KUNG FU PANDA 4 Review — Packs a Lot of Punch
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Kung Fu Panda 4 review says that while this is not the most brilliant installment in the franchise, it’s bound to make a lot of kids happy, which will in turn satisfy the adults who see it with them. Really, does anyone expect much from the fourth installment of any series that…
Dune Part 2 Review — The First Glorious Epic of the Year
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Dune Part 2 review says that the year’s first blockbuster is a bracing spectacle that is well worth the wait. All the best movies take you on a journey through an intriguing world full of sights and sounds unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Even if you’ve read the books that inspired them,…
MADAME WEB Review — One for the Record Books, But Not in a Good Way
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Madame Web review wonders why a film with no romance, care, excitement or emotion was given a Valentine’s Day release. It seems a little cruel to dogpile on a movie that has been bashed even before it was released. But for the life of me, I’m having a really hard time coming…
ARGYLLE Review — Not the Cat’s Pajamas
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Argylle review says the film starts off as catnip and ends up as kitty litter, despite the best efforts of the engaging cast. Argylle starts out engagingly enough, with Bryce Dallas Howard (known mostly for her work in the Jurassic World franchise but whom we don’t see nearly enough of) playing introverted espionage…
NIGHT SWIM Review — Don’t be Afraid to Dive Right In
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Night Swim review says the latest Blumhouse movie is horror light, which is fine for those who don’t want to be too scared to go near the water. I usually defer to my fellow critic, horror expert Staci Layne Wilson, for reviews of frightening films. She knows so much more about the…
See the TV Nominations for the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards
I’m really happy with our TV Nominations for the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards. Although a few of my favorites were snubbed, on the whole, I think it’s an excellent roster. The winners will be revealed at the star-studded Critics Choice Awards gala hosted by Chelsea Handler, which will broadcast live on The CW on…
POOR THINGS Review — SALTBURN Review — 2 of the Best Movies of the Year
In Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Poor Things review and Saltburn review, she reveals that these two original and beautifully crafted films are on her 2024 top five movie list, with Poor Things coming out on top. Poor Things Review Although the insane beauty, outrageous creativity, transcendent performances and the divine originality of Poor Things cannot be…
AMERICAN FICTION Review — THE HOLDOVERS Review — 2 Must See Movies
In her American Fiction review and her The Holdovers review, critic Lisa Johnson Mandell reveals two more of her favorite films of 2023 and recommends that you start of the New Year on a high note by seeing them both, if you haven’t already. American Fiction Review When I read author Percival Everett’s brilliant Erasure:…
THE COLOR PURPLE Review – WONKA Review — 1 of These 2 Musicals is Charming
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Color Purple review shows she’s puzzled by the fact that such heinous abuse inspires such jolly musical numbers. Her Wonka review cheers the magical prequel. The Color Purple Review Just in time for Christmas – a jaunty movie musical about incest, rape and abuse. Hope I see tickets for that one…
MAESTRO Review — A Brilliant Tour de Force
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Maestro review sings the praises of Bradley Cooper’s brilliant efforts to tell the story of Leonard Bernstein, the great conflicted genius. Is there any other kind? I should begin this Maestro review by telling you the that a personal connection to Leonard Bernstein can’t help but influence my opinion. My husband’s family…
