James Berardinelli

1 week ago | reelviews.net | James Berardinelli

28 Years Later, the third film in the zombie-influenced series begun in 2002 with 28 Days Later and continued in 2007 with 28 Weeks Later, is a mix of generic and inspired elements. Only the unevenness of the proceedings and the lack of a clean ending keep this from greatness. The film’s awkward stopping point makes it questionable whether 28 Years Later can truly stand on its own untethered from the upcoming sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which is due in theaters in January 2026.

1 week ago | reelviews.net | James Berardinelli

Long story short: Elio is a good film for kids, maybe not so great for adults. That doesn’t sound like Pixar, which has developed a reputation for the “two tiered” approach: movies capable of engaging children while reaching their parents on another level. Think Toy Stoy 3, The Incredibles, and Inside Out – three of the best 21st century American animated films. Elio, on the other hand, feels less like Pixar and more like the kind of generic films being churned out by rival animation companies.

2 weeks ago | reelviews.net | James Berardinelli

This is going to be a shorter review than the movie possibly deserves but there’s a reason for that. Part of the greatness of experiencing The Life of Chuck comes from watching it unfold and discerning all the connective tissue. Revealing too much would strip the movie of its impact. This is the rare kind of film that is best approached with as little knowledge as possible. For me, it evoked Forrest Gump and Amelie but those connections are more spiritual than tactile.

2 weeks ago | reelviews.net | James Berardinelli

Materialists, Celine Song’s follow-up to the sublime Past Lives, is a rom-com on Prozac. Weighed down by a flat performance from Dakota Johnson, the movie shifts into low-gear after an upbeat, promising first act. Johnson’s lack of chemistry with Chris Evans prevents embers from ever catching fire, neutering the viewer’s interest in those two achieving a believable nirvana.

2 weeks ago | reelviews.net | James Berardinelli

I have made my peace with an unsavory truth: the Hollywood of today is going to continue crafting live-action remakes of the animated films of yesteryear until they run out of material. Why? Because audiences like them – more often than not, they score big at the box office. Familiar stories and characters all dressed up in new clothing.