Filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón can go ahead and make space on his mantle for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar he’ll receive for “Roma,” a fond recollection of his childhood in Mexico City. Newcomer Yalitza Aparicio leads the film as Cuarón’s beloved nanny, Cleo, an indigenous woman with more than her share of problems. There isn’t much of a plot to speak of, but it’s a heartfelt and beautifully photographed black-and-white cinematic memoir. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a wildly imaginative, energetic animated Marvel epic that finally captures Spider-Man's cheeky humor. This is as close to a comic book come to life as you're likely to ever see on the big screen. Involving and fun, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is the best animated film of 2018. Olivia Coleman's splendid performance as Queen Anne is the best thing about “The Favourite,” an over-directed period piece that plays like an 18th century version of "All About Eve." Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz are also fine as two ladies of the court who employ Machiavellian means as they vie for the queen’s favor. It’s a nasty battle of wits and wills. “Mortal Engines” is an oddball cinematic spectacular based on Philp Reeve’s sci-fi novel. In a steampunk post-apocalyptic future, a movie gets…

A strong performance by Wilem Defoe is the main attraction of the eccentric biopic “At Eternity’s Gate,” the story of the last days in the life of Vincent Van Gogh. Filmmaker Julian Schnabel is also a renowned artist, so this …

A strong performance by Wilem Defoe is the main attraction of the eccentric biopic "At Eternity's Gate," the story of the last days in the life of Vincent Van Gogh. Filmmaker Julian Schnabel is also a renowned artist, so this ambitious arthouse entry may have special appeal to aesthetes.   While lofty pretentions aren’t a bad thing, Schnabel’s instance on herky-jerky camera work and glacial pace gets a little tiring. Individual scenes work beautifully, particularly a conversation Van Gogh has with a priest, played by Mads Mikkelsen, who must decide whether or not to release the troubled artist from an asylum.   But “At Eternity’s Gate” may be a bit too affected for its own good.   The most acclaimed operatic diva of her time is the subject of the documentary "Maria By Callas." Footage from TV interviews and home movies allows Callas to tell her own story. Callas' letters are read by famed soprano and KC native Joyce DiDonato. The film covers her insulated youth, her rise to fame, the heat of the spotlight and her on-and-off romance with Aristotle Onassis. “Maria by Callas” is intriguing even for non-opera fans.   Ron Perlman plays an aging hit man in "Asher,"…

Fans of Japanese anime will find much to love in “Mirai,” a beautifully produced epic that takes on grandiose philosophical ideas in the guise of a simple family film about the importance of sibling ties. Problem is, its themes will …

Fans of Japanese anime will find much to love in "Mirai," a beautifully produced epic that takes on grandiose philosophical ideas in the guise of a simple family film about the importance of sibling ties. Problem is, its themes will probably fly over the heads of most kids. The movie has received rapturous reviews in many circles, but to my mind, it concentrates a bit too much on pushing its viewpoint without breathing enough life into its characters. Part of this is due to the flat nature of the animation that makes facial expression an afterthought. "Mirai" is for older kids and adults only. Small children aren't really the demographic. They'll probably be confused and bored. "Mirai" is an animated arthouse effort that has plenty to offer for audiences with lots of patience and an affinity for thoughtful, abstract ideas. “The Guilty” is a riveting Danish thriller about a police officer confined to an emergency dispatch room as a disciplinary action. He desperately tries to help a caller who turns out to be a panicked kidnap victim in imminent danger. Essentially a one-man show, all of the action in “The Guilty” takes place in two rooms at the emergency dispatch…

The strange story of the rise-and-fall story of 1988 Presidential candidate Gary Hart should have been a riveting political drama. “The Front Runner” is workmanlike and well-acted but lacks the dramatic arc that would have made it a winner. Hugh …

The strange story of the rise-and-fall story of 1988 Presidential candidate Gary Hart should have been a riveting political drama. "The Front Runner" is workmanlike and well-acted but lacks the dramatic arc that would have made it a winner. Hugh Jackman stars as the Democratic contender who was riding high until he challenged journalists to follow him around if they thought he was doing anything wrong. They did…and it became clear that he was having an affair. Jackman and Vera Farmiga are fine as the Harts and the writing is intelligent, but the movie is pretty much a one-note affair and just isn't as gripping as it should be.   Need a feel-good movie for your holiday viewing? Look no further than "Green Book." Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen are terrific in the true story of African-American concert pianist Dr. Don Shirley and his Italian-American driver from the Bronx, Tony Lip.  They experience some severe ups and downs on a tour the Deep South in 1960. While the movie doesn’t dig too deep, the actors are extremely appealing. They start out on an antagonistic note but ultimately ingratiate themselves to one another and then, to the audience. Oddly, the…

KC native screenwriter Gillian Flynn might finally get the Oscar love that eluded her for “Gone Girl.” “Widows” is a fierce and gritty heist movie that is also a potent, beautifully acted social drama with powerhouse performances from Viola Davis …

KC native screenwriter Gillian Flynn might finally get the Oscar love that eluded her for "Gone Girl." "Widows" is a fierce and gritty heist movie that is also a potent, beautifully acted social drama with powerhouse performances from Viola Davis and Daniel Kaluuya. It's disturbing, realistic and easily one of the best movies of the year. If “Ocean’s 11” had had a social conscience, it would have been “Widows.”   The second in the Harry Potter prequel series is pretty much what you'd expect. "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" is a beautifully produced but rambling adventure with dark overtones. Johnny Depp returns as an evil wizard who gives Eddie Redmayne and the other good wizards a run for their money. The multiple plot threads aren't woven together successfully, but there's enough movie magic to please most fans.   Mark Wahlberg's family comedy "Instant Family" is a pleasant surprise, based loosely on director Sean Anders’ own experiences. This story about foster parenting and adoption has more meat on its bones than most movies in this genre and manages to be a genuinely touching experience.   An outstanding cast and thoughtful execution make "Boy Erased" a winner. It tells the true…

Shakespeare said it best. “Brevity is the soul of wit.” The classic 1966 animated TV version of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Chuck Jones proves that Shakespeare was right. “The Grinch” was perfect at 26 touching minutes. …