Movie Review

'West Side Story' is gleaming when it focuses on its supporting cast. However, Steven Spielberg's marvelous direction isn't enough to save the movie's core love story issues.

Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Licorice Pizza' is a real charmer. It's witty, enthralling, and tremendously well-acted by newcomers Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman.

'House of Gucci' is a sub-par crime drama. Lady Gaga and Adam Driver commit entirely to their roles, but the Ridley Scott Oscar hopeful falls a bit short of expectations.

'Encanto' is a solid Disney movie about finding your purpose. It's not the studio's best efforts, but the animation is beautiful and the songs will put a pep in your step.

'Pleasure' is a solid drama that doesn't shy away from the dark corners of its subject matter. Filmmaker Ninja Thyberg and actor Sofia Kappel are ones to watch.

'Petite Maman' is a superlative drama fantasy about childhood and identity through a mother/daughter relationship. Céline Sciamma once again impresses with her storytelling abilities.

'The Worst Person in the World' is breathtaking cinema. Co-writer/director Joachim Trier crafts a film that's both utterly hilarious and profoundly beautiful.

'King Richard' is a well-constructed sports drama biopic about Venus and Serena William's father, Richard Williams. Will Smith turns in the best performance of his career.

'C'mon C'mon' feels timeless in its approach to how the youth view America's future. Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, and Woody Norman elevate a quiet, yet earnest film.

Sylvester Stallone's long promised 'Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago -- The Ultimate Direector's Cut' is finally here. The new cut gives Apollo Creed more focus, but after his death the movie is largely the same.

'Tick Tick Boom' is a mostly satisfying musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda. Andrew Garfield and Robin de Jesús' on-screen chemistry is radiant. The music numbers translate well in movie form.

'Home Sweet Home Alone' is the worst 'Home Alone' movie, and that's saying a lot considering 'Home Alone 3' and two made for TV sequels before this. The Disney+ sequel is content to reuse jokes, and the only aspects it changes makes things worse.

'Red Rocket' is a masterful piece of independent filmmaking. It's a non-stop roller coaster ride with an unforgettable performance from Simon Rex. This is one of the year's best movies.

'Belfast' is Kenneth Branagh's love letter to the city and childhood. Jude Hill, Caitriona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, and Judi Dench turn in wonderful performances. But, it lacks an emotional impact.

'Spencer' is worthy of the hype for Kristen Stewart's Oscar-worthy performance as Princess Diana. However, its symbolism is a bit too on-the-nose and could have benefited from fewer pacing lulls.

'Eternals' suffers from source material issues and trying to cover 7,000 years in a single MCU movie. Chloé Zhao makes the best of it, but it's overstuffed and a bit of a mess.

'Flee' is the best movie of the year. Director Jonas Poher Rasmussen has crafted an animated documentary that will make audiences feel an unforgettable array of emotions.

'The Beta Test' is a high adrenaline thrill ride that combines elements of dark comedy and horror. Jim Cummings turns in an outstanding performance in the film that he also wrote, directed, and edited.

'Last Night in Soho' stumbles in its third act, but it's a mostly captivating horror thriller. Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy are stellar. Edgar Wright's latest also has a gorgeous visual aesthetic.

'Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin' is a sub-average horror movie. It has some smart ideas, but it suffers in execution. This reboot feels like it belongs to an entirely different franchise.