Movie & Television Reviews

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.

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.

Film buffs will easily recognize that the atmospheric horror yarn “Nosferatu” (Focus) is both a variation on and an homage to the eponymous 1922 silent genre classic helmed by F. W. Murnau. Unlike that foundational film, however, the newcomer is both artistically flawed and, ultimately, morally unbridled.

Timothée Chalamet convincingly portrays storied musician and songwriter Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” (Searchlight), a well-crafted recreation of the early years of the iconic performer’s career. Both mature subject matter and salty vocabulary, however, mark the film as suitable for older moviegoers only.

As narrated by Rafiki (voice of John Kani), a wise mandrill, the story looks back to the youthful bond between two princely lions, Mufasa (voice of Aaron Pierre) and Taka (voice of Kelvin Harrison Jr.).