“Men in Black”? “X-Men”? That’s so 2000s. The trend of summer 2019 is blockbuster franchise reboots with women in the driver’s seat who are sick of being called “men.” In the most discussed moment of “Dark Phoenix,” Jennifer Lawrence’s Raven snaps, “You might wanna think
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Sequel adds babies and toddlers to lovable animal mix
The key to the appeal of “The Secret Life of Pets” is the filmmakers understanding of the lovable quirks and characteristics that make our furry friends who they are. In this sequel to the animated hit, it’s more of the same, but with babies and
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With the success of last year’s Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” it might feel too soon for another film about a queer British rock star who soared to fame in the 1970s. But the Elton John biopic “Rocketman” is no “Bohemian Rhapsody” — it’s better. Wilder,
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A refreshingly original take on the familiar coming-of-age movie
One of my favorite moments in any movie so far this year comes early in Olivia Wilde’s wonderful “Booksmart,” when a group of cynical burnouts make fun of a Yale-bound honors student and she responds by painting a devastating picture of their respective futures. It’s
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The most outlandish, entertaining chapter in ultraviolent franchise
Not to minimize the stylish, creative, imaginative directing flair by Chad Stahelski and the classic deadpan performance by Keanu Reeves in the title role, but when that idiot thug murdered grieving widower John Wick’s pup in the first film back in 2014, THAT’s what provided
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This may not be for everyone, but is surprisingly entertaining
For audiences of a certain age, the phrase “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” might sound like utter gibberish. “Detective Pikachu” may not be for everyone — but it’s surprising how much it could be. Boasting “Blade Runner”-style neo-noir visuals and a wise-cracking Ryan Reynolds, would it shock
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Refreshing rom-com makes Rogen, Theron a winning pair
The rom-com has officially been revived, and with new releases hitting theaters and flooding Netflix, the best ones always seem to turn out to be a twist on the genre. “Long Shot,” starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen, puts the rom into the com of
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Superhero adventure for the ages also carries emotional punch
I’m not prepared to instantly label “Avengers: Endgame” as the best of the 23 Marvel Universe movies to date, but it’s a serious contender for the crown, and it’s the undisputed champion when it comes to emotional punch. If you don’t feel the tears welling
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the chain restaurant of superhero franchises — satisfying but always the same. Every now and then the Disney-owned comic corporation offers a new flavor, bringing on an auteur like Ryan Coogler to imbue a film like “Black Panther” with real
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