All Movies
Oscar contender ‘A Hero’ explores the complexities of doing the right thingShould people be praised for simply doing the right thing? This year’s Oscar contender from Iran, “A Hero,” asks viewers to consider societal labels.
‘The sky doesn’t collapse.’ A filmmaker explores gay life in Kenya.A documentary about a gay couple in Kenya explores universal themes of love and commitment in a repressive society.
Hollywood is taking steps to diversify behind the camera. How is it going?For the TV and film industries, one area of progress is an increase in initiatives that help underrepresented groups train and network.
From ‘King Richard’ to ‘Gunda’: The 10 best films of 2021Monitor film critic Peter Rainer’s list of 2021’s best movies includes those that graced both big and small screens – and features some up-and-comers.
‘National Champions’ asks: Should college athletes be paid?How far would you go to stand up for a principle? The film “National Champions,” about whether to pay college athletes, weighs the trade-offs of taking a firm stance.
Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’: A remake that’s a rethink, tooDirector Steven Spielberg mostly succeeds in his update of “West Side Story,” giving it new energy and authenticity, says the Monitor’s film critic.
‘Encanto’: A tale of family and fitting in, set to musicAs the Monitor’s review notes, Disney’s cheery “Encanto,” about comparing oneself to others, seems tailored for today’s social media-minded teens.
Venus, Serena, and their father: ‘King Richard’ biopic is an aceA top-notch performance by Will Smith and an inspirational story combine for sheer pleasure in the biopic “King Richard,” says the Monitor’s film critic.
A foodie delight, ‘Julia’ shows how one chef influenced AmericaFew people on the planet were more interested in food than Julia Child, says the Monitor’s film critic. Judging from the documentary “Julia,” he adds, few people are as interesting.
What more is there to say about Princess Diana? ‘Spencer’ offers a fable.Kristen Stewart delivers a fierce performance in “Spencer,” a film that intends to impart a more profound view of Princess Diana than a biopic could.
‘Nomadland’ director brings her vision to Marvel’s ‘Eternals’Chloé Zhao pivots from her indie roots to make a big-budget Marvel film, “Eternals.” Can she make these heroes soar?
First LookDetails emerge showing safety negligence in 'Rust' shootingHow could an accidental, fatal shooting occur on a movie set with a budget of $7 million? Experts are speaking out about “Rust” and the crew’s negligence of weapons management, raising questions about the film industry’s pursuit of profit at the cost of safety.
Identity and adoption: ‘Found’ follows American teens as they return to ChinaThe Netflix documentary “Found” puts a human face on China’s one-child policy as three American teens return to their roots.
First LookIn wake of Baldwin's misfire, should CGI replace guns on set?After Alec Baldwin fatally shot a cinematographer on a film set by accident with a prop gun, a petition was launched over the weekend calling on Hollywood to replace live weapons with computer-generated imagery when filming.
Sci-fi classic ‘Dune’ returns to the big screen. Does it succeed?The novel from the 1960s influenced subsequent sci-fi epics like the “Star Wars” franchise. But “Dune,” by Frank Herbert, looks for its own movie magic.
‘Mass’ filmmaker explores forgiveness and reconciliation after tragedyIn an effort to understand the reasons for and effect of mass shootings, Fran Kranz wrote and directed the new movie “Mass,” which offers lessons for a divided world.
‘No Time To Die’ offers Bond fun, but what’s next for 007?As the latest James Bond movie “No Time To Die” is released, the Monitor’s film critic considers what kind of big-screen spy today’s world really needs.
Lights, camera, exhibits: Movie museum debutsBeyond reveling in ruby slippers, the goal of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures should be to inspire visitors to literally think big.
‘On Broadway’ filmmaker explores the pull of the stageThe new documentary “On Broadway” explores the resiliency of the theater – and why it matters in people’s lives today.
How a director patiently fought for deaf actors in ‘CODA’ – and wonThe writer-director of “CODA” stood up for the idea of deaf actors playing deaf roles, and her perseverance paid off.
