Guillermo del Toro's PInocchio

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio; Expertly crafted to match the tone and aesthetic of del Toro’s incomparable vision. Perfectly executed by its talented voice cast, composer and animators. Gives so much heart to an old wooden monster story with its message about loving life; A+

Doctor Sleep

Doctor Sleep; A sequel that deviates from an average Hollywood rehash, as it revisits characters & elements from original w/a lot of love & respect in its craft. McGregor is great & the story offers enough original angles while satisfying those wanting Kubrick film callbacks; B

Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn

Birds of Prey; Insanely well directed psychotic blend of DC Comics characters. A literal funhouse of action scenes with fresh fight styles and staging. All the leads exhibit complete joy inhabiting their roles and playing up the chaos and irreverence. Lots of fun; A-

Christopher Robin

Christopher Robin; A dour, yet sweet film marketed for children is anything but. Sadly depressing in its exploration of the death of childhood innocence for adult responsibilities, the lens of the mental disorder tropes of Pooh characters creates a hauntingly resonating film; B

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty & the Beast; Faithful, extravagant, cleverly cast feast for the eyes. More emotionally impacting & frightening. Missed Human Again; A-

Robots

Robots; Inventiveness is seen throughout with great voice casting, Rube Goldberg world design, clever word play and double entendres; A-

Jack the Giant Slayer

Jack the Giant Slayer; Delivers F/X heavy fun in a way Pirates & Mummy franchises did. Big on adventure, light on any profound message; B+