On Movies & Media

A collection of 2473 posts

The Sheep Detectives

First impressions of The Sheep Detectives

The Sheep Detectives, like Paddington — and like Babe, that masterpiece by which all talking-animal movies are measured — delights me, makes me laugh, and meaningfully moves me to the edge of tears.

Blue Heron

First impressions of Blue Heron

Busy week! So Overstreet's first impressions of Blue Heron are served up as a video instead of text.

Alfonso Cuarón

Children of Men (2006)

This review was originally published on Christmas Day 2006 at Christianity Today. It is reprinted here with permission.

The Christophers

First impressions of The Christophers

With The Christophers, Steven Soderbergh delivers one of his finest films, Ed Solomon achieves a personal best, and Ian McKellen is more magnificent than ever. But that's not all!

Ryan Gosling

First Impressions of Project Hail Mary

In which Overstreet finally gets around to sharing his take on the year's biggest sci-fi hit so far.

Film Review

First impressions of Hamlet (2026)

Thoughts on the latest feature film version of Shakespeare's masterpiece — the significance of all it erases, the intrigue of its timely revisions.

The Drama

First Impressions of The Drama

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

Looking Closer's Annual Favorite Films Lists

Overstreet’s Favorite Films of 2025: Honorable Mentions

Here is the opening post in my series of posts on my favorite films of 2025. This post will include films I've listed as Honorable Mentions, along with video commentaries, some written notes, movie posters, and trailers for the films.

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.

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.

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.

Film Review

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.

Film Review

Live from New York, it's... a ticking-clock thriller and a tribute to improvisational creatvity!

Jason Reitman's controlled-chaos fantasy about the launch of SNL offers a good time with rowdy comedians at a turning point in TV history.

Film Review

Carol Kane and Jason Schwartzman bond Between the Temples

Just as he did in Rushmore, Jason Schwartzman plays a young man with an irrational longing for one of his teachers, a woman much older than him. Great awkwardness ensues.

Film Review

Nine reasons to see Didi

Sean Wang's Sundance Award-winning coming-of-age film is a joy and one of the year's most promising directorial debuts. Here are some of the reasons I enjoyed it so much.

Film Review

Lee Isaac Chung gets carried away with Twisters

The personal touch of Minari director Lee Isaac Chung is evident in this surprising sequel to a 1996 summer blockbuster, which turns some blockbuster cliches sideways.