Film Review

A collection of 709 posts

The Drama

First Impressions of The Drama

These are first impressions of the disruptive new romantic comedy from the director of Dream Scenario.

Film Review

Kate Hudson earns that nomination: first impressions of Song Sung Blue

This is a story that deserved a decent movie, and it got one. It might’ve become by-the-numbers melodrama, but cut through my cynicism and made me believe.

Tricia Cooke

Wish I hadn’t: first (and last) impressions of Honey Don’t!

I wish I’d trusted the reviews I got from friends and favorite critics who saw Honey Don’t! in the theater. Or maybe I just should’ve trusted the title’s imperative.

Pierre Creton

7 Walks with Mark Brown: a brilliant way to start a new year of movies

[Streaming on Hoopla.] Today, I listened to a podcast in which Father James Martin talks about how to begin 2026 with a “spiritual reset.” Then, I went home and watched 7 Walks with Mark Brown. And I experienced a spiritual reset.

Ryan Coogler

First (and second) impressions of Sinners

Sinners is a film of two halves: daytime and nighttime. The first half is colorful, epic, and full of surprises; the second is shadowy, violent . . . and disappointing.

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

First impressions of Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

In a year that hasn't been particularly exciting for animation, Little Amélie is a memorable standout.

Knives Out

Wake Up Dead Man — a review in progress

Rian Johnson's third film in the Knives Out series is not only my favorite of the series — it's one of the most provocative films about Christian faith I've seen in many years.

Film Review

Train Dreams (2025)

Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar (Sing Sing) collaborate on another enthralling film about men seeking meaning in hard times.

You Can Count On Me

You can still count on Lonergan

A few notes on revisiting You Can Count on Me as we approach its 25th anniversary.

Film Review

First impressions of If I Had Legs I'd Kick You

Rose Byrne lives up to the demands of her most intense role in Mary Bronstein’s exasperating, exhausting anxiety attack of a movie.

Film Review

First impressions of Anemone

It is often the case in Anemone that we see in profile the head of our grizzled, tormented, mysterious subject, a recluse named Ray Stoker, and his remarkably large ear is at the center of the frame. This is a meaningful and, I suspect, deliberate choice on the part of

Film Review

First impressions of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey

I approached the new Kogonada film with trepidation. I've learned to trust his artistry, but this trailer set off all kinds of alarms. Should you see it? Here's my recommendation.

Chad Hartigan

First impressions of The Threesome

Chad Hartigan's fourth feature finds him once again dodging genre conventions and finding something singular, as he plants intriguing characters in messy situations and chooses grace over ruin.

Boys Go to Jupiter

First impressions of Boys Go to Jupiter

In recent years, the highlights for me have been lower-budget, higher-creativity movies. Here's another one—a weird, hilarious, unpredictable musical running on a deep current of sadness.

Netflix

It's not too late: Ava DuVernay's 13th is shock treatment for America's conscience

From the Looking Closer Archives: Here's my original review of Ava Duvernay's astonishing Netflix documentary, which I originally wrote for Christianity Today.

Seth Worley

First impressions of Sketch

One of 2025's brightest surprises, bound to become a new family favorite, Seth Worley's film understands the dangers of suppressing imaginations, even those that disturb us.

Alex Garland

In 2003, 28 Days Later revitalized a genre, cautioned us about viruses and rage, and divided Christian film critics

From the archives at Looking Closer, here's my original review of 28 Days Later, along with reactions from critics I quoted in my Film Forum column at that time.

Eva Victor

First impressions of Sorry, Baby

In this free post, I urge everyone to call up a friend and make plans to see Sorry, Baby, while it's still in theaters. If it's too late, rent and stream it. It's one of 2025's best.

Brad Pitt

F'ing up: Thoughts on F1 on an IMAX screen

These notes may include some spoiler-ish comments. But the movie's so predictable, does it matter? Here are my thoughts—more importantly, my concerns—about the summer's biggest IMAX adrenaline rush.

Superman

Time to catch up! Here are some overdue notes on Superman.

I'm late to the party. But then, the party would not have enjoyed my take on James Gunn's Superman. Here's the first of several catch-up reviews I plan to post this week.

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 Review

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 Review

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.