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Kristen Maldonado

Tomatometer-approved critic
Biography:

Kristen Maldonado is an entertainment journalist, critic, and on-camera host. She is the founder of the outlet Pop Culture Planet and hosts its inclusion-focused video podcast of the same name. You can find her binge-watching your next favorite TV show, interviewing talent, and championing representation in all forms. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, a member of the Critics Choice Association, Latino Entertainment Journalists Association, and the Television Academy, and a 2x Shorty Award winner. She's also been featured on New York Live, NY1, The List TV, Den of Geek, Good Morning America, Insider, MTV, and Glamour.

Reviews

Movies TV Shows
Eternity (2025) 77% EDIT “With a solid cast and surreal visuals, Eternity brings a captivating lore to the ideas of life and love after death. Miles Teller steals the show as the grumbly but comfortable Larry who is so endearing you can’t help but root for him.” – Pop Culture Planet Jan 3, 2026 Full Review Wicked: For Good (2025) 66% EDIT “From their vocals to their acting choices, Erivo and Grande prove once again that they were born to play these roles. [...] Jon M. Chu is a genius and we’re so lucky to have him bringing movie musicals to the screen at this level.” – Pop Culture Planet Nov 21, 2025 Full Review In Your Dreams (2025) 86% EDIT “Hilarious, heartfelt, and undeniably real. Everyone will see a bit of themselves in this story. A seemingly simple wish [...] takes our characters on a wild and vibrant adventure that shows us just how much beauty and love are in life’s messy parts.” – Pop Culture Planet Nov 16, 2025 Full Review HIM (2025) 30% EDIT “While HIM succeeds in delivering a trippy and disorienting atmosphere, the rest of the film feels muddled and hollow. [...] Ultimately, HIM is all style, no substance.” – Pop Culture Planet Sep 18, 2025 Full Review Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires (2025) EDIT “Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly pass the torch to Malachi Barton and Freya Skye, who shine as Victor and Nova. [...] The Zombies 4 soundtrack definitely delivers, mixing nostalgic throwbacks with new high-energy favorites. ” – Pop Culture Planet Jul 28, 2025 Full Review KPop Demon Hunters (2025) 92% EDIT “With a killer soundtrack, standout animation, and an incredible amount of heart, KPop Demon Hunters is easily one of the best animated films of the year.” – Pop Culture Planet Jul 28, 2025 Full Review Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado (2025) 92% EDIT “With high-stakes stunts and magical elements that go beyond the original animated series, Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is a thrilling ride the whole family can enjoy.” – Pop Culture Planet Jul 28, 2025 Full Review Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025) 27% EDIT “Fear Street: Prom Queen drops us into what feels like a Temu Stranger Things version of the ‘80s, where the soundtrack is the most authentic thing about it. [...] A forgettable slasher that ultimately feels like a waste of time.” – Pop Culture Planet May 23, 2025 Full Review Another Simple Favor (2025) 58% EDIT “The fashion? Gorgeous. The locations? Stunning. But the plot? A total mess. It’s over-the-top, convoluted, and just plain weird. [...] You really have to suspend disbelief as they try to force it to work with cheap shock value. ” – Pop Culture Planet May 1, 2025 Full Review Summer of 69 (2025) 89% EDIT “This endearing directorial debut from Jillian Bell has a nostalgic element to it that feels like a cult classic in the making.” – Pop Culture Planet May 1, 2025 Full Review Susie Searches (2022) 51% EDIT “There are so many solid twists and turns as we follow this girl detective with a dark desire for recognition. [...] The mystery is pieced together really well and, if you go in without knowing anything, it’ll really surprise you.” – Pop Culture Planet May 1, 2025 Full Review Not Just a Goof (2025) 100% EDIT “The film really shines as it showcases never-before-seen footage and highlights its heartfelt influence on fans, especially within the Black community.” – Pop Culture Planet Apr 23, 2025 Full Review The Legend of Ochi (2025) 75% EDIT “Saxon delivers a visual marvel with The Legend of Ochi that calls to mind old-school fantasy adventures from Amblin, Jim Henson, and Studio Ghibli. [...] Unfortunately, the film falters when it comes to story, world building, and character development.” – Pop Culture Planet Apr 23, 2025 Full Review Disney's Snow White (2025) 39% EDIT “Snow White offers a fresh spin on the classic tale that is elevated to the realm of a new original musical thanks to tracks by Pasek and Paul. [The film] stands on its own merit as one of the better live-action Disney adaptations.” – Pop Culture Planet Mar 19, 2025 Full Review Picture This (2025) 44% EDIT “Picture This film didn’t necessarily feel like a rom-com, but more of a self-love story. While I like this cast and believe in the empowering messages, this film didn’t do anything that stands out in the rom-com genre or makes you go back for a re-watch.” – Pop Culture Planet Mar 10, 2025 Full Review Mickey 17 (2025) 78% EDIT “Mickey 17 is a quirky, absurd dark sci-fi laced with political satire & existential commentary. A wild & poignant exploration of how society treats those it deems disposable — and what happens when you allow it because you feel you deserve that treatment.” – Pop Culture Planet Mar 10, 2025 Full Review La Dolce Villa (2025) 75% EDIT “The European adventure has a sweet and charming Hallmark-style energy that you can’t help but fall in love with. By the end, you’ll be ready to book your own Italian vacation.” – Pop Culture Planet Feb 21, 2025 Full Review You're Cordially Invited (2025) 48% EDIT “You’re Cordially Invited is a fun wedding romp with a cast that works well together. With a tighter script and giving some players a little more to work with comedically, they could’ve taken the story to the next level.” – Pop Culture Planet Jan 30, 2025 Full Review Companion (2025) 93% EDIT “Companion is a breath of fresh air, solidifying itself as the first great film of 2025. [...] Equal parts thrilling, deranged, and empowering, this feminist opus has the makings of a new horror classic. ” – Pop Culture Planet Jan 23, 2025 Full Review Piece By Piece (2024) 83% EDIT “This vibrant and whimsical documentary is unconventional in the best way as it takes you through the life of the hitmaker from his childhood in Virginia through to his success in music. ” – Pop Culture Planet Jan 17, 2025 Full Review Wolf Man (2025) 48% EDIT “The jump scares got me and I enjoyed the atmosphere and visuals from the POV of the monster, but you’ll see the twists and turns coming from a mile away. All in all, Wolf Man is fine, but extremely predictable.” – Pop Culture Planet Jan 17, 2025 Full Review Back in Action (2025) 31% EDIT “But half way through, Back in Action loses its energy. The supporting characters and their motivations get lost in the shuffle and the plot drags along until it reaches its formulaic ending.” – Pop Culture Planet Jan 17, 2025 Full Review Moana 2 (2024) 60% EDIT “Moana and Mau are back like they never left! While I could take or leave some of the new characters, they really up the stakes in this adventure. The animation is truly magical as it centers around a story of unifying people.” – Pop Culture Planet Nov 26, 2024 Full Review Wicked (2024) 88% EDIT “Wicked is a masterpiece. The way Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo transform in these roles gave me chills. They make such strong and distinct acting and singing choices that truly make these characters their own. I was absolutely blown away!” – Pop Culture Planet Nov 19, 2024 Full Review Red One (2024) 30% EDIT “Red One is an action-packed holiday showdown. [...] They level up the holiday magic we know and love, while adding a fresh perspective with mythological characters we don’t often see represented. A blast for the whole family!” – Pop Culture Planet Nov 8, 2024 Full Review
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