Plenty of enjoyable moments that don’t quite manage to assemble themselves into a cohesive package.
Author: Brent Hankins
Brent Hankins
Brent Hankins has been blogging and writing film reviews online since 2011. He joined the Phoenix Film Critics Society in 2013, and was a founding member of the Phoenix Critics Circle the following year, where he currently serves as President. Brent also hosted the weekly Drinks and Discourse podcast for nearly 5 years, and is currently the editor-in-chief at The Lamplight Review. He resides in Tempe, AZ with his wife and son.
A poignant, darkly comedic, and tragically bittersweet tale of unlikely friendship in the face of certain doom.
A popcorn flick that aspires to be something more, offering plenty of campy fun but not much else.
An absurd parody of post-apocalyptic films centered around a ludicrous premise, with plenty of laughs for those that understand the joke.
A film about chasing dreams and finding love, packed with some of the most iconic and memorable songs of the 1980s.
A quirky, original comedy with a unique premise, full of charm and earnestness.
A film about a research team’s search for answers that provides very few answers of its own, making for a hollow and unfulfilling experience.
Much like the film itself, this Blu-Ray release is a mixed bag of excitement and disappointment, making for an enjoyable but flawed experience.
An adorably eccentric and heartfelt offering from the master of quirky, offbeat humor.
Paranormal Activity director Oren Peli is in a cozy suite at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Phoenix, talking animatedly about his latest project, Chernobyl Diaries. The…
The legend gets a stunning new rendition with a bleak and cheerless tale of cruelty and vengeance, anchored by an exquisitely wicked performance from Charlize Theron.
Jack Black gives a great performance in this absurdly dark comedy that also serves as a bizarre portrait of small-town America.
Astounding visual effects can’t save this bloated, messy film from a fatal combination of poor writing and emotionless performances.
A unique, multi-layered thriller that asks far more questions than it answers.
A darker spin on the home invasion thriller, and a breath of fresh air for the horror genre.
An enjoyable but flawed gothic comedy, elevated by a strong performance from Depp.
A masterpiece of popcorn cinema, an action-packed thrill ride on an epic scale.
A fresh approach to a familiar tale, with a smart mix of humor and heart.
Disturbing post-apocalyptic thriller The Divide follows a group of survivors trapped in a fallout shelter, and chronicles their loss of humanity as supplies become scarce. During…
A disturbing, uncomfortable film that explores the loss of humanity in sickeningly graphic detail.
A powerful, important film that is guaranteed to inspire a full range of emotions through its eye-opening look at bullying in American schools.
Bully, director Lee Hirsch’s riveting look at the effects of bullying in American schools, has already become one of the most talked-about films of the year,…
Drew Goddard has enjoyed a lengthy television writing career, with credits on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alias, and a critically acclaimed run on Lost. After collaborating…
A unique, crowd-pleasing experience full of relatable characters and memorable songs.
It’s the first full day of the 12th Annual Phoenix Film Festival, and director Gary King is breathing a sigh of relief after his latest film,…
A visually stunning version of the Snow White legend that offers some light-hearted, enjoyable humor.
A boring, unnecessary sequel featuring plenty of spectacular CG battles, and not much else.
The Phoenix Film Festival is preparing for its 12th annual run, kicking off on Thursday, March 29th, and continuing through April 5th. With more than 150…
Director Gary Ross brings the novel to life with powerful performances in one of the best book-to-film adaptations ever produced.
Disney rolls out the red carpet for one of the best films of 2011 with a fully-loaded Blu-Ray release.
A well-produced Blu-Ray release of a true classic, hampered by a poor video transfer and a mediocre sequel.
A light-hearted, enjoyable romp that remains consistently funny throughout the experience.
The film pays homage to the original series while simultaneously updating the material for a new audience.
A truly fascinating character study of a long-lost era of filmmaking and stardom, featuring an astonishing performance by Williams.