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Daily Journal (Kankakee, IL)

Daily Journal (Kankakee, IL) is not a Tomatometer-approved publication. Reviews from this publication only count toward the Tomatometer® when written by the following Tomatometer-approved critic(s): Kiera Allen, Pamela Powell.

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Rating Title | Year Author Quote
3.5/4
Rosaline (2022) Pamela Powell To make Shakespeare fun and fresh is no easy feat, but that can’t happen without Dever, and she rises to the task with ease.
Posted Oct 17, 2022Edit critic review
3/4
Dog (2022) Pamela Powell The road trip begins and ends as you might expect, but its all the filling in the middle that makes this film heartfelt, sometimes funny and, most importantly, meaningful.
Posted Feb 21, 2022Edit critic review
2/4
Marry Me (2022) Pamela Powell And casting Wilson just doesnt work...never do we feel a connection or chemistry between the two characters.
Posted Feb 13, 2022Edit critic review
4/4
Cinderella (2021) Pamela Powell What once was a rather dull and predictable story ...has transformed into a funny, feminist fairy tale with great music that will have you dancing in your living room, laughing aloud and loving this new spin on a tired old one.
Posted Sep 05, 2021Edit critic review
4/4
Free Guy (2021) Pamela Powell "Free Guy" is pure fun, stirring up the worlds of reality- and video-gaming and giving us one of the most entertainingly hilarious rom-coms ever.
Posted Aug 16, 2021Edit critic review
3.5/4
In the Heights (2021) Pamela Powell "In the Heights" has everyone already humming and with good reason. It's bold, vibrant and intoxicating as it sings its universal song.
Posted Jun 16, 2021Edit critic review
3/4
The Outside Story (2020) Pamela Powell Charles might have been locked out, but perhaps previously he actually was locked in. Finding his proverbial key to unlock his world and better understand himself is what makes this a memorable and relatable comedic gem.
Posted May 03, 2021Edit critic review
2/4
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) Pamela Powell Godzilla vs. Kong does tick all the right boxes of animation, artistry and larger-than-life characters, which will please all of the fans of this universe, but the writing, directing and acting boxes are empty with the exception of Hottle.
Posted Apr 10, 2021Edit critic review
3/4
Nobody (2021) Pamela Powell Nobody is pure escapism with preposterous situations, clearly defined and represented good guys and bad guys and a special effects team to bring it all to life.
Posted Mar 28, 2021Edit critic review
3.5/4
Our Friend (2019) Pamela Powell There are plenty of moments to laugh, and to cry, as we are captivated by the giggles of the children and relate to the every day moments. "Our Friend" is a perfectly balanced story that rings true to every aspect of life, including facing death.
Posted Mar 16, 2021Edit critic review
2.5
Pieces of a Woman (2020) Pamela Powell Writer Kata Wéber's intimate perspective on the subject of loss during childbirth is chillingly realistic, but the story lacks that intimacy as we enter into the next year of Martha's life. W
Posted Mar 16, 2021Edit critic review
4/4
Hillbilly Elegy (2020) Pamela Powell This family is in every town and this town is in every state. It's a slice of life and one man's story of finding himself as he reclaims his background, better understanding who he is and where he came from.
Posted Mar 16, 2021Edit critic review
3.5/4
Dear Santa (2020) Pamela Powell I believe. And you will, too, after seeing Dana Nachman's newest uplifting documentary "Dear Santa."
Posted Mar 16, 2021Edit critic review
3/4
Safety (2020) Pamela Powell Much of this might appear on the surface as being contrived, but it feels nothing but sincere as it connects us to not only Ray Ray and Fahmarr but every coach and athlete we meet.
Posted Mar 16, 2021Edit critic review
4/4
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) Pamela Powell The stories, an amalgam of the atrocities we've read about, bring you to tears. It's harsh, emotionally confrontational and still relevant today, unfortunately.
Posted Mar 16, 2021Edit critic review
3.5/4
Flora and Ulysses (2020) Pamela Powell And yes, "Flora & Ulysses" certainly follows a predictable arc, but the style of storytelling immerses you into Flora's world, and we suspend all belief and just enjoy the ride.
Posted Mar 16, 2021Edit critic review
4/4
The Father (2020) Pamela Powell Zeller's brilliant script and direction is at the core of the film readying a talented cast to give us commandingly powerful story.
Posted Mar 15, 2021Edit critic review
3.5/4
Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) Pamela Powell The film hammers home the disturbing elements of racial injustices as we witness the atrocities unfold.
Posted Mar 15, 2021Edit critic review
3/4
Crisis (2021) Pamela Powell Oldman and Lilly shine in this crime thriller, but it's the humanity and less obvious situations that are the most captivating of all.
Posted Mar 08, 2021Edit critic review
3.5/4
Come Play (2020) Pamela Powell Come Play is a smart horror film capitalizing on the familiar while making a few pointed jabs at our social dependency on electronics and the dangers within.
Posted Oct 29, 2020Edit critic review
3.5/4
Antebellum (2020) Pamela Powell Antebellum is a film that keeps your eyes glued, your attention rapt and your heart pounding until that final moment that makes everything crystal clear.
Posted Sep 24, 2020Edit critic review
3/4
Mulan (2020) Pamela Powell Mulan is a cinematically stunning, live-action remake that accentuates action over heart, but the message it conveys, one of female strength and ingenuity as well as value, cannot be overlooked.
Posted Sep 03, 2020Edit critic review
4/5
Red Penguins (2019) Pamela Powell Polsky's storytelling skills give audiences high entertainment value, and he also gives us an education about Russian culture.
Posted Aug 13, 2020Edit critic review
4/4
Most Wanted (2020) Pamela Powell It's a compelling, complex and captivating mystery thriller that makes use of all of the two-plus hour runtime that will be at the top of my 2020 film list.
Posted Aug 05, 2020Edit critic review
3/4
Fisherman's Friends (2019) Pamela Powell If you're looking for a feel good, sweet romantic comedy that is based upon a true story, then look no further.
Posted Jul 24, 2020Edit critic review
4/4
The Short History of the Long Road (2019) Pamela Powell Creating an environment that adequately expresses all of this could be a daunting process for any filmmaker, but writer/director Ani Simon-Kennedy expertly takes us on this adventure...
Posted Jul 02, 2020Edit critic review
4/4
Irresistible (2020) Pamela Powell Stewart brilliantly weaves together a succinct story the unveils what drives the political machine no matter where you live and which party you most readily identify.
Posted Jul 02, 2020Edit critic review
4/4
Sometimes Always Never (2018) Pamela Powell ... an example of filmmaking at its finest as it tackles a difficult topic but finds elements of humor to carry the emotional load.
Posted Jun 11, 2020Edit critic review
Working Man (2019) Pamela Powell A topical film with evocative performances reminding us of the importance of having a purpose in life and compassion for others.
Posted Jun 05, 2020Edit critic review
3/4
Military Wives (2019) Pamela Powell The music is quite catchy as the group prepares for its final competition, but at the heart of this is the need for friendship and support, especially during times of uncertainty and a little distraction can be important, too.
Posted May 29, 2020Edit critic review
2.5/4
Inheritance (2020) Pamela Powell Pegg's performance elevates the film as he creates a character with whom we vacillate, eliciting a myriad of emotions for this character.
Posted May 28, 2020Edit critic review
3.5/4
The High Note (2020) Pamela Powell On the surface, this is a fun-filled movie with great music and a predictable storyline, but it is so much more as it tackles ageism, racism, and gender issues with an incredible soundtrack!
Posted May 28, 2020Edit critic review
Once Is Enough (2020) Pamela Powell Whether filming himself or having a friend document his progress, we feel we are walking or perhaps running in Jeffrey's shoes.
Posted May 11, 2020Edit critic review
4/4
The Half of It (2020) Pamela Powell Filled with awkwardly comedic situations, layered dramatic elements and a cast that gives us a reason to care, [Alice] Wu's film comes to life.
Posted May 04, 2020Edit critic review
4/4
Ride Like a Girl (2019) Pamela Powell When you combine a heartfelt, true story with underplayed and authentic performances and incredible cinematography, your heart will race as fast as the horses.
Posted Apr 27, 2020Edit critic review
2/4
Selah and the Spades (2019) Pamela Powell The artistry in this film is an element that frequently overshadows the story and performances as it pulls you into this surreal world.
Posted Apr 16, 2020Edit critic review
3.5/4
Trolls World Tour (2020) Pamela Powell "Trolls World Tour" is a spirited and lively animated feature that delivers exactly what its precursor "Trolls" did - fun music that gets your toes a-tappin', brilliantly rich animation and positive life lessons.
Posted Apr 13, 2020Edit critic review
3.5/4
The Lost Husband (2020) Pamela Powell [Leslie] Bibb and [Josh] Duhamel elevate their love story by never overplaying their roles.
Posted Apr 13, 2020Edit critic review
1.5/4
Coffee & Kareem (2020) Pamela Powell Raunchy comedies can be a lot of fun, and this one certainly had potential given the talent involved, but it just couldn't deliver in a consistent way.
Posted Apr 02, 2020Edit critic review
4/4
Crip Camp (2020) Pamela Powell "Crip Camp" hits all the right notes to give viewers understanding, empathy, compassion and entertainment.
Posted Mar 27, 2020Edit critic review
Phoenix, Oregon (2019) Pamela Powell The story is filled with rich characters in a small town, all of whom remind us of the importance of friendship and forgiveness.
Posted Mar 20, 2020Edit critic review
3/4
Onward (2020) Pamela Powell "Onward" is a beautifully animated and emotional film punctuating the importance of family, but with its pacing, it seems to miss out on fully accentuating that emotion as it focuses on the action.
Posted Mar 09, 2020Edit critic review
3/4
The Invisible Man (2020) Pamela Powell Each scene in "The Invisible Man" sets the right tone, building the foundation of tension block by block so that we the viewer have no choice but to jump in our seats as the madness unfolds.
Posted Mar 02, 2020Edit critic review
3/4
Downhill (2020) Pamela Powell The topic and subject matter paired with [Julia] Louis-Dreyfus' and [Will] Ferrell's performances are well worth spending the money to see this film.
Posted Feb 18, 2020Edit critic review
3.5/4
Horse Girl (2020) Pamela Powell Beautifully filmed with a story that captures your heart while finding a way to make you question the reality of what you're seeing, it's a film that shines a bright light on its subject matter and augmented by skillfully thoughtful acting.
Posted Feb 07, 2020Edit critic review
4/4
Just Mercy (2019) Pamela Powell The story itself is riveting, but it's the characters that bring the story about the death penalty to life.
Posted Jan 13, 2020Edit critic review
3/4
Uncut Gems (2019) Pamela Powell [Adam] Sandler brilliantly creates Ratner, pushing his own boundaries and exhausting us as we watch. He's crude. His language is as offensive as his actions, but there is a reality to him that is not only intriguing but engaging.
Posted Dec 30, 2019Edit critic review
4/4
The Farewell (2019) Pamela Powell You've probably never heard of Shuzhen Zhao who brings Nai Nai to life, but she will create a lasting memory in this role. She's spunky, smart, trusting, and above all, loving, exactly what the term "grandma" means.
Posted Dec 17, 2019Edit critic review
4/4
Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019) Pamela Powell Brittany Runs a Marathon is such an unexpected surprise of the year, blending the elements of comedy and heart together with utmost skill.
Posted Dec 12, 2019Edit critic review
4/4
Dark Waters (2019) Pamela Powell Dark Waters is a powerful, compelling and necessary story to tell as it has you on the edge of your seat, mesmerized by each and every scene.
Posted Dec 12, 2019Edit critic review
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