Filters:

Feels like a movie that never should have been made for a franchise that, having lain dormant for nine years, did not deserve a resurrection.

It is not a bad way to spend a couple of hours, keeping in mind that this fairy tale, like most, has only a tenuous link to reality.

For those who enjoy their sleuthing on the big screen with impressively conceived set pieces, evocative performances, gothic twists and turns, and a drizzling of ghostly apparitions.

The characters are relatable, the humor generates laughter without becoming moronic, and the feel-good vibe is never far from the surface.

The messiest of the three movies and the most narratively fractured, but it should still satisfy those who consider themselves to be fans.

Run Time: 2:01
U.S. Home Release Date: 2023-08-15
MPAA Rating: "R" (Profanity)
Genre: Drama
Director: Matt Johnson
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson, Rich Sommer, Michael Ironside, Martin Donovan, Cary Elwes

A classic rags-to-riches-to-rags story; a feel-good tale that transforms into a meditation on arrogance and neglect.

Run Time: 1:30
U.S. Release Date: 2023-08-25
MPAA Rating: "R" (Violence, Profanity)
Genre: Thriller
Director: Nimrod Antal
Cast: Liam Neeson, Matthew Modine, Embeth Davidtz, Jack Champion, Lilly Aspell, Noma Dumezweni

"Retribution" seems especially disappointing because of its untapped potential to be cheesily entertaining.

Run Time: 1:40
U.S. Release Date: 2023-08-25
MPAA Rating: "PG-13" (Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama
Director: Guy Nattiv
Cast: Helen Mirren, Rami Heuberger, Ohad Knoller, Liev Schreiber

As a snapshot of 20th century history, "Golda" does its job. As something more eloquent and important, the film falls short of its goal.

Run Time: 2:15
U.S. Release Date: 2023-08-25
MPAA Rating: "PG-13" (Profanity, Intense Scenes)
Genre: Drama
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Cast: Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Djimon Hounsou, Geri Halliwell

There is enough here to keep the film from being a car wreck but it is hardly an example of championship caliber filmmaking.

The primary sin is not that "Blue Beetle" stinks the way really bad movies do but that it is deeply mired in mediocrity.