For better or worse, the sports biopic "The Smashing Machine" (A24) registers as a highly realistic film. With both a real-life figure as its focus and a documentary as its source material, that may be unsurprising. But the low-key, unsensational approach adopted by writer-director Benny Safdie ultimately produces varied results.| Catholic Review
Viewers allergic to cats, whether physically or by temperament, should steer clear of the colorful but cutesy musical fantasy "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie" (Universal). So, too, should cynics, curmudgeons and anyone given to even occasional grumpiness.| Catholic Review
Returning to the big screen for the first time in nearly eight years in "Anemone," Daniel Day-Lewis plays this central figure, Ray Stoker. Day-Lewis also co-wrote the screenplay with his son, Ronan, who directed the film.| Catholic Review
Capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week.| Catholic Review
A new documentary on the abuses allegedly committed by Father Marko Rupnik and survivors' pursuit of justice received high praise at the Toronto International Film Festival, or TIFF, including for Gloria Branciani, an alleged victim who received a four-minute standing ovation.| Catholic Review
