Hollywood

UPR's film critic Casey T. Allen hosts a conversation with USU Professor David Wall on this year's 96th Annual Academy Awards.

Poor Things is like Frankenstein meets Alice in Wonderland with a heartfelt feminist core on the development of womanhood.

UPR's film critic Casey T. Allen joins Shalayne Smith Needham during All Things Considered to talk about this year's nominees, surprises and snubs and his own predictions for the evening of Sunday, March 10.

This version of sci-fi looks inward at the emotional repercussions of future advancements in science and the ever-deepening relationships between humanity and electronic invention.

The songs in the film are exciting kaleidoscopes of ragtime, gospel, jazz, and blues that completely transport viewers to another emotional realm that is joyful and wounded and everything in between.

Now comes my surprise saying I wasn't filled with delight or amazement when I left the theater. I walked away thinking Wonka is just okay. It's a fun option for families and children to enjoy (it's rated PG), but I don't think the film as a whole is magical enough to be memorable.

Don't watch Eileen if you want to feel hopeful and energized afterward. But you will get a fascinating peek into a woman's psychological breaking point.

The psychological thriller half of Saltburn is terrifically, darkly exciting. Audiences will leave the viewing of this film thinking how the constant wanting of beautiful things can turn disturbing and deadly.

The Holdovers is more than a funny, dark, heartwarming holiday treat. It's a warm hug to teachers everywhere and how they shape our childhoods (as well as our futures) for good. And who doesn't need a hug this time of year?

Thanks to David Fincher's thoughtful and cerebral direction, this film is less of an explosive action romp and more of a plaintive psychological examination of a man trying to do his job and trying to keep his head. The Killer isn't amazing or new but it's entertaining.