Racing Extinction documentary review: the asteroid this time is humanity
A horror flick about the blundering of humanity on a scale so enormous that global warming is only a small part of it. But its monster is not unconquerable.
2015 theatrical releases
Where to Invade Next documentary review: finding the American dream everywhere but America
Michael Moore doesn’t hate America. But he does wonder how other nations are doing so many things better than the supposed greatest country in the world.
The Hunting Ground documentary review: why you have no idea how bad rape is on campus
U.S. universities have plenty of financial incentives to minimize rape on campus, as this enraging film demonstrates. But there are women fighting back…
When Marnie Was There movie review: girls have adolescent angst too
Enchanting, startling; a rare story about a girl at a precarious age. Full of that exquisite Studio Ghibli sorcery that captures the beauty of the ordinary.
Regression movie review: no thanks for the memories
Amenábar aims for a noirish X-Files vibe, but preposterousness rules this inert trudge that does absolutely no justice to a terrible real-life phenomenon.
Boy & the World movie review: urban chaos and color
Paints an impressionistic canvas of unease and disquiet, of hope and wonder, filled with glorious music. Magical… though sometimes it’s black magic.
Our Brand Is Crisis movie review: unearned (and unneeded) sentiment
A protagonist who revels in the sheer cynicism of her job gets a sentimental redemption out of nowhere; Sandra Bullock’s comedic chops are undercut by it.
The 33 movie review: swallowed up by the earth
A missed opportunity to tell what should be a captivating real-life disaster tale that is instead plodding, scattershot, and lacking in dramatic impetus.
Monkey Kingdom documentary review: growing up in the jungle
Simplistic, but a charming and child-friendly introduction to our cousins in the wild that no zoo could provide, with a monkey heroine whom kids will cheer.
Jem and the Holograms movie review: rock ’n’ roll fantasy
Utterly implausible on every level, and ultimately rather insulting: a bit of glitter and lots of hugs are the sum total of its “girl power.”
