Akron Beacon Journal
Akron Beacon Journal is not a Tomatometer-approved publication. Reviews from this
publication only count toward the Tomatometer when written by the following
Tomatometer-approved critic(s):
Clint O'Connor, David Bianculli, George M. Thomas, Rich Heldenfels, Tony Mastroianni
Rating
Title/Year
Author
1
A-
West Side Story (2021)
Spielberg doesn't stand pat with how film directors Robbins and Wise filmed the original, making noticeable changes that add to the film's urgency and vibrancy.
Posted Dec 9, 2021
2
B
Encanto (2021)
It's often entertaining and, for those who have to deal with the sometimes complex interactions that come from being part of a family, extremely relatable.
Posted Nov 24, 2021
3
B
House of Gucci (2021)
House of Gucci proves fascinating and entertaining.
Posted Nov 24, 2021
4
B
King Richard (2021)
Of all of Will Smith's performances over the years, the role of Richard Williams in King Richard may be the most memorable -- primarily for who he isn't in the film.
Posted Nov 18, 2021
5
B
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
While the work the cast does in general proves appealing, [Mckenna Grace] goes beyond what should be expected and centering her character as Egon's heir apparent proves inspiring.
Posted Nov 18, 2021
6
A-
Belfast (2021)
7
B-
Eternals (2021)
Despite its obvious flaws, it's easy to appreciate the willingness to try something different in Eternals.
Posted Nov 4, 2021
8
B
The French Dispatch (2021)
9
B+
Last Night in Soho (2021)
With those performances and a killer soundtrack laced with '60s grooves, Wright continues his cinematic winning streak.
Posted Oct 28, 2021
10
A-
Dune (2021)
11
B+
The Last Duel (2021)
Scott could have taken the traditional route in telling this compelling story, but he elects to present it from each character's perspective, which provides for much more intrigue.
Posted Oct 14, 2021
12
A-
No Time To Die (2021)
Craig gets to say a fitting farewell to a character he elevated for modern audiences.
Posted Oct 7, 2021
13
B
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
14
C
The Many Saints of Newark (2021)
While there are some great moments in the film... there aren't enough of them to hold The Many Saints of Newark together.
Posted Sep 30, 2021
15
C
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
This is a cookie-cutter, by-the-numbers adaptation that doesn't really do justice to the Tony Award-winning musical.
Posted Sep 24, 2021
16
B
Queenpins (2021)
Queenpins may turn out to be the most pleasant surprise of the fall movie season.
Posted Sep 9, 2021
17
B
The Card Counter (2021)
18
B-
Worth (2021)
Colangelo directs with a light hand. It's a character-driven film with two accomplished actors in Keaton and Tucci who deliver subtle, empathetic performances.
Posted Sep 3, 2021
19
B+
If the thrilling Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings portends what is to come for the Marvel Cinematic Universe in its next phase, by all means, sign me up.
Posted Sep 2, 2021
20
3/4
Aliens (1986)
21
1/4
The dramatic scenes don't play well, and the action sequences are treated like set pieces, dropped in every now and then when the mood strikes.
Posted Aug 16, 2021
22
2/4
Summer School (1987)
23
2/4
Beyond Therapy (1987)
Altman sometimes gets close to the split-second timing that is required to make farce work well. But close in a farce is not good enough.
Posted Aug 16, 2021
24
1/4
Pirates (1986)
Pirates is long and dull. Even the background music is tepid. And there's nothing Matthau can do to save the movie.
Posted Aug 16, 2021
25
2/4
Police Academy 2 won't win any awards and its humor is pure slapstick. Like most of the number sequels, this is a pale imitation of the first.
Posted Aug 16, 2021
26
1/4
The Last Dragon (1985)
The Last Dragon tries to do a great many things and does none of them well.
Posted Aug 16, 2021
27
1/4
Porky's Revenge (1985)
The material is about as inspired as a second-rate television comedy except that the jokes are more off-color.
Posted Aug 16, 2021
28
2/4
One Crazy Summer (1986)
One Crazy Summer has its moments and an appealing cast of talented performers. Perhaps some other time in some other movie...
Posted Aug 16, 2021
29
1/4
Creature (1985)
Some bad movies are so bad they are funny or fascinating or both. This one makes counting grains of sand seem more lively.
Posted Aug 16, 2021
30
1/4
Over the Top (1987)
31
2/4
The Care Bears Movie (1985)
The movie preaches the positive power of friendship. And if it succeeds at the box office, it will prove the positive power of commercial tie-ins.
Posted Aug 16, 2021
32
B
Respect (2021)
33
B+
Free Guy (2021)
Free Guy is a fresh, original take on gaming and the culture.
Posted Aug 13, 2021
34
3/4
La Bamba (1987)
La Bamba is a movie with a few rough edges, but it has so much vitality you can't help being grabbed and held by it.
Posted Aug 10, 2021
35
B+
The Suicide Squad (2021)
It's not often a potential franchise gets a do-over. Warner Bros. was lucky to get Gunn and even smarter to stay out of his way in The Suicide Squad.
Posted Aug 6, 2021
36
B+
Stillwater (2021)
There's little denying the strength of Matt Damon's turn as an Oklahoma father in Stillwater, which is laced with nuance, empathy and depth.
Posted Jul 29, 2021
37
A-
The Green Knight (2021)
The Green Knight joins Excalibur as a film that deftly explores the Arthurian universe.
Posted Jul 29, 2021
38
B
Jungle Cruise (2021)
Blunt and Johnson possess a natural, witty repartee. Even when they are at odds, which is often, their connection can still be felt.
Posted Jul 29, 2021
39
B-
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
The film isn't about to win any awards, but it certainly offers entertaining moments that adults will be able to enjoy with their children.
Posted Jul 15, 2021
40
B
Black Widow (2021)
There's little denying where the film excels -- in concept and message -- as we're given a fully realized backstory for Natasha Romanoff that's smart and compelling
Posted Jul 9, 2021
41
C
This one is for the wee ones. While director Tom McGrath attempts to milk something from Michael McCullers script, the result isn't close to being satisfying.
Posted Jul 1, 2021
42
B
The Tomorrow War (2021)
Give McKay credit for the willingness to play to the film's strengths, using its emotional elements to enhance a film that could have easily been overwhelmed by action.
Posted Jul 1, 2021
43
B-
F9 (2021)
44
C
Luca (2021)
45
3.5/4
In the Heights (2021)
From the opening song, "In the Heights" to the borderline heartbreaking "Paciencia Y Fe," no tune goes to waste.
Posted Jun 11, 2021
46
47
A-
A Quiet Place Part II (2021)
48
B+
Cruella (2021)
It's fun, a bit funky, certainly fresh (check out the soundtrack) and, yes, it works fabulously.
Posted May 27, 2021
49
C
Army Of The Dead (2021)
While they attempt to provide reasons to become emotionally attached to characters, it's a big ask.
Posted May 21, 2021
50
B-
Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)