Justin Chang
'Quiet Passion' Captures The Wit And Vulnerability Of Poet Emily Dickinson
British filmmaker Terence Davies turns his attention to the gifted New England poet in his new movie. Critic Justin Chang calls the film a "sharp, sensitive portrait" of a woman ahead of her time.
A One-Night Stand Takes A Disturbing Turn In 'Berlin Syndrome'
The title of Cate Shortland's new film, Berlin Syndrome, is a sly riff on "Stockholm syndrome," that condition in which a hostage begins to feel sympathy for her captor. It's never clear what sets the Berlin version apart, and in some ways Shortland and the screenwriter, Shaun Grant, seem to be figuring it out as they go along.
'Beatriz At Dinner' Serves Up A Barbed Satire About Race, Class And Culture
Salma Hayek plays a Mexican-American massage therapist who attends the dinner party of a wealthy client in Beatriz At Dinner. Reviewer Justin Chang calls the film an "elegantly acerbic new comedy."
'The Big Sick' Is A Wonderful Movie And An Imperfect Milestone
Comedian Kumail Nanjiani steps into the leading role in a semi-autobiographical love story. It's a quietly groundbreaking crowd-pleaser, though some characters aren't as fully dimensional as others.
In Ambitious 'Okja,' A Teen Attempts To Save Her Super Pig From Slaughter
You'll root for 13-year-old Mija at every step of this new Netflix film. And Okja, the huge, genetically modified pig, is among the most touching and realistic computer-generated characters ever made.
'War For The Planet Of The Apes' Offers A Masterful Vision Of Humanity's Many Forms
There's nothing pretentious or inflated about the latest Planet of the Apes film. Rather, it's a suspense-driven movie in which it's "impossible not to root for these brave and beautiful apes."
Stylishly Gritty, This Chase Thriller Really Is A 'Good Time'
The directors Josh and Bennie Safdie have attracted a passionate critical following with their films "Daddy Longlegs" and "Heaven Knows What" - both portraits of troubled New Yorkers in desperate circumstances. Continuing in the same vein, their latest film, "Good Time" stars Robert Pattinson in a change-of-pace role as an amateur bank robber. Fim critic Justin Chang has a review.
High Spirited 'Patti Cake$' Dresses Its Cinderella Story In Dirty Jersey Drag
A hard-working aspiring rapper rises above her dead-end existence with the help of some supportive friends and her own irrepressible talent. Critic Justin Change says Patti Cake$ is irresistible.
A Young Doctor Turns Detective In 'The Unknown Girl'
A woman turns up dead the day after a doctor, Jenny, ignores the woman's after-hour visit to her clinic. Jenny's sense of guilt pushes her to conduct her own investigation.
'The Florida Project' Presents A Thrillingly Alive Portrait Of Childhood
Director Sean Baker's new film centers on a six-year-old girl living in a dumpy motel complex outside of Orlando. Critic Justin Chang says The Florida Project "packs an emotional wallop."