Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) is a witty, self-aware pastiche of the spy thriller. Part satire, part homage, it simultaneously mocks genre conventions and delivers a satisfying, twisty detective story. It isn’t flawless, but Shane Black’s debut as director hits many of the key beats—damsel in distress, shootouts, and a memorable bald villain—while flipping expectations … Read more

When a sarcastic Renée Zellweger, the suave Hugh Grant, and the swoon-worthy Colin Firth meet against a Christmas backdrop with an upbeat Motown soundtrack, you get a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. More than two decades ago, the clumsy, charming, and sharp-witted Bridget Jones stepped off the page and onto the screen, securing her place among the most … Read more

Keep him out of the light. Do not give him water. And never, ever feed him after midnight. Those are the three simple rules Billy (Zach Galligan) must follow when his parents, Lynn (Frances Lee McCain) and Randall (Hoyt Axton), give him a Mogwai named Gizmo (voiced by Howie Mandel) for Christmas. After they bond … Read more

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022) Directors: Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson Screenwriters: Guillermo del Toro, Patrick McHale Starring: Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Christoph Waltz, Tilda Swinton, Ron Perlman, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, Burn Gorman, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson Adaptations of Pinocchio seem to arrive in clusters—after long waits, several notable versions appear … Read more

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)Director: Brian HensonScreenwriter: Jerry JuhlStarring: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, Steven Mackintosh, Meredith Braun, Robin Weaver, Raymond Coulthard The opening of The Muppet Christmas Carol carries a bittersweet tone even after thirty years. The film’s immediate dedication to Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, and Richard … Read more

The Polar Express (2004) Director: Robert Zemeckis Screenwriters: Robert Zemeckis, William Broyles Jr. Starring: Daryl Sabara, Tom Hanks, Eddie Deezen, Michael Jeter, Josh Hutcherson, Nona Gaye Christmas movies provoke strong opinions. With glittering lights, falling snow, sweeping scores, and a sense of childhood wonder, the ingredients for a successful holiday film often feel obvious. Yet … Read more

Debut writer-director Charlotte Wells and her film Aftersun were the standout winners at the 2022 British Independent Film Awards. On Sunday 4 December, the Twenty-Fifth British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) took place in London, hosted by Ben Bailey Smith. The ceremony celebrated excellence in British independent filmmaking from the past year, highlighting powerful debuts, inventive … Read more

Juno (2007) Director: Jason Reitman Screenwriter: Diablo Cody Starring: Elliot Page, Michael Cera, J.K. Simmons, Allison Janney, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Olivia Thirlby As Juno turns fifteen, it’s a good moment to revisit this distinctive coming-of-age dramedy. The film wears familiar teen-movie hallmarks—quirky animated sequences, sarcastic and unusually articulate teenagers, indie-music references, and a seasonal … Read more

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stands as one of the most influential media franchises ever, ranked among the highest-grossing entertainment properties in history. Since launching in 2008 the franchise has generated roughly $39 billion across box office, merchandise and home entertainment, with about $26 billion coming from theatrical receipts alone. In just fifteen years the … Read more

Falling for Christmas (2022) Director: Janeen Damian Writers: Jeff Bonnett, Ron Oliver Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Chord Overstreet, George Young Falling for Christmas leans heavily on familiar holiday-romance tropes: a wealthy, spoiled heiress, an amnesia plot that leads to unexpected self-discovery, and a selfie-obsessed fiancé who misses the point of the season. Yet despite these clichés, … Read more