Sandy Shaller

Despite similarities to other sci fi films, the unique isolated environment (think the Nostromo at sea) creates a tense feeling of claustrophobia and paraboia. Plus there’s a huge unknown factor, both in the cast, and in the ocean surrounding them.

Brainless. The plot beggars logic and the show us set up so you wait for the special effects scenes of carnage.

This is a beautifully done portrait of both, Colin Kaepernick and his family, and a world where your talents and choices are often evaluated by the color of your skin. Sure, it’s uncomfortable to see white people make racist choices, but nothing gets better without embracing and feeling the pain The cast is excellent, especially young Jaden Michael who is brilliant as Colin. Kudos to Mary-Louise Parker and Nick Offerman for their complex performances as Colin’s adoptive parents. The whole thing is narrated with restraint by the famed, quarterback. I have great respect for all involved. This review is written by a White Jewish man.

If you read and loved John Bellairs’ ground-breaking gothic children’s book, retain your memories and avoid this movie. Jack Black strains to project the tweed warmth of the book’s Uncle -and fails - and Cate Blanchett is a wonderful actress but her character bears little resemblance to the book’s iconic crone. Forget the kid performances. They are child models with either no direction or no talent. I was so excited when this movie was announced and so let down. Did the director and screenwriter read the source material?