'Pokémon Detective Pikachu' — Go!
Fueled by Ryan Reynold's clever, wisecracking voicework, the film feels fresh and invigorating, and not simply the dutiful extension of a familiar brand it so easily could have been.
Arts
Brrr, It's Old In Here: Seniors Join A Cheerleading Squad In The Broad But Genial 'Poms'
This trifle — about a bunch of plucky seniors (led by Diane Keaton) who form a cheerleading squad — is a "fitful good time," despite infantilizing both its characters and its audience.
The Tale Of Young 'Tolkien' Adopts The Language Of A Standard Biopic
The film, starring Nicholas Hoult as the linguist who created Middle Earth, is full of shout-outs to the Lord of the Rings (books and films), though it "connects the dots a bit literally."
'This Land Is My Land' Paints Sometimes Wacky Human Nature In Bright Colors
Full of playful experiments with composition, and seemingly endless variations on common themes, Andy Warner and Sofie Louise Dam treat self-made "utopias" with unflappable cheer.
Documentary Offers Eco-Conscious Farm Wisdom: 'Biggest Little Farm'
A couple leaves L.A. to start a farm from scratch, without knowing what they're in for, in this crowd-pleasing documentary that proves "amiable and ultimately moving."
'Furious Hours' Tells The Tale Of Harper Lee And Her Unfinished Work
Writer Casey Cep's book delivers a gripping, incredibly well-written portrait not only of Harper Lee, but also of mid-20th century Alabama — and a still-unanswered set of crimes.
'Our Man' Provides An Inside Look At The Life Of Richard Holbrooke
Impeccably sourced, George Packer's energetic prose carries the reader through the main acts of the man's diplomatic life — but leaves questions about his motivations for turning to Wall Street.
'VEEP' Draws To A Close, Its Freewheeling Cynicism Still A Delight
Everyone is either a fool, a knave or a monster in HBO's hilariously scabrous political satire starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. After seven seasons, Veep ends its run with its sharp teeth fully intact.
'No Visible Bruises' Upends Stereotypes Of Abuse, Sheds Light On Domestic Violence
An average of four women are killed by their partners every day in America. Crisis center CEO Suzanne Dubus and writer Rachel Louise Snyder talk about how to help women leave abusive relationships.
Eugenics, Anti-Immigration Laws Of The Past Still Resonate Today, Journalist Says
Daniel Okrent, author of The Guarded Gate, draws a parallel between the eugenics movement, which helped shape U.S. immigration in the early 20th century, and President Trump's hard-line stance today.