Fear Street: Prom Queen

Fear Street: Prom Queen; Completely 80s style horror w/few knowing winks or attempts at meta commentary. In many ways, it feels very much like it could have come out in the 80s, for better or for worse. Straight up 80s horror w/o any clever storytelling like the Fear Street films preceding it; C+

Barbie

Barbie; Perfect casting propels the film from silly concept to full blown cultural moment. More sad and intense at times than it is hilarious, Canadian Kens (and Alan) really bring the laughs. A small indie film wrapped in a big budget toy seller succeeds on several levels; B+

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan; Impeccable digital rendering of animals shows no expense was spared, but the F/X animation doesn’t have a story worthy of it. Voice cast is excellent and bring their best to what is a simple, true (??) story that seems to be more fantasy than fact; B-