Gareth Edwards

First impressions of Jurassic World Rebirth — and my complicated history with dinosaurs

Gareth Edwards's new film in the classic Spielberg franchise has rekindled troubling memories of my childhood obsession with dinosaurs.

Constance Tsang

First impressions of Blue Sun Palace

One of my favorite films of 2025, and perhaps the most promising directorial debut, focuses on women struggling for survival, companionship, and hope in the dangerous context of a massage parlor.

Steve McQueen

Only twelve years ago, 12 Years a Slave won Best Picture at the Oscars

My notes on this film were originally published at Looking Closer on November 2, 2013. It's time to republish them.

Film Reviews

Why Flow is my favorite film of 2024

Director Gints Zilbalodis and co-writer Matīss Kažathe invite us into an animated vision of a flooded world in which animals reflect the dangers of who we are and the glory of who we can be.

Film Reviews

Is The People's Joker the best Joker movie yet? (I know how I'm voting.)

Vera Drew's fantastical truth-telling will discomfort those who are terrified of trans individuals. What's more — it will challenge Batman fans.

The Phoenician Scheme

First (and second) impressions of The Phoenician Scheme

After two viewings (and more on the way), here are my notes on Wes Anderson's latest—his first led by Benicio Del Toro , and, more importantly, his first to feature Michael Cera and Mia Threapleton.

Journal Entry

Fundamentals of Fatherhood: Reflections on My Father's Life (in Four Parts)

I offered a much-abridged version of these reflections at the Celebration of Life service in memory of my father, Larry Overstreet, at Damascus Community Church on Saturday, June 21.

On Songs & Albums

Songlights: Join me & Anne for Over the Rhine's 3-day music festival with Amy Helm, Jeffrey Martin, & more. Also: David Byrne laughs. Annahstasia shines. Laura Stevenson returns. Elbow shares extras.

I'll keep updating this post with new music that moves me between June 28 and July 4. So, check back! Share a song that's deeply moving you right now—I'll add a link to it at the end of the post.

Satire

Galaxy Quest (1999)

More than a quarter-century later, this Star Trek spoof remains a gold standard for sci-fi satire. With the announcement of a new Star Wars spoof, maybe it's time to remember what's possible

Danny Boyle

First impressions of 28 Years Later

Danny Boyle returns to direct the third episode of the series he began in 2002. This one features the best performances in the series so far, but in service of what? What does this movie love?

Harvey Weinstein

All the Pretty Horses (2000)

For 25 years, I've wanted to see a movie that Harvey Weinstein destroyed. Here are my original notes on the wreckage of Billy Bob Thornton's Cormac McCarthy adaptation, and dismaying footnote.

Django Unchained

Blaze of Gory: Overstreet's Christianity Today commentary on Django Unchained

One from the archive: Here's the commentary that Christianity Today editors asked me to write in 2013.

Carson Lund

First impressions of Eephus

I'm back from a long, hard road to offer my overdue review of one of the year's funniest movies: an elegiac comedy about America’s declining traditions and communities.

Stephen King

First Impressions of The Life of Chuck

Despite its charming dance numbers, Mike Flanagan's feature film based on a Stephen King short story thinks it's so much more profound than it is.

Bruce Springsteen

Songlights: Urgent Springsteen. Fierce new tracks from Little Simz and Kae Tempest. The return of Wednesday. And a night with Allison Russell.

This week, a lot of new music plays as desperate appeals for conscience, for action, for justice as it seems the last pillars of American democracy are being smashed by hate-driven fascists.

Bruce Springsteen

By My Lights: A May 19 Surprise Package

Tim Robinson's new comedy Friendship; Bruce Springsteen preaches truth about America's implosion; a surprise live album from one of my favorite bands; and more during the busiest weeks of the year.

On Songs & Albums

Songlights: More Adrianne Lenker; Sault; Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson; Tomita; and a talk with newcomer Anna Byrde. Plus: Lucius! Suzanne Vega!

Songs for April 27–May 10: Check back for new specials I'm adding to the menu.

Isaiah Saxon

First impressions of The Legend of Ochi

What mash-up of movies will you find in this odd, surprising fantasy? Is it Gremlins meets Into the West? E.T. meets The Neverending Story? Princess Mononoke meets The Secret of Roan Inish?

J.J. Abrams

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

From the archives at LookingCloser.org, here's my original 2016 review of a thriller that I saw on a memorably surprising night as I celebrated my completion of my MFA in creative writing.

Amos Lee

Songlights: Adrianne Lenker; Florist; Valerie June; Terry Scott Taylor; Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds; Johnny Cash; and more

Songs that are lighting my weeks: Aprill 6–April 19, 2025.

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

First impressions of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

The new film from Rungano Nyoni, director of "I Am Not a Witch," is an early but strong contender for my favorite film of 2025.

Wet Leg

Songlights: Wet Leg; Lucy Dacus; Alison Russell and Annie Lennox; Djo

Songs that are lighting my week: Sunday, March 30–April 5, 2025.

Michael Fassbender

Don't miss a chance to open Soderbergh's Black Bag of tricks

In his best work since the peak of the Oceans trilogy — maybe since 1998's Out of Sight — Steven Soderbergh surprises us with one of the year's best films.

Film Reviews

You'll love what Elliott learns from her "Old Ass"

Megan Park's comedy about a young woman corresponding with her future self is unexpectedly engaging—one of 2024's most delightful surprises.

Film Reviews

No Other Land: these filmmakers are risking their lives so you will watch their movie

This Oscar-winning documentary should be seen and discussed by every American, as we are supplying the resources for cruelty and erasing whole communities.