FIRST MAN

“There are some good moments to get out of FIRST MAN, but there aren’t enough to turn it into something I’d be willing to watch again all the way through.” – Jaskee Hickman, Cinematic Essential

“It seems that every young filmmaker is currently emulating Terrence Malick, specifically his work in spiritual drama THE TREE OF LIFE. Sadly, the latest to suffer from this affliction is 33-year-old Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle, who cribs mercilessly from Malick’s metaphysical masterpiece, whether or not his biopic of Neil Armstrong needs it.” – Brett Michel, The Improper Bostonian

“FIRST MAN will probably be nominated for half-a-dozen Oscars. I left the theater fuming.” – Sean Burns, The ARTery

“Chazelle’s versatility and skill is on display, a step forward in an already formidable career, but there’s always the inescapable sense we’re seeing only half of what the film could have been.” – Allyson Johnson, Cambridge Day

BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE

“In spite of the apparent potential for something fresh, a lot of what we get in BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE is actually predictable.” – Jaskee Hickman, Cinematic Essential

“The new film from Drew Goddard (director and co-writer of THE CABIN IN THE WOODS) is a film out of time; set during the late ’60s, it feels exactly like one of these Tarantino wannabes—only arriving 20 years too late for extra hipster cred.” – Brett Michel, The Improper Bostonian

THE HATE U GIVE

“While the film possesses a great deal of compassion, humor and warmth, it’s response to injustice that makes for one of the most startlingly visceral films of the year.” – Allyson Johnson, Cambridge Day

“THE HATE U GIVE is powerful and should be compulsory viewing. Its simple approach to these complex issues is appreciated, and makes its clear point accessible to the young audience for whom it was created.” – Deirdre Crimmins, High-Def Digest