Tag: Film Review

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 19, 2026

‘Clean Hands’ Review: Zach Braff Stars in Crime Drama

Jake Allyn’s new film 'Clean Hands' stars Zach Braff as Kevin Simmers, a real-life narcotics officer battling to save his teenage daughter from severe heroin addiction. The film explores the agonizing collision between professional duty and parental desperation. While the movie highlights the heartbreaking reality of substance abuse, critics note an uneasy tension in its script. It attempts to argue against criminalizing addiction while simultaneously portraying a protagonist who uses aggressive, unconventional police tactics to rescue his child.

Clean HandsZach BraffJake AllynFilm ReviewVariety

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 18, 2026

China’s Oscar Entry ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ Reviewed

China has submitted the bombastic blockbuster "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East" as its official entry for the Academy Awards. Directed by Wen Muyue, the film follows a Chinese chef navigating the chaotic outbreak of the Iraq War in an extravagant spectacle. The movie blends high-octane action and striking visual sequences with elements of food porn and wartime devastation. Despite its heavy-handed state propaganda and political undertones, critics note it remains surprisingly watchable and entertaining.

ChinaOscarsFilm ReviewVarietyMiddle East

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 17, 2026

Review: Taika Waititi’s ‘Klara and the Sun’ is a Calamitous Misfire

Variety has published a scathing review of Taika Waititi’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel 'Klara and the Sun'. Starring Jenna Ortega as an artificial friend, the film has been criticized for turning a solemn and complex story into a strained, whimsical comedy. Critics argue that Waititi's signature style is a terrible mismatch for Ishiguro's delicate and melancholic source material. The resulting android fantasy lacks emotional depth, falling far short of expectations.

Klara and the SunTaika WaititiJenna OrtegaFilm ReviewKazuo Ishiguro

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 16, 2026

Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald Review: A Haunting Portrait

Judd Apatow’s documentary explores the life and career of late comedian Norm Macdonald. The film paints a juicy yet haunting portrait of a comedy star who was as troubled as he was hilarious. The project delves into Macdonald's prickly comic glee, examining his difficult personality and deep-seated tendencies toward self-sabotage.

Norm MacdonaldJudd ApatowDocumentaryComedyFilm Review

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 15, 2026

‘To Be Ordinary’ Review: Compassionate Taiwanese Family Melodrama

Writer-director Lee Yun Chan returns with 'To Be Ordinary,' a poignant Taiwanese family melodrama exploring the aftermath of a tragic traffic accident. The film chronicles how a college student's permanent disability ripples through his struggling family over a decade. Avoiding standard disability clichés, the film examines marital strain, economic hardship, and moral crisis with a delicate and empathetic touch. Premiering at the Busan International Film Festival, it highlights Lee's careful direction and strong ensemble performances.

Film ReviewTaiwanese CinemaLee Yun ChanBusan International Film FestivalFamily Melodrama

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 14, 2026

‘Silver Express’ Review: Miki Tanaka’s Sensitive Debut Feature

Miki Tanaka’s debut feature, "Silver Express," explores the experiential realities of living as an asexual and aromantic person in a heteronormative society. The gentle character study stars Yui Okamoto as Chieri, navigating everyday annoyances and well-meaning pressures from others. The film focuses on the linguistic and emotional gaps in communicating asexuality on a spectrum. Through understated storytelling and evocative metaphors, it challenges societal conditioning around coupledom and belonging.

Silver ExpressMiki TanakaAsexualFilm ReviewBusan International Film Festival

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 11, 2026

Wildwood Review: Laika's Most Ambitious Stop-Motion Epic Yet

Laika returns with 'Wildwood,' its sixth and most ambitious stop-motion feature film to date. Directed by Travis Knight, the movie balances a tactile, handmade aesthetic with a sprawling fantasy narrative that pushes the boundaries of traditional animation. Adapted from Colin Meloy's hefty novel, the film blends classic fairytale elements with a surprisingly dark PG-13 tone. While drawing from familiar fantasy tropes, the movie succeeds through its brilliant craftsmanship, sharp dialogue, and impressive scope.

WildwoodLaikaTravis KnightAnimationStop Motion

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 11, 2026

‘Midday Meal’ Review: Majid Majidi's Touching Iranian Drama

Director Majid Majidi returns with "Midday Meal," a poignant Iranian drama set in an arid village. The film explores the desperate struggles of a teacher, Davoud Soulan, who resorts to extreme measures to provide meals and keep his school open amidst scarcity and institutional neglect. Anchored by a compelling lead performance from Mohammad Rahimi, the movie navigates the complex moral compromises Soulan makes. Balancing pragmatism with generosity, the narrative offers a nuanced character study that questions the true motives behind the teacher's self-sacrifice.

Midday MealMajid MajidiIranian CinemaFilm ReviewBusan Film Festival

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 11, 2026

‘The First Taste of Loneliness’ Review: An Affecting Bereavement Drama

Chinese director Gu You concludes his acclaimed 'Landscape' trilogy with 'The First Taste of Loneliness,' a poignant family drama that explores the grief of three generations of women following a patriarch's death. Premiering at the Busan Film Festival, the film balances occasional melodramatic excesses with quiet, beautifully observed moments of everyday life, showcasing how a family reshapes itself around an absence.

Film ReviewGu YouBusan Film FestivalDramaChinese Cinema

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 10, 2026

Tenzing Review: A Remarkable Mount Everest Drama

Jennifer Peedom's new film 'Tenzing' delivers a breathtaking and authentic look at the historic 1953 first ascent of Mount Everest. The movie highlights the extraordinary journey of Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa guide often overlooked by traditional history. Employing a classicist directorial approach reminiscent of Hollywood greats, Peedom immerses viewers directly into the harsh and perilous environment of the world's highest peak without relying on flashy gimmicks.

TenzingMount EverestJennifer PeedomFilm ReviewCinema

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 10, 2026

‘Ray Gunn’ Review: Brad Bird’s Animated Noir Lacks Heart

Brad Bird's latest animated feature, "Ray Gunn," brings a retro-futurist noir style to Netflix, blending elements of classic detective stories with sci-fi world-building. Set in the sprawling metropolis of Metropia, the film follows a private eye voiced by Sam Rockwell as he investigates a complex murder mystery involving aliens and a femme fatale. While the visual presentation is stunning and brimming with technical flair, critics note that the film falls short in emotional depth and humor. Despite its high energy and creative world-building, it struggles to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Ray GunnBrad BirdAnimationNetflixFilm Review

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 10, 2026

‘14th’ Review: Ava DuVernay’s Powerful Sequel to ‘13th’

Ava DuVernay returns with '14th', a powerful documentary sequel to her acclaimed film '13th', premiering at the New York Film Festival. The film explores the monumental impact of the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, which guaranteed equal protection under the law and effectively restarted American society after the Civil War. DuVernay transforms constitutional history into a vibrant, living narrative rather than a dry academic lecture. She highlights the Reconstruction era and its key architects, drawing urgent parallels between historical struggles and modern threats to fundamental freedoms.

Ava DuVernay14th DocumentaryNew York Film FestivalConstitutional LawCivil Rights

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 8, 2026

Ben Affleck Returns with Netflix Kidnapping Thriller 'Animals'

Ben Affleck's sixth directorial outing, the Netflix thriller "Animals," offers a slick, fast-paced dive into pulpy morality and cynical politics. Starring Affleck alongside Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, and Gillian Anderson, the film bypasses theatrical release for streaming. While carrying heavy tones of political satire and marital melodrama, the movie functions best as disposable, highly engaging entertainment rather than heavy prestige cinema.

Ben AffleckAnimalsNetflixFilm ReviewThriller

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 7, 2026

‘The Beast’ Review: Samuel L. Jackson and Renny Harlin Reunite

Director Renny Harlin and star Samuel L. Jackson reunite for the new action film 'The Beast,' featuring Jackson as a U.S. President navigating a high-tech vehicle. Unfortunately, critics note that the movie falls well below the standards of their previous collaborations like 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' or 'Deep Blue Sea,' resulting in a subpar cinematic experience.

The BeastSamuel L. JacksonRenny HarlinFilm ReviewAction Movie

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 7, 2026

‘Satoko Always’ Review: A Delightful Celebration of Writing

Shuichi Okita's film 'Satoko Always' follows three strangers who share the same name and find inspiration in writing. Starring Kasumi Arimura, Hikari Ishida, and Kashun Himeno, the movie is a creative celebration of womanhood and literary composition. The film recently made its international debut at the Busan competition section, receiving praise for its stellar performances and clever screenplay.

Satoko AlwaysShuichi OkitaFilm ReviewBusan Film FestivalKasumi Arimura

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 7, 2026

The Social Reckoning Review: Aaron Sorkin's Soft Sequel

Aaron Sorkin returns with 'The Social Reckoning,' a thematic follow-up to the 2010 masterpiece 'The Social Network.' Directed by Sorkin himself, the film covers the 2019-2021 period of Facebook scandals, focusing on whistleblower Frances Haugen and journalist Jeff Horwitz. However, critics note that the film lacks the sharp, shadowy vision of David Fincher, feeling more like a dated procedural than a prescient warning. With the tech landscape vastly changed by 2026, its triumphant ending feels somewhat quaint and unconvincing.

Aaron SorkinThe Social ReckoningFilm ReviewFacebookDavid Fincher

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 7, 2026

The Social Reckoning Review: A Tepid Look at Tech Culture

When David Fincher's The Social Network premiered in 2010, Mark Zuckerberg was widely viewed as a visionary genius. Aaron Sorkin's script criticized his ruthless business style while inadvertently mythologizing the Facebook co-founder. Now, a new project called The Social Reckoning revisits those early tech culture myths. However, it emerges as a somewhat tepid thriller that merely reminds audiences of how modern social media giants came to power.

FacebookMark ZuckerbergSocial MediaFilm ReviewTech Culture

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 6, 2026

‘The Table: Day and Night’ Review: A Frothy Romantic Anthology

Director Kim Jong-kwan returns with a new romantic anthology, 'The Table: Day and Night,' which opened the Busan Film Festival. The film features a star-studded cast, including Kim Min-ha and Han Sun-hwa, set entirely within a single Seoul café. Despite the high-profile ensemble and the charming setting, the film struggles to find emotional depth. Critics suggest that the structural gimmick of the anthology format ultimately overshadows the individual narratives, resulting in a visually pleasing but hollow experience.

Film ReviewKorean CinemaBusan Film FestivalKim Jong-kwanRomance

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 6, 2026

Luca Guadagnino's 'Artificial' is the True Sequel to The Social Network

Luca Guadagnino's new docudrama "Artificial" serves as the spiritual and narrative sequel to "The Social Network." The film explores the chaotic origins and rise of artificial intelligence, focusing heavily on OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman. Anchored by brilliant performances from Andrew Garfield and Yura Borisov, the movie blends corporate backstabbing with philosophical horror, examining humanity's attempt to control a technology it barely understands.

ArtificialLuca GuadagninoAndrew GarfieldOpenAISam Altman

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 6, 2026

Artificial Review: Luca Guadagnino Directs AI Docudrama

Director Luca Guadagnino has delivered "Artificial," a brain-spinning tech-geek docudrama that premiered at the New York Film Festival. Starring Andrew Garfield as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Yura Borisov, the film acts as a spiritual sequel to "The Social Network." The movie meticulously charts the invention, development, and corporate rise of artificial intelligence. It blends a backstabbing business narrative with a chilling look at humanity unleashing a powerful digital genie. Critics praise the film for making the abstract frontier of AI feel immediate, visceral, and deeply topical. It raises urgent questions about control, power, and the unpredictable consequences of modern technology.

ArtificialLuca GuadagninoAndrew GarfieldOpenAIAI