Justin Chang
Stories
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Arts & Life
'Alien: Romulus' is another franchise movie that brings more nostalgia than novelty
The latest installment of the "Alien" series is an efficient and reasonably entertaining thriller. But dwelling too obsessively on the past won't guarantee a franchise's future.
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Arts & Life
In ‘Good One,’ a family camping trip is full of emotional switchbacks
On its surface, Good One is about a teen on a backpacking trip with her dad and his friend. But the film is so sharp and engrossing you might not notice the deeper story taking shape underneath.
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Arts & Life
'Deadpool & Wolverine' is a self-cannibalizing slog
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have good, thorny chemistry in this odd-couple action hero flick. But brand extension disguised as a satire of brand extension is still just ... brand extension.
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Arts & Life
'Longlegs' is a terrifying serial killer — who never touches his victims
Nicolas Cage plays a satanic murderer, and Maika Monroe is the clairvoyant FBI agent on his trail, in this tense and frightening horror movie.
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Arts & Life
This 'Quiet Place' prequel is a little too mum on backstory
In the Quiet Place films, blind aliens attack, hunting anyone who makes a sound. But the details of the premise are fuzzy, and this prequel neglects to give a clearer picture of the global invasion.
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Arts & Life
Sharply funny 'Janet Planet' perfectly captures the feel of a long, hot summer
Writing and directing her first film, playwright Annie Baker exhibits uncanny powers of observation. Not much happens in this mother-daughter movie, but something momentous seems to have taken place.
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Arts & Life
New emotions emerge in 'Inside Out 2' — including nostalgia for the original film
Inside Out 2 catches up with protagonist Riley at age 13, just as Anxiety enters her emotional life. But despite its many pleasures, the film lacks the emotional wallop of the original.
