Movie & Television Reviews

Capsule reviews of the 10 films contending for Best Picture. The Oscars ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2.

Enjoyable humor and a touch of romance do increase the appeal of the otherwise frenetic actioner “Love Hurts” (Universal). A barrage of obscenities in the script, as well as fleeting forays into visual grisliness, are less welcome elements.

Comic chaos is the order of the day in “Dog Man” (Universal), the animated adaptation of a series of graphic novels by Dav Pilkey. Yet touching sentiments are also successfully incorporated into writer-director Peter Hastings’ film.

Although it’s mostly set high above the mountains of Alaska, the crime drama “Flight Risk” (Lionsgate) cannot be said to soar.

Two double lives provide the context for some good one-liners in the generally enjoyable espionage comedy “Back in Action” (Netflix). Unfortunately, however, the quality of the humor flags as the film’s plot progresses and some of the material viewers encounter along the way makes this production an apt choice for grown-ups only.

2024 is not likely to be remembered as an outstanding era in movie history. How many of the pictures released nationwide last year will stand the test of time remains open to question. Yet some quality productions were discernible as the months passed.

The buddy comedy “One of Them Days” (TriStar) certainly comes equipped with a high energy level. Its frenzied proceedings, however, are sometimes vulgar and ultimately prove wearisome.

Capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television as well as notes on TV programming for the same week.