Returning director Andy Muschietti draws every ounce of stress out of every nail-biting sequence.

Picks itself up from a trash heap of clichés and ill-conceived casting to overcome its flawed foundation.

There’s just one major problem with the whole affair: it’s morbid.

Mixes high school romance and ho-hum heroics for a movie that’s still fun but leaves you wanting something better.

A summer feel-good romantic comedy that reminds you that love and music are essential to life every day.

Takes a stab at rebooting the horror franchise, but it misses the mark and only leaves flesh wounds in its feeble attempt.

The fourth installment of this venerable franchise returns with a surprisingly touching tale.

Comes off as lifeless and perfunctory despite two strong casting choices and a taste of the franchise’s comedy.

Feels like a stand-alone story with little connection to the franchise other than some of the actors/characters and a country that still doesn’t trust mutants.

Starts off with a dramatic opening scene that’s vintage Elton, but soon bogs down under the weight of an unmistakable identity crisis.

If you can stave off the initial boredom, the plot takes off like a rocket for the film’s second half.

Not only the satisfying conclusion to a two-movie story but also the perfect payoff to that 10-year journey on which moviegoers embarked.