RACE

“[Stephan] James is perfectly cast as Owens, combining his movie star good looks with a steely edge that gives the character believable backbone.” – John Black, Boston Event Guide

“Although the story of Jesse Owens means a lot in terms of historical importance, RACE isn’t the movie that showcases its truly epic stature.” – Jaskee Hickman, Cinematic Essential

“The myth of the Olympics is that it’s not about politics, but that’s nonsense. RACE gives us the story of an athlete who, simply by doing his best, made a powerful political statement that still resonates today.” – Daniel M. Kimmel, North Shore Movies

“RACE has Important stamped all over it, starting with the ham-handed double meaning of its title, but its own feeling of importance cannot overcome the ponderous way the story clumps along, nor the undisciplined sprawl of its narrative.” – Kilian Melloy, Edge Boston

THE WITCH

“Lots of horror films try to jolt you for micro moments at a time. THE WITCH coils itself around your soul, through craft, through performance, through authenticity of era as well as feeling, and through narrative candor.” – Andy Crump, A Constant Visual Feast

“The film comes on the wave of enthusiastic reviews from last year’s Sundance Film Festival, and that should be the giveaway. What plays well at this showcase for arty films doesn’t always work elsewhere.” – Daniel M. Kimmel, North Shore Movies

“I found it difficult to identify that many things in THE WITCH that I liked. While I didn’t hate the movie, it certainly doesn’t give me anything to love or even appreciate.” – Jaskee Hickman, Cinematic Essential

“The portrait-esque snapshot of a time without rational hope is as endearing as it is bone-shaking.” – Sam Cohen, Under the Gun Review

“There’s something here, for sure, but I’m not quite sure it all comes to fruition by the end of the story’s 92 minutes. ” – Greg Vellante, Sound & Picture

RISEN

“A half- baked Biblical epic.” – John Black, Boston Event Guide

“…it’s more the pity that RISEN takes some decidedly lazy shortcuts, and can’t help throwing in some dubious — or downright incorrect — elements.” – Kilian Melloy, Edge Boston

THE CLUB

“THE CLUB’s unobtrusive style works well even though it’s handling the kinds of controversial topics that usually lend themselves to being too dramatic and emotional in real life.” – Jaskee Hickman, Cinematic Essential

“…as a muted alternative to Hollywood’s attempt at examining the same atrocity, the film is refreshing for its grand uncertainties.” – Andy Crump, Paste Magazine

TOUCHED WITH FIRE

“…there’s an intensity — of joy, of sadness, of hope, or of despair — that fits the characters’ own extremes of mood.” – Kilian Melloy, Edge Boston