Movie Reviews
Dark Phoenix — A-III (PG-13)
Though somber in tone, the Marvel Comics-based sci-fi adventure “Dark Phoenix” has a fundamentally moral outlook and features a more relationship-driven story than many similar films.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters — A-III (PG-13)
If there were an Academy Award for the most aurally annoying film of the year, “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” would certainly be a strong contender.
Aladdin — A-II (PG)
Though the magical tale of Aladdin is centuries old, it’s probably best known to contemporary audiences through two relatively recent products of pop culture: the 1992 animated film with Robin Williams and the Broadway musical derived from it, which continues a run that began in 2014.
Poms — A-III (PG-13)
Moviegoers turning to the senior-themed comedy “Poms” in the hope of being treated to the kind of zingy dialogue and amusing antics that made the NBC sitcom “The Golden Girls” so popular will come away sadly disappointed. Though the filmmakers’ good intentions are evident, the outcome is feeble.
Pokemon Detective Pikachu — A-II (PG)
Devotees of the global media juggernaut that takes its name from the Japanese for pocket monsters will no doubt welcome “Pokemon Detective Pikachu” (Warner Bros.), the first live-action feature in the franchise that began with video games in the 1990s. As for those not yet initiated into the mysteries of the Pokemon universe, however, they may feel both left behind and unimpressed.
Tolkien — A-II (PG-13)
By turns lyrical and moving, “Tolkien” is a sophisticated profile of the future novelist’s youth that succeeds on a number of levels. This may not be the biography that every fan of Catholic author J.R.R. Tolkien is looking for, and it may not even fully accomplish what its makers set out to achieve. But, if nothing else, it does tell the story of the young Tolkien and his times.
Avengers: Endgame — A-III (PG-13)
Aficionados of the Marvel Comics universe are likely to be thrilled by the sweeping epic “Avengers: Endgame.”
Breakthrough — A-II (PG)
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Few people can ever have taken those words of Jesus, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, quite as literally as Joyce Smith, the real-life figure at the heart of the faith-affirming drama “Breakthrough.”
Shazam! — A-III (PG-13)
Family life is exalted over egotistical self-reliance in “Shazam!” (Warner Bros.), director David F. Sandberg’s DC Comics-based origin story.
Dumbo — A-II (PG)
The sight of a cuddly baby elephant taking to the skies is clearly meant to send spirits soaring in “Dumbo,” director Tim Burton’s live-action reimagining of the 1941 animated classic.
Unplanned — A-III (R)
The hard-hitting, fact-based drama “Unplanned” dares its viewers to confront the reality of what happens when a baby is aborted.
Captain Marvel — A-III (PG-13)
Wit, positive messages and lavish production values buoy the origin story “Captain Marvel.” While some of the mythos in this adaptation of various strands of Marvel Comics lore, as well as other considerations, make it unsuitable for kids, the film is tame enough to be possibly acceptable for mature teens.
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