Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller (2024)

A dog's life: Betty (nee Belle) helps 'Will Trent' score with viewers

While Ramon Rodriguez may play the title role in “Will Trent,” he knows there’s a scene stealer nipping at his heels. Belle, a Chihuahua who plays Will’s dog Betty, has a wardrobe of sweaters and, in the second season, gets a canine costar.

REVIEW: 'Lisa Frankenstein' revives the '80s -- and a familiar film genre

In everything from music to gum, this is a classic wallow in the trends of the time. Unfortunately, the story that drives it isn’t exactly an Acura Integra.

DVD REVIEW: 'Wonka' floats on Timothee Chalamet's goodness

In the new Wonka, he’s just getting his start, determined to become one of the big chocolatiers. Others, though, are eager to take him down. They have a corner on the market and don’t want this man who can make people fly cutting in on their business.

'The New Look' takes a fashionable approach to war

At a time when the world turned ugly, Christian Dior and Coco Chanel were determined to introduce something beautiful – fashion. In “The New Look,” actors Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche play the two and reveal what inspired and drove them to become the brands that still thrive today.

Movie review: 'Cabrini' relies on strong star performance to scale hurdles

Unrelenting, the Catholic nun played by Cristiana Dell’Anna doesn’t take “no” from anyone – the pope included – as she tries to make life better for the downtrodden.

Who will win the Oscars? It's an 'Oppenheimer' night

When it comes to the Academy Awards,both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” have staying power.But will they win?By category, here’s who’s likely to take home Oscars in 2024.

Eugene Levy follows the road less traveled with 'The Reluctant Traveler'

When producers told him he was touring Europe in the second season of “The Reluctant Traveler,” Eugene Levy thought he’d be hitting the continent’s greatest cities. That wasn't the case.

Now streaming and on DVD: Disney's 'Wish' isn't what you were hoping for

Coming on the 100th anniversary of something (the day Walt doodled?), it’s likely an homage to the the past. But it sure could have used a better script.

Angela Bassett's '911' moves to ABC with a biggie

“It feels like the first year of the show in a lot of ways,” the creator and executive producer says. “The enthusiasm at the network is through the roof.”

Andrea Riseborough finds new challenges after Oscar run

A year after an Oscar nomination, AndreaRiseborough stars in“Alice and Jack,” a limited “Masterpiece” series about a couple over more than a decade.

'Decisive moment' hasn't disappeared from photography, say National Geo pros

Produced by Oscar winners Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the six-part series was designed to show how photographers make the decisions they do.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'The Iron Claw' gives Zac Efron a new hold on audience

“The Iron Claw” didn’t pin down any awards at this year’s Oscars. Heck, it didn’t even wrestle a nomination.But it did tell a compelling story.

REVIEW: 'Snack Shack' offers tasty visit to the past

Stuffed with references to Nebraska, circa 1991, the summer comedy shows how two enterprising teens turned a summer job at the swimming pool into their own financial windfall.

'Palm Royale' lets a new generation drink in Carol Burnett

Set in 1969, the series follows Kristen Wiig as she tries to break into Palm Beach society. Naturally, there are those who don’t want outsiders and those who’d like change.

'Cabrini' producer Jonathan Sanger says filmmaking takes determination, too

The film “Cabrini” focuses on Mother Cabrini, the first American saint, and her tenacity to help the immigrant population.

Miles O'Brien shows how 'A.I. Revolution' may not be a bad thing

In the “Nova” special “A.I. Revolution,” Miles O’Brien looks at those advances and talks about ones that need a bit more study.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Freud's Last Session' needed to be shorter

Basically a debate between Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis, it challenges audiences to think about the existence of God.

Supernatural beings give 'Renegade Nell' its surprise factor

Nell Jackson has been framed for murder and becomes the most feared highwaywoman in 18th-century England in the new series on Disney+.

'We Were the Lucky Ones' draws parallels to contemporary situations

The goal was to reach a generation that hadn’t heard the Holocaust stories. “Gen Z, they don’t really know or care about the Holocaust,” actress Joey King says. “It’s super important to share…and educate.”

'Fraggle Rock' puppeteer John Tartaglia keeps tradition going

Fraggles puppeteer John Tartaglia keeps a decades old tradition going with a new season of "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock" on Apple TV+.

Movie review: 'Late Night with the Devil' conjures plenty of scares

Using plenty of TV techniques from the era, directors Colin and Cameron Cairnes do a great job of conjuring more than just the devil in “Late Night with the Devil.”

Now Streaming and on DVD: 'Night Swim' puts an end to pool parties

Writer/director Bryce McGuire uses tricks from “Jaws,” “It” and “The Shining” to trigger quick responses and has a fairly good thriller on his hands.

'Elsbeth' brings Carrie Preston a different 'Good' life

Like “Columbo,” a series with which it has much in common, “Elsbeth” starts with an incident then brings law enforcement and the lawyer into the case.

The 'real' family band: The Cowsills lived a life of drama

Filled with inner battles, addiction, a controlling father, a passive mother, and a desire to create their own music, the true story is darker and more heartbreaking than anyone could imagine.

A better tomorrow: PBS series says it just takes planning

In “A Brief History of the Future,” a PBS series which runs through May, host Ari Wallach talks with experts who say the “doom and gloom” approach is very shortsighted.

Movie review: 'Godzilla x Kong' assembles an 'Oppenheimer's' worth of monsters

“Godzilla x Kong” doesn’t have a strong script and its work for the humans is marginal at best. Still, if you're craving popcorn, this is your movie.

Now Streaming and on DVD: Cole Sprouse gets an easy A assignment with 'Lisa Frankenstein'

In everything from music to gum, this is a classic wallow in the trends of the time. Unfortunately, the story that drives it isn’t exactly an Acura Integra.

Andrew Scott embraces new take on the deceitful 'Ripley'

Written and directed by Oscar winner Steven Zaillian, the Netflix series lets Andrew Scott toy with the lies Tom Ripley tells.

Movie review: Dev Patel's 'Monkey Man' takes a rushed approach

Almost claustrophobic in approach, the action film goes in for the kill repeatedly. When it’s not, it’s rushing through subtitles that explain what’s happening.

Streaming review: 'Just for Us' introduces Alex Edelman in a big way

A comedian to watch, Alex Edelman could expand upon this moment and create a series that would last for years.

Movie review: Black-and-white 'Ripley' lets Andrew Scott play the grays

The first – and last – thing that strikes you about “Ripley” is the cinematography. Shot in crisp black-and-white, it’s like a photo book from the 1950s.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Drive-Away Dolls' hints at better film to come

Director Ethan Coen (working without his brother Joel) drops in the kind of references that only Quentin Tarantino could appreciate and, frequently, leaves everyone else agape.

Movie review: 'Civil War' offers unsettling look at divided country

“Civil War” tries to show us how it looks when Americans sweep into a country but have no concept of the war they’re fighting. It’s fascinating but it’s also disturbing.

Streaming review: 'Dinner with the Parents' has a hefty helping of laughs

Hitting on all those things that annoy you about the in-laws and the outlaws, the new Amazon Freevee comedy offers more to unpack than an order from UberEats.

Now streaming and on DVD: Musical 'Mean Girls' doesn't have as much oomph as original

In the wake of “High School Musical” (and its sequels and homages), this could have been a 21st century “Grease.” The hallmarks are there; they’re just not maximized.

Dule Hill taps into a variety of outlets in 'The Express Way'

In the first season of the new PBS show, Dule Hill visits a luthier school, interviews an LGBTQ+ mariachi band and rehearses with a senior citizen burlesque group.

How I spent my 'Handmaid's' vacation: Elisabeth Moss takes on spies in 'The Veil'

To play a spy, Elisabeth Moss did plenty of research about British agents. Among the insights: Don’t be the one who’s always asking questions.

New goals fuel third season of Jean Smart's 'Hacks'

The series gives the two a chance to test their talk show wings and lets Deborah pitch something other than merchandise on QVC.

Streaming review: New challenges (and fun) face Jean Smart in season three of 'Hacks'

In the third season of “Hacks,” Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) gets an offer both can’t refuse – a late-night talk show.

Movie review: Vampire-heavy 'Abigail' has more bite than bark

“Abigail” looks like it’s going to be a horror film about dance. Five minutes in, you realize ballet is a ruse. This is simply a vampire film dressed up in tutus.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Ordinary Angels,' 'Madame Web' follow familiar paths

Based on a true story, "Ordinary Angels" helps mask some of the plot flaws, but it’s also one of those four-hankie tearjerkers that shoehorn Hilary Swank into a niche.

The toll space travel takes: 'The Longest Goodbye' looks at emotional costs

In the “Independent Lens” feature, “Space: The Longest Goodbye,” retired astronaut Cady Coleman and her sonJamey Simpson talk about the toll long absences can take.

'Bob Hearts Abishola' ends CBS run but says there's still more to say

The decision to end the series rests in the hands of CBS, says Executive Producer Gina Yashere. “The industry’s in flux right now."

Movie review: Owen Teague brings 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' to life

Using motion-capture animation, director Wes Ball creates a “Planet of the Apes” film that’s more engrossing than its predecessors.

Alien force: Ncuti Gatwa has secret weapon as 'Doctor Who'

Now aiming for a worldwide audience, “Doctor Who” will be seen outside the United Kingdom and Ireland on Disney+, which helps introduce the franchise to newcomers.

'Hamilton's' Leslie Odom Jr. brings 'Purlie Victorious' to television

Slated to air May 24 on PBS (just weeks before the Tonys are handed out), the production could inspire viewers who aren’t able to see Broadway plays.

Movie review: Jerry Seinfeld's 'Unfrosted' funny to those hungry for nostalgia

Those who hate Jerry Seinfeld’s directorial debut never knew its points of reference.

Movie review: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt have fun but 'Fall Guy' is predictable

The film, in fact, isn’t much of a stretch from dozens of other action films that emerged a decade or two ago.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Dune: Part Two' tells a satisfying story

The sequel tells a complete story and doesn’t really need the first half to understand.

Movie review: 'Challengers' puts stars' popularity on the line

“Challengers” ups the tennis game. Instead of focusing on coaching, all-important tournaments and endorsem*nt deals, it looks at the relationships between players.

What's it like to be a Blue Angel? 'Cheese' offers a slice of life

In the new documentary “The Blue Angels,” ChristopherKapuschansky – or “Cheese” as he’s called – is one of the pilots who fly through the air with the greatest of ease.

'It was time' for a Blue Angels film like no other

When choosing pilots for the Blue Angels, officials look for one thing: Personality.

Movie review: 'Blue Angels' boasts awesome footage, by-the-books stories

The film shows how the U.S. Navy unit makes the transition from one team to another. The year is 2022 and its about to begin a cross-country tour, wowing audiences with skills that require more than a steady hand.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Civil War' pokes raw feelings and gets reactions

Texas and California have joined forces to take on the rest of the country. Their people are everywhere, though we don’t know who’s on what side.

'Queenie' author saw a different coming of age story in 'Bridget Jones's Diary'

CandiceCarty-Williams' bestseller “Queenie”is set to premiere in June on Hulu.

Movie review: Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates can muster fun in 'Summer Camp'

Considering “Theater Camp” and “Wet Hot American Summer” mined so much from this setting, “Summer Camp” could have been so much more.

Movie review: 'Hit Man' showcases Glen Powell's many talents

“Hit Man,” Glen Powell's latest, is like a resume of characters he can assume and, yes, they’re good.

Getting 'Clipped': Ed O'Neill stars as Donald Sterling in a series about the Los Angeles Clippers scandal

Based on the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast, “The Sterling Affairs,” “Clipped” tracks the fallout that occurred after Donald Sterling made racist remarks to V. Stiviano.

Now streaming and on DVD: Bob Marley merits more than 'One Love'

“Bob Marley: One Love” glosses over much of the man’s history and doesn’t begin to tap into his impact on the music industry.

Streaming review: 'Idea Man' pulls back the curtain on Jim Henson's Muppet world

Jim Henson didn’t just want puppet shows. He was interested in creating ballets and Broadway musicals. He started by doing commercials, then branched into small films and, his goal, television.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Godzilla x Kong' awakens a bunch of monsters

In the sci-fi film, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” director Adam Wingard rousts a herd of creatures and pits them against one another.

Running into TV stars, 'Will Trent,' 'Lisa Frankenstein' and more entertainment news to start your weekend

If you're looking for fresh content in the theaters or to stream on television, critic Bruce Miller has you covered.

'Bob Marley: One Love' stirs up $27.7M weekend, 'Madame Web' flops

Paramount Pictures’ Bob Marley biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” outperformed expectations to debut at No. 1 at the box office with a $27.7 million opening weekend.

REVIEW: 'One Love' glosses over Bob Marley's colorful life

Like a Golden Book for children, “Bob Marley: One Love”glosses over much of the man’s history and doesn’t begin to tap into his impact on the music industry.

Japanese producer Hiroyuki Sanada rights the ship with new 'Shogun' limited series

In the past, when a Japanese-themed production included Hiro Sanada, he didn’t have the clout to hire Japanese crew members or correct inaccuracies.“Shogun” is different.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Next Goal Wins' has trouble scoring

Michael Fassbender is miscast as Thomas Rongen, a soccer coach whose Bobby Knight behavior has forced him to look elsewhere for work.

Movie review: 'Drive-Away Dolls' is no backwoods 'Barbie'

Director Ethan Coen (working without his brother Joel) drops in the kind of references that only Quentin Tarantino could appreciate and, frequently, leaves everyone else agape.

Oscar force: Documentary nod helps Bobi Wine spread message about Uganda

Security comes with an Oscar nomination. Or so Bobi Wine and his wife Barbie Kyagulanyi discovered when “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” was nominated for a Best Documentary Academy Award.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Anyone But You' works too hard for its laughs

The movie spends considerable time at the beach, in the pool and on rescue boats, simply to get Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney into skimpy swimwear (or nothing at all).

‘Dune: Part Two’ brings spice power to the box office with $81.5 million debut

Movie theaters were looking for a savior and “Dune: Part Two” is delivering on the promise.

Movie review: Epic 'Dune: Part Two' brings plenty to admire, ponder

"Dune, Part Two" delivers stunning visuals, intricate relationships, and epic storytelling that sets the stage for a franchise with immense potential.

'Kung Fu Panda 4' opens No. 1, while 'Dune: Part Two' stays strong

As Universal Pictures prepared for a big night at the Academy Awards with “Oppenheimer,” the studio also celebrated the No. 1 debut of “Kung Fu Panda 4,” which collected $58.3 million in domestic theaters over the weekend.

We are past the Oscars, which means it's time to turn our attention to what's new and coming soon. And there are a lot of options available.

Roger Corman, Hollywood mentor and 'King of the Bs,' dies at 98

Roger Corman produced such low-budget classics as “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Attack of the Crab Monsters” and gave many of Hollywood’s most famous actors and directors their first breaks.

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Frasier' reboot improves as series wears on

What’s interesting is how producers have crafted the new world. There’s a well-stocked bar of Boston jokes and enough cameos to make you long for seconds.

Movie review: Cigarettes tell more about Amy Winehouse than 'Back to Black'

Short on detail, the Sam Taylor-Johnson film doesn’t even give a good sense of what propelled Amy Winehouse's career.

Hollywood movies rarely reflect climate change crisis. These researchers want to change that

Hollywood blockbusters are failing the “climate reality check,” and are failing moviegoers by ignoring what researchers call an existential threat posed by climate change, a new study finds.

Catching up with the 'Brat Pack': What did the label mean to those actors?

In “BRATS,” Andrew McCarthy revisits the actors and discovers how they felt about the "Brat Pack" term and its impact.

Woman who says she's the real Martha from 'Baby Reindeer' sues Netflix for defamation

A woman who says she is the inspiration for the relentless stalker at the center of Netflix's "Baby Reindeer" is seeking at least $170 million in damages.