Movie Reviews
Get informed perspectives on the latest films through our Movie Review section, featuring coverage of new releases screening at Santa Monica's theaters and local film events. From major releases at AMC Broadway and Laemmle Monica Film Center to independent features and film festivals, our reviews offer thoughtful analysis of cinema's newest offerings. Our coverage includes opening weekend reviews, special screenings, local film events, and movies with Santa Monica connections. Whether you're planning your weekend viewing or following cinema culture, count on Santa Monica Daily Press for engaging movie insights from our community's perspective.
‘Ghostbusters’ offers fresh take on 1984 classic
By Kathryn Whitney Boole It's unfortunate that this movie is called “Ghostbusters,” only because that forces us to refer to...
Read moreBlake Lively gives depth to ‘The Shallows’
By Kathryn Whitney Boole “The Shallows” is the ubiquitous summer shark movie. However, it is very much worth seeing for...
Read more‘Captain Fantastic’ has Oscar written all over it
By Kathryn Whitney Boole "Captain Fantastic" embraces a subject that is voluminous in concept, yet uses the medium of movies...
Read more‘Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping’ mocks music industry (movie review)
"Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping" is a sendup of the pop, rock and rap music scenes and the marketing hype that...
Read moreChildhood’s poetic death in ‘The Fits’ (movie review)
By Kathryn Whitney Boole "The Fits" is a refreshingly honest movie — a poetic short story about a tween girl...
Read more‘Money Monster’ sends message, ‘The Nice Guys’ packs laughs (movie reviews)
By Kathryn Whitney Boole “Money Monster” is only Jodie Foster's fourth film as a director, although she's been in the...
Read more‘Love & Friendship’ is a ‘wonderful comedy of misread, hidden intentions’ (film review)
Jane Austen, Comedy Writer – that might be the title on her resume, if the great writer were alive today....
Read more‘Captain American: Civil War’ addresses problem of ‘collateral damage’
"Captain America: Civil War" brings to life our current day mythology of larger-than-life players from comics, movies and video games....
Read more‘A Bigger Splash’ is a universal tale evoking classical myths of the Greco/Roman gods (film review)
Initially Tilda Swinton wanted to turn down her role in A Bigger Splash. She was reeling from the recent death...
Read more‘Mother’s Day’ has its moments (movie review)
By Kathryn Whitney Boole "Mother's Day" is a movie of vignettes featuring an endearing group of friends and family members....
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