This pop star nostalgic sequel cuts its hair too short. “Trolls Band Together” is supposed to serve as a throwback for Justin Timberlake, back when he was part of the boy band N*Sync until 2002. Then finally, after all these… Read More ›
comedy
Elf
After 20 years, it still spreads Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear. Before you brats indulged yourselves with “Daddy’s Home” and before you dancers had a ball with “Spirited,” I was introduced to Will Ferrell’s comedy talents… Read More ›
It’s a Wonderful Knife
This slasher comedy spreads some holiday cheer and some blood for the new year. We’re probably going to be seeing many versions of “It’s a Wonderful Life” on TV or in the movies. “Shrek Forever After,” “The Family Man,” “Santa… Read More ›
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life
This doc loves this comic legend as much as we do. “Taxi Driver,” “Modern Romance,” Broadcast News,” “Defending Your Life,” “Finding Nemo,” “Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World,” and “Drive.” The list goes on and on, because Albert Brooks… Read More ›
What Happens Later
Meg Ryan’s return has potential but gets grounded. Meg Ryan has made a name for herself in the romcom genre with hits like “When Harry Met Sally” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” and it’s been a long time since she has… Read More ›
The Persian Version
This cute Iranian-American comedy gets deported by its many plot elements. “The Persian Version” has the right to represent its Iranian culture to an American audience, especially when it’s narrative and young heroine explain how their values work. It chooses… Read More ›
Quiz Lady
Awkwafina and Sandra Oh both try make it to the final round. The new made-for-Hulu comedy “Quiz Lady” has its qualities and difficulties, ones we’ve seen done before and probably will see again. It’s all in the execution. I’ve seen… Read More ›
The Holdovers
A sincere and funny “Sideways” reunion that’s more than meets the eye. Less than 20 years after collaborating on one of the most original and delicious comedies “Sideways,” director Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti are back together for “The Holdovers.”… Read More ›
Old Dads
Bill Burr’s latest comedy is too old to be funny. Bill Burr makes his directorial debut of “Old Dads,” a would-be made-for-Netflix comedy that’s good on his words than it is on its comedy. That means it expresses its issues… Read More ›
Dicks: The Musical
This musical has big laughs and high spirits. “Dicks: The Musical” is A24’s first musical, and I think it likes to satirize itself by having a variety of weird elements to its story. Some of them are ghastly, some of… Read More ›