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A complete list of movie reviews and ratings from the Screen Rant film critics and industry experts - helping movie lovers decide which films to watch for over 15 years.

Back To Black Review: Superficial, Frustrating Biopic Never Properly Explores Amy Winehouse

Back to Black is the worst type of biopic, one that made me feel little and offers next to nothing truly personal about the singer or her inner life.

The Strangers: Chapter 1 Review - Horror Film Offers Much Of The Same Scares & Twists As Original

Nightwatch: demons are forever review - past horrors return in this terrifying danish sequel, furiosa: a mad max saga review - action prequel is a visual feast that adds exciting depth to franchise, if review: john krasinski’s heartwarming, creative film will make you miss your imaginary friends.

Despite some clunkiness in its plot, IF pushes through with its warmth and optimistic tone, paving the way for some truly impactful moments.

The Last Stop In Yuma County Review: A Riveting Debut Crime Thriller That Is Full Of Great Tension

In his film debut, Francis Galluppi’s The Last Stop In Yuma County is nothing short of being a compelling 1970s inspired thriller full of tension.

Evil Does Not Exist Review: A Serene Japanese Drama With Violence Simmering Beneath The Surface

Evil Does Not Exist eludes classification, refusing to commit to one thing, instead asking us to question our relationship with the world around us. 

Mother Of The Bride Review: Brooke Shields Is Having A Great Time In Easy, Breezy Netflix Rom-Com

The idyllic location is beautifully shot, the story is light, the performances are equally so, with the film balancing a silly, but sincere, story.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Review: Caesar's Reign Continues In Exciting Return To Sci-Fi Roots

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a rousing action-adventure in the ruins of the human world – traces of the past remain but this is Noa's story.

Mind Body Spirit Review: A Found Footage Horror Film With Something To Say About The Influencer Age

Taking the found footage genre into the new age, Mind Body Spirit has a twist that's easy to guess, but enough thrills to be satisfying.

Tarot Review: Thin Characters & Intermittent Frights Make For A Dull Horror Movie Experience

There are just too many elements that ultimately hinder Tarot's execution, from its thin characterizations to its repetitive, dull plot.

Unfrosted Review: Lacking Style & Substance, Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedy Provides Few Lackluster Laughs

In his feature directorial debut, Jerry Seinfeld depicts an absurd competition, as dueling cereal companies race to create the Pop-Tart.

Prom Dates Review: Despite Some Good Jokes, Hulu's Teen Comedy Is Only Mildly Funny

Ultimately, Prom Dates is a good time, entertaining, with a few chuckles to be had.

The Idea Of You Review: Anne Hathaway & Nicholas Galitzine's Steamy Chemistry Elevates New Rom-Com

Showalter’s The Idea of You is a bittersweet tale of inconvenient love that emotionally pierces you in all the ways modern romantic comedies should.

Jeanne Du Barry Review: Johnny Depp Returns In A Compelling, Unfocused French Period Drama Film

Jeanne du Barry marks a solid return for Johnny Depp to the world of cinema in a period piece where he portrays King Louis XV of France.

Turtles All The Way Down Review: John Green Coming-Of-Age Adaptation Excels & Falters At The Same Time

Underneath its weaker spots, Turtles All the Way Down is bolstered by genuine heart and an excellent central performance from Isabela Merced.

Boy Kills World Review: Old-School Revenge Thriller Shows Just How Tough Bill Skarsgard Is

Skarsgård and Benjamin make for an odd pair that work well together. Mohr's vision is clear and realized, and the resulting work of art is exciting.

Cash Out Review: John Travolta Negotiates With His Ex-Lover In Funny Action Heist Caper Gone Wrong

John Travolta plays an international criminal taking up one last job, only to encounter his FBI agent ex-lover as the bank heist goes awry.

The Feeling That The Time For Doing Something Has Passed Review: Loneliness Is Hilarious In Poignant Comedy

Through long pauses and awkward romantic encounters, Joanna Arnow creates a tragically hilarious comedy about the passage of time & loneliness.

Infested Review: A Horror Movie About Spiders Made Me Feel Like It Was 2020 Again

I'm hardly going to complain about a monster movie where the monsters, not the humans, feel underdeveloped. It plays so much better than the reverse.

Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths - Part Two Review - Disappointing Superhero Film Lacks Urgency

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part Two is missing what the first film had in spades - heart, great action, and a sense of urgency.

I Waited 25 Years For LEGO To Release A Disney Set Like Snow White's & The Seven Dwarfs' Cottage

LEGO's 2024 Snow White set hits a Disney Collectors milestone with considerable flair. Here's everything to know about it.

Review: Spy x Family CODE: White Offers a Fun Adventure Even New Fans Can Enjoy

With a fun script and an adventure made for the big screen, Spy x Family CODE: White is a film that will delight fans and newcomers alike.

Sasquatch Sunset Review: A Surreal Dialogue-Free Bigfoot Comedy That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

Silly, surreal, and sometimes insightful, Sasquatch Sunset has a lot to say about life, nature, and what it means to simply exist.

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Movie Reviews

Our film critics on blockbusters, independents and everything in between., latest articles, results sorted by select sort order newest oldest, the strangers: chapter 1.

• Directed by Renny Harlin

A reboot of the 2008 home invasion film “The Strangers” brings back masked assailants and brutal violence but leaves originality behind.

By Erik Piepenburg

• Documentary
• Directed by Richard Shepard

The director Richard Shepard details his lifelong obsession with movies in this enthusiastic video essay.

By Calum Marsh

• NYT Critic’s Pick
• Directed by Hong Sang-soo

The Korean director Hong Sang-soo winds together the slenderest strands of two intersecting stories to make a tender film about simple pleasures.

By Brandon Yu

• Animation, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
• Directed by John Krasinski

The film is a slim story about a girl named Bea (Cailey Fleming) who helps a crank named Cal (Ryan Reynolds) play matchmaker. Oh, and Bradley Cooper is a glass of ice water.

By Amy Nicholson

• Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
• Directed by Bertrand Bonello

Bertrand Bonello’s latest horror film, dedicated to his teenage daughter, pushes the boundaries of the conventional pandemic movie.

By Beatrice Loayza

Back to Black

• Biography, Drama, Music
• Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson

The facts get softened and shuffled for an Amy Winehouse biopic that leaves her perspective at the edges.

By Alissa Wilkinson

• Directed by Pamela Adlon

Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau star in Pamela Adlon’s pregnancy comedy, but it never quite lands.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

• Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Directed by George Miller

The fifth installment of George Miller’s series delivers an origin story of Furiosa, the hard-bitten driver played here by Anya Taylor-Joy.

By Manohla Dargis

• Comedy, Mystery
• Directed by Chris Pine

Chris Pine’s shaggy debut feature has a charismatic cast that rambles along with him on a Los Angeles detective adventure.

By Nicolas Rapold

Mother of the Bride

• Comedy, Drama, Romance
• Directed by Mark Waters

Brooke Shields plays a single mother who comes face to face with her college ex-boyfriend at her daughter’s destination wedding in this tired romantic comedy.

By Natalia Winkelman

• Directed by Frank Berry

The “Black Panther” star Letitia Wright shows understated vulnerability in this immigrant drama by Frank Berry. Josh O’Connor (“Challengers”) also stars.

By Lisa Kennedy

• Directed by Pierre Creton

Sex, death and domination fuel this beautifully enigmatic pastoral drama from France, which presents the gay coming-of-age of an apprentice gardener.

Aggro Dr1ft

• Action, Crime, Drama
• Directed by Harmony Korine

Harmony Korine (“Spring Breakers”) parties too hard in this fusion of feature filmmaking and video game.

By Ben Kenigsberg

Gasoline Rainbow

• Directed by Bill Ross IV, Turner Ross

This semi-fictional tale of a road trip for weirdos is full of joy.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

• Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
• Directed by Wes Ball

The latest installment in an excellent series finds mythology turning into power.

• Biography, Comedy, History
• Directed by Jerry Seinfeld

Starring Jerry Seinfeld in his feature directing debut, “Unfrosted: The Pop-Tarts Story” is the only corporate saga whose main ingredient is high-fructose sarcasm.

Evil Does Not Exist

Ryusuke Hamaguchi follows up his sublime drama “Drive My Car” with a parable about a rural Japanese village and the resort developer eyeing its land.

• Drama, Romance
• Directed by Marija Kavtaradze

The second feature by the Lithuanian filmmaker Marija Kavtaradze asks what a relationship looks like when you factor out the sex.

Jeanne du Barry

• Biography, Drama, History
• Directed by Maïwenn

Maïwenn wrote, directed and stars in the film, playing opposite Johnny Depp, who is Louis XV. Though he declares he loves her, their chemistry is weak.

By Glenn Kenny

Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg

• Directed by Alexis Bloom, Svetlana Zill

Subtitled “The Story of Anita Pallenberg,” this documentary gives the life of the actress and model a thorough downer of a treatment.

• Biography, Drama
• Directed by Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke teams up with his daughter, Maya Hawke, for an unconventional and somewhat muddled portrait of a singular author.

The Fall Guy

• Action, Comedy, Drama
• Directed by David Leitch

The actor charms as a swaggering stunt man, alongside an underused Emily Blunt, in the latest skull-rattling action movie from David Leitch.

I Saw the TV Glow

• Drama, Horror
• Directed by Jane Schoenbrun

An outstanding not-quite-horror film about being a fan just before the internet took over.

Turtles All the Way Down

• Directed by Hannah Marks

Hannah Marks’s adaptation of John Green’s blockbuster young-adult novel builds a dynamic depiction of a teenager with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The Idea of You

• Directed by Michael Showalter

Anne Hathaway headlines a movie that’s got a lot to say about the perils of fame.

Challengers

• Drama, Romance, Sport
• Directed by Luca Guadagnino

Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist play friends, lovers and foes on and off the tennis court in Luca Guadagnino’s latest.

Nowhere Special

• Directed by Uberto Pasolini

This understated tear-jerker sees a dying single father making future family plans for his toddler son.

• Directed by Sébastien Vanicek

An apartment building in Paris is overrun by murderous arachnids and unsubtle allegory in this fleet and efficient debut feature.

By Jeannette Catsoulis

Unsung Hero

• Drama, Family
• Directed by Richard L. Ramsey, Joel Smallbone

In fact, there’s a lot of singing in the clan whose members inspired this movie and who have racked up five Grammy Awards for their Christian recordings.

Terrestrial Verses

• Directed by Ali Asgari, Alireza Khatami

Ordinary Iranians face a maze of byzantine rules and small indignities in this series of gripping vignettes.

Find your next captivating movie moment

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The Gold Standard in Critical Analysis

The metascore breakdown.

• We collect reviews from the world's top critics.
• Each review is scored based on its overall quality.
• The summarized weighted average captures the essence of critical opinion.

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Every George Miller Movie, Ranked

We rank every movie directed by George Miller—including his latest Mad Max spinoff, Furiosa—from worst to best according to professional film critics.

Every Planet of the Apes Movie, Ranked

With this week's arrival of the 10th film in the 55-year-old franchise, we rank every one of the Planet of the Apes films from worst to best by Metascore.

The 20 Best Movies Based on TV Shows

Jason dietz.

With the arrival of The Fall Guy in theaters, we look back at the best TV-to-movie adaptations in film history.

The 15 Worst Movies Based on TV Shows

Hollywood continually attempts to bring TV shows to the big screen--and it often turns out poorly. We look at the 15 absolute worst TV-to-film adaptations so far.

Every Ryan Gosling Movie, Ranked

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(Updated May 2024) Here's our ranking of every movie in Ryan Gosling's filmography from worst to best according to its Metascore.

May 2024 Movie Preview

Keith kimbell.

Get a look at the most notable movies debuting in May, including a Mad Max prequel, a Planet of the Apes sequel, and a promising Ryan Gosling-led action-comedy.

Movie Reviews

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Movie News, Movie Trailers, Film Reviews, Short Film Reviews & More | Screen Critix

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Decades after faking his death, a retired outlaw finds his quiet life suddenly interrupted by the arrival of an ambitious young gunman seeking notoriety in director Jacob Thompson’s Western “Gunslingers”.

The Whisper (2024) short film review

During a seemingly ordinary walk, a young girl discovers a hidden journal that unleashes a number of strange events. This is Teddy Nikolova’s short horror film, The Whisper.

Square Pegs (2024) film review

When animosity between a pastor and his bartender daughter results in a lawsuit, the judge orders them to swap roles for a week in James Houston Turner’s personal story ‘Square Pegs’ directed by Bill Rahn.

Kenny (2024) short film review

A true story about a homeless 72-year-old man unapologetically living free his entire life, this is director Stacey Stone and producer Diane Mellen’s documentary Kenny

Drums (2024) short film review

Having recently moved into a new apartment, a woman begins to witness strange occurrences when an electronic drunk kit, which came with the living space, starts to play by itself. This is the short film Drums.

The Siege: Archangel One (2024) film review

The first civil guardsman rises to the task of apprehending a dangerous serial killer before his city descends into chaos. Set ten years before the events of ‘The Siege,’ in Mark G. Lakatos’ The Siege: Archangel One.

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What is a Film Review — Definition, Examples & Top Critics

I n cinema, film reviews hold a significant place, serving as a bridge between the film industry and viewers. They provide an analytical perspective that helps audiences decide what to watch and understand the nuances of a film. In this article, we will delve into the definition of a film review, its critical components, and shed light on some iconic film review writers who have significantly shaped the field.

Watch: Christopher Nolan's Best Films Ranked

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What is Film Review in Cinema?

First, let’s define film review.

Film reviews hold a unique place in cinema acting as both promotional tools and critical analysis pieces. With the rise of platforms like Letterboxd and Rotten Tomatoes, they are becoming more relevant in the cinematic landscape.

FILM REVIEW DEFINITION

What is a film review.

A film review is a type of critique that provides an evaluation of a film, encompassing various aspects such as the plot, themes, direction, script, and performances. Originating in the early 20th century with the advent of cinema, film reviews have evolved from mere opinion pieces in newspapers to a significant form of journalistic writing. The primary purpose of a film review is to inform the reader about the film and offer an informed opinion about its various elements. It serves as a guide for viewers, helping them decide whether the film is worth their time and money.

Criteria for Movie Review:

Overview of the film, analysis of the plot and themes, evaluation of the script, direction, and acting, personal opinion and rating, movie review format, components of a good film review.

Film reviews are a blend of various vital components, each contributing to a comprehensive analysis. From evaluating performances and storytelling to dissecting technical aspects, a well-rounded review provides a holistic perspective. By examining these elements of a movie review format we can gain a deeper understanding of the film's impact and appreciate its artistic merit.

This includes a brief synopsis that sets the context without revealing any spoilers . The overview should pique the reader's interest and give them a sense of the film's storyline. Here is one of the greatest film critics, Roger Ebert, on what a film review should do. 

Roger Ebert What A Movie Review Should Do

This involves a deeper look into the narrative and the underlying themes of the film. It should explore the storyline's complexity, originality, and coherence.

This component assesses the technical aspects of the film, such as the screenplay , cinematography , direction, music, and performances. It also includes an assessment of how these elements contribute to the overall impact of the film. 

This is much more popular with the rise of film criticism on YouTube in which film critics can simultaneously play and dissect a scene for an audience. In this video by Nerdwriter1, Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood is dissected visually in a way that would be difficult or at least less effective without a video component.

One Way To Deconstruct There Will Be Blood

This is where the reviewer shares their personal view and overall impression of the film. It often includes a rating system, which can help readers quickly gauge the reviewer's opinion.

A good film review strikes a balance between objective analysis and personal perspective. It is also important that the review uses engaging language and style to hold the reader's attention.

What is Film Review Important For?

Influence of film reviews.

Film reviews have a significant impact on public opinion and can greatly influence the success of a film.  A positive review from a reputable critic can attract more viewers and increase the film's box office revenue. On the other hand, a negative review can dissuade audiences from watching the film.

Attracting Viewers

Positive reviews can generate buzz and attract a larger audience to the theaters. They serve as a powerful tool in building anticipation and interest among moviegoers. Take Rotten Tomatoes for example.

Many film goers opt to check the Rotten Tomatoes reviews of a film before they decide to watch or see it in cinema. 

While this can work well for some movies in attracting viewers, it can negatively impact other films. This is especially true with the way Rotten Tomatoes rating system works. For a great insight on to how the platform works and the possible problems with its ratings, check out the video below. 

The Problem With Rotten Tomatoes

Box office success.

Positive reviews often contribute to a film's box office success. When critics praise a movie, it can lead to increased ticket sales and financial profitability for the filmmakers.

Influence on Perception

Reviews shape how people perceive a film. Positive reviews create a positive perception, making viewers more likely to give the movie a chance. On the other hand, negative reviews can deter potential viewers and impact the film's overall reception.

Critical Acclaim

When a film receives critical acclaim from respected reviewers and publications, it can achieve iconic status. This recognition elevates the film's reputation and can lead to long-lasting popularity and cultural significance.

Parasite’s Historic Oscar Wins in 2020

Film reviews hold considerable sway in the film industry. They not only impact the number of viewers but also shape how a film is perceived and remembered.

Related Posts

• What is Cinematography? →
• Understanding Story Structure →
• How Does Rotten Tomatoes Work? →

Movie Review Example and Writers

Iconic film review writers.

The field of film criticism has been significantly influenced by several notable writers who have left a lasting impact on the industry. These writers, through their insightful analyses and thought-provoking perspectives, have shaped the way we perceive and appreciate films.

Their contributions have not only elevated the art of film criticism but have also enriched our understanding of cinema as a whole. 

Roger Ebert

Known for his acerbic wit and insightful commentaries, Ebert was one of the most influential film critics. His reviews, published in the Chicago Sun-Times for over four decades, were known for their accessible writing style and keen observations.

Pauline Kael

Writing for The New Yorker, Kael was known for her passionate and provocative reviews. She championed many underappreciated films and filmmakers, influencing public opinion and the course of American cinema.

Pauline Kael on Criticism

Andrew sarris.

A leading proponent of the auteur theory in America, Sarris's writings in The Village Voice and The New York Observer have had a profound impact on the way films are analyzed and appreciated.

Leonard Maltin

Renowned for his annual publication, "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide," Maltin's reviews are known for their succinctness and precision. His work has guided generations of moviegoers.

Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide

These critics, with their unique perspectives and styles, have made enduring contributions to film criticism, influencing not just audiences but filmmakers as well.

Film reviews, like the movies themselves, are a form of art. They capture the essence of a film, dissect it, and present it to the audience in a refined form. With their insightful analysis, they help us, the viewers, to better understand and appreciate cinema. 

Remember, a review is not meant to replace or reflect your own judgment of a film but to complement and deepen your viewing pleasure. So, read, watch, and form your own judgment — because nothing compares to your own cinematic experience.

How Does Rotten Tomatoes Work?

As we delve deeper into the world of film reviews and their unique influence, let's turn our attention to a specific and influential platform. In the next article, we explore the intricacies of the Rotten Tomatoes ratings system.

Up Next: Rotten Tomatoes Explained →

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‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’: Review

By Tim Grierson, Senior US Critic 2023-04-04T19:00:00+01:00

Back on the big screen after a three-decade absence, Brooklyn’s finest plumbers tool up for a Universal franchise

Source: Universal

‘Super Mario Bros. The Movie’

Dirs: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic. US. 2023. 92mins

Mario and Luigi’s first big-screen outing in 30 years is a colourful animated adventure that unfortunately seems less interested in establishing its own identity than in setting up a sure-to-be-lucrative franchise. At its best, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has the same carefree spirit as the beloved Nintendo game series, sending its iconic characters flying through the air or careening in high-octane go-karts. But whether it’s the hit-or-miss jokes or the familiar action beats, the film too often plays down to its young audience, valuing rambunctious energy over wit or heart.

Less interested in establishing its own identity than in setting up a sure-to-be-lucrative franchise

Critics’ nitpicking should hardly affect Universal’s bottom line, however: as the better-than-expected returns for Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves suggest, family audiences are hungry for viable film options, and this Illumination production should fit the bill. Add in a star-studded voice cast that includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black and Seth Rogen, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie ’s commercial prospects look even brighter. Sequels seem sure to follow.

Living in Brooklyn, where they’re trying to get their nascent plumbing business off the ground, loyal brothers Mario (voiced by Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are desperate to find customers. When a massive underground leak threatens to flood the city, they spring into action, only to be sucked down a pipe into a fantasy realm known as The Mushroom Kingdom, ruled by the kindly Princess Peach (Taylor-Joy) who is trying to keep her toad subjects safe from the evil turtle Bowser (Black). 

The 1993 Super Mario Bros. , which starred Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo, was a notorious debacle both commercially and critically, well-remembered as one of the first (and worst) live-action treatments of a popular video game. The Mario game franchise has only grown since, spawning spinoffs such as  Mario Kart that have greatly expanded the scope of the property. The Super Mario Bros. Movie seeks to appeal to that global fan base: unlike the dark-toned earlier film, the new picture is cheerful and breezy, primarily concerned with laying out the games’ central characters and principal settings. 

There are plenty of knowing references for those familiar with Mario and Luigi, as well as self-mocking jabs at some of the franchise’s sillier conventions. (Why do  the brothers wear white gloves if they’re supposed to be plumbers?) In keeping with the film’s hyperactive bent, directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic — who co-wrote Teen Titans Go! To The Movies (which Horvath also co-directed) — stuff the short running time with action and jokes, often to the detriment of character development. It doesn’t help matters that after the brothers land in this fantastical world, Luigi is captured by Bowser and separated from Mario, depriving the picture not just of Day and Pratt’s lively interactions but also the characters’ close bond. Instead, Mario teams up with Princess Peach to rescue Luigi, and the chemistry between these two characters is not especially electric. Black and Rogen (who voices Donkey Kong) bring their trademark boisterous energy, doing their best to fill in the gaps of underwritten roles with their own oversized personalities.

Although its humour is often aimed at children — the film is littered with ultra-adorable side characters and slapstick-y antics — Matthew Fogel’s screenplay doesn’t offer much in the way of life lessons or emotional shading for younger viewers. The picture’s only consistently sophisticated element is its rich animation, especially once our heroes arrive in The Mushroom Kingdom, which recreates the look and feel of jumping, punching, flying and driving like Mario and Luigi. Particularly pleasing is an extended Mario Kart -like chase sequence on a winding rainbow road high above the ground, the action slightly recalling the pedal-to-the-metal euphoria of Mad Max: Fury Road . 

But as often happens with the first instalments of anticipated cinematic franchises, The Super Mario Bros. Movie too often follows a predictable blockbuster template, turning Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach into just the latest superheroes who must save the world from a seemingly all-powerful foe. To be sure, Horvath and Jelenic try to slyly undercut such grandiosity, emphasising how ordinary Mario is. (The film also has pointed fun satirising the cartoonishly Italian voice Mario has brandished in the video games, although Pratt’s affected Brooklyn accent isn’t appreciably better.) The potential appeal of a new Mario picture is the opportunity it presents for filmmakers to bring the property’s memorable set pieces to a larger canvas. Sadly, The Super Mario Bros. Movie isn’t game enough to go its own way.  

Production company: Shigeru Miyamoto/Chris Meledandri Productions

Worldwide distribution: Universal Pictures

Producers: Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto 

Screenplay: Matthew Fogel 

Production design: Guillaume Aretos

Editing: Eric Osmond 

Music: Brian Tyler

Main voice cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen 

• United States

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TAGGED AS: blockbusters , movies , popular

30 Most Popular Movies Right Now: What to Watch In Theaters and Streaming

Discover the top, most popular movies available now! Across theaters, streaming, and on-demand, these are the movies Rotten Tomatoes users are checking out at this very moment, including Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (see how to watch the Apes movies in order ), The Fall Guy , and Jerry Seinfeld comedy spoof Unfrosted .

Check back for latest updates to the charts, and also take a look at the most popular TV shows out right now !)

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‘bridgerton’ review: in season 3 of netflix favorite, the spell starts to wear off.

A wallflower strikes up a romance with a longtime friend while trying to conceal her identity as the anonymous author of high society's most notorious scandal sheet in the new set of episodes.

By Angie Han

Television Critic

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Falling for a TV show is not exactly like falling for a romantic relationship. But it’s not un like it, either. There’s the initial flirtation, when you sample an episode or two to see how it strikes you. If all goes well, there’s the moment of commitment, when you decide to stick around to see the story play out. Then there’s the long haul: With each successive season, the series has the opportunity to deepen and mature — or to stagnate.

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To be sure, there’s still plenty of fun to be found on the Regency-era marriage market, this time under showrunner Jess Brownell (replacing creator Chris Van Dusen). The main storyline is built around the series’ single most charming character, Penelope Featherington ( Nicola Coughlan ) — the wallflower who secretly has the entire ton under her thumb as Lady Whistledown, the anonymous author of its most notorious scandal sheet. For years, Penelope has pined after Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), her big-hearted friend and neighbor. When Colin returns from his grand tour of Europe at precisely the moment Penelope decides it’s time to get serious about finding a husband, those long-simmering feelings come to a head.

On the whole, however, this outing lacks the giddiness of earlier ones. Technically, there’s still plenty of skin. Previous leads Anthony and Kate (Simone Ashley) spend much of their return tangled in bedsheets, deep in the bliss of their honeymoon phase. Colin, who’s returned from his travels more dashing than ever, spends his days flirting with every eligible bachelorette in London, and his evenings sleeping his way through the brothels. And Benedict is stuck yet again in an aimless subplot that — at least in the six hours of eight that I’ve seen — serves no apparent purpose beyond meeting the season’s quota of sex scenes.

But the delicious yearning that has been Bridgerton ‘s bread and butter is dulled, significantly, by the fact that there’s not much actually standing between the would-be couple. It’s simply a matter of waiting out Colin until he catches feelings for Penelope — and even once he does, he’s so slow to make a move that one might be tempted to root for her other suitor, the scandalously vegetarian Lord Debling (Sam Phillips).

If anything, the most poignant love story is the one between Penelope and Colin’s little sister Eloise (Claudia Jessie), childhood besties whose bond was destroyed last season by Eloise’s discovery of Penelope’s activities as Whistledown. Eloise has since warmed up to mean-girl Cressida (an amusing Jessica Madsen), while Penelope has retreated into the company of her intolerable family. Yet neither woman seems able to get the other off her mind. When Penelope unveils her makeover at a party, it’s Eloise, not Colin, who can’t tear her eyes away. When Penelope sets her sights on Colin, it’s Eloise, not Debling, who reacts with the anguish of a jilted lover. It’s enough to make one wonder what a Bridgerton bold enough to break from Julia Quinn’s source material could have been.

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