Movie theaters are wondrous places where you can escape to a world of your choosing. Whether it’s the frights of a horror movie, the fast-paced, wild journey of an action movie, a beautiful coming-of-age movie, or even one of those cheesy romance movies you love to hate, every experience is wonderful. But what happens when you don’t know what to watch? I’ve got you covered! I have compiled a list of films out right now. Who knows, maybe you’ll go see one this weekend!

1.) Dear Evan Hansen

         Dear Evan Hansen is a musical that first premiered at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. in 2015. It also premiered on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre in 2016. The musical took the 71st Tony Awards by storm, winning multiple awards and accolades, and even claiming the award for Best Musical at the end of the night. In 2021, it received a film adaptation, which brought back the original lead, Ben Platt, to reprise his role as the title character. But what is Dear Evan Hansen about, exactly?

The film centers around the story of Evan Hansen, a teenager who suffers from social anxiety. After an altercation over a therapy assignment with his classmate, which results in his classmate taking his own life a few days later, Evan must keep up the charade of having formed a friendship with him in order to keep his newfound family and popularity in the wake of grief.

Following its release at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. It earned itself a 31% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The New York Times’ Jeannette Catsoulis wrote, “treacly and manipulative, “Dear Evan Hansen” turns villain into victim and grief into an exploitable vulnerability. It made me cringe.” Similarly, Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal calls the film a “ponderous movie that turns earnest into maudlin, lyrical into lugubrious.”

However, not all reviews have been negative. Thomas Floyd of the Washington Post writes that “Amid Levenson’s overhaul and director Stephen Chbosky’s grounded aesthetic – both of which fluctuate between fascinating and flummoxing – “Dear Evan Hansen’s” foundation thankfully survives the stage-to-screen remodeling.”

Though the film does have issues with its story and experiences occasional acting flaws, I personally believe that the film performs well in terms of the soundtrack. I feel that it calls attention to its deeper issues concerning mental health.

2.) Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

          This new Marvel movie premiered in August and was released throughout the United States on September 3rd. Shang-Chi is the latest in a long line of Marvel blockbusters to hit the big screen. The film is centered around Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, a trained assassin whose father is the head of the Ten Rings organization. After a sudden attack, he and his friend Katy (played by Awkwafina) must find Shang-Chi’s sister, Xialing, to prevent the organization from finding an ancient secret lost to time. 

The movie brought in generally positive reviews, garnering 92% approval among critics. However, no movie will ever have entirely positive reviews. Maya Phillips of the New York Times writes that the film “uses the superficial markers of Asian culture and filmmaking without presenting anything unique in its Marvel take on that tradition.” Additionally, Allison Willmore of the New York Magazine comments about the film’s apparent undertones about its main character, stating “Shang-Chi isn’t a hopeless addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe fold. But the movie feels as racked with a sense of inadequacy about its main character as that main character is about himself…”

However, other critics do not share the same sentiments. Michael O’Sullivan of The Washington Post writes that Shang-Chi “remembers to have fun. It’s a kick to watch – often literally – and the kind of popcorn movie summer is made for.” Brian Lowry of CNN writes, “Quibbles aside, “Shang-Chi” is another smartly calibrated extension of the Marvel stable amid its endeavors to become more diverse.”

Personally, I believe that the film shines best through its performance and story, despite it having a shaky and basic plot outline.

3.) Venom: Let There Be Carnage

        Venom 2 is, of course, a sequel to its predecessor, where Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy) becomes the host of a symbiote named Venom. In this installment, Venom and Brock face a new foe in Cletus Kasady, who is now the host for symbiote Carnage. The movie is filled with action and some goofs, giving some light-hearted comedy to an otherwise dark movie.

Venom 2 earned mixed reviews but was generally seen as being better than its predecessor.

Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair writes that the film is lacking in plot and writing. He says, “it is mostly noisy and flimsy and without purpose, a hasty response to the original’s unexpected success and little else. Naturally, a third film is advertised at the end.” Furthermore, Brian Lowry of CNN writes that the film is “a mind-numbingly tiresome sequel, filled with uninspired comedy and a CGI monster fight that seems to drag on forever.”

On a more positive note, Kristen Page-Kirby of The Washington Post comments on its familiarity, writing that the sequel “inhabits the same comfortably dumb space as its predecessor. If you liked the first one, you’ll like this one.” In addition, Tim Grierson of Screen International writes on the direction of the movie, stating that “Andy Serkis keeps the rambunctious proceedings relatively taut, making room for operatic action and a sneaky emotional undercurrent that pokes through the broad comedy and comic-book grandeur.”

I personally feel that the film relies very heavily on action. Although the comedic portions are a breath of fresh air, I believe that the plot is lacking. Regardless, I feel that fans of the original Venom will enjoy this equally energetic sequel as much as they enjoyed the first.

Now that you’ve seen the reviews, what do you think? What critics do you agree with, or even disagree with? Would you go to see one? Regardless of your answers, movies are always a treasure and I hope this review helped to guide you in the right direction.