Susan Ellingburg

• Suspenseful Allied Has the Look of a Classic
  If you ever see Casablanca or a Hitchcock film and mourn “they don’t make 'em like that anymore,” then I have good news: they just did. Allied has the style, romance, and suspense of a yesteryear...
  Tuesday, November 22, 2016
• Edge of Seventeen Cuts, but Isn't Quite Razor Sharp
  Debut director/writer Kelly Fremon Craig offers material somewhat fresh but mostly familiar in a thoroughly 21st century coming of age story. While the film never reaches the poignancy of 2007’s...
  Thursday, November 17, 2016
• As Title Suggests, Loving Speaks Softly, Maybe Too Softly
  When two simple people who simply want to live in peace find themselves in the middle of a landmark Supreme Court case, their story unfolds with quiet grace, highlighting their commitment. Loving...
  Thursday, November 10, 2016
• Arrival's Impact is More Cerebral Than Emotional
  This thinking person’s alien movie is less about creatures from space and more about how humans communicate. Arrival cleverly and unexpectedly takes what you think you know and turns it on its...
  Thursday, November 10, 2016
• Ben-Hur is Beautiful but Bloody
  This action movie/bromance/Bible-era tale is a spectacle in the style of old Hollywood. It's more of a retelling than a remake of the 1959 classic but there's plenty to like about this modern...
  Wednesday, August 17, 2016
• There’s Still Plenty of Fight Left in Jason Bourne
  Reasonably suspenseful with nary a dull moment, this is not one of those action movies with snappy asides and flashes of humor.
  Friday, July 29, 2016
• Ghostbusters Just a Big Marshmallow That Could Use Some Toasting
  Not so much a remake as a re-imagining. It's fairly fun in a fluffy kind of way, but there's no plot to speak of and the effects are nothing to shout about. The Ghostbusters play well together but...
  Thursday, July 14, 2016
• Captain Fantastic: Good for Discussion, Bad for Christians
  Nope, it's not a superhero story and if you think the "fantastic" in the title means "great," think again. This odd, thought-provoking film is not for the squeamish, but certainly raises discussion...
  Thursday, July 7, 2016
• Independence Day: Resurgence is Disaster-by-Numbers
  Not the most amazing movie of the summer, but fun enough to be a good excuse to sit in an air-conditioned theater for a couple of hours.
  Thursday, June 23, 2016
• Pay Attention! Now You See Me 2 Turns the Trick of Sequel Success
  A smart, stylish movie that fools the eye even as it delights it. Prepare to watch closely—you’ll still be caught looking, but it’s all part of the fun. Just the thing for a summer night at the...
  Wednesday, June 8, 2016
• Money Monster Should be One at the Box Office
  A fast-paced, entertaining adventure that gets just about everything right. With all due respect to superheroes, Money Monster is my favorite "sit back and enjoy the show" movie this year.
  Thursday, May 12, 2016
• There's a Lesson for Us in Captain America: Civil War
  “I'm going, but I don't want to see 'my friends' fight," said my companion. The battles are epic and the quips keep coming, but this dark story opens a wound in Team Avengers that may never...
  Wednesday, May 4, 2016
• Newest 'Mind in Another's Body' Movie is Criminal-ly Average
  A new but predictable entry in the "one man's memories in another man's body" genre. The cast list is impressive but the movie is ho-hum. Take your popcorn to another show and wait for this one to...
  Wednesday, April 13, 2016
• First-Person Action of Hardcore Henry Not for the Squeamish
  Gamers will love this first-person frenzy of violence and death; everyone else probably not so much.
  Thursday, April 7, 2016
• Miracles from Heaven Will Make You Smile
  Thanks to strong performances, a story that's funny and touching in turns, and an uplifting message, all but the most cynical will leave the theater with a fresh appreciation for everyday,...
  Tuesday, March 15, 2016
• Tina Fey Tackles New Territory in Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
  Tina Fey is engaging in this insightful story of a safe, boring TV producer who transforms herself into an intrepid war correspondent. In time she'll count the cost of that transformation, but...
  Wednesday, March 2, 2016
• Celebrity-Filled Zoolander 2 Models Questionable Humor
  A fun bit of fluff that skewers pop culture and the fashion industry in a celebrity-studded romp, Zoolander 2 is gloriously silly, but probably not the best choice for the easily offended.
  Wednesday, February 10, 2016
• Michael Bay's 13 Hours Comes Through Despite Unpleasantries, Hard Truths
  Feels a bit long, and isn't likely to engender any warm feelings about the U.S. government, but depicts sacrifices and actions that deserve to be celebrated.
  Thursday, January 14, 2016