Tag: visually-stunning

“Avatar: The Way of Water” (2021) – James Cameron’s Astonishing Avatar Sequel

Writer/Director: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver                     … More

“Soul” (2020) – A Soul-Stirring Achievement in Animation

Writer/Director: Pete Docter Co-writers: Mike Jones and Kemp Powers Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey and Graham Norton ‘Soulful Animated Achievement’ … More

“Rebecca” (2020) – A Cursed Remake of a Celebrated Hitchcock Classic

Director: Ben Wheatley Writers: Jane Goldman, Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse Starring: Lily James, Armie Hammer and Kristin Scott Thomas … More

“Enola Holmes” (2020) – A Fantastic Feminist Period Piece

Director: Harry Bradbeer  Writer: Jack Thorne (based on book by Nancy Springer) Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill and Sam … More

“Emma” (2020) – An Amazing Adaptation of Jane Austen’s Beloved Book

Director: Autumn de Wilde Writer: Eleanor Catton (based on book by Jane Austen) Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn and Bill … More

“The Incredibles 2” (2018) – Pixar’s Incredible Animated Superheroes Sequel

Writer/Director: Brad Bird Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson ‘An Incredible Sequel’ When it comes to … More

“Soul” (2020) – Pixar’s Most Soul-Stirring Animated Achievement

Writer/Director: Pete Docter Co-writers: Mike Jones and Kemp Powers Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey and Graham Norton ‘Soulful Animated Achievement’ … More

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) – A Powerful Portrait of a Lesbian Romance

Writer/Director: Céline Sciamma Starring: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel and Valeria Golino ‘Powerful Period Piece’ Lesbian love stories are rarely depicted … More

“The Incredibles 2” (2018) – Pixar’s Incredible Animated Sequel

Writer/Director: Brad Bird Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson ‘An Incredible Sequel’ When it comes to … More

“The Light Between Oceans” (2016) – A Lovely Literature Adaptation

Writer/Director: Derek Cianfrance Based on the best-selling novel by M.L. Stedman Starring: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz ‘Powerful … More

“Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) – An Awe-Inspiring Asian Animated Achievement

Directed by Travis Knight Written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler Starring Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey ‘Awe-Inspiring … More

“The Jungle Book” (2016) – Disney’s Remarkable Live-Action Remake

Director: Jon Favreau Writer: Justin Marks (based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling) Starring: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray and Sir … More

“The Incredibles 2” (2015) – Pixar’s Incredible Animated Superhero Sequel

Writer/Director: Brad Bird Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson ‘An Incredible Sequel’ When it comes to … More

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014) – A Soaring Animated Dragon Sequel

Writer/Director: Dean DeBlois Co-writer: Cressida Cowell Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett and Djimon Hounsou ‘A Soaring Sequel’ If there’s any … More

“Despicable Me 2” (2013) – A Dazzling Despicable Me Sequel

Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud Writers: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt ‘Spectacular … More

“Life of Pi” (2012) – A Life-Affirming Adaptation of Literature

Director: Ang Lee Writer: David Magee (based off novel by Yann Martel) Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu ‘Beautiful Book … More

“Frankenweenie” (2012) – Tim Burton’s Breathtaking Stop-Motion Animation

Director: Tim Burton Starring: Charlie Tahan, Winona Ryder, Martin Landau ‘Spectacular Stop-Motion’ “Frankenweenie” is a black-and-white stop motion film directed … More

“Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” (2012) – A Disastrous Dr. Seuss Literary Adaptation

Directors: Chris Renaud and Kyle Bada Starring: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms and Zac Efron ‘Passable Animation’ “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” … More

“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011) – A Beautiful British Period Piece

Director: John Madden Writer: Ol Parker Starring: Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith ‘A Charming Comedy’ Sometimes all a … More

“Saltburn” (2023) – A Sensational British Social Class Satire

Writer/Director: Emerald Fennell Starring: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elrodi, Rosamund Pike                      … More

“Dune: Part Two” (2024) – Denis Villeneuve’s Spectacular Science-Fiction Sequel

Writer/Director: Denis Villeneuve  Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson                       … More

“Inception” (2010) – Christopher Nolan’s Mind-Bending Masterpiece

Writer/Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard ‘Mind-bending Masterpiece’ Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned recognition of … More

“Rebecca” (2020) – A Cursed Remake of a Hitchcock Classic

Director: Ben Wheatley Writers: Jane Goldman, Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse Starring: Lily James, Armie Hammer and Kristin Scott Thomas … More

“Inside Out 2” (2024) – An Incredibly Accurate Portrait of Anxiety

Director: Kelsey Mann Starring: Amy Poehler, Lewis Black and Maya Hawke                   … More

“The Incredibles 2” (2018) – An Incredible Animated Sequel

Writer/Director: Brad Bird Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson ‘An Incredible Sequel’ When it comes to … More

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) – A Powerful Portrait of Lesbian Romance

Writer/Director: Céline Sciamma Starring: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel and Valeria Golino ‘Powerful Period Piece’ Lesbian love stories are rarely depicted … More

“The Incredibles 2” (2018) – Pixar’s Incredible Animated Sequel

Writer/Director: Brad Bird Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson ‘An Incredible Sequel’ When it comes to … More

“War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017) – Powerful Planet of the Apes Finale

Writer/Director: Matt Reeves Co-writer: Mark Bomback Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson and Steve Zahn ‘Fantastic Apes Finale’ Ever since it … More

“The Light Between Oceans” (2016) – Astonishing Literature Adaptation

Writer/Director: Derek Cianfrance Based on the best-selling novel by M.L. Stedman Starring: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz ‘Powerful … More

“Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) – Astonishing Asian Animation

Directed by Travis Knight Written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler Starring Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey ‘Awe-Inspiring … More

“The Jungle Book” (2016) – Dazzling Disney Live-Action Remake

Director: Jon Favreau Writer: Justin Marks (based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling) Starring: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray and Sir … More

“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014) – Powerful Planet of the Apes Sequel

Director: Matt Reeves Writers: Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman ‘Spectacular … More

“Oz: The Great and the Powerful” (2013) – Powerful Wizard of Oz Prequel

Director: Sam Raimi Writers: Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire Starring: James Franco, Michelle Williams, and Mila Kunis ‘Powerful Prequel’ I … More

“Monsters University” (2013) – Magnificent Monsters Inc. Prequel

Director: Dan Scanlon Writers: Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird and Dan Scanlon Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Helen Mirren … More

“Gravity” (2013) – Extraordinary Space Epic

Writer/Director: Alfonso Cauron Co-writer: Jonas Cauron Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney and Ed Harris ‘A Groundbreaking Achievement’ How often do … More

“Wreck it Ralph” (2012) – Awe-Inspiring Video-Game Animation

Director: Rich Moore Writer: Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer ‘Astonishing Animation’ Animated … More

“Life of Pi” (2012) – Life-Changing Literature Adaptation

Director: Ang Lee Writer: David Magee (based off novel by Yann Martel) Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu ‘Beautiful Book … More

“Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” (2012) – Disastrous Dr. Seuss Adaptation

Directors: Chris Renaud and Kyle Bada Starring: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms and Zac Efron ‘Passable Animation’ “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” … More

“Arthur Christmas” (2011) – Amazing Christmas Animation

Directors: Sarah Smith and Barry Cook Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Billy Nighy ‘Astonishing Animation’ “Arthur Christmas” is directed by … More

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021) – Marvelous Martial-Arts Epic

Writer/Director: Destin Daniel Cretton Starring: Simu Liu, Awkwafina and Tony Leung ‘Marvel-ous Martial-Arts Epic’  Crazy rich abilities of Asian communities … More

“Avatar: The Way of Water” (2021) – Awe-Inspiring Avatar Sequel

Writer/Director: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver                     … More

“Mulan” (2020) – Marvelous Mulan Remake

Director: Niki Caro Writers: Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver Starring: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen and Tzi Ma ‘Remarkable Live-Action Remake’ … More

“Toy Story 4” (2019) – Terrific Toy Story Sequel

Director: Josh Cooley Writers: Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Keanu Reeves ‘Terrific Toys Sequel’ … More

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) – Remarkable Lesbian Romance

Writer/Director: Céline Sciamma Starring: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel and Valeria Golino ‘Powerful Period Piece’ Lesbian love stories are rarely depicted … More

“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018) – Dazzling Dinosaur Sequel

Director: J.A. Bayona Writers: Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and Jeff Goldblum ‘Dazzling Dinosaur … More

“Incredibles 2” (2018) – Incredible Animated Sequel

Writer/Director: Brad Bird Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson ‘An Incredible Sequel’ When it comes to … More

“Phantom Thread” (2017) – Powerful Fashion Period Piece

Writer/Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville ‘Powerful Period Piece’ Few filmmakers in the world … More

“The Light Between Oceans” (2016) – Lovely Literature Adaptation

Writer/Director: Derek Cianfrance Based on the best-selling novel by M.L. Stedman Starring: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz ‘Powerful … More

“Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) – Awe-Inspiring Asian Animation

Directed by Travis Knight Written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler Starring Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey ‘Awe-Inspiring … More

“The Jungle Book” (2016) – Remarkable Live-Action Remake

Director: Jon Favreau Writer: Justin Marks (based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling) Starring: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray and Sir … More

“Inside Out” (2015) – Pixar’s Emotional Animated Classic

Writer/Director: Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen Co-writers: Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley Starring: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, and Lewis … More

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014) – Spectacular Dragon Sequel

Writer/Director: Dean DeBlois Co-writer: Cressida Cowell Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett and Djimon Hounsou ‘A Soaring Sequel’ If there’s any … More

“Gravity” (2013) – Spectacular Space Thriller

Writer/Director: Alfonso Cauron Co-writer: Jonas Cauron Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney and Ed Harris ‘A Groundbreaking Achievement’ How often do … More

“Despicable Me 2” (2013) – Dazzling Animated Sequel

Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud Writers: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt ‘Spectacular … More

“Wreck it Ralph” (2012) – Astonishing Video-Game Animation

Director: Rich Moore Writer: Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer ‘Astonishing Animation’ Animated … More

“Skyfall” (2012) – Spectacular Bond Sequel

Director: Sam Mendes Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and John Logan Starring Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes ‘Brilliant Bond … More

“Life of Pi” (2012) – Life-Affirming Literature Adaptation

Director: Ang Lee Writer: David Magee (based off novel by Yann Martel) Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu ‘Beautiful Book … More

“Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” (2012) – Disappointing Dr. Seuss Adaptation

Directors: Chris Renaud and Kyle Bada Starring: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms and Zac Efron ‘Passable Animation’ “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” … More

“Inside Out 2” (2024) – Incredibly Emotional Animation Sequel

Director: Kelsey Mann Starring: Amy Poehler, Lewis Black and Maya Hawke                   … More

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023) – Spectacular Animated Sequel

Director: Joaquim Dos Santos Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson                   … More

“The Power of the Dog” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Jane Campion Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Kodi Smit-McPhee ‘Wonderful Western’ It’s hard to forgive a genre in … More

“The Dig” (2021) – Movie Review

Directed by Simon Stone Written by Moira Buffini (Based on John Preston’s book) Starring Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes and Lily … More

“Cruella” (2021) – Movie Review

Director: Craig Gillepsie Writers: Dana Fox and Tony McNamara Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson and Paul Walter Hauser ‘Delightful Disney … More

“Avatar: The Way of Water” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver                     … More

“Soul” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Pete Docter Co-writers: Mike Jones and Kemp Powers Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey and Graham Norton ‘Astonishing Animated Achievement’ … More

“Rebecca” (2020) – Movie Review

Director: Ben Wheatley Writers: Jane Goldman, Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse Starring: Lily James, Armie Hammer and Kristin Scott Thomas … More

“Nomadland” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Chloé Zhao Based on Jessica Bruder’s book Starring: Frances McDormand, David Strathaim and Linda May ‘A Mesmerizing Docudrama’ Imagine … More

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Céline Sciamma Starring: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel and Valeria Golino ‘Powerful Period Piece’ Lesbian love stories are rarely depicted … More

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Quentin Tarantino Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie ‘Powerful Period Piece’ Few filmmakers in the world have … More

“Mary Poppins Returns” (2018) – Movie Review

Director: Rob Marshall Writer: David Magee Starring: Emily Blunt, Lin Manuel-Miranda and Ben Whishaw ‘A Marvelous Musical’ Before I begin … More

“Phantom Thread” (2017) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville ‘Powerful Period Piece’ Few filmmakers in the world … More

“Maudie” (2017) – Movie Review

Director: Aisling Walsh Writer: Sherry White Starring: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke and Kari Matchett ‘Deeply Moving Biopic’ Maud Lewis is … More

“The Light Between Oceans” (2016) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Derek Cianfrance Based on the best-selling novel by M.L. Stedman Starring: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz ‘Powerful … More

“La La Land” (2016) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Damien Chazelle Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and J.K. Simmons ‘A Musical Masterpiece’ Before I begin this review, I … More

“Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) – Movie Review

Directed by Travis Knight Written by Marc Haimes and Chris ButlerStarring Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey ‘Awe-Inspiring Animation’ … More

“The Jungle Book” (2016) – Movie Review

Director: Jon Favreau Writer: Justin Marks (based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling) Starring: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray and Sir … More

“Arrival” (2016) – Movie Review

Director: Denis Villeneuve Writer: Eric Heisserer (based on short story) Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker ‘Spellbinding Science-Fiction’ … More

“Monster’s University” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Dan Scanlon Writers: Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird and Dan Scanlon Starring: Billy Crytal, John Goodman and Helen Mirren … More

“Her” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Spike Jonze Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson and Amy Adams ‘A Mesmerizing Masterpiece’ You rarely ever see movies that … More

“Wreck it Ralph” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Rich Moore Writer: Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer ‘Astonishing Animation’ Animated … More

“Snow White and the Hunstman” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Rupert Sanders Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron ‘Enjoyable Entertainment’ “Snow White and the Huntsman” is directed … More

“Life of Pi” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Ang Lee Writer: David Magee (based off novel by Yann Martel) Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu ‘Beautiful Book … More

“The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Marc Webb Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Sally Field ‘Spectacular Reboot’ “The Amazing Spider-Man” is directed by Marc … More

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023) – Movie Review

Director: Joaquim Dos Santos Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson                   … More

“Dune” (2021) – Revisited

Writer/Director: Denis Villeneuve Co-writer: Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson and Oscar Isaac ‘Spectacular Sci-fi’ Few … More

“Wonder Woman” (2017) – Movie Review

Director: Patty Jenkins Writers: Allan Heinberg, Zach Snyder and Jason Fuchs Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Connie Nielson ‘Wonderful … More

“Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) – Movie Review

Directed by Travis Knight Written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler Starring Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey ‘Awe-Inspiring … More