Movie Reviews
Top 10 movies and family films of 2018
2018 was an especially strong year both for documentaries and for fictional films exploring real-life issues, the ramifications of racism in particular. Other timely topics included the place of social media in contemporary life and the centennial of the end of World War I.
Aquaman — A-III (PG-13)
Though he may lack a pineapple in which to dwell, “Aquaman,” as his name suggests, spends much of his time under the sea.
Mary Poppins Returns — A-I (PG)
It has taken more than half a century, but at long last “Mary Poppins Returns.” The result is a delightful sequel to the 1964 classic that will divert all but the youngest and most skittish members of the family.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — A-II (PG)
Traditionalists be warned: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” has little to do with your father’s Peter Parker.
Creed II — A-III (PG-13)
Moviegoers under 33 take note: You had yet to be born when “Rocky IV,” the 1985 film that hovers in the background of the sports drama “Creed II,” was released.
Robin Hood — O (PG-13)
Someone behind “Robin Hood” — presumably one or both of the screenwriters, Ben Chandler and David James Kelly — has mommy issues with Holy Mother Church. As a result, vicious anti-Catholicism permeates this otherwise merely dopey take on the classic legend.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch — A-I (PG)
Somewhere Theodor Geisel may be spinning in his grave over the latest treatment of one of his most famous character creations, “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” (Universal). If so, he’s only revolving gently.
‘Instant Family’ an instant hit with target audience
The connections between real-life events and the forthcoming film “Instant Family” were the main topic of discussion at a recent news conference about the comedy.
Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer — A-III (PG-13)
“Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer” is a powerful dramatization of the Philadelphia police investigation and state prosecution that finally ended the infamous, decades-long career of abortionist Kermit Gosnell.
First Man — A-III (PG-13)
By turns the intimate portrait of its elusive subject’s inner life and a lavish look back at the sometimes tragic, ultimately triumphant race to the Moon, “First Man” (Universal), director Damien Chazelle’s multidimensional profile of astronaut Neil Armstrong (1930-2012), is a splendid piece of moviemaking.
Venom — A-III (PG-13)
Whatever you do, don’t call that alien who has taken up residence in your body a parasite. The polite term, it seems, is symbiote.
A Star Is Born — A-III (R)
The third remake of that sturdy warhorse “A Star Is Born” pays occasional homage to its forebears, particularly the 1954 version starring Judy Garland and James Mason, which only serves to indicate that its formulaic “stand by your man” story is somewhat tattered and dog-eared.
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