SPR Movie Reviews

Nathan Weinbender says Maggie Gyllenhaal's first film as director is strange and haunting, and Olivia Colman gives one of the best performances of the year.

The Netflix offering “Don't Look Up” is an allegory about life in today's United States, Dan Webster says in his review.

Writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to the 1970s with "Licorice Pizza," which has been getting some of the best reviews of the year. Nathan Weinbender says it's not quite a PTA masterpiece, but it still contains some magical moments. Nathan Weinbender is a co-host of Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

"The Humans" won the Tony Award for best play in 2016, and now it's a feature film streaming on Showtime. But Nathan Weinbender says this is no ordinary stage adaptation -- in fact, it almost plays out like psychological horror. Nathan Weinbender is one of the film critics heard on Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101," Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

Aaron Sorkin's "Being the Ricardos" follows an intense week in the life of Lucille Ball and husband Desi Arnaz, Dan Webster says in his review.

"The Humans" won the Tony Award for best play in 2016, and now it's a feature film streaming on Showtime. But Nathan Weinbender says this is no ordinary stage adaptation -- in fact, it almost plays out like psychological horror. Nathan Weinbender is one of the film critics heard on Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101," Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

Peter Jackson's documentary "Get Back" will test the patience of anyone who isn't a die-hard Beatles fan, Dan Webster says in his review. Besides being a film critic for Spokane Public Radio, "Movies 101" host Dan Webster writes the Movies & More blog for Spokane7.com.

There have been countless Beatles documentaries over the years, but none quite like Peter Jackson's "Get Back." Now streaming on Disney Plus, it's an epic miniseries reconsidering the band's most turbulent year, and Nathan Weinbender says it's an unearthed treasure for any fan. Nathan Weinbender is one of the film critics heard on Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101," Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

Based on his stage play, writer-director Stephen Karam's "The Humans" explores a dysfunctional family's Thanksgiving dinner, Dan Webster says in his review. Besides being a film critic for Spokane Public Radio, "Movies 101" host Dan Webster writes the Movies & More blog for Spokane7.com

Jeymes Samuel's "The Harder They Fall" does its best to reinvent traditional Western mythology, Dan Webster says in his review. Besides being a film critic for Spokane Public Radio, "Movies 101" host Dan Webster writes the Movies & More blog for Spokane7.com.

Now streaming on Netflix, Lin-Manuel Miranda's directorial debut "Tick, Tick . . . Boom!" breathes new life into Jonathan Larson's one-man show. Nathan Weinbender says it's an Easter egg hunt for theater fans, as well as a showcase for star Andrew Garfield. Nathan Weinbender is a film critic and one of the regular co-hosts for Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

"Hive" focuses on the clash between male-dominated tradition and one woman's quest for survival in post-war Kosovo, Dan Webster says in his review.

Another week, another Netflix release. The action comedy "Red Notice" is apparently breaking records on the streaming service, but Nathan Weinbender says it'll be forgotten before you can refresh your queue. Nathan Weinbender is a co-host of Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

"Belfast" is Kenneth Branagh's love letter to the Northern Ireland city of his birth, Dan Webster says in his review.

From "Shaun of the Dead" to "Hot Fuzz" to "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," Edgar Wright has been a sharp comic and visual storyteller. He descends into horror with "Last Night in Soho," and while it hasn't found an audience yet, Nathan Weinbender says it's a worthwhile aesthetic experience. Nathan Weinbender is a film critic and one of the regular co-hosts for Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

Dan Webster reviews Mia Hansen-Love's "Bergman Island."

It's big news whenever Wes Anderson releases a new film, and he's back with his 10th feature, the whimsical comedy "The French Dispatch." The reviews have been a bit divisive, but Nathan Weinbender thinks it's one of the director's best works. Nathan Weinbender is one of the film critics on Movies 101, heard every Friday evening at 6:30 here on KPBX.

"Found" is a tender Netflix documentary about the discovery of origins and the meaning of family, Dan Webster says in his review.

Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of the science-fiction novel "Dune" is an admirable attempt to capture Frank Herbert's sprawling story, Dan Webster says in his review.

Ignored at their peak, revered after their dissolution, the Velvet Underground followed a wild rock 'n' roll arc. Nathan Weinbender takes a look at director Todd Haynes' new documentary about the band, streaming on Apple+, a portrait of some of the most adventurous rock music ever made. Nathan Weinbender is a co-host of Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

"The Card Counter," the new film from writer-director Paul Schrader, is a meditation on guilt and redemption, told through the eyes of a poker-playing war veteran. It's a challenging movie, but Nathan Weinbender says it's worth the gamble. Nathan Weinbender is a co-host of Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

The Netflix series "The Squid Game" is a blend of social commentary and Agatha Christie-like mystery, Dan Webster says in his movie review.

In a career of exploring the stories of tortured characters, writer-director Paul Schrader directed his attention toward redemption in "The Card Counter."

In the documentary "The Lost Leonardo," what value a work of art might have, even if its origin is disputed, is examined by a range of experts, Dan Webster says in his review.

Whether you think of her as a punchline or a tragic figure, Tammy Faye Bakker makes for a fascinating biopic subject. Nathan Weinbender takes a look through "The Eyes of Tammy Faye," a new biopic with an awards-ready performance by Jessica Chastain. Nathan Weinbender is one of the film critics heard on Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101," Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

Sometimes a horror film can get by on sheer chutzpah alone. That's certainly the case with "Malignant," the latest from "The Conjuring" creator James Wan, which Nathan Weinbender says is rescued by a ludicrous third act twist. It's now streaming on HBO Max. Nathan Weinbender is a co-host of Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

Even if the original Woodstock music festival is viewed more as myth than reality, “Woodstock 99” shows just how far public behavior has fallen, Dan Webster says in his review.

You don't have to look too hard to find serial killer movies, most of which are trash, but "No Man of God" is more thoughtful about the subject than you'd expect. Nathan Weinbender takes a look at director Amber Seale's film, now available as a digital rental, which considers Ted Bundy's crimes in a provocative way. Nathan Weinbender is a film critic and one of the regular co-hosts of Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

The screenplay for “Respect” plays out like a mere script outline, until Jennifer Hudson begins to sing, Dan Webster says in his review. Besides being a film critic for Spokane Public Radio, “Movies 101” host Dan Webster writes about movies and more for Spokane7.com.

The Candyman was the monster who inspired a hit 1992 slasher film, and now he's back in a new, more socially conscious film, though Nathan Weinbender says this version's style is more successful than its substance.

Watching Martin Scorsese's 2008 documentary “Shine a Light” is one good way to honor the passing of the great Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, Dan Webster says in his review.

Now streaming on HBO Max, "Reminiscence" is a mix of sci-fi and film noir starring Hugh Jackman as a private eye who descends into peoples' memories. It's competently made, but Nathan Weinbender says you've probably seen this exact story before. Nathan Weinbender is one of the film critics heard on Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101," Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

"Reminiscence" is a poorly updated version of the classic film noir, Dan Webster says in his review. Besides being a film critic for Spokane Public Radio, "Movies 101" host Dan Webster writes about movies and more for Spokane7.com.

The new film "Annette," streaming now on Amazon Prime, is a show-biz satire, a violent melodrama and a musical with songs by the band Sparks. In case you couldn't tell, it's incredibly weird, but Nathan Weinbender says you should just see it for yourself. Nathan Weinbender is a film critic and one of the regular co-hosts for Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

"Nine Days" is a cryptic exploration of what a struggle it is to become fully human, Dan Webster says in his review.

Documentaries about conspiracy theories are a dime a dozen, but a new non-fiction film called "Enemies of the State" takes a fresh look at a conspiracy come to life. It's now available for digital rental, and Nathan Weinbender says it's intriguing and frustrating in equal measure. Nathan Weinbender is a film critic and one of the regular co-hosts for Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

Nicolas Cage shows up in a lot of movies, many of them bad, and he's usually way over-the-top. But his latest, the offbeat drama "Pig," has him practicing a rare quality -- subtlety. Nathan Weinbender has the review. Nathan Weinbender is one of the film critics heard on Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101," Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

After a year without live music, a concert film like "Summer of Soul" seems even more life affirming. Nathan Weinbender reviews the new documentary, playing in theaters and streaming on Hulu, which already belongs on the list of all-time great musical films. Nathan Weinbender is a film critic and one of the regular co-hosts for Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

"The Woman Who Ran" is a deceptive exploration of life's deeper meaning, Dan Webster says in his review.

It's a distinctly 21st century story -- a viral thread of tweets has now been adapted into a feature film. "Zola" is a strange hybrid of horror and humor, and Nathan Weinbender takes a look at a movie that's designed to put you on edge but might let you down in the end. Nathan Weinbender is a film critic and one of the regular co-hosts for Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

"No Sudden Move" continues versatile Steven Soderbergh's exploration of the neo-noir, Dan Webster says in his review.

One sign that we're getting back to normal is there's a new "Fast and Furious" movie in theaters, with Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and company back on big screens. Nathan Weinbender, an avowed fan of the series, looks at "F9," the latest entry in the neverending series. Nathan Weinbender is a co-host of Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

From B-movie energy to James Bond-ish fantasy, "F9" represents what ever-evolving Hollywood has become, Dan Webster says in his review.

Before there was "Hamilton," Lin-Manuel Miranda made himself a star with the musical "In the Heights." It has now been translated into a film, now playing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max, which Nathan Weinbender says is a rousing, if old-fashioned, piece of entertainment. Nathan Weinbender is one of the film critics heard on Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101," Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

The animated film "Luca" continues Pixar's exploration of visual splendor, Dan Webster says in his review.

The Netflix series "Lupin" stars Omar Sy as a modern version of the classic fictional French "gentleman burglar," Dan Webster says in his review.

"A Quiet Place, Part II" is the first big hit since movie theaters reopened, and Nathan Weinbender says it's worth a trip to the theater. John Krasinski returns as director, in an exciting sequel about the human survivors of an alien invasion. Nathan Weinbender is a film critic for Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.

John Krasinski's "A Quiet Place, Part II" is a suspenseful, if incomplete, study of a family's struggle in a post-apocalyptic world, Dan Webster says in his review.

In "French Exit," Michelle Pfeiffer shines as a woman who wants to live life on her own terms--or not at all, Dan Webster says in his review.

"When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit" is a child's-eye view of how a Jewish family negotiates World War II, Dan Webster says in his review.

Movie theaters are open again, which means a deluge of delayed blockbusters is about to take over local multiplexes. Nathan Weinbender went back to the big screen to check out "Wrath of Man," a surprisingly original and properly brutal thriller from director Guy Ritchie. Nathan Weinbender is the Film and Music Editor for the Inlander and a film critic for Spokane Public Radio's "Movies 101" heard Friday evenings at 6:30 here on KPBX.