Jackson Murphy: Emmy Award-winning Film Critic / Entertainment Reporter. Broadcast Film Critics Assoc. (@CriticsChoice), SAG-AFTRA (@SAGAwards)
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'The Addams Family' Review
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It’s not creepy or cooky, mysterious or spooky. The one word that sums-up the new CG animated version of “The Addams Family” is — bland. — Creators of this latest rendition based on the classic Charles Addams New Yorker comics were hoping to attract those who loved the ’60s TV series (which only ran for two years on ABC) and enjoyed the ’90s movies starring Anjelica Huston. At the same time, directors Conrad Vernon & Greg Tiernan (of the adult animated “Sausage Party”) were also trying to lure-in kids with a “Hotel Transylvania”-esque vibe. The result is one of the least entertaining major animated releases in recent years.
'Gemini Man' Review
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There have been plenty of movies in which the same actor plays two different characters — either twins or two versions of themselves. Will Smith’s new film tries to put a “fresh” spin on this concept.
'Joker' Review
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Joaquin Phoenix goes all in as “Joker” in this bold origin story from “Hangover” trilogy director Todd Phillips. This is unlike any previous DC movie. And Phoenix’s interpretation of the iconic Batman villain is distinctly different from past big-screen versions done by Jack Nicholson, Jared Leto and Heath Ledger.
'Judy' Review
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Get Happy because Renee Zellweger is simply dynamite as Judy Garland in the new biopic “Judy”. The Oscar winner not only looks like the entertainment icon (through special makeup, hair, teeth and contact lenses), but her voice is spot-on, too.
'Rambo: Last Blood' Review
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Last year, Sylvester Stallone announced that “Creed II” was going to be his final “Rocky” movie. While he’s already swirling up rumors that he may revive the Italian Stallion, it appears Sly is officially saying farewell to his other long-running, cinematic character.
'Ad Astra' Review
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Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Ryan Gosling, Jennifer Lawrence, Matthew McConaughey and Chris Pratt have all gone into space in recent years (in big sci-fi movies). The newest A-lister to come aboard the genre is… Brad Pitt.
'Hustlers' Review
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The 2012 male stripper drama “Magic Mike” made women go crazy for Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey (who actually won an Independent Spirit Award for his performance). Now it’s the ladies’ turn to take center stage with “Hustlers”. Can this movie make men go gaga watching Constance Wu, Cardi B and Jennifer Lopez (who’s receiving Best Supporting Actress buzz) bump and grind as “dancers” just trying to make a living?
'The Goldfinch' Review
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Director John Crowley’s follow-up to the lovely, heartbreaking 2015 romance “Brooklyn” is an ambitious one. “The Goldfinch” is based on author Donna Tartt’s nearly 800-page, 2013 novel that won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
