Heartland (2026)
No tang in twang of insipid ‘Heartland’ Jessica Chastain earned an Emmy nod for her portrayal of country legend Tammy Wynette in the Showtime miniseries “George and Tammy,” but similar laurels are unlikely to follow her to Netflix’s lunkheaded “Heartland.” In it, she plays a Wynette-adjacent singer called out of forced retirement to do […]
Mouse (2026)
Magnificent ‘Mouse’ gives good grief Spielberg excels at stories about other worlds, while his good buddy, Marty, specializes in La Cosa Nostra. For Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, their forte is grief: how it changes you, opens new doors and unleashes strength you never knew you had. It also makes you wiser, even if […]
Being Heumann (2026)
‘Being Heumann’ can’t do activist justice Anyone who has watched the amazing “Crip Camp” on Netflix knows the incandescent life force that is the fierce activist Judy Heumann. No one is more responsible for seeing through the passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act than this unstoppable ball of fire. She’s loud, proud […]
Possible Love (2026)
Economic divide drives ‘Possible Love’ Lee Chang-dong’s miraculous “Burning,” an incendiary treatise on class, economics and envy, remains seared in my mind a full eight years after its release. Finally, Lee delivers his much-anticipated follow-up, “Possible Love,” a similar parable built around the 10th Commandment: “thou shalt not covet…” In myriad ways, the two […]
Drummer Boy (2026)
‘Drummer Boy’ misses too many beats Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum; a newborn film to see, pa rum pum pum pum; unfinest gifts they bring, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum. I sing, of course, of Angel’s “Drummer Boy,” which is pa […]
Fatherland (2026)
Fab Hüller steers ‘Fatherland’ straight If Paweł Pawlikowski’s “Fatherland” scores an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature, as expected, it will largely be due to Łukasz Żal, arguably the finest cinematographer working today, and Sandra Hüller, incomparable at conveying strength and vulnerability in one of her best performances. Together, they breathe life into Pawlikowski’s […]
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York (2026)
‘Pickpocket’ among grandest of larceny Labeling Noah Segan’s “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” a quintessential Big Apple flick might be hyperbolic, but I challenge anyone to disagree. In a mere 88 minutes, the writer-director visits all five boroughs, acquainting us with a cross-section of volatile gangsters, grizzled cops, shady pawn shop proprietors […]
Once Upon a Time in Harlem (2026)
‘Harlem’ a stunning peak at Black history The only discernible disappointment in the astounding documentary “Once Upon a Time in Harlem” is that most of the biggest stars of the Harlem Renaissance didn’t live long enough to attend what was perhaps the most elite cocktail party in Black history. Missing were Langston Hughes, W.E.B. […]
Wildwood (2026)
Gorgeous ‘Wildwood’ long on looks, short on story “Stunning” best describes the animated wonder that is “Wildwood.” It’s easily the finest stop-motion work I’ve seen yet, brimming with “how did they do that” shots that are almost lifelike, whether it’s something as minor as a character’s gait or an epic battle that rivals any […]
Wicker (2026)
Clever ‘Wicker’ yields baskets of miracles If you’re in the market for an engaging fable about the foibles of matrimony, “Wicker” delivers with an intricately woven basket of satirical treats. From a clever script dripping with delicious double entendres to a superb cast fronted by Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, this delightful adaptation of Ursula Wills’ […]