film criticism by maryann johanson | since 1997
Nostalgic without being mindlessly retro; a sweet, heartfelt girl-and-her-alien-robot-car action-adventure buddy dramedy that hits all the right notes. Hailee Steinfeld is terrific, and there’s not a whiff of Michael Bay to be found.
It’s oddly structured, doesn’t seem to know whom its audience is, and indulges in too much distracting grossout humor. But the sex-positive message and the delightful cast make it just about worthwhile.
Goofy, charming, faithful to its sweet source material, and all while advancing the standard “Be yourself” message with fresh challenges to gender expectations.
The just-right mix of wistfulness, snark, and painful personal growth makes this nonstop hilarious, with humor that gets women in a way movies rarely do.
A breath of half-nasty, half-nice fresh air, set somewhere near the intersection between a parody of a romantic comedy and a straight-up example of one.
It bothers me that WWE Studios is a thing.
It’s like *Twins* as a feel-good inspirational sports drama! With a special appearance by Danny Glover as The Magic Negro.
green light (definitely check it out): Two Lovers: Gwyneth Paltrow has two boyfriends. [Amazon U.S.] [preorder at Amazon U.K.] Tokyo!: Funky trio of short films about the Japanese metropolis. [Amazon U.S.] [now available at Amazon U.K.] Eureka: Season 3.0: Cute show about geeks. [Amazon U.S.] Stargate Atlantis: The Complete Fifth Season: Shoulda been better than … more…
Mom! He’s still on my side of the museum! 1. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian: £2.1 million (2nd week; drops 51%) 2. Drag Me to Hell: £1.9 million (NEW) 3. Angels & Demons: £1 million (3rd week; drops 57%) 4. Star Trek: £.87 million (4th week; drops 47%) 5. 12 Rounds: £.33 … more…
Drag Me to Hell: “I welcome the dead into my soul.” Go on, say it — it’s easy! Obsessed: Bitches be crazy. It’s all you need to know. 12 Rounds: John Cena thinks he’s Bruce Willis in Die Hard. It’s so cute, really. Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience: “And three brothers shall walk among … more…
