Jesus Revolution (2023)
96%RT Audience Score: 99%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Jesus Revolution is a wonderful film that brings a captivating real-life history to the screen with a fresh and inspiring perspective. The movie is a remarkable achievement that deserves praise for avoiding the common pitfalls of preachiness and heavy-handed messaging often found in faith-based films. Jesus Revolution tells a compelling story with great sensitivity and artistry, offering an uplifting and inspiring message that is sure to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Overall, this film is a must-see for anyone seeking an engaging, thought-provoking, and heartwarming cinematic experience.
NA
Production Company(ies)
Kingdom Story Company, Lionsgate
Distributor
Lionsgate
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Los Angeles, California, United States; Los Angeles Thirty Mile Zone, California, United States
MPAA / Certificate
PG-13
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39:1
-
Runtime:1h 59m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Feb 24, 2023 Wide
Genre(s)
Drama/History
Keyword(s)
Jesus Revolution, drama, history, 1970s, counterculture, Jesus Movement, Greg Laurie, Joel Courtney, Lonnie Frisbee, Jonathan Roumie, Pastor Chuck Smith, Kelsey Grammer, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Charlene, faith-based film, Lionsgate, directed by Jon Erwin, Brent McCorkle, produced by Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Josh Walsh, Daryl C Lefever, written by Jon Gunn, Jon Erwin, PG-13, Dolby Digital, $15.8M box office, reviewed by Alani Vargas, Christy Lemire, Katie Walsh, Nell Minow, Steve Davis, Dennis Harvey, Nestor Bentancor, Wade Major, Carla Hay, Tara McNamara, inspired by true events, religious conversion, rock and roll, liberation, spiritual awakening, hippie culture, Southern California, faith, truth, inclusivity, forgiveness, revival, history-changing, verified ratings, audience reviews, critic reviews, Lionsgate
Worldwide gross: $52,312,414
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $46,733,930
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,368
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 5,096,394
US/Canada gross: $52,102,987
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $46,733,930
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,105
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,817
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,692,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $39,041,430
ROI to date (est.): 508%
ROI ranking: 255
Jonathan Roumie – Lonnie Frisbee
Kimberly Williams-Paisley – Charlene
Anna Grace Barlow – Cathe
Kelsey Grammer – Chuck Smith
Nicholas Bishop – Dick
Director(s)
Jon Erwin, Brent McCorkle
Writer(s)
Jon Gunn, Jon Erwin
Producer(s)
Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, Greg Laurie, Josh Walsh, Daryl C. Lefever
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (45) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (27) | Rotten (18)
At first glance, Jesus Revolution is an inspiring, heartwarming watch, but it gives a seamlessly joyful look at a movement with a harmful past, in a way that feels like a slap in the face in the year of our Lord 2023.
March 3, 2023
Alani Vargas
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Although there are very frank discussions about the nature of faith, it doesn’t feel as preachy or heavy-handed as a lot of these films do, which to me personally makes them off-putting.
March 3, 2023
Christy Lemire
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
Unfortunately, despite the interesting history, the film itself is a dry, scattered slog, neutered of all the thorny, contradictory details of the real story.
February 25, 2023 | Rating: 1.5/4
Katie Walsh
Tribune News Service
TOP CRITIC
A gently told story preaching to the converts, assuming that evangelical Christianity is unassailably the answer without considering this particular form of worship may not be the answer for all.
February 24, 2023 | Rating: 2/4
Nell Minow
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
Nothing in this evangelical film about a short-lived religious movement taking root in late Sixties Southern California… is open to chance, much less to any interpretation other than an unequivocal One.
February 23, 2023 | Rating: 2/5
Steve Davis
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
One of the most appealing faith-based big-screen entertainments in a while, polished and persuasive without getting too preachy.
February 23, 2023
Dennis Harvey
Variety
TOP CRITIC
…appealing in its relative non-preachiness, nostalgic tenor, and for its reminder that the New Testament’s Jesus was an inclusive, giving, forgiving type…
March 3, 2023
Dennis Harvey
48 Hills
Not a cinematic revolution, but its solid story and craftsmanship delivers an enjoyable experience that awakened my faith in the potential of religious films. [Full Review in Spanish]
March 3, 2023
Nestor Bentancor
Nestor Cine Desde Hollywood
It actually gets into some very interesting notions of conflict within this community.
March 3, 2023
Wade Major
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
The problems with Jesus Revolution have nothing do with religion. This 1970s-set biopic drama about Harvest Crusades founder Greg Laurie has too many bad scenes with hokey dialogue and subpar acting. Many of the cast members are not convincing as hippies.
March 2, 2023
Carla Hay
Culture Mix
This drama is almost certain to energize and inspire the Christian crowd, but it’s also likely to captivate those who tend to avoid films about religion. That’s both because it’s very well made and because there’s an honesty and accountability here.
February 28, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Tara McNamara
Common Sense Media
Though most people don’t want a Bible lesson, especially if they didn’t ask for one, the new faith-based film is a step in the right direction.
February 27, 2023
Asher Luberto
L.A. Weekly…
Plot
In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie is searching for all the right things in all the wrong places: until he meets Lonnie Frisbee, a charismatic hippie-street-preacher. Together with Pastor Chuck Smith, they open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival of radical and newfound love, leading to what TIME Magazine dubbed a Jesus Revolution. Based on true events and the book of the same name by Laurie and Ellen Santilli Vaughn.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels has no goofs listed for the film Jesus Revolution.
Jon-Erwin.jpg
96%
Till (2022)
96%RT Audience Score: 97%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Till reframes an historically horrific murder within a mother’s grief, brought heartwrenchingly to life by Danielle Deadwyler’s tremendous performance.
Till is a well-acted and beautifully made attempt to reckon with the personal and societal legacy of reprehensible racial violence.
Production Company(ies)
Orion Pictures, Prejudice, United Artists Releasing
Distributor
United Artists Releasing
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited), Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Greenwood, Mississippi, United States
MPAA / Certificate
PG-13
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:2h 10m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 28, 2022 Wide
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
Till, PG-13, Drama, 2h 10m, Mamie Till Mobley, Emmett Till, Danielle Deadwyler, Jalyn Hall, Frankie Faison, Haley Bennett, Whoopi Goldberg, Jayme Lawson, Chinonye Chukwu, Keith Beauchamp, Barbara Broccoli, Thomas Levine, Michael Reilly, Frederick Zollo, Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp, United Artists Releasing, Dolby Digital, $8.7M, reviewed by James Berardinelli, tt stern-enzi, K Austin Collins, Peter Travers, Steve Davis, Soren Andersen, Jared Mobarak, Brian Eggert, Ruben Peralta Rigaud, Dennis Schwartz, Betty Jo Tucker, directed by Chinonye Chukwu, written by Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp, Chinonye Chukwu, drama about racial violence, mother’s grief, civil rights movement, lynching, Mississippi, justice, grief, anger, fear, tragedy, activism, history, universal power of a mother’s ability to change the world
Worldwide gross: $11,009,701
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $9,000,202
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,988
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 981,483
US/Canada gross: $9,000,202
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $9,000,202
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,635
US/Canada opening weekend: $242,269
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $242,269
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,593
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Jalyn Hall – Emmett Till
Frankie Faison – John Carthan
Haley Bennett – Alma
Whoopi Goldberg – self
Jayme Lawson – Myrlie Evers
Director – Chinonye Chukwu
Producers – Keith Beauchamp, Barbara Broccoli, Whoopi Goldberg, Thomas Levine, Michael Reilly, Frederick Zollo
Writers – Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp, Chinonye Chukwu
Director(s)
Chinonye Chukwu
Writer(s)
Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp, Chinonye Chukwu
Producer(s)
Keith Beauchamp, Barbara Broccoli, Whoopi Goldberg, Thomas Levine, Michael Reilly, Frederick Zollo
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (136) | Top Critics (45) | Fresh (133) | Rotten (3)
It is an honest depiction of an American tragedy. It forces us to remember a time that many would prefer to forget.
November 10, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/4
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
TOP CRITIC
She’s [Danielle Deadwyler] got something, and it’s on full display in this film.
November 1, 2022 | Rating: A
tt stern-enzi
WXIX-TV (Cincinnati, OH)
TOP CRITIC
An impassioned melodrama on the surface, unafraid of facing tragedy head-on and allowing ample space for grief, anger, and fear, but which is also a wise movie about the complicatedly political world Mamie Till finds herself in.
November 1, 2022
K. Austin Collins
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
Danielle Deadwyler gives the breakout performance of the year as a Black activist mother who used the 1955 lynching of her son Emmett Till to galvanize the civil-rights movement. Chinonye Chukwu crafts this emotional powerhouse into essential viewing.
October 28, 2022
Peter Travers
ABC News
TOP CRITIC
What distinguishes Till from most other well-intentioned films telling similarly themed stories set during this tumultuous era of American history is the absence of white saviors.
October 27, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Steve Davis
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
It’s but one aspect of Deadwyler’s performance which is such that “powerful” is an insufficient term to describe it.
October 26, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Soren Andersen
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
Chukwu is intentionally centering the Black experience with every frame. We need only see the pain inflicted and the strength to endure it. Just like Mamie with her son’s body, TILL ensures we cannot look away.
December 2, 2022 | Rating: 8/10
Jared Mobarak
Hey, Have You Seen …?
Doubtlessly, this will be the first time many viewers learn anything about Emmett Till. But it’s better late than never when it comes to this accessible film.
November 30, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Till is truly a gigantic opportunity for any professional, and Deadwyler has embraced it tooth and nail. [Full review in Spanish]
November 29, 2022
Ruben Peralta Rigaud
Cocalecas
The historical drama rises to a greater height because of the spirited Oscar type of performance by Deadwyler.
November 29, 2022 | Rating: B
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
It’s tough to watch, but a must-see.
It’s cinematic history.
November 28, 2022
Betty Jo Tucker
ReelTalk Movie Reviews
Inspiring and touching story of a Black mother whose bearing witness catalyzed the civil rights movement.
November 20, 2022 | Rating: 5/5
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality & Practice…
Plot
Follows Mamie Till-Mobley, whose pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son Emmett Louis Till became a galvanizing moment that helped lead to the creation of the civil rights movement. Mamie’s decision to have an open casket at Emmett’s funeral, and to have Jet magazine publish David Jackson’s funeral photos, was driven by her motivation to ensure people everywhere knew what had happened to her son. Based on Keith A. Beauchamp’s 2004 doc, “The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till,” and Simeon Wright’s “Simeon’s Story: An Eyewitness Account of the Kidnapping of Emmett Till.”
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Danielle Deadwyler plays Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, in the film Till.
Chinonye-Chukwu.jpg
96%
The Woman King (2022)
96%RT Audience Score: 99%
Awards & Nominations: NA
All hail Viola Davis! The Woman King rules.
With a fantastic cast and an action-packed story that also manages to be meaningful, The Woman King makes it reign.
Production Company(ies)
Entertainment One, Izo, JuVee Productions, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Tristar Pictures
Distributor
TriStar Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
South Africa
MPAA / Certificate
PG-13
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 15m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 16, 2022 Wide
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, John Boyega, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, written by Dana Stevens, action, adventure, history, drama, war, PG-13, Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, Maria Bello, box office $19.1M, reviewed by Dwight Brown, tt stern-enzi, Christy Lemire, Lindsey Bahr, Dylan Roth, James Berardinelli, Erik Childress, Joe Friar, Sandie Angulo Chen, Melanie Fischer, Rich Cline
Worldwide gross: $97,250,903
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $92,272,486
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,051
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 10,062,430
US/Canada gross: $67,328,130
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $67,172,486
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 935
US/Canada opening weekend: $19,051,442
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $19,051,442
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 680
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $50,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $50,000,000
Production budget ranking: 772
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $26,925,000
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $15,347,486
ROI to date (est.): 20%
ROI ranking: 1,290
Thuso Mbedu – Nawi
Lashana Lynch – Izogie
Sheila Atim – Amenza
Hero Fiennes Tiffin – Santo Ferreira
John Boyega – King Ghezo
Director(s)
Gina Prince-Bythewood
Writer(s)
Dana Stevens
Producer(s)
Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, Maria Bello
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (156) | Top Critics (43) | Fresh (148) | Rotten (8)
A huge spectacle… African in nature but universal in its depiction of greed, suppression and tyranny. A deft team of female artists have masterfully created a feminist allegory that will excite and inform movie lovers for years to come.
September 21, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/4
Dwight Brown
DwightBrownInk.com
TOP CRITIC
There’s a lot going on in here… you want more time in this world. It’s not completely brisk, but it feels like there’s something else missing.
September 20, 2022 | Rating: B
tt stern-enzi
WXIX-TV (Cincinnati, OH)
TOP CRITIC
There is such muscularity, athleticism, and ballet [to the choreography]. It is just great.
September 19, 2022
Christy Lemire
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who cannot be pigeonholed, the film is a throwback of sorts to the big, exciting, emotional warrior epics that used to be all too common at the multiplex, with the twist that it’s women not men driving the action.
September 19, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Lindsey Bahr
Associated Press
TOP CRITIC
It’s a well-crafted big screen event movie that stands out from this year’s pack of blockbusters for its context, if not for its content. And, frankly, that’s more than enough.
September 19, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Dylan Roth
Observer
TOP CRITIC
A rousing motion picture filled with well-choreographed battle scenes effectively folded into stories of human interest.
September 18, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
TOP CRITIC
The cast is uniformly strong and the action scenes make fine use of its sound and editing to mask its PG-13 trappings
September 22, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Erik Childress
Movie Madness Podcast
There’s no doubt that Gina Prince-Bythewood’s historical epic derives its strength from the terrific cast. Viola Davis is a tour de force but with so many good performances, this is an ensemble piece whose strength lies in numbers.
September 22, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Joe Friar
Fort Worth Report
If you had any doubt that women over 55 can be fierce warriors, seeing Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All at Once and now Davis in The Woman King should disabuse you of that uncertainty.
September 22, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Sandie Angulo Chen
Common Sense Media
The Woman King at once feels like a pleasantly nostalgic throwback to a bygone era where historical epics reigned supreme and a bold step in an exciting new direction.
September 22, 2022
Melanie Fischer
Pajiba
This movie’s true strength is in what says about the importance of female power today.
September 21, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall
All you need to know about The Woman King: There’s Viola Davis, buff as an Olympian, a blood-stained panga machete slung over her shoulder, and an expression on her face that says, “Who’s next?”
September 21, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Bill Newcott
The Saturday Evening Post…
Plot
Tells the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. General Nanisca trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Inspired by true events.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Viola Davis, who plays General Nanisca in The Woman King, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Fences (2016).
Gina-Prince-Bythewood.jpg
96%
Belle (2022)
96%RT Audience Score: 95%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins & 22 nominations
A remarkable story brought to life with dazzling animation, Belle finds writer-director Mamoru Hosoda setting a brilliant new benchmark.
If you’re looking for a movie that’ll make you feel all the feels, then Belle is the one for you! This flick is a total game-changer, thanks to the amazing work of writer-director Mamoru Hosoda. The animation is so good, it’s like you’re watching a real-life fairy tale unfold before your very eyes. Seriously, it’s that good.
The story is all about a girl named Suzu who’s feeling pretty down in the dumps. But then she discovers a magical world called “U,” where she can be whoever she wants to be. And let me tell you, this place is seriously cool. There are all kinds of crazy creatures and landscapes that’ll blow your mind.
But it’s not just the visuals that make Belle so great. The story is super touching and will tug at your heartstrings in all the right ways. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be totally invested in Suzu’s journey.
So if you’re in the mood for a movie that’s equal parts heartwarming and visually stunning, then Belle is the one for you. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Production Company(ies)
Studio Chizu Book Walker Dentsu
Distributor
GKIDS
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for thematic content, violence, language and brief suggestive material
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 1m
-
Language(s):Japanese
-
Country of origin:Japan
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 14, 2022 Wide
Genre(s)
Fantasy/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Kylie McNeill, Chace Crawford, Paul Castro Jr., Manny Jacinto, Hunter Schafer, Brandon Engman, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, written by Mamoru Hosoda, fantasy, adventure, anime, romance, musical, box office gross, PG rating, reviewed by Simran Hans, Kambole Campbell, Peter Bradshaw, Paul Byrnes, Joe Morgenstern, Alison Willmore, Sarah Ward, Javier Ocaña, Alejandro G Calvo, Matt Brunson, Martín Fernández Cruz, Zosha Millman, 95% Tomatometer, 119 reviews, $4.0M gross USA, produced by Yuichiro Saito, Dolby Digital sound mix, Scope aspect ratio, Suzu, Belle, U, virtual world, singer, vigilantes, emotional, epic quest, mysterious beast, true self, identity, rural village, shadow, dazzling animation, brilliant new benchmark, beautiful, treat for animation fans, remarkable story, sensory experience, great emotional depths, amazing big-screen spectacle, powerful, lush, grand, generous, captivating, gorgeous, bold, insightful, transfixing, reflection on solitude, trauma, timidity, adolescent grief, imaginative, moving, technofuturist anime possibility, sincere, moving themes, disjointed story, uninspired Anime High School tropes, logic check
Worldwide gross: $63,322,814
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $63,322,814
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,232
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 6,905,432
US/Canada gross: $4,006,300
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $4,006,300
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,868
US/Canada opening weekend: $1,565,658
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $1,565,658
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,227
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Chace Crawford – Justin Voice
Paul Castro Jr. – Dragon Voice
Manny Jacinto – Shinobu Voice
Hunter Schafer – Ruka Voice
Brandon Engman – Kamishin Voice
Director(s)
Mamoru Hosoda
Writer(s)
Mamoru Hosoda
Producer(s)
Yuichiro Saito
Film Festivals
Cannes
Awards & Nominations
2 wins & 22 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (119) | Top Critics (26) | Fresh (113) | Rotten (6)
The film’s message is a beautiful one: to integrate our real-life vulnerabilities with the persona we project is to become all the more powerful.
February 6, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Simran Hans
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Though it misses a couple of notes in its final act, it’s an exhilarating sensory experience, with great emotional depths.
February 5, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Kambole Campbell
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
There’s some amazing big-screen spectacle in this weird postmodern emo photo-love drama…
February 1, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
Wherever, it’s a spectacular visual feast, based on the simplest of ideas: that a young girl’s sadness at the death of her mother is a powerful thing.
January 28, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Paul Byrnes
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
There’s too much plot for the film to manage, but its heart, and sumptuous art, are so firmly in the right place that its appeal comes through sweet and clear.
January 19, 2022
Joe Morgenstern
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
Belle is Hosoda’s eighth feature and the one that feels like the most coherent blend of the various universes he’s straddled as an animator.
January 15, 2022
Alison Willmore
New York Magazine/Vulture
TOP CRITIC
While it mightn’t seem like it’d need courage to create this lush, grand, generous and captivating film — and gorgeous as well — but bold, insightful and transfixing takes on stories as old as rhyme just don’t come around that often.
June 25, 2022
Sarah Ward
Concrete Playground
A reflection on solitude, trauma, timidity, and adolescent grief which simultaneously happens against a virtual universe with almost discordant colors and plagued with five million followers. [Full review in Spanish]
June 8, 2022
Javier Ocaña
El Pais (Spain)
A visual wellspring, a cascade of fast, fleeting images that capture quite well the sign of the times. [Full review in Spanish]
May 23, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Alejandro G. Calvo
Sensacine
While taking a central idea from the classic fairy tale (and with a special emphasis on Disney’s toon version), this imaginative piece is very much its own, uh, beast.
May 21, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
… Allows the heroine to embark on a journey of maturity, capable of moving any viewer, whether or not they are animation lovers. [Full review in Spanish]
May 18, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Martín Fernández Cruz
La Nación (Argentina)
A little bit Apple shareholder meeting; a little Social Network; a dash of Disney Princess, and a massive helping of technofuturist anime possibility.
May 13, 2022
Zosha Millman
Thirty, Flirty + Film…
Plot
In Belle, a shy high school student named Suzu escapes into a virtual world as a popular singer named Belle, but when her concert is interrupted by a mysterious creature, she embarks on a quest to uncover its identity and discover her true self.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels doesn’t provide any goofy or funny comments about the film Belle, but it does list the cast and crew, including voice actors Kylie McNeill, Chace Crawford, Paul Castro Jr., Manny Jacinto, Hunter Schafer, and Brandon Engman.
Mamoru-Hosoda.jpg
96%
The Rescue (2021)
96%RT Audience Score: 99%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Rescue is a documentary that will leave you breathless, not just because of the harrowing story it tells, but because of the masterful way it is told. The filmmakers manage to create a sense of tension and urgency, even though we all know how the story ends. The use of archival footage, interviews, and re-enactments is seamless, and the result is a film that feels both real and cinematic. The logistics of the rescue are mind-boggling, and the bravery of the rescuers is awe-inspiring. But what really sets this film apart is the way it captures the human spirit, the way people from all over the world came together to save these boys. It’s a story that will make you believe in the power of humanity, and it’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The Rescue is a documentary that will have you on the edge of your seat, even though you already know the outcome. The filmmakers manage to capture the tension and emotion of the rescue mission, and the sheer logistics of the operation are mind-boggling. Plus, there’s plenty of archive footage and interviews with the main participants to keep you engaged. It’s an incredible story of how people from all over the world can come together to help one another, and it’s definitely worth a watch. Just make sure you have some tissues handy, because you might shed a tear or two.
Production Company(ies)
National Geographic Documentary Films, Ventureland Storyteller Productions,
Distributor
Greenwich Entertainment
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Thailand
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for thematic material involving peril and some language
Year of Release
2021
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 47m
-
Language(s):Thai, English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 8, 2021 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 3, 2021
Genre(s)
Documentary/Drama
Keyword(s)
documentary, drama, mystery, thriller, rescue, cave diving, Thailand, international community, courage, compassion, against-all-odds, perilous, extraordinary, exclusive interviews, never-before-seen material, E Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, Bob Eisenhardt, P.J van Sandwijk, PG, thematic material, some language, peril, English, Greenwich Entertainment, Dolby Digital, Bancha Duriyapunt, Apakorn Youkongkaew, Anan Surawan, Woranan Ratrawiphukkun, Rick Stanton, John Volanthen, reviewed by Craig Mathieson, Simran Hans, Kevin Maher, Lindsey Bahr, Danny Leigh, Cath Clarke, Grace Han, Christopher Cross, Mark Johnson, Robert Roten, Ezequiel Boetti, Filipe Freitas, produced by, directed by, starring, box office performance, budget, MPAA rating
Worldwide gross: $1,060,556
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,153,468
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,561
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 125,787
US/Canada gross: $1,060,556
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,153,468
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,154
US/Canada opening weekend: $65,591
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $71,337
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,072
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Apakorn Youkongkaew – Self
Anan Surawan – Self
Woranan Ratrawiphukkun – Self
Rick Stanton – Self
John Volanthen – Self
Director – Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin
Producer – John Battsek, Jimmy Chin, Bob Eisenhardt, P.J. van Sandwijk, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
Sound Mix – Dolby Digital
Distributor – Greenwich Entertainment
Director(s)
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
John Battsek, Jimmy Chin, Bob Eisenhardt, P.J. van Sandwijk, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
Film Festivals
Telluride, Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (97) | Top Critics (22) | Fresh (93) | Rotten (4)
Knowing the outcome doesn’t lessen the grip of the storytelling — individual moments are telling, lesser-known tragedies dot the desperate rush to act, and at each point, the jagged tunnels and torrid currents exert an almost tactile hold.
January 6, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Craig Mathieson
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
[A] hugely involving documentary…
October 31, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Simran Hans
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
The film-makers somehow manage to wring nerve-jangling tension from a foregone conclusion.
October 29, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Kevin Maher
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
“The Rescue” is easily one of the best documentaries of the year.
October 28, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/4
Lindsey Bahr
Associated Press
TOP CRITIC
The sheer logistics are so absorbing that the raw emotion rears back almost unexpectedly – and without a hint of sentimentality.
October 28, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Danny Leigh
Financial Times
TOP CRITIC
Not only is the story compelling, but thanks to how much the event captured the interest of the world’s media, there is a lot of archive footage to splice in among the generous wodges of talking-heads narration from the main participants.
October 26, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
Cath Clarke
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
The Rescue successfully weaves in archival, interview, and re-enactment footage to deliver a glossy, but real feel for saving the boys in the Thai caves.
February 22, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/5
Grace Han
Asian Movie Pulse
An incredible documentary on the ways the world can come together to help one another.
February 12, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Christopher Cross
Tilt Magazine
An absolutely fantastic watch and one of the most incredible and inspirational stories ever captured in a documentary.
February 11, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Mark Johnson
Awards Daily
This is the kind of uplifting story we need in these trying times. In this movie, thousands of people from many countries work together to save 13, and the Thai government spends millions to save them.
January 4, 2022 | Rating: A
Robert Roten
Laramie Movie Scope
Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s film does not escape this kind of story’s formal flatness… they certainly know how to pull the viewer’s internal strings with a story that grows in tension and emotion as it progresses. [Full review in Spanish]
January 4, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Ezequiel Boetti
Otroscines.com
Suspenseful and powerful from minute one until the end, the film provides a harrowing look at how an apparently safe gathering could veer into a nerve-racking, life-threatening situation.
December 24, 2021 | Rating: 4.5/5
Filipe Freitas
Always Good Movies…
Plot
The Rescue chronicles the enthralling, against-all-odds story that transfixed the world in 2018: the daring rescue of twelve boys and their coach from deep inside a flooded cave in Northern Thailand. Using a wealth of never-before-seen material and exclusive interviews, E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they bring alive one of the most perilous and extraordinary rescues in modern times, shining a light on the high-risk world of cave diving, the astounding courage and compassion of the rescuers, and the shared humanity of the international community that united to save the boys.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cast of The Rescue includes real-life individuals involved in the daring rescue mission, such as Bancha Duriyapunt, Apakorn Youkongkaew, Anan Surawan, Woranan Ratrawiphukkun, Rick Stanton, and John Volanthen.
Elizabeth-Chai-Vasarhelyi.jpg
96%
King Richard (2021)
96%RT Audience Score: 98%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
46 wins & 133 nominations total
King Richard transcends sport biopic formulas with refreshingly nuanced storytelling — and a towering performance from Will Smith in the title role.
Largely thanks to Will Smith’s terrific performance in the title role, King Richard is an entertaining and inspirational story of parental perseverance.
Production Company(ies)
Warner Bros., Star Thrower Entertainment, Westbrook Studios,
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (HBO Max), Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Claremont Club, Claremont, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for some violence, strong language, a sexual reference and brief drug references
Year of Release
2021
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 26m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 19, 2021 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 19, 2021
Genre(s)
Biography/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, written by Zach Baylin, biography, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by David Stratton, Sandra Hall, Mara Reinstein, Max Weiss, Soraya Nadia McDonald, Randy Myers, Sarah Ward, Erick Estrada, Elsa Fernández-Santos, Gayle Sequeira, Matt Brunson, produced by Tim White, Trevor White, Will Smith, MPAA rating PG-13, tennis, sports, fatherhood, perseverance, family, history, training, Compton, California, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Richard Williams, Oracene “Brandy” Williams, Rick Macci, Paul Cohen, Dolby Digital, Warner Bros Pictures, Scope (2.35:1)
Worldwide gross: $39,429,285
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $41,795,949
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,421
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 4,557,901
US/Canada gross: $15,129,285
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $16,454,712
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,472
US/Canada opening weekend: $5,406,033
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $5,879,638
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,068
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $50,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $54,380,336
Production budget ranking: 736
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $29,283,811
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$41,868,198
ROI to date (est.): -50%
ROI ranking: 1,690
Aunjanue Ellis – Oracene “Brandy” Williams
Jon Bernthal – Rick Macci
Saniyya Sidney – Venus Williams
Demi Singleton – Serena Williams
Tony Goldwyn – Paul Cohen
Director(s)
Reinaldo Marcus Green
Writer(s)
Zach Baylin
Producer(s)
Tim White, Trevor White, Will Smith
Film Festivals
Telluride
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
46 wins & 133 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees, Oscar Winners
All Critics (287) | Top Critics (65) | Fresh (258) | Rotten (29)
Brandi is a more interesting character, thanks to a superb performance from Ellis, and their scenes together are the best in the movie, although the tennis sequences are very well shot and edited.
January 19, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/5
David Stratton
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
Smith is entertaining. His single-mindedness should make him a bore but he somehow retains his talent to amuse whatever else is on his mind.
January 13, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Sandra Hall
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
Featuring a towering performance from Will Smith in the title role, proving that a hero is not necessarily easy to root for.
December 28, 2021
Mara Reinstein
Us Weekly
TOP CRITIC
This is a dream role for Will Smith and he attacks it with gusto. Williams is a larger-than-life character who just happens to be real, and Smith embodies his underdog, combative, indefatigable spirit to perfection.
December 10, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/4
Max Weiss
Baltimore Magazine
TOP CRITIC
King Richard has a Will Smith problem. It is obviously meant to be award catnip for Smith and a cinematic crowning for Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena. And yet Smith’s starring role may be the weakest part of the film.
November 24, 2021
Soraya Nadia McDonald
Andscape
TOP CRITIC
In this compelling, well-acted but conventionally told biopic about the unconventional dad of tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams, actor Will Smith makes another convincing bid to collect some acting trophies.
November 24, 2021 | Rating: 3/4
Randy Myers
San Jose Mercury News
TOP CRITIC
An easy win rather than an all-timer.
June 25, 2022
Sarah Ward
Concrete Playground
Obvious in its worst sense… [Full review in Spanish]
June 17, 2022
Erick Estrada
Cinegarage
Smith is the absolute king of this conventional movie that opens a window into the dream of two strong-willed girls. [Full review in Spanish]
June 8, 2022
Elsa Fernández-Santos
El Pais (Spain)
The film turns into a hero a man who is nothing more than a child exploiter… Serena and Venus became in two of the best tennis players in history no thanks to their father, but in spite of him. [Full review in Spanish]
June 8, 2022
Eva Güimil
El Pais (Spain)
King Richard is a fierce story of Black identity and Black pride, depicting how cycles of racial abuse and violence take drastic, desperate measures to escape.
April 19, 2022
Gayle Sequeira
Film Companion
Less a movie about sports than a movie about parenting.
April 1, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy…
Plot
Armed with a clear vision and a brazen 78-page plan, Richard Williams is determined to write his daughters, Venus and Serena, into history. Training on Compton, California’s neglected tennis courts
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Will Smith delivers a towering performance in the title role.
Reinaldo-Marcus-Green.jpg
96%
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
96%RT Audience Score: 98%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
17 wins & 44 nominations total
A bigger, bolder Spider-Man sequel, No Way Home expands the franchise’s scope and stakes without losing sight of its humor and heart.
Packed with action, emotion, and surprises, Spider-Man: No Way Home is franchise fan service at its finest.
Production Company(ies)
Columbia Pictures, Pascal Pictures, Marvel Studios,
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Iceland
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for sequences of action/violence, some language and brief suggestive comments
Year of Release
2021
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:2h 28m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 2021 Wide
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure
Keyword(s)
Spider-Man: No Way Home, PG-13, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Jamie Foxx, directed by Jon Watts, written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, produced by Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal, reviewed by Olivia Zayas Ryan, Steven D Greydanus, Liz Shannon Miller, Allegra Frank, Anupama Chopra, Damian Levy, Sarah Ward, Erick Estrada, Javier Ocaña, Jessie Gender, David Hogan, Carey-Ann Pawsey, box office gross $804.4M, runtime 2h 28m, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, Scope (2.35:1), Marvel Cinematic Universe
Worldwide gross: $1,912,233,593
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $2,054,041,154
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 17
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 223,995,764
US/Canada gross: $800,588,139
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $870,725,041
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 19
US/Canada opening weekend: $260,138,569
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $282,928,456
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 4
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $200,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $217,521,344
Production budget ranking: 74
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $117,135,244
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,719,384,566
ROI to date (est.): 514%
ROI ranking: 250
Zendaya – MJ
Benedict Cumberbatch – Doctor Strange
Jacob Batalon – Ned Leeds
Jon Favreau – Happy Hogan
Jamie Foxx – Max Dillon, Electro
Director(s)
Jon Watts
Writer(s)
Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers
Producer(s)
Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
17 wins & 44 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (414) | Top Critics (70) | Fresh (384) | Rotten (30)
For Maguire and Garfield’s characters, the multiverse allows them a chance to make things right in the MCU.
April 1, 2022
Olivia Zayas Ryan
Bitch Media
TOP CRITIC
Crossover comfort food with a redemptive twist.
January 7, 2022 | Rating: B+
Steven D. Greydanus
Catholic World Report
TOP CRITIC
Throughout all of it, the weird and complex history of Spider-Man as a cinematic icon isn’t a hindrance to the story; instead, it’s an enhancement, using the quirks of the character’s legacy as a source of illumination into why he has endured so long.
December 29, 2021 | Rating: B+
Liz Shannon Miller
Consequence
TOP CRITIC
The movie allows for a surprisingly impactful reappraisal of a long-held Spidey franchise consensus.
December 29, 2021
Allegra Frank
Slate
TOP CRITIC
This film is fan service at its best because even us, casual lovers, can enjoy the ride.
December 29, 2021
Anupama Chopra
Film Companion
TOP CRITIC
Dafoe and Molina are the scene stealers in the movie, with a special mention to Dafoe for bringing back the terror he gave me at the age of 6.
December 28, 2021 | Rating: Big Screen Watch
Damian Levy
DamianMichaelMovies.com
TOP CRITIC
This spider-sequel is always happiest when it’s trying to catch the audience’s claps and cheers just like flies.
July 8, 2022
Sarah Ward
Concrete Playground
With half-baked conversations and inconclusive ideas, [the film] gets distracted halfway through a sequence as if it’s trying to prevent its own progression because, in fact, it’s actually searching for its offshoot. [Full review in Spanish]
June 28, 2022
Erick Estrada
Cinegarage
Even though this compendium may require a master’s in order to grasp its structure, No Way Home is still stupendously entertaining, has a clear voice, and the characters and action sequences are exciting. [Full review in Spanish]
June 21, 2022
Javier Ocaña
El Pais (Spain)
While banking a tad hard on viewer’s nostalgia, the movie still ultimately manages to provide a strong emotional throughline and sense of finality for not only Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, but for its myriad cross-franchise characters.
May 30, 2022
Jessie Gender
Jessie Gender YouTube Channel
Another fine and heartfelt performance by Tom Holland and some really fun appearances from past Spider-Man film characters cover for a script that was clearly rushed and lacking in any solid direction.
May 2, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
David Hogan
hoganreviews.co.uk
Not only do you get the usual cool special effects that are typical of the genre but a fun trio of Spider-Mans, lots of humour and even emotions.
May 1, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Carey-Ann Pawsey
Orca Sound…
Plot
Peter Parker’s secret identity is revealed to the entire world. Desperate for help, Peter turns to Doctor Strange to make the world forget that he is Spider-Man. The spell goes horribly wrong and shatters the multiverse, bringing in monstrous villains that could destroy the world.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Dafoe and Molina are the scene stealers in the movie, with a special mention to Dafoe for bringing back the terror he gave me at the age of 6.
Jon-Watts.jpg
96%
The Sparks Brothers (2021)
96%RT Audience Score: 98%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins & 26 nominations
Their albums may be cult favorites, but this Edgar Wright-directed documentary offers an introduction to Sparks that has something for everyone.
If you’re not already a fan of Sparks, this documentary directed by Edgar Wright is the perfect way to get acquainted with the quirky band. Even if you’re not into their albums, this film has got something for everyone. It’s like a crash course in all things Sparks, complete with hilarious interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Trust me, you’ll be singing “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us” for days after watching this. So grab some popcorn and get ready to be entertained by the wacky world of Sparks.
Production Company(ies)
Complete Fiction Media Rights Capital,
Distributor
Focus Features
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, England, UK
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language
Year of Release
2021
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 21m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jun 18, 2021 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 31, 2021
Genre(s)
Documentary/Music
Keyword(s)
documentary, music, Edgar Wright, Ron Mael, Russell Mael, Flea, Beck, Jack Antonoff, Neil Gaiman, Nira Park, George Hencken, Laura Richardson, Focus Features, R rating, box office, cult favorite, underrated, influential, celebrity fans, bandmates, legacy, rock band, Sparks, weird, wonderful, musical odyssey, commentary, introduction, critic reviews, audience score, verified ratings, streaming, theaters, runtime, distributor, aspect ratio, cast and crew, Mark Kermode, Baltimore Magazine, Times (UK), Daily Telegraph (UK), The Jewish Chronicle, Next Best Picture, Cinegarage, City AM, Deep Focus Review, Jaredmobarak.com, Cinemanía (Spain)
Worldwide gross: $1,124,790
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,223,329
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,549
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 133,406
US/Canada gross: $648,665
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $705,492
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,255
US/Canada opening weekend: $273,530
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $297,493
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,544
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Russell Mael – Self
Edgar Wright – Self
Flea – Self
Beck – Self
Jack Antonoff – Self
Director(s)
Edgar Wright
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Nira Park, Edgar Wright, George Hencken, Laura Richardson
Film Festivals
Sundance, South by Southwest
Awards & Nominations
2 wins & 26 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (160) | Top Critics (41) | Fresh (153) | Rotten (7)
Seemingly too bonkers to be actually true, and that’s what I loved about it.
August 5, 2021
Mark Kermode
Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review
TOP CRITIC
From bucket-of-water tomfoolery to visually inventive biography and witty musicology, this really does have something for the girl with everything.
August 1, 2021 | Rating: 5/5
Mark Kermode
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
The Sparks Brothers film is smart, funny, infectiously weird, a little geeky, a little too long, a little niche, and consistently entertaining.
July 30, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/4
Max Weiss
Baltimore Magazine
TOP CRITIC
The film is too long and, although Wright hopes it will convert heathens, it’s still probably one for the fans. The Maels, however, make enjoyably unpredictable hosts.
July 30, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Ed Potton
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Less a documentary than an intensive course of art-pop hypnotherapy: even those who enter the cinema knowing next to nothing about the pair will leave feeling like lifelong enthusiasts.
July 29, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Robbie Collin
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Wright presents an unabashed love letter to a band he clearly loves and does it with style, humour and great attention to detail.
July 29, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Linda Marric
The Jewish Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Leave it to Edgar Wright, one of today’s most unique and electric directors, to bring a true music story to the screen that defies clichés and instead serves as a celebration of long-lasting talent and collaborative harmony.
July 8, 2022 | Rating: 8/10
Cody Dericks
Next Best Picture
An imaginative documentary, the brothers Mael are interviewed and they take it in stride, capturing the Sparks spirit. [Full review in Spanish]
June 30, 2022
Erick Estrada
Cinegarage
The affectionate tone is perfectly in keeping with Wright, a filmmaker who got his break making a show chock-full of Star Wars references. The Sparks Brothers proves that his passion is an asset rather than a hindrance.
March 3, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
James Luxford
City AM
Wright delves into the Maels’ life and career, cracking and peeling away at the enigmatic shell to get at the good stuff inside.
February 12, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Wright appears to be their biggest fan with a keen understanding of the Sparks brand and the perfect collaborative spirit to let their eccentric personalities shine.
December 4, 2021 | Rating: 8/10
Jared Mobarak
Jaredmobarak.com
Their speeches are as brilliant as their song lyrics. [Full review in Spanish]
November 19, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Andrea G. Bermejo
Cinemanía (Spain)…
Plot
“The Sparks Brothers” is a documentary about the influential and underrated band Sparks, taking audiences on a musical odyssey through five decades with commentary from celebrity fans and celebrating the inspiring legacy of the band.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The documentary features commentary from celebrity fans Flea, Beck, Jack Antonoff, Jason Schwartzman, Neil Gaiman, and more.
Edgar-Wright.jpg
96%
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
96%RT Audience Score: 98%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
17 wins & 52 nominations total
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings isn’t entirely free of Marvel’s familiar formula, but this exciting origin story expands the MCU in more ways than one.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings may not be a total breakaway from Marvel’s usual recipe, but it’s still a wild ride that takes the MCU to new heights. This flick is all about the origin story of Shang-Chi, and boy does it deliver. The action scenes are off the charts, and the storyline is packed with twists and turns that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Plus, the movie introduces a whole new world of characters and mythology that’ll make your head spin. So, if you’re looking for a fun and thrilling adventure that’ll leave you wanting more, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the way to go. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Production Company(ies)
Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Disney+), Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Fox Studios, Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and language
Year of Release
2021
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English, Mandarin
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 3, 2021 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 12, 2021
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Simu Liu, Tony Leung, Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu, Ronny Chieng, Benedict Wong, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, written by David Callaham, Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham, action, adventure, fantasy, PG-13, Marvel Cinematic Universe, box office, gross USA, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, Scope (2.35:1), reviewed by Wenlei Ma, Mark Kermode, Sara Michelle Fetters, Nick Schager, tt stern-enzi, Donald Clarke, Kay-B, Jessie Gender, Daniel Howat, Jimmy Cage, Jeffrey Harris, David Lynch, produced by Kevin Feige, Jonathan Schwartz
Worldwide gross: $432,243,292
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $470,110,710
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 305
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 51,266,162
US/Canada gross: $224,543,292
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $244,214,794
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 266
US/Canada opening weekend: $75,388,688
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $81,993,244
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 105
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $200,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $217,521,344
Production budget ranking: 74
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $117,135,244
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $135,454,121
ROI to date (est.): 40%
ROI ranking: 1,194
Awkwafina – Katy
Meng’er Zhang – Xialing
Fala Chen – Jiang Li
Florian Munteanu – Razor Fist
Benedict Wong – Wong
Director(s)
Destin Daniel Cretton
Writer(s)
David Callaham, Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham
Producer(s)
Kevin Feige, Jonathan Schwartz
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
17 wins & 52 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (334) | Top Critics (54) | Fresh (305) | Rotten (29)
For fans of cinematic spectacle, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings offers some of the best choreographed action sequences of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
October 11, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/5
Wenlei Ma
News.com.au
TOP CRITIC
The first half of the film is better, and I liked it much more than I was expecting.
September 21, 2021
Mark Kermode
Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review
TOP CRITIC
It’s a strong debut for a new hero, injecting diverse blood into the MCU in a way that does not feel forced or hollow. I just think the overall film is still less than the sum of its more outstanding parts.
September 17, 2021 | Rating: 2.5/4
Sara Michelle Fetters
MovieFreak.com
TOP CRITIC
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings at least continues the studio’s track record of enlisting the talents of truly great artists. Here, that would be the commanding and charismatic Leung.
September 10, 2021
Nick Schager
The Daily Beast
TOP CRITIC
Great action, Simu Liu is a great kind of charismatic center for [the film].
September 9, 2021 | Rating: B+
tt stern-enzi
WXIX-TV (Cincinnati, OH)
TOP CRITIC
The picture rattles along with an unpretentious vigour too rare in the Marvel universe.
September 8, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
Donald Clarke
Irish Times
TOP CRITIC
“I really really liked the film and thought it was a good origin story.”
June 2, 2022 | Rating: A
Kay-B
Super Lady Hero Hour
While it still hits every single MCU storytelling beat, Shang-Chi at least manages to evolve the franchise’s action and provide a bit of refreshing diversity to the superhero world.
May 30, 2022
Jessie Gender
Jessie Gender YouTube Channel
Just when you think they’ve run out of tricks, “Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings” will remind you once again why you love Marvel.
May 20, 2022 | Rating: 8/10
Daniel Howat
Next Best Picture
SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS is a fun and of course very welcome addition to the MCU with a fantastic first half and a slightly weaker second half, that becomes a little bit too formulaic and CGI dominant.
April 8, 2022 | Rating: 7/10
Jimmy Cage
Jimmy Cage Movie Reviews (YouTube)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has great energy, strong direction, and a fresh new set of characters. The film makes some missteps in the second half that move it a bit too far away from the strong central conflict between father and son.
March 8, 2022 | Rating: 7.5/10
Jeffrey Harris
411mania
“Not for nothing, it helps that we have the eyes of Tony Leung to transport us, to put us in the mood for following this particular love story instead of inevitably jumping forward in time to more familiar MCU destinations.”
February 22, 2022
David Lynch
KENS 5 TV…
Plot
Shang-Chi, the master of weaponry-based Kung Fu, is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organization.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Tony Leung’s performance as Wenwu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is described as “commanding and charismatic” by critic Nick Schager.
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96%
The Paper Tigers (2021)
96%RT Audience Score: 93%
Awards & Nominations: 3 wins & 3 nominations
The Paper Tigers blends action, comedy, and heart to produce a fresh martial arts movie with plenty of throwback charm.
If you’re looking for a flick that’ll make you laugh, cry, and want to roundhouse kick someone all at the same time, then The Paper Tigers is your jam. This movie’s got it all – action, comedy, and heart – and it’s all wrapped up in a package that feels like a throwback to the good ol’ days of martial arts movies.
The story follows three washed-up kung fu masters who reunite after their old master dies. They’re out of shape, out of practice, and out of touch with each other, but they’re determined to honor their master’s memory by taking on his final challenge – to find and defeat their old rival.
What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming journey that’s equal parts action-packed and emotionally resonant. The fight scenes are top-notch, the humor is on point, and the characters are so lovable you’ll want to give them all a big ol’ hug.
So if you’re in the mood for a movie that’ll make you feel all the feels and leave you with a big ol’ smile on your face, then grab some popcorn and settle in for The Paper Tigers. You won’t regret it, my friend.
Production Company(ies)
Beimo Films, Persistence of Vision Films,
Distributor
Well Go USA Entertainment
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Canton Alley S, Seattle, Washington, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for some strong language, offensive slurs, and violence
Year of Release
2021
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby Digital
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:1h 48m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): May 7, 2021 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 7, 2021
Genre(s)
Action/Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Alain Uy, Ron Yuan, Mykel Shannon Jenkins, Jae Suh Park, Raymond Ma, Matthew Page, directed by Quoc Bao Tran, written by Quoc Bao Tran, action, comedy, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Phuong Le, Tim Cogshell, David Ehrlich, Simon Abrams, Michael Ordoña, Beatrice Loayza, Grace Han, Robert Roten, Katie Smith-Wong, Aaron Neuwirth, Omar Holmon, PG-13, Michael Velasquez, Yuji Okumoto, Al’n Duong, Dan Gildark, produced by Quoc Bao Tran, Dolby Digital, offensive slurs, violence, some strong language, middle-aged men, martial artists, teacher’s murder, dead-end jobs, dad duties, old grudges, avenging, throwback charm, English, May 7, 2021 Limited, Well Go USA Entertainment, 1h 48m
Worldwide gross: $118,351
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $128,719
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,995
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 14,037
US/Canada gross: $112,691
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $122,563
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,637
US/Canada opening weekend: $46,615
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $50,699
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,205
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Ron Yuan – Hing
Mykel Shannon Jenkins – Jim
Jae Suh Park – Caryn
Raymond Ma – Sifu Wong
Matthew Page – Carter
Director(s)
Quoc Bao Tran
Writer(s)
Quoc Bao Tran
Producer(s)
Michael Velasquez, Yuji Okumoto, Al’n Duong, Dan Gildark, Quoc Bao Tran
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
3 wins & 3 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (63) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (62) | Rotten (1)
Tran adroitly layers the fight sequences, filmed with fluidity and at least substantially performed by the main actors themselves, between frothy layers of blokey banter.
September 13, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
Phuong Le
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
This is a real solid Kung Fu butt-kicker, except that it’s funny in that Karate Kid and Rumble in the Bronx kind of way.
May 13, 2021
Tim Cogshell
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
Funniest of all is “Enter the Dojo” star Matthew Page, who seems to have made a whole career out of caricaturing the recognizable phenomenon of the white guy who turns Asian cultural appropriation into a lifestyle.
May 12, 2021 | Rating: B
David Ehrlich
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
The Paper Tigers isn’t exactly the most challenging action movie, but it is comforting whenever it most needs to be.
May 7, 2021 | Rating: 2.5/4
Simon Abrams
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
“Paper Tigers” may not be a deep comment on aging or friendship, but it has enough humor and action to make it worth a few rounds.
May 6, 2021
Michael Ordoña
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Bao’s lighthearted, refreshing approach neither succumbs to whitewashing nor the model-minority myth. The film sticks to the action-comedy basics, which is just fine.
May 6, 2021
Beatrice Loayza
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
“The Paper Tigers” is an entertaining watch — one that is uniquely pan-Asian, but sharply American in character. Though this feature may not keep you on the edge of your seat, it at least will make you laugh — and maybe even cry.
May 25, 2022 | Rating: 4.5/5
Grace Han
Asian Movie Pulse
The actors bring The Three Tigers alive in a very convincing way. Their emotional journeys are at the very heart of this film, along with the code of conduct they have sworn to follow.
May 20, 2022 | Rating: B
Robert Roten
Laramie Movie Scope
The Paper Tigers doesn’t stray too far from the conventional, but it delivers the right amount of humour and thrills to entertain even the most sceptical of audiences.
September 8, 2021 | Rating: 2/5
Katie Smith-Wong
Flick Feast
The Paper Tigers is a wonderful little kung-fu flick, with personal stakes, a fine cast, and a good amount of heart.
August 27, 2021 | Rating: 7/10
Aaron Neuwirth
We Live Entertainment
I think this is a movie you’ll be happy you gave a chance.
August 6, 2021
Omar Holmon
Black Nerd Problems
It gets over because its fight scenes are surprisingly very entertaining and unpredictable.
June 27, 2021 | Rating: B-
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews…
Plot
After their martial arts teacher is murdered, three middle-aged men must put aside their dead-end jobs and old grudges to avenge him in The Paper Tigers.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Funniest of all is ‘Enter the Dojo’ star Matthew Page, who seems to have made a whole career out of caricaturing the recognizable phenomenon of the white guy who turns Asian cultural appropriation into a lifestyle.
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