Susan Ellingburg

Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer

Celebrity-Filled Zoolander 2 Models Questionable Humor

A fun bit of fluff that skewers pop culture and the fashion industry in a celebrity-studded romp, Zoolander 2 is gloriously silly, but probably not...

February 10, 2016

Celebrity-Filled Zoolander 2 Models Questionable Humor

Michael Bay's 13 Hours Comes Through Despite Unpleasantries, Hard Truths

Feels a bit long, and isn't likely to engender any warm feelings about the U.S. government, but depicts sacrifices and actions that deserve to be...

January 14, 2016

Michael Bay's 13 Hours Comes Through Despite Unpleasantries, Hard Truths

As Christian Sports/Superhero Movie, The Masked Saint Impresses

If this is the direction Christian films are going, I'm all for it. The story is both uplifting and interesting and there's plenty of action.

January 08, 2016

As Christian Sports/Superhero Movie, The Masked Saint Impresses

Plenty of Family Fun on This Road Chip

There's more to this story than cute critters, catchy music and groan-worthy jokes. It touches on the fear of abandonment common to adopted...

December 17, 2015

Plenty of Family Fun on This Road Chip

Sisters: A Late-Blooming, Coming-of-Age Tale Drenched in Crude Sex

Underneath all the smut is a well-performed dramedy about a wildly dysfunctional family that somehow manages to learn how to function.

December 17, 2015

Sisters: A Late-Blooming, Coming-of-Age Tale Drenched in Crude Sex

Uneven Macbeth Retains a 'Certain Cultural Value'

It’s a moody piece and the design reflects that, full of fog and damp and the wild. But there are some pacing problems and Fassbender's title...

December 09, 2015

Uneven Macbeth Retains a 'Certain Cultural Value'

Hunger Games Finale: Fan-Satisfying Despite Unfortunate Timing

Fans of the books will be happy. But more casual viewers should be advised that this one lacks some of the colorful, over-the-top spectacle of...

November 19, 2015

Hunger Games Finale: Fan-Satisfying Despite Unfortunate Timing

Steely Suffragette Wins with Powerful Performances

Despite a meandering plot line, Suffragette features strong women played by strong actors, each one beautifully portrayed.

November 06, 2015

Steely Suffragette Wins with Powerful Performances

Goosebumps Has 'Safe Scares' for Kids & Adults Alike

Scary enough without being too scary, funny but not silly, a little gross but not disgusting, and just romantic enough for the pre-teen crowd.

October 14, 2015

Goosebumps Has 'Safe Scares' for Kids & Adults Alike

Vertigo-Inducing The Walk Nonetheless One of the Most Beautiful Films Ever

I expected impressive views and a bit of feeling queasy; what I did not expect was an enchanting story or a luminous portrayal of such a charming...

October 08, 2015

Vertigo-Inducing The Walk Nonetheless One of the Most Beautiful Films Ever

Oyelowo and Real, Gritty Faith Ensure This Christian Film Has a Captive Audience

Based on a real-life ordeal, this is a story of second chances, purpose, and hope, one that shows "faith as it works in real life…no sugar coating,...

September 17, 2015

Oyelowo and Real, Gritty Faith Ensure This Christian Film Has a Captive Audience

The Transporter Refueled is Fast, Fun, and Even Features a Few Lessons

The fashion is couture, the locations are exclusive, even the wine is expensive. This entry could keep the Transporter franchise driving for some...

September 03, 2015

The Transporter Refueled is Fast, Fun, and Even Features a Few Lessons

Fantastic Four Written by a Not-So-Fantastic Three

The film is surprisingly dull, achingly slow for a 100-minute run time, and suffers from conspicuous lack of humor. Pretty much the opposite of...

August 06, 2015

Fantastic Four Written by a Not-So-Fantastic Three

Best Mission Yet is One You Should Choose to Accept

It's so nice when a series gets better instead of worse. This installment is funny, fast-paced, clever, packed with amazing stunts and...

Best Mission Yet is One You Should Choose to Accept

McKellen Brilliant as Mr. Holmes in Quiet-but-Fascinating Character Study

A thoughtful, beautiful film that investigates one of the biggest mysteries of all: what connects humans to each other.

McKellen Brilliant as Mr. Holmes in Quiet-but-Fascinating Character Study

Self/less is Cinematic Escapism with Soul

Delivers an interesting plot, fair amount of action, and a handsome star in a twisty-turny, edge-of-your-seat story that requires more than a...

Self/less is Cinematic Escapism with Soul

Faith of Our Fathers a Fair Effort in a Genre New to Christian Films

Brings to life the tragic aspect of how children of war grow up not knowing parents who made such a valiant sacrifice. The emotional journey may be...

Faith of Our Fathers a Fair Effort in a Genre New to Christian Films

Inside Out a Literal Train Ride of Emotions in the Best Way Possible

So much to like here, but don't take my word for it. Go see it for yourself soon, kids optional.

Inside Out a Literal Train Ride of Emotions in the Best Way Possible

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