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.
‘Ant-Man’ one of the best Marvel films ever (movie review)
Ant-Man is a thrill ride through the world of science fiction physics. The characters are complex, charismatic people, whose relationships...
Read moreIrrational Man
IRRATIONAL MAN Rated R 96 minutes Released July 17 Irrational Man begins in classic Woody Allen-style as an intensely cerebral...
Read more‘Magic Mike XXL’ offers surprises — and substance (movie review)
"Magic Mike XXL" is a kids' movie for adults — loads of fun. The audience clapped, laughed and gasped...
Read moreSensitive subjects handled with humor in ‘The Overnight’ (movie review)
"The Overnight" is an intimate look at the lives of two young couples dealing with the sense of perceived isolation...
Read moreIt’s a ‘Jurassic World’ and we just live in it (movie review)
See this movie for the dinosaurs! They're the box office draw. The human characters exist to drive the plot along...
Read more‘Love & Mercy’ explores Beach Boys’ musical genius (movie review)
Whether Beach Boys music framed the days your childhood, or you know it as classic soft rock, it probably has...
Read moreIt’s easy to find the fun in ‘Spy’ (movie review)
"Spy" is one of the funniest films I've ever seen! It's not easy to make a comedy. It requires perfectly...
Read more‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ more than a wild ride (movie review)
"Mad Max: Fury Road" — now this is some road trip! You enter a dry, gritty, metallic, angry world, sucked...
Read moreMomentum never slows in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (movie review)
"Avengers: Age of Ultron" may have hit theaters weeks ago, but it continues to rack up ticket sales well into...
Read moreImagination looms large in ‘Gemma Bovery’ (movie review)
When I sat down to view "Gemma Bovery" at the COLCOA French Film Festival sponsored by Air Tahiti Nui recently,...
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