Greta Gerwig, through the lens of a massive IP tentpole, goes on a non-stop, pointed charm offensive. Strange, earnest, and quite delightful, Barbie takes a playful sledgehammer to gender, coming-of-age, and the very concept of a brand-driven movie. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling put forth superstar performances. Minor spoilers ahead…

Baffling title drama aside, Birds of Prey is a boisterous and colorful addition to the DCEU. More “DC” than “EU,” director Cathy Yan assembles a squad of DC Comics heroines in a rollicking, stand-alone adventure. While there’s not much substance to its story, Birds of Prey’s narrative shortcomings are outweighed by its confidence and bombastic action, including a pitch-perfect performance from Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. Minor spoilers ahead…

Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film, is a nostalgia-laden love letter to Hollywood during the Summer of Love. A project that feels deeply personal, the film dials down the director’s penchant for provocation and sensationalism, and instead delivers a mature snapshot of friendship, vintage Tinseltown, and a time that has escaped our grasp. Elevated by the powerful trio of Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and a radiant Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood is some of the best filmmaking that 2019 has to offer.