Justin Chang
Stories
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
