“Novitiate” marks the ambitious, assured feature filmmaking debut of Margaret Betts, who takes on a topic that may sound dull — nuns in flux during the ideological shift of the Catholic Church’s Vatican II — and makes it quietly riveting. Betts explores the mystery and ecstasy of faith with zero...
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Reviews
RogerEbert.com — Wonderstruck
Despite its visual delights — the gorgeous cinematography, the rich costumes, the vivid sense of place — “Wonderstruck” is a rare disappointment from Todd Haynes. He bounces back in forth in time in telling the story of two young people who run away to New York City 50 years apart,...
Read moreRogerEbert.com — Professor Marston and the Wonder Women
“Professor Marston and the Wonder Women” only looks like a tasteful and refined period drama. It’s actually sexy as hell, tackling some daring themes and aiming to shake you up. And its stars — Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall and Bella Heathcote — have crazy chemistry with each other. Please enjoy...
Read moreWine the Flick?! — American Made
So I’m doing something new that may go somewhere and may go nowhere, but it’s an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while and finally got a chance to try. I’ve wanted to do a series of reviews in which I sit down with a friend over a glass...
Read moreRogerEbert.com — Woodshock
Kirsten Dunst mopes and meanders in the stylish but stultifyingly dull “Woodshock.” The debut feature from Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the sisters behind the Rodarte fashion label, plays like pseudo-profound film school twaddle. My one-star RogerEbert.com review. Read the review here...
Read moreRogerEbert.com — Brad’s Status
You may not like Ben Stiller (and I totally understand that instinct), so the idea of a movie that plays up all his most obnoxious on-screen traits may not appeal to you. But “Brad’s Status” is pretty great. So maybe give it a try …? Anyway, here’s my RogerEbert.com review....
Read moreRogerEbert.com — It
Dear lord, is this movie scary — especially if you have a fear of clowns, which is totally understandable, because they’re creepy. But the latest adaptation of the iconic Stephen King novel is just as effective as a coming-of-age drama, with strong performances from a well-chosen cast of young actors....
Read moreRogerEbert.com — The Last Face
Sean Penn turns African strife into a two-hour perfume commercial with “The Last Face,” veering between gauzy impressionism and shrieky melodrama with his latest directorial effort. The real story is about Charlize Theron and Javier Bardem’s characters, humanitarian aid doctors trapped in a star-crossed romance. It’s all laughably pretentious. Please...
Read moreRogerEbert.com — Lady Macbeth
“Lady Macbeth” only looks like a stuffy, refined period piece. While it is indeed beautiful, it’s also startling, with a central, powerhouse performance from 21-year-old Florence Pugh that constantly challenges how you feel about her title character. My RogerEbert.com review. Read the review here...
Read moreRogerEbert.com — The Hero
Sam Elliott is Sam Elliott as Sam Elliott in “The Hero,” a sentimental and sporadically effective celebration of the veteran character actor. Director and co-writer Brett Haley is clearly aware that this dude is iconic, placing Elliott front and center for a rare leading role. But while it’s a pleasure...
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