Filmbound

In a dystopian future Tye Sheridan and Olivia Cooke are among the masses seeking escape in a virtual reality world called the OASIS, as well as clues to the creator’s hidden fortune, in director Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Ernest Cline’s novel READY PLAYER ONE.

Mark Pfeiffer and Paul Markoff also discuss the benefits and detriments of film review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite relocating to avoid her stalker, Claire Foy believes she continues to see him everywhere she goes in director Steven Soderbergh’s UNSANE. A consultation with a mental health counselor leads to being, in her mind, mistakenly committed to a psychiatric ward where people conspire to keep her.

In recommendations, Mark Pfeiffer selects writer-director Aaron Katz’s Los Angeles noir GEMINI with Lola Kirke and Zoë Kravitz, and Paul Markoff finds plenty of laughs in director Kay Cannon’s comedy BL

In 2054 Tom Cruise leads a Washington, D.C. police unit that, guided by visions of three oracle-like humans, can stop murderers before they commit their crimes in director Steven Spielberg’s MINORITY REPORT. Trouble arises for Cruise’s John Anderton when the latest prediction points to him as the perpetrator in a killing that will happen in 36 hours.

In recommendations, Mark Pfeiffer enthuses about the True/False Film Festival. Paul Markoff recommends Jonathan Hock’s baseball documentary FASTBALL

Director Ava DuVernay helms the adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s fantasy novel A WRINKLE IN TIME, in which a brother and sister search the universe for their missing father with the aid of three supernatural guides.

Mark Pfeiffer and Paul Markoff also discuss some films that were commercial and/or critical flops in the last fifteen years but which they think will go on to be considered classics.

Jennifer Lawrence is a Russian ballerina whose career-ending injury compels her to become a secret agent whose body and allure are her greatest weapons in director Francis Lawrence’s RED SPARROW.

In recommendations, Mark Pfeiffer pledges support for THE DEATH OF STALIN, Armando Iannucci’s pitch-black comedy about chaos at the top level of the Soviet Union’s government when the dictator dies unexpectedly. Paul Markoff suggests ITZHAK, director Alison Chernick’s documentary about violinist Itzhak

Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, and friends mistake a real home invasion and abduction for a murder-mystery game in the comedy GAME NIGHT from directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein.

Mark Pfeiffer and Paul Markoff also discussion what constitutes the ideal theatrical experience.

In Alex Garland’s ANNIHILATION Natalie Portman ventures into a mysterious zone seeking answers about the phenomenon known as The Shimmer.

In recommendations, Mark Pfeiffer enthuses about the Wexner Center for the Arts’ Cinema Revival: A Festival of Film Restoration and director Tony Richardson’s TOM JONES. Paul Markoff expresses admiration for Cory Finley’s THOROUGHBREDS, a drama with dark comedic elements about two wealthy teenage girls whose renewed friendship is a danger to themselves and ot

A prehistoric clan must win a soccer match to keep their home in the valley from being overtaken by Bronze Age invaders in director Nick Park's stop-motion animated comedy EARLY MAN.

Mark Pfeiffer and Paul Markoff also discuss if the idea of the cinematic guilty pleasure marginalizes films tagged with such a label.

As the Marvel Universe's king of Wakanda, Chadwick Boseman finds his throne and nation threatened by Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger in director Ryan Coogler's BLACK PANTHER.

In recommendations, Paul Markoff beats the proverbial drum for Damien Chazelle's WHIPLASH, and Mark Pfeiffer provides support for director Lone Scherfig's World War II comedy-drama THEIR FINEST.

Director Clint Eastwood has the three Americans who helped disrupt and stop a terrorist attack on a train play themselves in a recounting of their heroic story in THE 15:17 TO PARIS.

Mark Pfeiffer and Paul Markoff also discuss the issue of spoilers in film criticism and conversations with friends.