Christa Banister

• Hitman: Agent 47 Moves in Slow-Motion toward Forgettable
  With sheer lack of inspiration, it's merely another example of a video game not exactly translating to the big screen in memorable fashion.
  Thursday, August 20, 2015
• Too Many Familiar Notes Mean Too Much Ricki, Not Enough Flash
  If not for Streep, this flash-in-the-pan might have gone straight to Video on Demand.
  Thursday, August 6, 2015
• Best Mission Yet is One You Should Choose to Accept
  It's so nice when a series gets better instead of worse. This installment is funny, fast-paced, clever, packed with amazing stunts and heart-pounding moments.
  Thursday, July 30, 2015
• The Geeks Inherit the Earth in Entertaining Pixels
  Just stupidly brilliant enough to become something of a cult classic in the vein of Zoolander or Dodgeball.
  Thursday, July 23, 2015
• Southpaw Displays Neither Patience nor Skill of a Winner
  The undisciplined narrative is built upon so many wild and erratic swings that it lands far more eye rolls than punches.
  Thursday, July 23, 2015
• Ant-Man is Jam-Packed with Small Pleasures
  Every once in a while, a movie actually winds up being far more than you were expecting. A light, consistently-funny tone and a winsome protagonist win the day here.
  Wednesday, July 15, 2015
• Batkid Begins Brings Out the Best in Social Media
  An engaging public service reminder about the goodness of humanity and how the world's interconnectedness via social media can actually be a positive thing.
  Thursday, July 9, 2015
• Terminator Genisys Needs More J.K. Simmons, Less Recycling
  Reviving the Terminator series was as simple as concocting some time-travel dialogue to justify yet another installment. But only one actor stands out among the cacophony and confusion.
  Wednesday, July 1, 2015
• Max is a Mixed Breed of Patriotism and Head-Scratching Antics
  Seemed like a slam dunk in perfect-for-the-whole-family counter-programming, but violence and mature themes could keep the younger set away.
  Thursday, June 25, 2015
• James Bond Spoofs Have Never Been Funnier Than Spy
  No, it's not clean, but I haven’t been part of a screening audience that’s laughed this loud since Bridesmaids in 2011.
  Thursday, June 4, 2015
• Despite Likeable Cast, Aloha Will Bid a Quick Hello and Goodbye
  There's a reason (several, really) this film has such bad buzz and very little promotion. It's basically the Joe Versus the Volcano of 2015.
  Thursday, May 28, 2015
• Pitch Perfect Sequel Hits All the Right Notes
  In many ways such as character development and humor, it's even better than the original. Yes, singing and pursuit of the big title are still important, but friendship and girl power take center...
  Thursday, May 14, 2015
• Remarkable Heroes Remarkably Human in Enjoyable Avengers: Age of Ultron
  With the deadly serious, highly anticipated origin story out of the way, Joss Whedon clearly gave himself license to have a little fun, and it pays off in a big way for the viewer.
  Thursday, April 30, 2015
• Sap, Story Problems Drag Little Boy Down from Lofty Aspirations
  The spiritual themes, family-friendly content, handsome visuals and talented cast probably sound like a dream cinematic experience. But the story really suffers.
  Thursday, April 23, 2015
• Cinderella Story Gets Delightful Simian Spin in Monkey Kingdom
  As good as everything from Bears to African Cats to Oceans has been, Monkey Kingdom is easily the best of the Disneynature bunch.
  Thursday, April 16, 2015
• Insurgent Takes the Slow Train to Dullsville
  As a viewer of many post-apocalyptic films, I didn't think it was possible to make one where existence itself is so boring for the characters. Insurgent has proven it can be done.
  Thursday, March 19, 2015
• Still Plenty of Magic Left in Cinderella's Glass Slipper
  The story is indeed familiar, but an important lesson about kindness and striking visuals down to every little detail make this an enjoyable if not enchanting diversion.
  Thursday, March 12, 2015
• High School Movies Get a Major Makeover with The DUFF
  Commentary on cyber-bullying and a call for common decency among teens are timely, and help elevate the film from typical high school fare.
  Thursday, February 19, 2015