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: ‘The Walk’ amazes with its character’s vision in 3D
"The Walk" is a movie that will haunt your dreams long after you have seen it. In 3D it is...
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Matt Damon is resilient in ‘The Martian’
"The Martian" is a modern day western, set in the foreseeable future rather than a past that no longer exists....
Read more’99 Homes’ will have you waking up at night
"99 Homes" is a close-up, in-your-face view of the quasi-dictatorship that occurs when the ideals of capitalism are horribly misused....
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‘Sicario’ is ‘an experience’
The opening title screens of the film Sicario flash the meaning of the term - it is the word for...
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‘Pawn Sacrifice’ gets inside the head of Bobby Fischer
I can't even sit still long enough to watch golf on TV. I'm the kid who struggled to stay seated...
Read more‘Dope’ reveals social truths in coming-of-age tale (movie review)
"Dope" was strategically re-released over Labor Day weekend, probably due to the huge popularity of "Straight Outta Compton." The...
Read more‘No Escape’ is an intimate, effective thriller (movie review)
This film is one of the most intimate, most effective thrillers ever. The first few minutes set the tone —...
Read moreLily Tomlin hits the mark in “Grandma”
"Grandma" is a fun, witty, compact study of an eccentric headstrong woman and her unique relationships with her family and...
Read moreMeryl Streep, script carry ‘Ricki and the Flash’ (movie review)
I'll have to say, I wasn't super excited about seeing "Ricki and the Flash" — I expected a soap...
Read moreAmy Schumer’s talents on display in ‘Trainwreck’ (movie review)
The sparkling and multi-talented Amy Schumer is one of the most watched and talked-about comedians today. Recently she has...
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