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.
Movie Review: Jennifer Lawrence shows no weakness in ‘Joy’
“Joy” is an unpretentious, straightforward story of a housewife from Long Island who succeeds in spite of all the socially...
Read moreFilm Review: ‘The Night Before’ is a frat house style romp
Don't let the title fool you. Warning: this is not a kids' movie - it's an adult movie for those...
Read moreFilm Review: ‘Moomins on the Riviera’ was done in exquisite detail
If Wes Anderson smoked some really good stuff all day every day while making “Grand Budapest Hotel” (well maybe he...
Read moreFilm Review: ‘The Big Short’ is an eye-opening flick
Plan B Productions really does their homework when they take on a social impact project. The screenplay for The Big...
Read more‘The Danish Girl’ is a tragedy full of joy (movie review)
During the discussion panel that followed my screening of “The Danish Girl,” Lucinda Coxon explained that she wrote the first...
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Movie Review: ‘Youth’ is an experience to be contemplated, absorbed
The film “Youth” is a symphony for the eyes and ears -a full-length symphonic music video. It's a series of...
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Movie Review: ‘Spotlight’ shines a light on Pulitzer Prize winning journalists
“How do you say 'no' to God?” asks one of the victims in the film “Spotlight.” This movie is the...
Read moreFilm Review: ‘Brooklyn’ is full of ‘rich details’
“Brooklyn” is a film created from the 2009 historical novel by Irish writer Colm Toibin. The book won the 2009...
Read moreCarey Mulligan extraordinary in ‘Suffragette’ (movie review)
Witness women succeeding in the entertainment business! See "Suffragette" — it was written by Abi Morgan, directed by Sarah Gavron...
Read moreMovie Review: ‘He Named Me Malala’ deserves to be seen
"He Named Me Malala" is a documentary that deserves to be seen. It's contemporary history in the making, a story...
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