Susan Ellingburg

• As Christian Sports/Superhero Movie, The Masked Saint Impresses
  If this is the direction Christian films are going, I'm all for it. The story is both uplifting and interesting and there's plenty of action.
  Friday, January 8, 2016
• Plenty of Family Fun on This Road Chip
  There's more to this story than cute critters, catchy music and groan-worthy jokes. It touches on the fear of abandonment common to adopted children, the difficulties of blended families, and the...
  Thursday, December 17, 2015
• Sisters: A Late-Blooming, Coming-of-Age Tale Drenched in Crude Sex
  Underneath all the smut is a well-performed dramedy about a wildly dysfunctional family that somehow manages to learn how to function.
  Thursday, December 17, 2015
• Uneven Macbeth Retains a 'Certain Cultural Value'
  It’s a moody piece and the design reflects that, full of fog and damp and the wild. But there are some pacing problems and Fassbender's title character can't hold a candle to Cotillard's Lady...
  Wednesday, December 9, 2015
• Hunger Games Finale: Fan-Satisfying Despite Unfortunate Timing
  Fans of the books will be happy. But more casual viewers should be advised that this one lacks some of the colorful, over-the-top spectacle of earlier films.
  Thursday, November 19, 2015
• Steely Suffragette Wins with Powerful Performances
  Despite a meandering plot line, Suffragette features strong women played by strong actors, each one beautifully portrayed.
  Friday, November 6, 2015
• Goosebumps Has 'Safe Scares' for Kids & Adults Alike
  Scary enough without being too scary, funny but not silly, a little gross but not disgusting, and just romantic enough for the pre-teen crowd.
  Wednesday, October 14, 2015
• Vertigo-Inducing The Walk Nonetheless One of the Most Beautiful Films Ever
  I expected impressive views and a bit of feeling queasy; what I did not expect was an enchanting story or a luminous portrayal of such a charming young man.
  Thursday, October 8, 2015
• Oyelowo and Real, Gritty Faith Ensure This Christian Film Has a Captive Audience
  Based on a real-life ordeal, this is a story of second chances, purpose, and hope, one that shows "faith as it works in real life…no sugar coating, no platitudes."
  Thursday, September 17, 2015
• The Transporter Refueled is Fast, Fun, and Even Features a Few Lessons
  The fashion is couture, the locations are exclusive, even the wine is expensive. This entry could keep the Transporter franchise driving for some time to come.
  Thursday, September 3, 2015
• Fantastic Four Written by a Not-So-Fantastic Three
  The film is surprisingly dull, achingly slow for a 100-minute run time, and suffers from conspicuous lack of humor. Pretty much the opposite of what you think when you hear "Marvel superhero summer...
  Thursday, August 6, 2015
• McKellen Brilliant as Mr. Holmes in Quiet-but-Fascinating Character Study
  A thoughtful, beautiful film that investigates one of the biggest mysteries of all: what connects humans to each other.
  Wednesday, July 15, 2015
• Self/less is Cinematic Escapism with Soul
  Delivers an interesting plot, fair amount of action, and a handsome star in a twisty-turny, edge-of-your-seat story that requires more than a little suspension of disbelief but is definitely worth...
  Thursday, July 9, 2015
• Faith of Our Fathers a Fair Effort in a Genre New to Christian Films
  Brings to life the tragic aspect of how children of war grow up not knowing parents who made such a valiant sacrifice. The emotional journey may be enough to overcome the acting and plot holes.
  Wednesday, July 1, 2015
• Inside Out a Literal Train Ride of Emotions in the Best Way Possible
  So much to like here, but don't take my word for it. Go see it for yourself soon, kids optional.
  Thursday, June 18, 2015
• Lukewarm Hot Pursuit Doesn't Feel Worthy of Witherspoon's Talents
  Both female leads are more caricatures than characters, drawn in broad strokes with exaggerated features. But then, so is everyone else in the movie.
  Friday, May 8, 2015
• Sparks Adaptation The Longest Ride Works for Both 'Rom' and 'Com'
  A sweetheart of a movie that may not break new ground but is almost certain to please its target audience. It's a girls'-night-out film that some guys may enjoy, too.
  Friday, April 10, 2015
• Wan's Direction, Walker's Last Film Highlight Furious 7
  There are holes in the plot big enough for all those fancy cars to drive through side-by-side, but this is about explosions, fighting, fun, fast cars—and heart.
  Thursday, April 2, 2015