-13), “To Catch a Killer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/21/2023 |

Brace yourself if you venture to the Joaquin Phoenix horror comedy, "Beau is Afraid." On the other end of the cinematic spectrum is the historical biopic "Chevalier," the Afghan War drama "The Covenant," a spy spoof with Chris Evans and Ana de Armas called "Ghosted" and a thoughtful crime puzzler "To Catch a Killer" starring Shaliene Woodley. Check out these reviews!

Freeze Frame: “Renfield” (R), “Mafia Mamma” (R), “Suzume” (PG), “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/14/2023 |

Nicholas Cage as an infamous blood-sucker, Toni Collette as a reluctant mob boss, a colorful anime offering and a drama about sabotage as climate activism...all new this week.

Take Two: “Money Shot: The Pornhub Story” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/14/2023 |

The Netflix documentary "Money Shot: The Pornhub Story" examines the controversial website and its questionable practices.

Freeze Frame: “Air” (R), “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (PG), “Whaam! Blam! Roy Lichtenstein and the Art of Appropriation” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/07/2023 |

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite for a true story about the people from Nike who managed to sign Michael Jordan to a basketball shoe endorsement contract. Hollywood has yet another go at a video game adaptation. There's a new documentary that critically examines the ethics of a pop art icon. Check out this week's movie reviews!

Take Two: “Murder Mystery 2” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/07/2023 |

Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler return in "Murder Mystery 2," a sequel to their 2019 Netflix whodunit farce.

Freeze Frame: “Murder Mystery 2” (PG-13), “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (PG-13), “Tetris” (R), “Spinning Gold” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/31/2023 |

A Netflix comic whodunit with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, a Dungeons and Dragons fantasy, a drama about the release of the video game Tetris, and a biopic about the founder of Casablanca Records...all new this week!

Take Two: “Creed III” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/31/2023 |

Michael B. Jordan ("Fruitvale Station") returns as boxer Adonis Creed in the third installment in the "Rocky" spinoff series. Jonathan Majors ("Devotion") plays his nemesis in and out of the ring. 

Freeze Frame: “John Wick: Chapter 4” (R), “Last Sentinel” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/24/2023 |

The latest Keanu Reeves action flick and a VOD dystopian thriller are new viewing options this week.

Take Two: “True Spirit” (TV-PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/24/2023 |

The Netflix family movie "True Spirit" is a dramatic feature about Australian teenager Jessica Watson who in 2009 attempted to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe.

Take Two: “Emily: (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/17/2023 |

"Emily" is a highly fictionalized biopic about the short life of Emily Bronte, the author of the Victorian Era classic, "Wuthering Heights." Emma Mackey takes the title role.

Freeze Frame: “Boston Strangler” (R), “Moving On” (R), “The Magician’s Elephant” (PG), “One Fine Morning” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/17/2023 |

A Hulu journalistic procedural, another geriatric comedy from Lily Tomiln and Jane Fonda, a colorful Netflix animated fantasy and a winner at the Cannes Film Festival...all new this week!

Take Two: “Sharper” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/10/2023 |

Julianne Moore ("Still Alice") and Sebastian Stan ("Pam & Tommy") lead a sharp cast in a twisty Apple TV+ con artist drama, "Sharper."

Freeze Frame: “Scream VI” (R), “Champions” (PG-13), “The Quiet Girl” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/10/2023 |

The latest in the big box office "Scream" franchise, a feel-good sports comedy and a touching Oscar nominee...all new in theaters this week!

Freeze Frame: “Creed III” (PG-13), “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” (R), “They Wait in the Dark” (Not rated), “Turn Every Page” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/03/2023 |

The latest in the "Creed" boxing series, a James Bond-style action thriller, a locally made horror film and a literary documentary...all new this week. Check out these reviews.

Take Two: “All Quiet on the Western Front” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/03/2023 |

Erich Maria Remarque's acclaimed 1929 WWI novel "All Quiet on the Western Front" gets its fourth movie adaptation. Edward Berger's German-language version won the 2023 British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for Best Picture.

Freeze Frame: “Cocaine Bear” (R), “Emily” (R), “We Have a Ghost” (PG-13), “Linoleum” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/24/2023 |

A dark, goofy comedy about a drug-fueled bear, a speculative Victorian Era biopic of Emily Bronte, a supernatural Netflix comedy and an offbeat sci-fi drama are all new in cinemas or streaming this week. Check out these reviews!

Take Two: “Your Place or Mine” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/24/2023 |

Reese Witherspoon ("Wild") and Ashton Kutcher (TV's "That 70s Show") are bi-coastal friends in the Netflix rom-com, "Your Place or Mine."

Freeze Frame: “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (PG-13), “Sharper” (R), “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/17/2023 |

The latest entry in the Marvel Universe, a twisty Netflix psychological thriller and a grisly horror entry inspired by a series of classic children's books...all new this week. Check out these reviews.

Take Two: “Pamela: A Love Story” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/17/2023 |

The infamous "Baywatch Babe" Pamela Anderson tries to set the record straight with a new Netflix documentary, providing her with an outlet to tell her own story.

Freeze Frame: “Your Place or Mine” (PG-13), “Consecration” (R), “Pamela: A Love Story” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/10/2023 |

An Oscar winner and a TV sitcom star headline a new Netflix rom-com. A new horror entry joins the box office bandwagon. A Netflix documentary profiles a celebrity who dominated the tabloids in the 1980s. What's worth seeing? Check out these reviews!

Take Two: “My Father’s Dragon” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/10/2023 |

The Netflix children's movie "My Father's Dragon" employs traditional, hand-drawn animation to tell the fantastical story of a boy and a dragon who try to save a sinking island. 

Take Two: “You People” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/03/2023 |

Susan and Russ have completely different takes on the new Netflix romantic comedy called "You People." A commentary on contemporary race relations, it stars Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Duchovny.

Freeze Frame: “80 for Brady (PG-13), “Knock at the Cabin” (R), “True Spirit” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/03/2023 |

Four Hollywood icons star in a broad comedy aimed at the older moviegoing demographic. Director M. Night Shyamalan's offers his newest twisty creepfest. Netflix's wholesome family adventure "True Spirit" is about a young girl's dangerous nautical feat. Are any of them worth seeing? Check out this review.

Freeze Frame: “You People” (R), “Infinity Pool” (R), “Living” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/27/2023 |

A Netflix mix of rom-com and social commentary, a grisly midnight movie and an Oscar-nominated British drama...all new this week!

Take Two: “Dog Gone” (TV-PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/27/2023 |

Rob Lowe (TV's "9-1-1: Lone Star") stars in the Netflix family movie, "Dog Gone," based on a true story about a Virginia family's efforts to locate their lost dog.

Freeze Frame: “Women Talking” (PG-13), “The Son” (PG-13), “Alice, Darling” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/20/2023 |

Three dark dramas open this week: An award-winning film about victimized Mennonite women, a dark melodrama starring Hugh Jackman and Anna Kendrick coping with a psychologically abusive boyfriend. Are they worth seeing?

Take Two: “The Pale Blue Eye” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/20/2023 |

Christian Bale ("Batman Begins") and Harry Melling ("Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) star in the gothic murder mystery "The Pale Blue Eye," based on the novel by Louis Bayard.

Freeze Frame: “Plane” (R), “Dog Gone” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/13/2023 |

Gerard Butler ("300") stars in yet another over-the-top action thriller and Netflix offers a family-friendly dog movie. Check out the reviews before you make your choice.

Take Two: “A Man Called Otto” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/13/2023 |

Tom Hanks ("Elvis") stars as a cantankerous curmudgeon in the comic drama "A Man Called Otto," an Americanized version of the award-winning 2015 Swedish film, "A Man Called Ove."

Freeze Frame: “A Man Called Otto” (PG-13), “The Pale Blue Eye” (R), “Corsage” (Not rated), “White Noise” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/06/2023 |

The latest from America's Dad, Tom Hanks, a gothic Netflix thriller starring Christian Bale, a biopic about Empress Elisabeth of Austria and a Netflix adaptation of Don DeLillo's acclaimed 80s absurdist novel...all new this week!

Take Two: “White Noise” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/06/2023 |

Filmmaker Noah Baumbach ("Marriage Story") has adapted Don DeLillo's acclaimed 1985 novel "White Noise" for Netflix. It stars Adam Driver ("BlacKKKlansman"), Greta Gerwig ("Frances Ha") and Don Cheadle ("Ocean's Eleven").

Freeze Frame: The Best Films of 2022 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/30/2022 |

Time once again to list the best films of the year, the cream of the 2022 cinematic crop.

Take Two: “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/30/2022 |

In a sequel to the popular 2019 whodunit "Knives Out," filmmaker Rian Johnson ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") once again offers a decadent mystery featuring wily sleuth Beniot Blanc, played by Daniel Craig ("No Time to Die").

Freeze Frame: “Babylon” (R), “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” (PG-13), “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (PG), “The Whale” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/23/2022 |

An old Hollywood epic from the director of "La La Land," a biopic about pop diva Whitney Houston, another animated Puss in Boots movie and a major comeback for Brendan Fraser....all new in theaters or this week!

Take Two: “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/23/2022 |

Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro ("The Shape of Water) adds some new twists to the classic story in a new stop-motion musical adaptation.

Take Two: “She Said” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/16/2022 |

In the journalistic procedural "She Said," Carrie Mulligan ("Promising Young Woman") and Zoe Kazan ("The Big Sick") play two NY Times reporters who doggedly pursued the story of Harvey Weinstein's infamous sexual abuse scandals. 

Take Two: “Slumberland” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/09/2022 |

"Slumberland" is a live action Netflix adaptation of the old "Little Nemo in Slumberland" comic strip. Jason Mamoa ("Aquaman") leads the cast in this fantasy about a young girl who travels between the real world and the dream world.

Freeze Frame: “Emancipation” (R), “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (PG), “Aftersun” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/09/2022 |

A new historical drama starring Oscar-winner Will Smith, a stop-motion animated musical from yet another Oscar winner, and an offbeat and low key British family drama...all new this week.

Freeze Frame: “Violent Night” (R), “Bones and All” (R), “The Inspection” (R), “Darby and the Dead” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/02/2022 |

A horror comedy, a horror romance, a horror bootcamp experience and a horrible movie...all are new movies in theaters or streaming this week.

Take Two” “Tár” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/02/2022 |

Cate Blanchett ("Blue Jasmine") makes yet another Oscar bid with "Tár," a drama about a conflicted symphonic conductor. Todd Field ("In the Bedroom") handled the writing and directing chores.

Freeze Frame: “The Fabelmans” (PG-13), “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (R), “Strange World” (PG-13), “Slumberland” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/25/2022 |

An autobiographical film from Steven Spielberg, a wacky mystery sequel, a Disney animated adventure fantasy and a Netflix live action fantasy...all new this week.

Take Two: “The Wonder” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/25/2022 |

Florence Pugh ("Don't Worry Darling") stars in the Irish period drama "The Wonder," from acclaimed director Sebastian Lelio ("A Fantastic Woman"). 

Freeze Frame: “She Said” (R), “Spirited” (PG-13), “Disenchanted” (PG), “The Menu” (R), “A Christmas Story Christmas” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/18/2022 |

A journalism procedural, two new holiday musicals, a pitch black comedy for foodies and a long-awaited sequel to a holiday movie classic...all new in theaters or streaming this week!

Take Two: “Enola Holmes 2” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/18/2022 |

Millie Bobby Brown ("Stranger Things") stars in the Netflix mystery sequel "Enola Holmes 2." It's yet another adaptation of the popular novels by Nancy Springer.

Take Two: “The School for Good and Evil” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/11/2022 |

Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington play professors at a fairytale academy in the Netflix fantasy, "The School for Good and Evil."

Freeze Frame: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (PG-13), “My Father’s Dragon” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/11/2022 |

A highly anticipated Marvel sequel and a traditionally hand-drawn animated fantasy are both new this week. But do they make the grade?

Freeze Frame: The Banshees of Inisherin” (R), “Enola Holmes 2” (PG-13), “Causeway” (R), “Louis Armstrong’s Black and Blues” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/04/2022 |

A pitch black Irish comedy, a lighthearted Netflix mystery, a modest character study and a documentary about a great jazz legend...all new this week.

Take Two: “The Good Nurse” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/04/2022 |

Oscar winners Jessica Chastain ("The Eyes of Tammy Faye") and Eddie Redmayne ("The Theory of Everything") star in the Netflix drama "The Good Nurse," a true story about America's most prolific serial killer.

Freeze Frame: “Till” (PG-13), “The Good Nurse” (R), “Wendell & Wild” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/28/2022 |

A sobering true story respectfully told, a true crime drama about a prolific serial killer and a stop-motion Halloween horror comedy are all new this week. Are any worth your time. Check out this two-minute movie review segment.

Take Two: “Ticket to Paradise” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/28/2022 |

Movie icons George Clooney ("Ocean's 11") and Julia Roberts ("Pretty Woman") star in the old school rom-com, "Ticket to Paradise."

Freeze Frame: “Black Adam” (PG-13), “Ticket to Paradise” (PG-13), “The School for Good and Evil” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/21/2022 |

A new comic book epic starring The Rock, a reunion of two movie superstars and a Harry Potter wannabe...are all new this week. But are they any good? Check out our reviews.

Take Two: “Blonde” (NC-17) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/21/2022 |

The life of Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe gets the arthouse biopic treatment with "Blonde." Ana de Armas ("Knives Out") plays the star whose tragic life inspired a novel by Joyce Carol Oates that director Andrew Dominik adapted to film.

Freeze Frame: “Halloween Ends” (R), “Rosaline” (PG-13), “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/14/2022 |

Does the infamous "Halloween" movie franchise really come to a conclusion? Does a comic re-working of the Romeo and Juliet saga actually work? Can yet another Stephen King movie adaptation provide the chills? Find out in this week's movie reviews!

Take Two: “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/14/2022 |

Jaeden Martell ("It") and Donald Sutherland ("The Hunger Games") star in "Mr. Harrigan's Phone," a Netflix film adapted from a Stephen King novella. John Lee Hancock ("The Blind Side") provides the screenplay and direction for this supernatural coming-of-age movie.

Freeze Frame: “Amsterdam” (R), “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” (PG), “Hellraiser” (R), “Hocus Pocus 2” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/07/2022 |

A star-studded period whodunit, an adaptation of a beloved children's book, a reboot of a grisly horror franchise and a sequel to a 29-year-old Disney Halloween movie...all new this week!

Take Two: “A Jazzman’s Blues” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/07/2022 |

Filmmaker Tyler Perry ("Madea") offers an old school melodrama, "A Jazzman's Blues." It's a murder mystery romance set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South. It's now on Netflix.

Freeze Frame: “Blonde” (NC-17), “Bros” (R), “Smile” (R), “The Good House” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/30/2022 |

'Edgy' would be a good word to sum up this week's movies. They include an NC-17 biopic of Marilyn Monroe, a raunchy gay romantic comedy, a creepy horror flick and Sigourney Weaver battling alcoholism. What's worth your time? Check out this week's reviews.

Take Two: “Lou” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/30/2022 |

Oscar-winner Allison Janney ("I, Tonya") stars in the Netflix action thriller, "Lou."

Freeze Frame: “Don’t Worry, Darling” (R), “A Jazzman’s Blues” (R), “Lou” (R), “Sidney” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/23/2022 |

A controversial sci-fi thriller starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, an new Netflix drama from Tyler Perry, a Netflix action thriller with Allison Janney and an Apple TV+ documentary about the late, great actor Sidney Poitier...new this week!

Take Two: “The Woman King” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/23/2022 |

Viola Davis ("The Help") stars in the historical epic "The Woman King," the tale of female warriors who defend their African kingdom in the 1800s.

Freeze Frame: “The Woman King” (PG-13), “Pearl” (R), “Confess, Fletch” (R), “See How They Run” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/16/2022 |

A historical action epic starring Viola Davis, a slasher movie prequel, and two comic mysteries...are all new in theaters and streaming this week. Check this out before you decide what to see.

Take Two: “End of the Road” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/16/2022 |

Queen Latifah and Ludacris star in a Netflix action thriller called "End of the Road."

Freeze Frame: “Pinocchio” (PG), “End of the Road” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/09/2022 |

A live-action remake of Disney's "Pinocchio" starring Tom Hanks and a throwback Netflix action thriller starring Queen Latifah are new streaming options this week. But are they worth your time?

Take Two: “The Gray Man” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/09/2022 |

Ryan Gosling ("La La Land") and Chris Evans ("Captain America") star in the Netflix action thriller "The Gray Man."

Freeze Frame: “Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul” (R), “Gigi and Nate” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/02/2022 |

A satiric mockumentary skewering megachurches starring Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall, and a family-friendly tale of a paraplegic and his service animal...both new in cinemas this week.

Take Two: “Look Both Ways” (TV-14) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/02/2022 |

Lili Reinhart (TV's "Riverdale") stars in "Look Both Ways," a comic drama about a woman whose life diverges into two parallel realities, one in which she's pregnant and one in which she is not.

Freeze Frame: “Three Thousand Years of Longing” (R), “Me Time” (R), “Breaking” (PG-13), “Samaritan” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/26/2022 |

An adult fantasy starring Idris Elba, a buddy comedy with Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg, a heist movie with John Boyega and a superhero movie with...Sylvester Stallone?? They're all new in this week's film review segment.

Take Two: “Emily the Criminal” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/26/2022 |

In the social drama "Emily the Criminal," Aubrey Plaza ("Black Bear") stars as a desperate young woman drowning in credit card debt who turns to credit card fraud.

Freeze Frame: “Beast” (R), “Look Both Ways” (TV-MA), “Prey” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/19/2022 |

A "when animals attack" movie with Idris Elba, a "what-if" comic drama, and a prequel to the sci-fi "Predator" franchise...all new in theaters or streaming this week!

Take Two: “Day Shift” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/19/2022 |

Jamie Foxx ("Ray"), Dave Franco ("Neighbors") and Snoop Dogg ("The House Next Door") star in "Day Shift," a new horror comedy on Netflix.

Freeze Frame: “Day Shift” (R), “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (R), “Emily the Criminal” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/12/2022 |

Two horror comedies, one on Netflix and one in theaters, compete for your attention against an indie drama starring Aubrey Plaza. Which ones are worth seeing?

Take Two: “Bullet Train” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/12/2022 |

Brad Pitt ("Once Upon a Time in Hollwyood") stars in the over-the-top action comedy, "Bullet Train."

Freeze Frame: “Bullet Train” (R), “Thirteen Lives” (PG-13), “Easter Sunday” (PG-13), “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/05/2022 |

An over-the-top action comedy with Brad Pitt, a real life rescue thriller from director Ron Howard, a comedy about a Filipino-American family and a documentary about one of the century's most famous songs...all new in theaters and streaming this week!

Take Two: “Jurassic World: Dominion” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/05/2022 |

"Jurassic World: Dominion," the sixth film in the "Jurassic Park" franchise, sees familiar faces and familiar dinosaurs returning for yet another eye-popping action adventure.

Freeze Frame: “DC League of Super Pets” (PG), “Vengeance” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/29/2022 |

A surprising animated action movie and an R-rated neo-noir thriller are new in theaters this week.

Take Two: “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/29/2022 |

"Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" is a whimsical stop-motion animated mockumentary that is based on three award-winning short subjects. Jenny Slate ("Gifted") provides the voice of the titular character. 

Freeze Frame: “Nope” (R), “The Gray Man” (PG-13), “Alone Together” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/22/2022 |

The latest creepfest from writer/director Jordan Peele ("Get Out"), a Netflix thriller starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans and a romantic drama from Katie Holmes...all new in theaters and streaming this week.

Take Two: “Persuasion” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/22/2022 |

The seventh dramatic adaptation of Jane Austen's classic 1817 novel "Persuasion" is new on Netflix. Dakota Johnson stars.

Freeze Frame: “The Royal” (Not rated), “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (PG-13), “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” (PG), “Where the Crawdads Sing” (PG-13), “Persuasion” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/15/2022 |

A biopic about a former KC Royals first baseman, a stop-motion animated mockumentary and three adaptations of well-known novels are all in the lineup in this week's movie review segment.

Take Two: “The Forgiven” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/15/2022 |

Ralph Finnes ("The King's Man") and Jessica Chastain ("The Eyes of Tammy Faye") star in the dark social drama, "The Forgiven," written and directed by John Michael McDonagh ("Calvary"). 

Freeze Frame: “Thor: Love and Thunder” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/08/2022 |

The latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a superhero flick given a comedic twist by filmmaker Taika Waititi and star Chris Hemsworth.

Take Two: “The Man from Toronto” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/08/2022 |

Kevin Hart ("Ride Along") and Woody Harrelson ("War for the Planet of the Apes") star in the Netflix action comedy, "The Man from Toronto."

Freeze Frame: “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (PG), “The Forgiven” (R), “Official Competition” (R), “Mr. Malcolm’s List” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/01/2022 |

Is the new "Minions" movie despicable? How about some actors showcases with Ralph Fiennes, Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas? There's also a period romance that plays like a lost Jane Austin story. Russ covers them all in this week's "Freeze Frame!"

Take Two: “Elvis” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/01/2022 |

Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann ("Moulin Rouge") puts his flashy imprint on the life of the King of Rock 'n Roll. "Elvis" stars Austin Butler ("Once Upon a Time in Hollywood") in the title role and Tom Hanks ("News of the World") portrays his manager, Col. Tom Parker.

Freeze Frame: “Elvis” (PG-13), “The Man from Toronto” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/24/2022 |

Tom Hanks in a movie bio of Elvis Presley? Is Kevin Hart really a hitman? Check out this week's movie reviews!

Take Two: “Spiderhead” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/24/2022 |

The new Netflix sci-fi thriller "Spiderhead" stars Chris Hemsworth ("The Avengers") and Miles Teller ("Whiplash") and was directed by Joseph Kosinski ("Top Gun: Maverick").

Freeze Frame: “Lightyear” (PG), “Spiderhead” (R), “Cha Cha Real Smooth” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/17/2022 |

Another gem from Pixar, an oddball sci-fi offering from Netflix, and the winner of the Audience Award at Sundance are covered in this week's movie review segment.

Take Two: “Hustle” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/17/2022 |

The Netflix offering "Hustle" is a sports drama starring Adam Sandler ("Uncut Gems") as a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers who discovers and promotes a promising player he discovers playing street ball in Spain.

Take Two: “Senior Year” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/10/2022 |

Rebel Wilson ("Pitch Perfect") stars in the Netflix comedy "Senior Year" about a woman who wakes up from a 20-year coma and believes she's still in high school.

Freeze Frame: “Jurassic World Dominion” (PG-13), “Hustle” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/10/2022 |

The latest entry in the "Jurassic World" franchise hits the big screen and a basketball drama starring Adam Sandler hits Netflix.

Freeze Frame: “Hollywood Stargirl” (PG), “Watcher” (R), “Eiffel” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/03/2022 |

A movie starring a Lenexa, Kansas native, a creepy horror thriller and a lush romantic drama are all new in theaters or streaming this week.

Take Two: “Top Gun: Maverick” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/03/2022 |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — )

After 36 years, Tom Cruise ("Mission Impossible") returns to the role that made him famous, Maverick the hotshot Navy pilot in "Top Gun: Maverick."

Freeze Frame: “Top Gun: Maverick” (PG-13), “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” (PG-13), “Montana Story” (R), “The Dreams of Rene Sendam” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/27/2022 |

The return of Tom Cruise in "Top Gun: Maverick," a feature-length adaptation of an animated TV sitcom, a strong family drama and a locally-shot experimental film are all under Russ' microscope this week.

Take Two: “The Duke” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/27/2022 |

Jim Broadbent ("Moulin Rouge") and Helen Mirren ("The Queen") star in the low key British comedy, "The Duke." It's the true story of an eccentric who stole an art masterpiece in 1961.

Freeze Frame: “Downton Abbey: A New Era” (PG), “Senior Year” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/20/2022 |

The second feature film from the "Downton Abbey" universe and a Netflix comedy starring Rebel Wilson get the once-over from Russ in this week's movie review segment.

Take Two: “Operation Mincemeat” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/20/2022 |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 1.5MB)

Colin Firth ("The King's Speech") leads the cast in the WWII spy thriller, "Operation Mincemeat," based on a bizarre true story. 

Freeze Frame: “On the Count of Three” (R), “Operation Mincemeat” (PG-13), “Happening” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/13/2022 |

Russ covers an edgy comedy about suicide, a WWII cloak-and-dagger melodrama and a French abortion drama, are all new in theaters this week.

Take Two: “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/13/2022 |

Nicholas Cage ("Pig") plays Nicholas Cage ("Face/Off") in this wacky and very meta comedy.

Freeze Frame: “Memory” (R), “The Survivor” (R), “Polar Bear” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/29/2022 |

Russ covers the latest Liam Neeson action flick, a historical drama on HBO Max and a DisneyNature doc about polar bears.

Take Two: “The Bad Guys” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/29/2022 |

The animated comedy "The Bad Guys" is a sendup of heist movies featuring anthropomorphic animals who have to decide whether or not to go straight.

FREEZE FRAME: “The Northman” (R), “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once” (R), “The Bad Guys” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/22/2022 |

An ultra-violent take on the legend that inspired "Hamlet," an R-rated sci-fi martial arts action arthouse comedy with overtones of romance and heartfelt family dynamics...and an animated caper movie. They're all covered in this week's movie review segment!

Take Two: “Father Stu” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/22/2022 |

Mark Wahlberg ("The Departed") stars in the true story of boxer-turned-priest, Stuart Long. 

Freeze Frame: “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” (PG-13), “Father Stu” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/15/2022 |

The latest from the wizarding world of Harry Potter and an inspirational drama starring Mark Wahlberg are both new in theaters this week.

Take Two:”CODA” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/15/2022 |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 1.6MB)

This year's Oscar-winner for Best Picture is the little indie that could. Susan and Russ review the comic drama, "CODA."

FREEZE FRAME: “All the Old Knives” (R), “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (PG), “Agent Game” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/08/2022 |

Russ covers a couple of new spy thrillers, one starring Chris Pine and the other with Mel Gibson, and a Sega Game movie sequel.

Take Two: “The Bubble” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/08/2022 |

Writer/director Judd Apatow ("Knocked Up") takes aim at Hollywood pomposity in the Netflix satirical comedy "The Bubble." Cast members include Leslie Mann ("Blithe Spirit"), Keegan Michael Key ("The Prom") and Kate McKinnon ("Joe vs. Carol"). 

Freeze Frame: “Morbius” (PG-13), “The Bubble” (R), “Better Nate Than Ever” (PG), “The Devil You Know” (R), “Apollo 10 1/2” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/01/2022 |

Russ reviews a Marvel horror flick, a Netflix showbiz comedy, a Disney+ musical, a gritty R-rated urban drama and a nostalgic Netflix animated entry. How's that for variety?

Take Two: “The Lost City” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/01/2022 |

Sandra Bullock ("Unforgivable") and Channing Tatum ("Dog") star in the wacky rom-com fantasy, "The Lost City."

Freeze Frame: “The Lost City” PG-13, “Infinite Storm” (R), “All My Friends Hate Me” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/25/2022 |

Russ reviews a Sandra Bullock/Channing Tatum comic romance, a harrowing true survival story and an offbeat British horror comedy...all new in this week's lineup.

Take Two: “Windfall” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/25/2022 |

Jesse Plemons ("The Power of the Dog"), Lily Collins ("Emily in Paris") and Jason Segel ("How I Met Your Mother") star in the new Netflix suspense thriller, "Windfall."

Freeze Frame: “Deep Water” (R), “Windfall” (R), “Master” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/18/2022 |

Russ covers an erotic thriller starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, a crime drama with Jason Segel, Lily Collins and Jesse Plemons and a horror entry called "Master."

Take Two: “The Adam Project” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/18/2022 |

Actor Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy, who recently collaborated on the hit "Free Guy," re-team for the sci-fi time travel movie, "The Adam Project." 

Freeze Frame: “The Adam Project” (PG-13), “Turning Red” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/11/2022 |

Russ gives the 4-1-1 on two new streaming options, "The Adam Project" on Netflix and "Turning Red" on Disney+.

Take Two: “Cyrano” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/11/2022 |

Peter Dinklage ("Game of Thrones") stars in a musical adaptation of the classic French romantic play, "Cyrano." 

“The Batman” (PG-13), “Lucy and Desi” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/04/2022 |

Russ gives the 4-1-1 on the DC Comics blockbuster "The Batman" and the Amazon Prime documentary "Lucy and Desi."

Take Two: “tick…tick…BOOM!” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/04/2022 |

The Netflix offering "tick...tick...BOOM!" is an adaptation of the Broadway musical autobiography of composer Jonathan Larson ("Rent"). Andrew Garfield ("The Eyes of Tammy Faye") stars. 

Freeze Frame: “Cyrano” (PG-13), “Studio 666” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/25/2022 |

Russ covers "Cyrano," a new musical adaptation of Rostand's classic romantic play, and "Studio 666," a horror comedy starring Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters.

Take Two: “The Worst Person in the World” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/25/2022 |

"The Worst Person in the World" is a comic drama from Norway that's been nominated for two Academy Awards, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.

Freeze Frame: “Uncharted” (PG-13), “Dog” (PG-13), “The Worst Person in the World” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/18/2022 |

Russ fills us in on a video game adaptation starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, a man and dog road movie with Channing Tatum, and an Oscar nominee for Best International Feature.

Take Two: “West Side Story” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/18/2022 |

Does Steven Spielberg's remake of the classic musical "West Side Story" live up to the original? Susan and Russ have very different opinions.

Freeze Frame: “Death on the Nile” (PG-13), “Marry Me” (PG-13), “I Want You Back” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/11/2022 |

Russ gives the lowdown on the latest Agatha Christie whodunit from Kenneth Branagh and a pair of Valentine's weekend rom-coms.

Take Two: “Lotawana” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/11/2022 |

Local filmmaker Trevor Hawkins makes his feature film debut with the drama "Lotawana," shot at Lake Lotawana, Missouri.

Freeze Frame: “Lotawana” (Not rated), “Flee” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/04/2022 |

This week, Russ covers a locally-made feature, "Lotawana" and the Oscar contender "Flee."

Take Two: “Belfast” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/04/2022 |

Writer/director Kenneth Branagh (:Murder on the Orient Express") offers "Belfast," a semi-autobiographical tale of his youth in his native Norther Ireland.

Freeze Frame: “Parallel Mothers” (R), “The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/28/2022 |

Russ fills us in on the latest from Oscar-winning filmmaker Pedro Almodovar and a new entry in the Ice Age franchise.

Take Two: “Bruised” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/28/2022 |

Actress Halle Berry stars in the Netflix MMA drama, "Bruised." The film also marks her directorial debut.

Freeze Frame: “A Hero” (PG-13), “The King’s Daughter” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/21/2022 |

The latest movie from Oscar-winning filmmaker Asghar Farhadi and a fairytale starring Pierce Brosnan? They're both reviewed in this week's review roundup from Russ Simmons.

Take Two: “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/21/2022 |

Filmmaker Joel Coen ("No Country for Old Men") takes a shot at adapting one of the thornier Shakespeare works, with Denzel Washington ("Fences") and Frances McDormand in the major roles.

Freeze Frame: “Scream” (R), “Drive My Car” (Unrated), “Belle” (PG), “The 355” (R), “The Tender Bar” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/14/2022 |

A diverse lineup of movies fills theaters this week. Russ helps sort through the selections that range from a tongue-in-cheek slasher flick to a thoughtful Japanese arthouse entry.

Take Two: “The Hand of God” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/14/2022 |

"The Hand of God," the latest opus from Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino ("The Great Beauty"), is a wistful semi-autobiographical tale of his youth in Naples. 

Freeze Frame: Russ’ Top 10 movies of 2021! ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/07/2022 |

Check out my annual countdown of the Best Movies of 2021!

Take Two: “The Lost Daughter” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/07/2022 |

Oscar-winner Olivia Coleman ("The Favourite") stars in the psychological drama "The Lost Daughter," the directing debut of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal ("The Kindergarten Teacher").

Freeze Frame: “Licorice Pizza” (R), “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (R), “Red Rocket” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/31/2021 |

"Licorice Pizza," a departure for filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson ("Boogie Nights"), "The Tragedy of Macbeth," a departure for Joel Coen and "Red Rocket," a departure of taste are all new for review this week.

Freeze Frame: “The Matrix Resurrections” (R), “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” (PG), “Don’t Look Up” (R), “A Journal for Jordan” (PG), “Even Mice Belong in Heaven” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/24/2021 |

Check out Russ' 2-minute review segment for the lowdown on "The Matrix Resurrections," "American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story," "Don't Look Up," "A Journal for Jordan," "Even Mice Belong in Heaven."

Take Two: “The Unforgivable” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/24/2021 |

Sandra Bullock ("Birdbox") goes for a total makeover in "The Unforgivable," a Netflix drama about an ex-con looking for redemption. The cast also includes Vincent D'Onofrio, Viola Davis, Rob Morgan, Richard Thomas and Jon Bernthal.

Freeze Frame: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (PG-13), “Nightmare Alley” (R), “Sing 2” (PG), “Swan Song” (R), “The King’s Man” (R), “The Lost Daughter: (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/17/2021 |

Russ covers new movie options available in theaters or streaming: "Spider-Man: No Way Home," "Nightmare Alley," "Sing 2," "Swan Song," "The King's Man," and "The Lost Daughter."

Take Two: “Being the Ricardos” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/17/2021 |

Susan and Russ take a look at the new behind-the-scenes drama "Being the Ricardos." It stars Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the stars of the classic sitcom "I Love Lucy." Oscar-winner Aaron Sorkin ("The Social Network") wrote the screenplay and directed. 

Freeze Frame: “West Side Story” (PG-13), “Being the Ricardos” (R), “The Unforgivable” (R), “National Champions” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/10/2021 |

Check out Russ' two-minute review segment for the scoop on the new movies "West Side Story," "Being the Ricardos," "The Unforgivable" and "National Champions."

Take Two: “House of Gucci” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/10/2021 |

Director Ridley Scott ("The Last Duel") has assembled an impressive cast (Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek) to tell the true story of intrigue and murder within the famed fashion house.

Freeze Frame: “The Power of the Dog” (R), “The Hand of God” (R), “C’Mon, C’Mon” (R), “Below the Fold” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/03/2021 |

The gothic arthouse western "The Power of the Dog" is one of those movies that causes critics to flip and general audiences to shrug. Benedict Cumberbatch leads an accomplished cast in director Jane Campion's adaptation of Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel that tells the tragic tale of a despicable cowboy who makes life miserable for everyone on a 1920s Montana cattle ranch. What makes him tick and will he get his comeuppance? This dark character study is beautifully crafted and skillfully acted. It’s all a bit too ambiguous for its own good. Still, "The Power of the Dog" has a quiet power.

“The lavishly filmed coming of age movie "The Hand of God" is Italian director Paolo Sorrentino's gauzy look back at the joy and tragedy of his early teenage years in Napoli. This autobiographical tale is understandably self-indulgent, but it has a wistful nature that may resonate with some viewers.

Joaquin Phoenix and young Woody Norman are utterly believable in Mike Mills' low key but smart comic drama "C'Mon, C'Mon," the tale of a single man and his troubled nephew who bicker and bond when they are thrown together by circumstance. Its approach comes off as a bit preachy and at times, the movie can be as annoying as fingernails on the chalkboard. In other words, it's like real life. Expect some love for these actors at awards time.

Kansas City-based filmmaker Clayton Scott offers his locally lensed movie debut, “Below the Fold,” available on Amazon Prime and VOD. It’s fictional mystery thriller inspired by real life murders in the Skidmore, Missouri area. Davis DeRock and Sarah McGuire star as reporters who dig up new evidence in a decade-old cold case. While it doesn’t break any new ground, “Below the Fold” shows plenty of potential from a promising new talent.

Take Two: “The Power of the Dog” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/03/2021 |

Benedict Cumberbatch ("Doctor Strange") goes against type in the gothic western, "The Power of the Dog" from filmmaker Jane Campion ("The Piano").

Freeze Frame: “House of Gucci” (R), “Encanto” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/26/2021 |

Infidelity, scandal, intrigue, murder. These are the topics of many a soap opera. They also emerge in the true story “House of Gucci,” currently available in theaters only. Lady Gaga gives a wily performance as the ambitious and cunning wife of fashion house heir Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver. Director Ridley Scott has put together an all-star cast that also includes Al Pacino, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons and Salma Hayek to tell this story of the unscrupulous behavior by members of the famous family. Sometimes the dialogue and performances…especially by Leto…seem awfully campy, and Driver’s character and his actions are very murky. Plus, the film never establishes a consistent tone. “The House of Gucci” is certainly entertaining but is never quite as gripping as it should have been.

“Encanto” is the latest animated fantasy from the folks at Disney and it’s also currently available in theaters only. “Encanto” lives up to its name. It’s a charming musical extravaganza that takes place in the mountains of Columbia, focusing on the enchanted Madrigal family that lives in a magical casita. Each family member imbued with a special supernatural gift. All members, that is, except for one. Young Mirabel Madrigal struggles to understand why she is the one who has been left out. Unlike most Disney fairytales, “Encanto” has no villains, but the characters are still faced with considerable personal obstacles to overcome. The animation is stunning, and the soundtrack is full of catchy tunes written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. “Encanto” is a Thanksgiving weekend gift that all members of the family can be thankful for.

Take Two: “Red Notice” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/26/2021 |

Can Dwayne Johnson ("Jungle Cruise"), Ryan Reynolds ("Free Guy") and Gal Gadot ("Wonder Woman") save the big budget Netflix comic thriller "Red Notice." Susan and Russ weigh in. 

Freeze Frame: “King Richard” (PG-13), “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (PG), “tick…tick…BOOM!” (PG-13), “Bruised” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/19/2021 |

Time for Will Smith to dust off his shelf and make room for an Oscar. In “King Richard,” he gives a riveting performance as the obsessive and galvanizing Richard Williams, the driving force behind the tennis domination of his daughters Venus and Serena Williams. This wildly entertaining biopic transcends the conventions of the inspiring sports movie genre, thanks to a terrific cast and heartfelt execution. "King Richard" serves up an ace.

Who ya gonna call? How about Kansas City's Paul Rudd for "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," a reboot of the classic movie franchise? Fans of the original movies will feel a twinge of nostalgia watching the brainy granddaughter of one of the original Ghostbusters attempt to save the world from an impending invasion of malevolent spirits. While the formula may be a bit too familiar, there is ample humor and some clever twists to compensate. The finale takes a cringeworthy turn, but "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" is still serves up the spirits. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda of "Hamilton" fame makes his movie directorial debut with a sharp and entertaining adaptation of the Broadway musical, "tick...tick...BOOM!" It's the autobiographical story of the late Jonathan Larson, the composer of the smash hit, "Rent." Andrew Garfield plays Larson, experiencing emotional crisis and writer’s block before the ripe old age of 30. It's a well-crafted and well sung celebration of the demanding creative process. 

Halle Berry makes her directorial debut with "Bruised" the story of a washed-up MMA fighter attempting redemption. Her strong performance makes up for some filmmaking missteps and stale dialogue. The movie's no knockout, but Halle is.

Take Two: Passing” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/19/2021 |

Ruth Negga ("Loving") and Tessa Thompson ("Silvie's Love") star in "Passing," based on the 1929 novel by Nella Larsen. It's the story of two African-American friends, one who is passing as white. The film marks the directorial debut of actress Rebecca Hall ("Vicky Christina Barcelona").

Freeze Frame: “Belfast” (PG-13), “Passing” (PG-13), “Red Notice” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/12/2021 |

“Belfast” is a dreamily nostalgic tale from filmmaker Kenneth Branagh, loosely inspired by his own childhood in late 60s strife-torn Northern Ireland. Shot in glorious black-and-white, “Belfast” is a loving tribute to Branagh’s family and the denizens of his close-knit neighborhood as they faced “The Troubles” between Protestants and Catholics. There’s a lot of heart and sentimentality in the story of a young lad whose family faced financial struggles as well as political turmoil. The cast is fine what’s not to like about a score filled with Van Morrison music? “Belfast” is crowd-pleasing Oscar bait.

"Passing" marks the writing/directing debut of acclaimed actress Rebecca Hall. It's a sensitive story set in 1920s New York about the complications that occur between two African American friends, one of whom is passing as white. Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga give strong, subtle performances in this low-key, leisurely paced drama. Hall's approach to the material may be a bit too laid back for full effect, and the finale seems contrived. Still, "Passing" is a thoughtful drama about a particularly thorny subject.

Three big stars use all the charisma that they can muster to save the big-budget action comedy, "Red Notice." It's not enough. The script of this misfire is a mishmash of ideas borrowed from other, better movies from multiple genres. Dwayne Johnson is an FBI agent out to nail rival international art thieves Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot. But The Rock must go on the run when Interpol suspects that he's collaborating with the criminals. The cartoonish tongue-in-cheek approach wears out its welcome as the plot becomes more and more absurd. You can see where Netflix spent its $200 million budget, but they should have spent more on the script and less on the scenery. "Red Notice" should pass without much notice.

Take Two: “The Harder They Fall” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/12/2021 |

"The Harder They Fall" is a Western with an Afro-centric approach. Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors and Regina King star in the feature film directorial debut of British hip-hop star Jeymes Samuel (The Bullitts).

Freeze Frame: “Eternals” (PG-13), “The Harder The Fall” (R), “Finch” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/05/2021 |

What would an Academy Award-winning director do with a Marvel movie? “Eternals” provides the answer: More of the same. Chloé JOW Zhao, who won the Oscar for the low-key drama “Nomadland,” mounts an impressive two-and-a-half-hour spectacle with all the over-the-top action one would expect from a Marvel opus. The problem with “Eternals” is its big, unwieldy and convoluted storyline about an immortal alien race of petulant god-like beings charged with protecting mankind from an evil race of alien “Deviants.” It’s hard to tell the players without a program and the players are rather humdrum. While it delivers the action and eye candy, “Eternals” is middling Marvel.

“The Harder They Fall” is an outlandish tongue-in-cheek homage to Spaghetti Westerns with an all-black cast and a torrent of grindhouse violence. Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba and Regina King lead a terrific ensemble in a decadent, but stylish revenge tale set in the remote 19th-century American West. Rival criminal gangs battle for dominance in an impressive first feature directed by British hip-hop star Jeymes Samuel, better known as The Bullitts. “The Harder They Fall” is a fierce guilty pleasure for fans of the genre. Clint Eastwood and Sergio Leone would approve.

America’s dad, Tom Hanks, stars in an offbeat post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama, “Finch.” He plays a dying scientist, one of the last survivors of a natural cataclysm, who builds an AI robot to care for his beloved dog. The trio jumps in a high-tech Winnebago and embarks on a cross-country road trip in a last-ditch survival effort. Hanks is exactly the right actor for this role, and he elevates what is otherwise a somewhat dour movie. The efforts to tug on our heartstrings don’t always work, but “Finch” is a sweet-natured comic drama about what it means to be human.

Freeze Frame: “The French Dispatch” (R), “Last Night in Soho” (R), “Antlers” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/29/2021 |

Eccentric filmmaker Wes Anderson's latest exercise in quirkiness, "The French Dispatch," is a lightweight but eye-popping homage to personal journalism, especially a nod to the writers and editors of The New Yorker. An all-star cast is featured in an anthology of three stories from a fictional news magazine's final issue. Although it's wildly imaginative and employs spectacular art direction, "The French Dispatch" will probably only appeal to an audience already attuned to Anderson's offbeat aesthetic. One could argue that it's an example of style over substance, but "The French Dispatch" still has its oddball charms.

"The Last Night in Soho" is yet another visually arresting film with an almost schizophrenic tone. It starts out as an ethereal fantasy and morphs into a full-blown horror film. Tomasin Mackinzie stars as Ellie, a young fashion student who has dreams of an alter-ego named Sandie who exists in London's Mod 60s scene. This free-spirited lass, played by Anya Taylor Joy, becomes Ellie's artistic muse. However, things go very wrong as those dreams become nightmares that affect Ellie's waking life. Is she crazy, or are supernatural events unfolding? These two young actresses are among the best working today and they're each terrific. You've got to give filmmaker Edgar Wright a lot of credit for his style and vision, even though the final act becomes repetitive and conventional. Still, "Last Night in Soho" is an involving experiment in genre-mixing.

Keri Russell and Jesse Plemmons star in the bleak, one-note horror film "Antlers," inspired by the legend of the Wendigo, an evil mythological creature from Native American folklore. It's plenty creepy and has a few effective moments, but ultimately “Antlers” is more dreary than it is scary.

FREEZE FRAME: “The Last Duel” (R), “Needle in a Timestack” (R), “The Velvet Underground” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/15/2021 |

If the classic Japanese film “Rashomon” were set in medieval France, it would have looked a lot like “The Last Duel.” Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodi Comer and Ben Affleck star in the true story of knights who battle to the death when one accuses the other of raping his wife. What’s intriguing about this examination of historical misogyny is that the story is told three times, from three different perspectives: one from that of each knight and one from that of the victim. Ridley Scott directs from a screenplay by Damon, Affleck and Nicole Holofcener. The production values are impressive, and the cast is fine. The pacing, however, is erratic, which hobbles this overlong epic a bit. Even so, “The Last Duel” is an involving costume saga that should resonate with the “Me Too” generation.

Leslie Odom, Jr. and Cynthia Erivo star in the experimental time travel romance, “Needle in a Timestack,” written and directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridley. While the cast is attractive and the premise is interesting, the herky-jerky narrative structure makes one suspect that this one was done in by someone’s misguided editing room tinkering.

If you’re a fan of the late Lou Reed, Todd Haynes’ skillfully made and informative documentary “The Velvet Underground” is right up your alley. The voluminous archival footage, mostly from Andy Warhol’s Factory days, provides an insider’s glimpse into the avant-garde rock band’s troubled history. If you’re not a fan, there’s likely very little in “The Velvet Underground that will change your opinion.

All of your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Last Night in Soho” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/05/2021 |

Filmmaker Edgar Wright ("Baby Driver") offers a unique, genre-blending opus, "Last Night in Soho." Thomasin McKenzie ("Jojo Rabbit") and Anya Taylor-Joy ("Emma") star in an unusual thriller about a fashion student whose muse appears to her in dreams. 

“No Time to Die” (PG-13), “The Many Saints of Newark” (R), “South of Heaven” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/08/2021 |

What do you want in a James Bond movie? Great Bond girls, nasty villains, fast cars, cool gadgets, exotic locales and plenty of action? Well, if so, the 25th installment in the franchise, “No Time to Die," delivers on all counts. It's a wildly entertaining if overlong saga that showcases a tired and world-weary Bond, forced yet again to save the world from imminent disaster. It's an apt swan song for Daniel Craig's solid tenure as 007 and, under Cary Joji Fukunaga's proficient direction, "No Time to Die" manages to create a real sense of peril. The $250 million production budget is all up on screen, too, so see it in a theater if you can. "No Time to Die" is a good time at the movies.

If you were a fan of the TV series "The Sopranos," the prequel film "The Many Saints of Newark" delivers the goomba goods. Others, beware. Allesandro Nivola leads the cast as the conflicted, amoral mobster Dickie Molisanti, a hero and role model for his young and impressionable nephew Tony Soprano, played by Michael Gandolphini, the son of the late James Gandolphini who created the role. While it's absorbing, the storytelling meanders and will strike many viewers as inconsequential. Still, if a two-hour dip back into the world of "The Sopranos" sounds appealing, then "The Many Saints of Newark" is your cup of compari.

Plot holes, cliches and implausibilities engage in a battle royale to thwart the efforts of a strong cast in the misguided drama, "South of Heaven." Kansas City's own Jason Sudekis is fine in a straight dramatic role as a recent parolee who tries to stay out of trouble for the sake of his dying fiancé, played by Evangeline Lily. No such luck. Dark, violent and frustrating, "South of Heaven" isn't the least bit heavenly.

All of your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “The Guilty” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/08/2021 |

Jake Gyllenhaal ("Brokeback Mountain") stars in an English language remake of the acclaimed Danish film, "The Guilty." In this thriller, he plays a 911 dispatch officer desperately trying to save a kidnap victim. Antoine Fuqua ("The Magnificent Seven") directs. 

Freeze Frame: “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (PG-13), “The Guilty” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/01/2021 |

It’s certainly no surprise when a Marvel movie is a box office hit. But the 2018 action flick “Venom,” featuring a villain from the Spider-Man universe, was universally panned. It still drew big crowds anxious to see the deadly alien parasite’s origin story. But “Venom” was an uneasy and absurd mix of gory CGI action and goofy comic bickering between Tom Hardy’s journalist character Eddie Brock and the wisecracking. Brain-eating symbiote that invaded his body. The sequel “Venom: Let There be Carnage” commits many of the same sins as the original movie…and will likely still click with Marvel fans. Go figure. This time out, Eddie attempts to resuscitate his damaged journalistic career by interviewing a notorious serial killer, played by Woody Harrelson. But things get complicated when the killer is invaded by another symbiote and, voilà, Carnage. The A-list cast also includes Michelle Williams and Naomi Harris, but in spite of their efforts, it all seems like retread material.

The 2018 thriller “The Guilty” was a riveting Danish film about a police officer confined to an emergency dispatch room as a disciplinary action. He desperately tries to help a caller who turns out to be a panicked kidnap victim. The Americanized remake stars Jake Gyllenhaal in what is essentially a one-man show. All of the action in “The Guilty” takes place in two rooms at the emergency dispatch center as the officer works to resolve the tense situation while wrestling with his own demons. Gyllenhaal is excellent as the conflicted officer and Antoine Fuqua’s direction is taut. “The Guilty” shows that talent and intelligence are more important than a extensive production values.

Good news for movie buffs, the Liberty-based B&B Theater chain has reopened the Mainstreet Theater downtown in the Power & Light District. More information is available at bbtheaters.com.

All of your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “The Starling” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/01/2021 |

Melissa McCarthy ("Can You Ever Forgive Me?") stars alongside Chris O'Dowd ("Molly's Game") and Kevin Kline ("Here Today") in the Netflix film "The Starling." It's a comic drama about grief and reconciliation directed by Theodore Melfi ("Hidden Figures").

Freeze Frame: “Dear Evan Hansen” (PG-13), “The Starling” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/24/2021 |

The acclaimed Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen" makes a bumpy transition to the big screen. Ben Platt reprises his Tony Award-winning role as a trouble, outcast teen who tries to gain sympathy by pretending to be the friend of a kid who dies by suicide. Oh, what a tangled web we weave. Social media, peer pressure and the generation gap are all subjects of derision. The popular score is intact, and the songs are well sung by a terrific cast that includes Julianne Moore, Amy Adams, Kaitlyn Dever and Amandla Stenberg. But the inherent artificiality of the musical genre makes dealing with the subject of mental illness seem awkward on film. Some things just work better on the stage. While it doesn't deserve the drubbing it's getting from many critics, "Dear Evan Hansen" is, at best, a well-meaning curiosity. Fans of the show, however, will forgive its flaws. Bring tissues.

Melissa McCarthy gives it her all in the uneven and somewhat heavy-handed comic drama, "The Starling," now streaming on Netflix. She plays a woman suffering from the loss of her child while also dealing with her husband's mental illness. And furthermore, she’s enduring dive bomb attacks from the movie's titular bird. Melissa seeks advice from a veterinarian/psychologist, played with low-key charm by Kevin Kline. While the metaphors and sentiment are all a bit too obvious, McCarthy utilizes both her considerable comic and dramatic chops to help keep "The Starling" grounded, even if it never quite takes flight.

Good news for movie buffs, the Glenwood Arts Theater is finally back in operation. More info is available at fineartsgroup.com.

All of your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/24/2021 |

Jessica Chastain ("Zero Dark Thirty") stars as televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in the biopic "The Eyes of Tammy Faye." Andrew Garfield ("Hacksaw Ridge") portrays her husband, Jim.

Freeze Frame: “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (PG-13), “Come From Away” (TV-14) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/17/2021 |

Although she was often the butt of jokes for critics, the late TV evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker was an inspiration and an icon for many others. With her over-the-top enthusiasm, her warbly singing, her gaudy attire and exaggerated makeup, she became a cultural phenomenon. Jessica Chastain gives an appropriately exuberant performance as Bakker in the new biopic "The Eyes of Tammy Faye." It chronicles her rise and fall as she and her husband Jim Bakker faced both success and scandal. It's the perfect example of a film that relies entirely on the lead performance to carry the day and Chastain's work screams, "Don't forget about me, Oscar." Andrew Garfield is equally good as her ethically challenged husband, Jim. Unfortunately, this conventional film only skims the surface and doesn't provide much insight into Tammy Faye's inner life. But it's got Chastain, and that's enough to merit a "Hallelujah."

"Come From Away" is a filmed recording of a live stage production of the hit Broadway musical now streaming on Apple TV+. It tells the remarkable true story of the tiny island town of Gander, Newfoundland that housed over 7,000 airline passengers from around the world who were stranded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While it doesn't quite provide the same level of energy as an actual live theatrical event, "Come From Away" is cleverly staged and well sung. Like the adaptation of "Hamilton,” the filmmakers utilize creative camera movement and placement to prevent the action of a stage play from becoming too visually static on the screen. "Come From Away" is a warm salute to the kindness and generosity of these stalwart, selfless Canadians.

Good news for movie buffs, the Glenwood Arts Theater is finally back in operation this week. More info is available at fineartsgroup.com.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Free Guy” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/17/2021 |

Ryan Reynolds ("Deadpool") stars as a character in a video game in the over the top action fantasy, "Free Guy." The film also stars Jodi Comer (TV's "Killing Eve") and was directed by Shawn Levy ("Night at the Museum").

Freeze Frame: “Queenpins” (R), “Kate” (R), “The Lost Leonardo” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/10/2021 |

The wacky comedy “Queenpins” is, oddly enough, based on a bizarre true story. Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste star as a couple of Phoenix women who made tens of millions of dollars by counterfeiting manufacturers’ coupons and selling them online. The filmmakers turn the story into an offbeat farce that pokes fun at the inept authorities charged with tracking them down. The cast is fun, but Paul Walter Hauser steals the movie as a self-absorbed loss prevention officer for a grocery store chain. “Queenpins” may be ethically indifferent, but it’s an entertaining lark.

The Netflix thriller “Kate,” on the other hand, is a thoroughly unpleasant experience. Mary Elizabeth Winstead takes the title role in this excessively bloody action flick about a highly skilled assassin who seeks revenge on a man who has poisoned her. Trouble is, Kate only as a few hours to live to exact vengeance. The body count is high, and the believability is low. “Kate” manages to waste the talents of Winstead and Woody Harrelson, who plays her mentor. The only thing the movie has going for it is the interesting Osaka, Japan setting. Coincidentally, the current thriller “The Protégé” covers much of the same territory as “Kate,” but is a much better action option.

The batty world of high-end art gets the face palm treatment in the sharp and enlightening documentary, “The Lost Leonardo.” It deals with the iffy provenance of the famous Da Vinci painting “Salvator Mundi” which brought the highest auction price for any painting in history, $450 million. But the film is really about greed, personal biases, and international financial intrigue. “The Lost Leonardo” is an eye-opening investigative exposé.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Worth” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/10/2021 |

Michael Keaton ("The Protege") portrays lawyer Kenneth Feinberg in "Worth," a Netflix original drama. Feinberg was the head of the 9/11 Victims' Compensation Fund, assigned with the unenviable task of deciding what a human life was worth.

Freeze Frame: “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (PG-13), “Worth” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/03/2021 |

The Marvel Cinematic Universe just got a bit more diverse. Newcomer Simu Liu stars in the rousing adventure “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” an impressive visual spectacle that will ultimately tie in with other movies in the ongoing superhero series following the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” Liu plays a martial artist trained to be a reluctant assassin by his estranged father, a powerful criminal obsessed with ten rings which provide him supernatural powers. Can Shang-Chi break the chain of criminality and save his mother’s homeland from destruction? Under the direction of Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for quiet social dramas, “Shang-Chi” is involving and entertaining for its first hour and a half. But like so many other action films, it becomes repetitious and overblown in the final act. Still, “Shang-Chi” is a diverting popcorn movie that should provide Marvel fans with the action fix they yearn for.

Michael Keaton gives an Oscar-worthy performance in the compelling Netflix drama, “Worth.” In this true story, Keaton plays Ken Feinberg, the lawyer commissioned by the U.S. government to head the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. It was Fienberg’s job to figure out how to set aside the appropriate amount of money to give to victims’ families…and get them to agree not to sue for more. In other words, he had to decide what a human life was worth and essentially get the families to agree to that amount. What could have been a stuffy legal procedural becomes a compelling drama as numbers-cruncher Feinberg is forced to do some soul-searching when confronted with the staggering individual tragedies. “Worth” is an intelligent and empathetic drama that’s definitely worth your time.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Stillwater” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/03/2021 |

Matt Damon ("The Bourne Identity") and Abigail Breslin ("August: Osage County") play father and daughter in "Stillwater," a drama from Oscar-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy ("Spotlight").

Freeze Frame: “Candyman” (R), “No Man of God” (Not rated), “Vacation Friends” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/27/2021 |

Who can creep out viewers? The “Candyman” can. Twenty-nine years after the scare-fest “Candyman” dared viewers to “Say my name,” a woke sequel slithers into theaters. This time out, “Candyman” has some social context to go along with the chills, skewering gentrification along with a heap of human bodies. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays a painter whose art obsession with an evil supernatural figure becomes his undoing. While it’s well-acted and disturbing, it can’t quite tie all of its themes together. Still, “Candyman” provides the grisly shocks for horror aficionados.

“No Man of God” purports to be based upon actual recorded interviews between notorious serial killer Ted Bundy and noted FBI profiler, Bill Hagmaier. As such, it promises viewers some insight into the mind of a murderer. Luke Kirby and Elijah Wood are fine as Bundy and Hagmaier and the movie is a respectable effort even though it comes off a bit more like a filmed stage play than a movie. If you’re looking for an understanding of Bundy’s twisted obsessions, “No Man of God” doesn’t quite fulfill that promise. By comparison, “Silence of the Lambs” seems more insightful.

If you’re looking for a dumb comedy so that you can turn off your brain circuits for a couple of hours, the Hulu farce “Vacation Friends” might just fill the bill. John Cena and Lil Rel Howery lead the cast in the story of two couples who meet while on vacation in Mexico. They enjoy a week of unbridled hedonism, but their recklessness comes back to haunt them when they return to the States. “Vacation Friends” is shameless, goofy and forgettable.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Sweet Girl” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/27/2021 |

Jason Momoa ("Aquaman") and Isabela Merced ("Dora the Explorer) star in the Netflix action thriller, "Sweet Girl."

Freeze Frame: “The Protégé” (R), “The Night House” (R), “Sweet Girl” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/20/2021 |

Maggie Q plays a super-skillful assassin out for revenge in the slick and sleazy action flick. "The Protégé." Samuel L. Jackson does his usual thing as Maggie’s hired-killer mentor and Michael Keaton goes against type as Maggie's nasty nemesis. There's plenty of bloody mayhem under the workmanlike direction of Martin Campbell who cut his teeth on 007 movies like “GoldenEye” and “Casino Royale.” There's nothing here that we haven't seen before, but " The Protégé " is a tolerable time-waster for action addicts. 

"The Night House" commits the cardinal sin for a horror movie: It's dull. Rebecca Hall's stars as a woman whose home may or may not be haunted by the spirit of her late husband who recently committed suicide. The plot offers up some interesting ideas and Hall gives an exceptional, wrenching performance. But none of this prevents "The Night House" from becoming an excruciating and frustrating watch. It wants to be a slow burn, but The Night House” never quite catches fire.

The Jason Momoa action flick “Sweet Girl” is mostly what you’d expect, a by-the-numbers revenge drama. But think again. Momoa chases some baddies whom he believes are responsible for his wife’s death while trying to protect his teenage daughter, played by Isabela Merced. But the filmmaker’s throw some plot twists into this Netflix thriller that are so absurd that you won’t know whether to laugh or throw something at the TV. The real victim here is logic. “Sweet Girl” is a perfect example of a movie that thinks it’s clever but is just too clumsy for its own good.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Beckett” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/20/2021 |

John David Washington ("Tenet") stars in the Hitchcock-like thriller "Beckett," now streaming on Netflix.

Freeze Frame: “Free Guy” (PG-13), “CODA” (PG-13), “Beckett” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/13/2021 |

The star of "Deadpool" and the director of "Night at the Museum" team up and the results are just what you'd expect. “Free Guy” is a visually elaborate comic fantasy with a snarky PG-13 edge. Ryan Reynolds plays a background character in a violent video game who doesn't know he isn't real. Things get tricky when he achieves artificial intelligence and tries to break out and exert some self-control. Reynolds' charisma and a buoyant tone help make up for some over-the-top silliness. "Free Guy" will seem a lot better if you see it for free.

"CODA" was the big winner at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Emilia Jones plays a teenager, the only hearing member of a deaf family, who runs into resistance when she pursues a scholarship to a music school. Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin plays her confused but empathetic mom. While it’s predictable and a bit earthy for a PG-13 movie, "CODA" is a sweet natured and touching drama with terrific performances. By the way, “CODA” stands for Children of Deaf Adults.

John David Washington again shows his leading man mettle in the Hitchcock-like thriller, "Beckett." Washington plays an American tourist in Greece who experiences a tragic accident. He goes on the run after a series of coincidences puts him deep in a political conspiracy and in the crosshairs of the police and criminals. “Beckett” stretches credibility to the limit but is an entertaining and zippy action flick.

The 21st annual Kansas City Jewish Film Festival is taking place through August 21st in virtual formats, that is, any electronic device with a wi-fi connection. The eclectic lineup includes a number of intriguing titles including nine award-winning films from around the world. More information is available at www.kcjff.org.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Nine Days” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/13/2021 |

Actor Winston Duke ("Us," "Black Panther") stars in the supernatural arthouse drama, "Nine Days." It marks the feature film debut for writer/director Edson Oda. 

Freeze Frame: “The Suicide Squad” (R), “Nine Days” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/06/2021 |

“The Suicide Squad" is a reboot and reimagining of the disappointing 2016 DC Comics movie "Suicide Squad," about super villains manipulated into serving a shady government agency. Writer/director James Gunn of "Guardians of the Galaxy" fame gives this decadent R-rated action flick a wacky, comedic grindhouse edge. Some of the stars from the first film return to their roles, including Margot Robbie in her third go-round as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Col. Rick Flag and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, the head of the government’s shadowy Task Force X program. New to the cast are Idris Elba, John Cena, Sylvester Stallone and Kansas City’s own David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man. The movie’s tone and execution are much different…and much better this time around. Irreverent and funny in a midnight movie way, "Suicide Squad" is a shameless guilty pleasure.

Actor Winston Duke may be best known for his roles in the comic book movie “Black Panther” and the horror entry “Us.” Duke gives a powerhouse performance in the offbeat supernatural arthouse entry, "Nine Days." He plays a conflicted gatekeeper who decides which souls are granted a chance for life on Earth. The thorny philosophical questions that these candidates are faced with are intriguing and provocative. The notable cast also includes Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, Tony Hale, and Bill Skarsgard. While it’s slow moving and its reach exceeds its grasp, "Nine Days" is nonetheless a thought-provoking film about the value of life's individual moments. It marks an impressive feature film debut for Brazilian writer/director Edson Oda.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Jungle Cruise” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/06/2021 |

Dwayne Johnson ("Jumanji: The Next Level") and Emily Blunt ("A Quiet Place") star in the comic adventure "Jungle Cruise," based on the Disneyland theme park ride.

Freeze Frame: “Jungle Cruise” (PG-13), “Stillwater” (R), “The Last Mercenary” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/30/2021 |

Turning a theme park ride into a movie worked box office wonders for Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The Mouse House employs the same template with “Jungle Cruise.” Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt bring plenty of personal charisma to their roles of a charming Amazon boat captain and a spunky English explorer. It’s too bad that their efforts are wasted on such a hokey script. There’s a torrent of Disney visual magic on display in this tongue-in-cheek comic adventure, but the efforts are uninspired. Thanks to its stars, “Jungle Cruise” is a pleasantly forgettable voyage. Just promise me that there won’t be an “It’s a Small World” movie!

The controversial case of Amanda Knox provides the inspiration for the fictional drama, “Stillwater.” Matt Damon stars as a good old boy from Oklahoma who travels to Marseille, France to help exonerate his daughter who is serving a prison sentence for murder. Filmmaker Tom McCarthy’s work is smart, sincere, and empathetic. It’s also overlong and erratically paced. Damon leads a strong cast, but Abigail Breslin is a standout as his imprisoned daughter. “Stillwater” is a compelling movie that could have been even better with some judicious editing.

Jean-Claude Van Damme became a star in the 1980s with a string of martial arts action hits. The 60-year-old kickboxer-turned-actor has a bit of fun with his tough guy image in the silly French action comedy, “The Last Mercenary.” He plays a former special agent known as “The Mist” who comes out of hiding to save his son from mobsters. There’s nothing original in this goofy spoof but “The Last Mercenary” may provide a few nostalgic laughs for undemanding JCVD fans.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “I Carry You With Me” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/30/2021 |

"I Carry You With Me" won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. This Spanish language entry is based on the true story of the trials and tribulations of a Mexican who flees to the US to pursue his dream as a chef.

Freeze Frame: “Old” (PG-13), “Snake Eyes” (PG-13), “Joe Bell” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/23/2021 |

Have you ever felt like you’ve aged while watching a movie? That’s the feeling you’ll get if you decide to endure the latest eerie experiment from M. Knight Shyamalan, “Old.” A family goes on a vacation to an island resort only to realize that a strange beach causes them to age a lifetime in a single day. The dialogue is awful, and the plot twists will make your eyes roll. It might have worked as an episode of “The Twilight Zone,” but as a feature-length “Old” just feels, well…old.

“Snake Eyes” is an action thriller that serves as an origin story for the G.I Joe Cinematic Universe. Henry Golding stars as a fighting drifter who joins a Japanese clan and learns the ways of the ninja. His goal is to avenge his father’s murder. Golding is a serviceable hero and some of the fight choreography is impressive. “Snake Eyes” is two-thirds of a pretty good movie, but the plot and action become so absurd in the final third that the whole enterprise goes off the rails.

Good intentions don’t always make for a good movie. Such is the case with “Joe Bell.” Mark Wahlberg is miscast in this true story of a man who decides to go on a nationwide walk to bring attention to the issue of bullying. Reid Miller is very good as his son who was tormented by schoolmates for being gay. But the execution is listless and it’s poorly paced. It’s also unlikely that it will change anyone’s mind on the subject. “Joe Bell” never rings true.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “A Quiet Place Part II” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/23/2021 |

The long-awaited sequel is now in theaters. Writer/director John Krasinski ("Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan") teams up once again with Emily Blunt ("Jungle Cruise") for another sci-fi horror entry.

Freeze Frame: “Pig” (R), “I Carry You With Me” (R), “Deep” (TV-MA), “Die in a Gunfight” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/16/2021 |

The unconventional career of Oscar-winner Nicholas Cage just got a bit more offbeat.. He gives a brilliant, nuanced performance in his latest film, the eccentric comic drama “Pig.” Cage plays a hermit living in the Oregon woods who goes on a bizarre adventure in an attempt to retrieve his stolen truffle-sniffing pig. Writer/director Michael Sarnoski explores some thought-provoking existential themes, creating a moody, touching and often funny movie. “Pig” flies its oddball flag with honor.

The Spanish language entry “I Carry You With Me” won the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It’s a true story about a gay Mexican man who decides to leave his partner and young son behind, and illegally immigrate to the US to pursue a career as a chef. Throughout most of the film, the roles are played by actors, but in the final segment, the roles are played by the real people the actors portrayed. The movie explores the sacrifices the main character makes and grapples with the question of whether his actions were necessary or selfish. “I Carry You With Me” is a very low-key and dreamlike love story.

“Deep” is a Netflix horror film from Thailand about some young med students who agree to take part in a sleep-depravation experiment. But the people behind the study have nefarious motives. The movie is directed more like a pop music video than a horror film, so the scares are negligible. “Deep” is a horror film for the TikTok generation.

If a Quentin Tarantino wannabe adapted a contemporary comic book version of “Romeo and Juliet,” it might look a bit like “Die in a Gunfight.” Diego Boneta and Alexandra Daddario star in this cynical romance that has flashes of inspired decadence but is a bit too self-satisfyingly hip for its own good.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Black Widow” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/16/2021 |

The latest adventure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe approaches an Avenger from a different angle. Scarlett Johansson ("Marriage Story") takes the title role, joined by Florence Pugh ("Little Women"), Rachel Weisz ("The Favourite") and David Harbour ("Stranger Things"). Australian director Cate Shortland ("Berlin Syndrome") tackles her first action flick.

Freeze Frame: “Black Widow” (PG-13), “First Date” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/09/2021 |

“Black Widow,” The latest extravaganza from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, plays more like an over-the-top spy movie along the lines of James Bond than a superhero adventure. Scarlett Johansson stars in this action-packed movie that takes place sometime between the events of “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” If you don’t follow the MCU that closely, no worries. The film also serves as an origin story thanks to multiple flashbacks. “Black Widow” can stand alone for the uninitiated.

While the film has the spectacular eye candy you’d expect given its $200 million budget, the real value of “Black Widow” comes from its cast. Johansson is solid as Natasha, but the movie is stolen by Florence Pugh who is terrific as her long-lost sister Yelena, a highly trained assassin who has escaped the mind control technology used on her by a KGB breakoff organization.

Director Cate Shortland ably emphasizes the story’ strong feminist angle and establishes a credible sisterly bond between the leads. While some of the fight sequences become a shaky blur, “Black Widow” mostly delivers the action goods.

“Black Widow” has bite.

The indie action comedy “First Date” cost less to make than Scarlett’s makeup budget for “Black Widow.” Tyson Brown stars as an awkward teen whose date with a classmate turns into a nightmare when he unwittingly purchases a stolen car. He finds himself in the crosshairs of the cops, drug smugglers and an assortment of lowlife oddballs. “First Date” becomes a bit repetitious, but fans of decadent drive-in fodder will find much to like.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

TAKE TWO: “Summer of Soul” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/09/2021 |

Known as "The Black Woodstock," the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969 was captured on film for a proposed TV special. It never happened. That 'lost' footage has been complied into a documentary by the noted musician, Questlove. The resulting film is now in theaters and on Hulu.

Freeze Frame: “The Tomorrow War” (PG-13), “The Summer of Soul” (PG-13), “Boss Baby: Family Business” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/02/2021 |

Take one part “Terminator” and two parts “Alien,” shake with big budget vigor and you might come up with something like “The Tomorrow War.” Chris Pratt stars in this action-packed sci-fi extravaganza about people transported into the future to save humanity from an extraterrestrial invasion. The trappings are familiar, but “The Tomorrow War” is a fun popcorn movie thanks to great special effects, a likable lead and sharp pacing. Sci-fi fans can check “The Tomorrow War” on Amazon Prime today.

Questlove’s award-winning documentary “The Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not be Televised)” is a stirring and wildly entertaining film that chronicles what was dubbed “The Black Woodstock.” In 1969 the “Harlem Cultural Festival” brought a series of concerts to New York’s Mount Morris Park featuring dozens of top musical artists like Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, the Staples Singers, Sly and the Family Stone and Mahalia Jackson. In addition to bringing the footage to audiences for the first time, Questlove interviews several attendees and artists, and their insights provide substantial cultural, social, and historic context. Great music smartly presented. When it comes to the “Summer of Soul,” what’s not to like?

The animated farce “The Boss Baby: Family Business” is a sequel to the surprise 2014 hit and popular Netflix TV series. It’s a frenetic enterprise that furthers the adventures of two estranged adult brothers, voiced by Alec Baldwin and James Marsden, who’ve been transformed into babies to stop a maniacal educator, voiced by Jeff Goldblum, from turning parents into zombies. Yeah, don’t ask. Though harmless, “The Boss Baby: Family Business” is the cinematic equivalent of a candy-fueled sugar rush.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.

Take Two: “Fatherhood” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/02/2021 |

Comedian Kevin Hart ("Ride Along") takes a dramatic turn in "Fatherhood." Writer/director Paul Weitz ("About a Boy") has adapted the book by Matt Logelin into a Netflix original comic drama.

Freeze Frame: “F9: The Fast Saga” (PG-13), “False Positive” (R), “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” (PG-13), “The Ice Road” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/25/2021 |

In a scene from the latest in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, “F9,” a character played by Ludacris aptly says, “Nobody’s gonna believe this!” Exactly. Entries in the 20-year-old 10-film franchise have morphed into preposterous over-the-top action fantasies that make “Transformers” movies seem credible by comparison. The script is awful, but you can still enjoy “F9.” Just forget the laws of physics, throw logic out the window and go with the action flow.

Comedian Ilana Glazer makes a big leap into full blooded horror with the unsettling entry “False Positive.” Glazer and Justin Theroux play a couple who have trouble conceiving. They consult a fertility doctor played by Pierce Brosnan who uses a new invitro technique and, voila, pregnancy. But Ilana begins to believe that something is amiss…and she’s right. The tension and paranoia slowly build in this well acted drama. Although the climax leaves much to be desired, for horror fans, “False Positive” offers true creepiness.

She’s an EGOT, having won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. Eighty-nine-year-old actress Rita Moreno has had a memorable life and career and the documentary “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” covers her triumphs and failures, both personal and professional. Alternately shocking and inspiring, it’s an involving, eye-opening showbiz documentary.

She endured the rampant sexism of Hollywood in the 50s and 60s, but was additionally challenged as a woman of color, never quite able to break through to the kind of roles she yearned for.

Liam Neeson may be long in the tooth, but he still has action movie mojo. Too bad his talents are wasted in the nonsensical adventure “The Ice Road.” Neeson plays a trucker who hauls heavy equipment over thin ice to try to save some workers trapped in a Canadian mine. Mother Nature and bad guys complicate matters. Creaky dialogue and sketchy special effects make “The Ice Road” a route to avoid.

Take Two: “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/25/2021 |

Actress Rita Moreno ("West Side Story") has had a colorful life and career. The highs and lows of her life and career are examined in the documentary "Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It."

Freeze Frame: “Luca” (PG), “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” (R), “Fatherhood” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/18/2021 |

Even lesser Pixar offerings are better than most of their competitors’ work. Such is the case with “Luca,” a sweet and beautifully animated fantasy about the adventures of some nice sea monsters. Two young ocean dwellers near the Italian Riviera venture onto land and discover they turn human whenever they’re out of the water. It’s no classic, but “Luca” has just enough warmth and humor to appeal to both adults and kids and has a gentle message of tolerance. “Luca” is a minor charmer.

“The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” is a sequel to the 2017 comic action flick “The Hitman’s Bodyguard.” Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and Salma Hayek are back in another goofy, over-the-top and chaotic extravaganza of violence and mayhem. At least they get to riff and blow people away against the background of dozens of beautiful European locales. If your idea of a good time is a high body count, sarcastic banter and a script that bludgeons you with F-bombs, then “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” may be the movie for you. To others, it will feel like being mugged on a rickety roller coaster.

Comedian Kevin Hart goes for a serious change of pace with the comic drama “Fatherhood.” He plays a man struggling to bring up his daughter alone after his wife tragically dies shortly after giving birth. There’s a lot that seems derivative in the familiar beats of the plot, but an appealing cast and the fil