Jackson Murphy: Emmy Award-winning Film Critic / Entertainment Reporter. Broadcast Film Critics Assoc. (@CriticsChoice), SAG-AFTRA (@SAGAwards)
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'It: Chapter Two' Review
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IT’s only been two years (though it feels longer) since the first half of the latest take on Stephen King’s “It” was released. “It Chapter Two” shifts the story ahead 27 years. King and returning director Andy Muschietti certainly aren’t clowning around when it comes to the time jump.
'Angel Has Fallen' Review
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Over the past decade, Gerard Butler has been box office poison for just about everything he’s appeared in. The exceptions are the “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Has Fallen” films. Good news! That means 2019 is a banner year for Butler. The third “Dragon” movie came out in February and now the third film in the “Has Fallen” franchise is here.
'Where'd You Go, Bernadette' Review
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“Where’d You Go, Bernadette” is co-written and directed by Richard Linklater (“Boyhood”). It stars two-time Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett as the title character. And as she did in “Blue Jasmine”, Blanchett sinks herself into a role that’s dark, complex, unsettling and relatable.
'Blinded by the Light' Review
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In a movie summer that’s already showcased the music of Elton John and the Beatles, The Boss now gets his shot as headliner. “Blinded by the Light” is inspired by the music of Bruce Springsteen and the real-life story of a Pakistani teenager whose life was changed by Springsteen’s songs.
'The Angry Birds Movie 2' Review
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If you’re looking for a family-friendly, end of summer treat, “The Angry Birds Movie 2” is your best bet. Sony Pictures Animation sequel to their 2016 hit (based on the mobile game phenomenon) is even more free-spirited and fun than the original.
'Dora and the Lost City of Gold' Review
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I did not have high hopes for “Dora and the Lost City of Gold”. The ads/trailers make it out to be a goofy, low-brow, slapstick comedy adventure that tarnishes the popular Nickelodeon show. And turning a beloved cartoon into live-action is always major risk.
'Brian Banks' Review
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“Brian Banks” is the latest “based on a true story” drama about a football player. But unlike with “Invincible”, “The Express” or even “The Blind Side”, football actually takes a major backseat. And that’s refreshing.
'The Art of Racing in the Rain' Review
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You may be thinking “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is just another talking dog movie. Think again. This adaptation of author Garth Stein’s 2008 best-selling novel is in a different class than the recent, lighter “A Dog’s Purpose”, “A Dog’s Journey” and “A Dog’s Way Home”.
