Movie Review Archives

1,637 reviews

Welcome to the complete Now Playing Podcast Movie Review Archive. Since our first review of Spider-Man 3 in 2007, we've reviewed [np_stat type="movies"] of movies through retrospective series, standalone reviews, and special episodes. Browse alphabetically, search by title, or explore by series to discover every film we've covered. Whether you're revisiting a favorite franchise or looking for a review of a single movie, you'll find the entire collection here.

The Two Jakes

You may think you know what you’re dealing with, but be...

Reviewed May 31, 2022
Real estate developer Jake Berman hires private investigator and war veteran Jake Gittes for some run-of-the-mill matrimonial work. After Berman shoots his wife's lover, who happens to be his business partner, Gittes is drawn into a web of conspiracy and deceit involving the oil reserves beneath Los Angeles. While investigating, Gittes hears a voice from his past that causes him to revisit a traumatic case in Chinatown. Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Theatrical Release

Firestarter (2022)

Smokin’ In The Girls’ Room

Reviewed May 17, 2022
For more than a decade, parents Andy and Vicky have been on the run, desperate to hide their daughter Charlie from a shadowy federal agency that wants to harness her unprecedented gift for creating fire into a weapon of mass destruction. Andy has taught Charlie how to defuse her power, which is triggered by anger or pain. But as Charlie turns 11, the fire becomes harder and harder to control. After an incident reveals the family's location, a mysterious operative is deployed to hunt down the family and seize Charlie once and for all. Charlie has other plans. Genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Theatrical Release, Thriller

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Credence Unclear Revival

Reviewed Apr 15, 2022
Gellert Grindelwald has escaped imprisonment and has begun gathering followers to his cause—elevating wizards above all non-magical beings. The only one capable of putting a stop to him is the wizard he once called his closest friend, Albus Dumbledore. However, Dumbledore will need to seek help from the wizard who had thwarted Grindelwald once before, his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world. Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Theatrical Release

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Round Two with the Blue

Reviewed Apr 12, 2022
After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands. Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Theatrical Release, Video Game Movies

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Who Let the Dougal Out?

Reviewed Apr 8, 2022
In 1926, Newt Scamander arrives at the Magical Congress of the United States of America with a magically expanded briefcase, which houses a number of dangerous creatures and their habitats. When the creatures escape from the briefcase, it sends the American wizarding authorities after Newt, and threatens to strain even further the state of magical and non-magical relations. Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Theatrical Release

Dead Trigger

Yawn of the Dead

Reviewed Mar 29, 2022
2021 - 5 years after the outbreak of a mysterious virus that turned humans into bloodthirsty, undead beasts much of the world’s population has been decimated. When governments were unable to keep the disease at bay, the Contagion Special Unit was formed with the toughest soldiers and best specialists to fight the infected. Because of the rapidly decreasing number of soldiers, a popular online video game Dead Trigger that mirrors the terrifying events was created. The best efforts of the gamers are monitored by the CSU who recruit the highest rated zombie killers. The young recruits are called “Dead Triggers”. The movie follows a group of young recruits who must travel to the origin of the outbreak to find a missing team of scientists who were searching for a cure. Genres: Action, Horror, Theatrical Release, Video Game Movies, Zombie

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

10 Things I Hate About You-Know-Who

Reviewed Mar 18, 2022
As Lord Voldemort tightens his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds, Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven. Harry suspects perils may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemorts defenses and to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Even as the decisive showdown looms, romance blossoms for Harry, Ron, Hermione and their classmates. Love is in the air, but danger lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again. Genres: Adventure, Christmas/Holiday, Fantasy, Theatrical Release

Ace Attorney

How To Get Away With Murder… and get Jammin’ Ninja Su...

Reviewed Mar 15, 2022
Based primarily on the first game in the series, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, the film focuses on rookie defense attorney Phoenix Wright, as he strives to protect his clients in various murder trials, including the death of his mentor, Mia Fey, and the accusation of rival prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth. Phoenix's greatest ally is Mia's younger sister Maya, a spirit medium whose body is possessed by Mia to communicate with him. Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Theatrical Release, Video Game Movies