Moana 2
An unexpected call from her ancestors, finds Moana traveling to the far seas of Oceania for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
rated pg for action / peril.
“…will wind up on repeat in many households over the coming years.” – Sean Farrell, AFPL Journal
“A touch less fresh than the original, but this is still bursting with energy, emotion, warmth and imagination. It knows the way. ” – John Nugent, Empire
“The main selling point remains Moana herself: the sparkiest and most intrepid Disney heroine of them all.” – Wendy Ide, Observer
Gladiator II
Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
rated r for strong bloody violence.
“You shouldn’t come in to Gladiator II looking for a history lesson, but lovers of Hollywood spectacle will have a blast as this is one of the most purely entertaining movies of the year.” – Sean Farrell, AFPL Journal
“It’s equal parts compelling, ridiculous and uproariously pleasurable, often to the point where you can almost hear director Ridley Scott shouting, ‘Are you not entertained?’” – Emily Zemler, Observer
“Like Scott’s filmmaking in this pleasurably immersive spectacle — with its foreign ancients and mentalities, exotic animals and equally unfamiliar calls to human nobility — Washington’s performance has skill, intensity and absolute confidence.” – Manohla Dargis, New York Times
Red One
After a villain kidnaps Santa from the North Pole, an E.L.F (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative (Dwayne Johnson) must partner with the world’s most accomplished tracker (Chris Evans) to find Santa and save Christmas.
rated pg-13 for action, some violence, and language.
“Red One is a sour sugarplum of a Christmas treat, a cheerfully cynical action comedy for kids — especially the ones who asked Santa Claus for ninja stars and a Nerf gun.” – Amy Nicholson, Washington Post
“The challenge is to balance the mayhem with the holly-jolly, to blow stuff up while also allowing troubled characters to find the nice in themselves and in each other, and Red One fulfills both of those wish-list items with a cheeky finesse.” – Alonso Duralde, The Film Verdict
“It’s wildly overproduced blockbuster silliness, but with some genuine witty imagination.” – M.V. Moorhead, Phoenix
Wolf Man
Blake (Christopher Abbott), a San Francisco husband and father, inherits his remote childhood home in rural Oregon after his own father vanishes and is presumed dead. With his marriage to his high-powered wife, Charlotte (Julia Garner), fraying, Blake persuades Charlotte to take a break from the city and visit the property with their young daughter, Ginger (Matlida Firth). But as the family approaches the farmhouse in the dead of night, they’re attacked by an unseen animal and, in a desperate escape, barricade themselves inside the home as the creature prowls the perimeter. As the night stretches on, however, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognizable, and Charlotte will be forced to decide whether the terror within their house is more lethal than the danger without.
rated r for bloody violent content, grisly images, and some language.
“As with many great horror tales, Wolf Man is a tragedy at its core. Sure, it’s scary and thrilling but a lot of why this movie really works is because of how sad it is, especially if you’ve ever had to watch a loved one succumb to illness… A rollercoaster ride of a movie that lingers long after it’s over.” – Sean Farrell, AFPL Journal
“The risky focus that Leigh Whannell, the film’s director, puts on the psychological over the physical may alienate some gorehounds, but it makes for an original shocker with subtexts that linger.” – Donald Clarke, The Irish Times
“Leigh Whannell has done it again, bringing his talents back to the world of Universal monsters with a worthy update to another horror icon. With solid performances, impressive effects and well choreographed action, Wolf Man may be sappy in places but it wears its tragedy on its sleeve to heartrending effect and balances it out with plenty of scares.” – Becky Darke, Total Film
Kraven the Hunter
Kraven (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless gangster father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.
rated r for strong bloody violence, and language.
“It remains ludicrous to the end but it’s never anything less than entertaining.” – Kevin Maher, The Times
“Kraven The Hunter gets closer than any of its predecessors to understanding the silly, entertaining freedom of shedding continuity. Then again, maybe it’s best that this misbegotten series quits while it’s just-barely ahead.” – Jesse Hassenger, AV Club
“Instead of the Kraven you know and loathe, you get the swaggering pelvic thrusts of Aaron Taylor-Johnson posing as every mammal in the animal kingdom as he sadistically murders enemies while chewing up scenery like it’s his job, and this is a compliment.” – Aaron Peterson, The Hollywood Outsider
Memoir of a Snail
From Academy Award winning animator Adam Elliot comes this bittersweet memoir of a melancholic woman called Grace Pudel – a hoarder of snails, romance novels, and guinea-pigs.
rated r for sexual content, nudity, and some violent content.
“As hilarious as it is heart-wrenching – frequently within the same scene.” – Wendy Ide, Screen Daily
“Mr. Elliot’s script is so rich and gently funny that he could easily have made an excellent live-action feature from it. As it is, though, the animation makes it even more lovable.” – Kyle Smith, Wall Street Journal
“Despite its intimate focus, Memoir of a Snail is a towering achievement. This touching animated film serves as a reminder that Elliot is a humanist who clearly sculpts his ‘clayographies’ (as he dubs his films) from the very essence of life itself.” – Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times
The Penguin
Mob boss Oz Cobb aka The Penguin (Colin Farrell) sees a possible opening in the power vacuum left in Gotham after what occurred in the 2022 film The Batman.
rated tv-ma. contains strong bloody violence, strong language throughout, sexual content, and drug use.
“A masterful examination of criminality, the show is twisted, disturbing and deeply enthralling.” – Aramide Tinubu, Variety
“A gritty, character-driven mob tale that stands on its own, The Penguin expands Matt Reeves’ Gotham City with stellar performances and a thoughtful exploration of social inequality as fuel for criminality.” – Marco Vito Oddo, We Got This Covered
“The Penguin is a slick and powerful beast, with enough action and heart to capture existing fans and create many more. And Farrell himself should soon be swimming in a sea of awards.” – Lucy Mangan, The Guardian
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
In Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, Big Nick (Gerard Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.
rated r for pervasive language, some violence, drug use, and sexual references.
“Pantera mixes its many influences into a smooth spectacle so confident and patient in its assemblage that it instantly wins you over.” – Barry Hertz, The Globe and Mail
“Even if nobody was asking for Den of Thieves 2, it might be time to start crossing our fingers for Den of Thieves 3. Frankly, I’m even more excited for Den of Thieves 7.” – Christian Zilko, IndieWire
“The technical diligence and conceptual novelty on display during the boost uphold a high standard of excellence, its most inspired sequence played like a nerve-shredding game of red-light-green-light. Believably portraying expertise requires some measure of the same behind the camera, and the attentive, inventive Gudegast can keep pace with his subjects.” – Charles Bramesco, The Guardian
Spy x Family CODE: White
After receiving an order to be replaced in Operation Strix, Loid decides to help Anya win a cooking competition at Eden Academy by making the principal’s favorite meal in order to prevent his replacement.
rated pg-13 for some violence, language, and smoking.
“Fortunately, the wait was absolutely worth it as CODE: White joins some of Spy x Family‘s best missions as one of the franchise’s best outings.” – Angela Davis, Screen Rant
“Spy X Family CODE: White captures the series’ appeal in microcosm, its stylish action, heartfelt found-family dynamic, and incredibly silly comedy all working in entertaining harmony.” – Kambole Campbell, IGN
“While the film is friendly to newcomers, there’s no question that it’s the fans who will get the most out of it.” – Cindy White, AV Club
Lake George
Tasked by mobsters with putting an end to Phyllis’ life, Don is unable to pull the trigger, and instead, the two set off on a road trip that evolves into something much more. Phyllis has designs of her own and proposes a little tag team action to Don: combine forces with the aim to steal all the money from the people who want her dead.
not rated. contains strong bloody violence, strong language throughout, sexual material, and drug references.
“Do stars Shea Whigham and Carrie Coon manage to make the material feel both fresh and engaging? Yes.” – Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter
“This is a story with numerous stinging ironies, albeit one told in a refreshingly nuanced, non-hyperbolic fashion that pays off very nicely indeed.” – Dennis Harvey, Variety
“It’s Coon who runs away with the film. As Phyllis, she’s caustic and just unpredictable enough to keep Reiner’s material consistently engaging, elevating Lake George from a substandard neo-noir to a darkly funny and fresh take on the genre.” – Coleman Spilde, The Daily Beast
Inshallah a Boy
After the sudden death of her husband, Nawal is struggling to cope with the upheaval in her life. However, her pain is soon compounded by the possibility of losing her home to her brother-in-law. Desperate to keep her home and provide a stable life for her daughter, Nawal resorts to deception by faking a pregnancy. But as time passes, the lie becomes harder to sustain and Nawal faces a difficult choice. With only three weeks to find a solution, Nawal embarks on a journey that challenges her fears, beliefs, and morality, as she fights to secure her rightful inheritance and protect her daughter’s future.
not rated. contains strong language, disturbing thematic content, and sexual material.
“Inshallah a Boy moves like a sleek thriller, but is full of the unsolved mysteries and dangling question marks of real life.” – Jessica Kiang, Variety
“The acting is superb, and the pacing is remarkable. But most importantly, the look into women’s rights, morality, and normalized societal oppression speaks volumes about its country and the road to freedom.” – Abhishek Sharma, Film Threat
“Hawa, a Palestinian actress, is commanding as a woman whose future and faith are buffeted by her narrowing options.” – Lisa Kennedy, New York Times
One Night in Tokyo
Sam (Reza Emamiyeh) arrives in Tokyo only to have his trip unexpectedly cut short. Stuck for the night while he waits for his new flight, Sam makes an unlikely friend in Ayaka (Tokiko Kitagawa), who reluctantly takes him out for the night in the city.
not rated. contains some strong language and mild sexual references.
“Buoyed by a pair of endearing performances this slow-burn charmer will be firmly planted in your heart by the time the credits roll.” – Sean Farrell, AFPL Journal
“Woodcock’s sweet confection frames itself around a 24-hour period, and serves comfort food for romantics. The leads are a delight.” – Randy Myers, San Jose Mercury News
“Romance is tough to pull off from a writer’s standpoint as it requires bringing our lovers together in a fresh and believable way. A challenge that filmmaker Woodcock faces admirably.” – Alan Ng, Film Threat
Hilma
Lasse Hallström’s Hilma brings to life the story of a woman who posthumously revolutionized the art world as one of the first abstract artists. In this immersive biopic starring Tora Hallström as the young Hilma, and Lena Olin as the mature Hilma, we follow the artist from her early life through her rising artistic career and spiritual awakening after the loss of her beloved younger sister Hermina. Hilma explores af Klint’s spiritualism, her unconventional love life, and the impetus behind her work — from the writings of Rudolph Steiner to the strong influence of the Theosophic Movement, and her belief in its mystical philosophy — in a portrait of a woman well ahead of her time.
not rated. contains bloody images and thematic content.
“Lasse Hallström’s greatest strength as a director is deep humanity, with compassion for even the most flawed characters. The affection from all three family members for af Klint and for creating art shines through the film.” – Nell Minow, RogerEbert.com
“Hallström wins the audience back with his sincere connection to af Klint, played in her bullheaded youth by his daughter, Tora Hallström, and in her muttering years by his wife, Lena Olin.” – Amy Nicholson, New York Times
“In Hilma, Hallström delves into the fiery and sometimes messy personal story as well as celebrating, in fittingly enthralled, immersive fashion, the singular fusion of nature and spiritual mystery that drove her.” – Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter
Suze
When her only daughter goes off to university, an empty-nest mother gets stuck taking care of her daughter’s heartbroken ex-boyfriend, whom she can’t stand.
not rated. contains strong language, sexual material, and drug use.
“This is a smart and emotionally immersive comfort movie where you get the happy with a side of sad in the same way that the messiness of our own lives often unfolds, with laughter and tears served as a pair in a package deal.” – Tomris Laffly, Variety
“Suze invests in its characters, allowing them complexity and ambiguities. Everyone is full of surprises.” – Sheila O’Malley, RogerEbert.com
“A shamelessly feel-good movie buoyed by dynamic, lived-in performances, Suze offers emotional rewards far grander than its simple story might suggest. And it’s an honest pleasure to watch.” – Kim Hughes, Original Cin
Queendom
In defiance of Russia’s anti-LGTBQ laws, a queer, 21-year-old artist risks her life performing in surreal costumes throughout Moscow. Jenna Marvin’s radical public performances blend artistry and activism.
not rated. contains violence, bloody images, strong language including discriminatory terms, thematic material, and smoking.
“A devastating, urgent reminder that art can be dangerous and important and political and powerful — especially in ten-inch heels.” – John Nugent, Empire
“As Gena attempts to live an authentic life in a place which is dangerously prejudiced against her, so Queendom takes shape as a damning portrait of state-sanctioned intolerance and suppression.” – Nikki Baughan, Screen Daily
“Ultimately, as Agniia Galdanova’s remarkable observational documentary shows, Gena is her own extraordinary creation.” – Wendy Ide, Observer
All You Need Is Blood
Bucky, a 16-year-old aspiring director, dreams of becoming the next arthouse auteur sensation. After a strange meteor crash lands in his backyard and turns his deadbeat father into a brain-eating zombie, Bucky and his friends seize the opportunity to create the ultimate horror flick, starring his undead dad. They’ll soon realize that making a movie with real zombies is harder than they thought, especially when Bucky can’t tolerate the sight of blood.
not rated. contains strong bloody violence and language.
“Lots of spraying blood, action, and wisecracking dialogue reminiscent of the infamous American Guinea Pig film series. You have one lovely, fun film to chow down your popcorn.” – Terry Sherwood, Film Threat
“It’s the type of movie that makes you want to make a movie of your own, not just because it calls back memories of adolescent creative projects, but because it’s a film about how the process itself is the reward.” – Dan Scully, ScullyVision
“All You Need Is Blood is infectious, a zom drom that may not have a pulse on a zombie technicality, but is brimming with life.” – Tina Kakadelis, Beyond the Cinerama Dome
And Mrs
When her American fiancé, Nathan (Colin Hanks), dies shortly before their wedding day, Gemma (Aisling Bea) must re-evaluate the promise of a life spent together. With some encouragement from Nathan’s chaotic and unconventional sister, Audrey (Billie Lourd), Gemma decides to go ahead with the wedding anyway. To do so, she has to overcome public opinion, the law of the land and even her own family’s objections for the right to finally say “I do”.
not rated. contains strong language, sexual references, brief nudity, and thematic material.
“It’s an affecting British rom-com unlike any you’ve seen before, and one that gives you as many laughs as it will tears.” – Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy
“An enjoyable experience that packs a surprising emotional punch, depicting a make-the-best-of-it situation that audiences will surely hope never to live for themselves but will likely very much enjoy watching.” – Abe Friedtanzer, Awards Buzz
“The premise of And Mrs is a touch bizarre—a woman determined to marry her dead fiancé—but somehow the movie sidesteps anything too uncomfortable or schmaltzy, instead offering plenty of humor and some well-earned emotional moments.” – Kat Halstead, Common Sense Media
The Graduates
A year after her boyfriend dies from gun violence, a young woman prepares to graduate high school as she navigates an uncertain future alongside a community that is searching for ways to heal.
not rated. contains strong language and thematic material.
“It’s a quiet film in every sense of the word. One that relies on the expressions of its actors over the words that they are saying, but it’s also one of the more compelling debuts in some time and a film that’s well worth seeking out.” – Christian Gallichio, The Playlist
“The Graduates is a compelling drama with incredible performances across the board and confident direction.” – Taylor Gates, Collider
“The Graduates is a reflective movie, an emotional story without telling you how to feel, only that for many people across the country, learning to live with grief can be just as important as planning for the future.” – Monica Castillo, RogerEbert.com
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Summaries provided by the studios or distributors.
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