The Revenant (2015) **** All-in performances and gutsy camera work combine for one of the most visceral film experiences ever. [R]
The Hateful Eight (2015) ***1/2 This ultra violent Western is beautifully told and acted, but feels ultimately a bit wanting. [R]
Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2015) **** For Star Wars fans young and old, this film is nothing short of magical. [PG-13]
Krampus (2015) ** A promising premise, but the film can't decide what it wants to be. Neither funny nor scary. [PG-13]
Goosebumps (2015) *** Diehards will find both nostalgia and disappointment, but it's still a hoot. [PG]
Spectre (2015) ***1/2 Craig hits full stride in the most "Bond" movie of his career. 007 Easter eggs abound! [PG-13]
The Visit (2015) ***1/2 Haters gonna hate, but this twisted thriller is on par with early M. Night! Brace yourself! [PG-13]
The Martian (2015) **** A tight script, solidly acted, intensely directed - this "Cast Away on Mars" is one of the year's best! [PG-13]
The Walk (2015) *** IMAX 3D puts you up on the high wire with JGL, and it's dizzyingly breathtaking! [PG]
"The Gift" (2015) ***1/2 Absolutely electric! Superb performances fuel this twisty, gut punch thriller! [R]
"Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" (2015) *** Aside from the action scenes, it plays like a glossy TV show. [PG-13]
"Ant-Man" (2015) *** Paul Rudd proves he's got the action chops in this quirky superhero flick! [PG-13]
"Inside Out" (2015) ***1/2 Pixar takes us inside our heads to see what's really going on, and it's mind blowing! [PG]
"Jurassic World" (2015) * Proves puppets and animatronics are still very valid. Everything feels fake, flat, and tame. [PG-13]
"Insidious: Chapter 3" (2015) ** A fun entry, but it trips on cheese and cheap scares far too often. [PG-13]