Susan Ellingburg

Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer

This Spider-Man is More of a Puppy... and That's Super Endearing

Funny, relatable and bursting with action and adventure, this Avenger-in-training saga balances superhero skills with high school drama and brings...

This Spider-Man is More of a Puppy... and That's Super Endearing

Transformers Series Should Learn to Transform (and Trim)

Too long and too confusing. But on the plus side, there's plenty of action, plucky characters, and the fate of the world hanging in the balance....

Transformers Series Should Learn to Transform (and Trim)

Hangover with a Heart? Rough Night is Raw, Rowdy, Relational

"Underneath this wild, R-rated comedy," says star Scarlett Johansson, "is a movie with a very warm heart about friendship." True, but that sweet...

Hangover with a Heart? Rough Night is Raw, Rowdy, Relational

The Mummy Cruises into Mediocrity

They probably should have left this one in the crypt. Despite the mummy of the title—plus zombies, a mysterious top-secret agency, and mayhem on...

The Mummy Cruises into Mediocrity

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Less Fun Than a Family Road Trip

This over-the-top-stupid installment in the Wimpy Kid saga lacks any of the fleeting charm of earlier films. If watching a self-centered, clueless...

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Less Fun Than a Family Road Trip

Everything, Everything May Not Have it All, but It's Got Sweetness

A sweet bit of romantic fluff. It's The Boy in the Bubble meets The Fault in Our Stars, but our young sweethearts are adorable in a wholesome kind...

Everything, Everything May Not Have it All, but It's Got Sweetness

Guardians Vol. 2 a Satisfying Mix(tape) of Everything Good

Prepare to be entertained: Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and his motley crew are back to save the galaxy (again) in this lighthearted romp through...

Guardians Vol. 2 a Satisfying Mix(tape) of Everything Good

We've Been Gifted with an Uplifting, Intelligent Family Drama

Heartwarming, sassy, and funny, Gifted has it all: Family drama, a cute kid, tough life questions, even a one-eyed cat. It's a story about...

We've Been Gifted with an Uplifting, Intelligent Family Drama

Ghost in the Shell Feels Hollow Inside

In a futuristic world where humans can be "enhanced" and nothing is quite what it seems, Major (Scarlett Johansson) is a "miracle"—a human brain in...

Ghost in the Shell Feels Hollow Inside

Beauty and the Beast More Enchanted Than Accursed

A delightful live-action retelling of a much-loved story, Beauty and the Beast looks like a picturebook come to life with music and dancing. Yes,...

Beauty and the Beast More Enchanted Than Accursed

No Need to Get Side-Swiped by Collide

I imagine the pitch meeting for Collide went something like: “We’ll crash as many cars as possible in 90 minutes, hire a couple of great actors to...

February 23, 2017

No Need to Get Side-Swiped by Collide

Gold is a Raucous, Raunchy Ride

A rollercoaster story about greed, friendship, betrayal and a man willing to risk everything to live up to his father's legacy. Filled with...

January 26, 2017

Gold is a Raucous, Raunchy Ride

The Founder Serves Up Super-Sized Dreams & Disappointments

The story of how Ray Kroc took a small walk-up hamburger stand and turned it into the McDonald's we know is fascinating. Keaton’s performance is...

January 18, 2017

The Founder Serves Up Super-Sized Dreams & Disappointments

Monster Trucks Might Please Your Littles

Monster Trucks is goofy, family-friendly monster movie that manages to be mildly charming despite its flaws. While it’s hardly E.T. for this...

January 12, 2017

Monster Trucks Might Please Your Littles

Patriots Day Heavy on Heroism, Harsh Language

A gripping, real-life story where terrorists attack, the good guys win, and one feels proud to be an American. Patriots Day is a gritty, intense,...

January 12, 2017

Patriots Day Heavy on Heroism, Harsh Language

A Monster Calls Could Use Some Light and a Lighter Touch

A grim (not Grimm) tale about a boy who has to learn to face the truth. The beautiful artwork comes alive and there's a solid moral, but that can't...

January 04, 2017

A Monster Calls Could Use Some Light and a Lighter Touch

Surmount Any Obstacles to See Denzel & Davis in Fences

Not an easy film to watch, but absolutely worth it. Both Denzel Washington and Viola Davis give Oscar-worthy performances as a couple who struggle...

December 20, 2016

Surmount Any Obstacles to See Denzel & Davis in Fences

Thanks to Pratt, Passengers Has Universal Appeal

A sci-fi action/thriller where the drama comes from humans rather than special effects. A fun, entertaining, thoughtful movie that will make you...

December 20, 2016

Thanks to Pratt, Passengers Has Universal Appeal

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