Plugged In Entertainment Reviews

What happens when you upload your soul to a virtual “heaven” before you die? The answers here aren’t always divine.

Do you have questions about how girls are holding up in this social media age?

After Hours boasts an innovative sound, but it remains the same story fueled by explicit depictions of sex

This classic man-and-dog adventure still has something to offer families looking for an old-fashioned, Disney-style escape. (PG)

Despite its feel-good messages about friendship and perseverance, The High Note still hits some low notes, too, as it glorifies an extravagant, excess-filled lifestyle—one filled with foul language, drinking, showy outfits and casual sex.

Have questions about your kids’ screen time in these Covid-19 days?

Dustin Lynch teams up with American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina in a nostalgic duet revisiting a long-lost love.

By Pixar’s own high standards, Onward is a bit of a disappointment. (PG)

Everyone’s favorite animated Marmaduke returns for an adventure with Shaggy and the Mystery, Inc. gang that’s packed with some surprisingly spooky plot twists. (PG)

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John K sings of all the ways he would be worse off if he hadn’t met the one he loves.

This big-screen take on Sega’s anthropomorphized cobalt cannonballer is mostly cute and cuddly. (PG)

More than a million people have witnessed Sight & Sound Theatres’ remarkable stage production JESUS. Now a filmed version of this winsome portrait of Jesus’ life is available to stream and buy. (NR)

Want some guidance with that new celebrity app called Cameo?

For former One Direction member Niall Horan, “no judgment” really means “no commitment.”

I Still Believe is a poignant portrait of faith and doubt, love and grief, heartbreak and hope. (PG)

Netflix’s latest teen romcom features a pretty standard-issue love triangle … and a not-so-standard-issue same-sex love interest. (PG-13)

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Khalid encourages a friend to turn to someone who can give the love they deserve.

For fans of this franchise, The Rise of Skywalker works: not necessarily logically, but emotionally. (PG-13)

This animated Netflix satire is equal parts delightful and disturbing as it paints a terrific picture of good parents and a grim picture of what might happen to bad ones. (PG)

Want a few pointers on handling kids with screens?

Sam Smith’s latest finds this British singer pining for someone worth living and dying for.

The promise of this witty, PG-rated period piece is briefly undermined by some surprising content. (PG)

Tigertail offers a thoughtful, emotional examination of how we’re all changed in small, incremental ways by the choices we make, and the choices we don’t make. (PG)

A bit of toilet humor and a whole lot of pint-size sass mar this otherwise fun, funny addition to the Netflix catalog.

How about some guidance on setting guidelines?

Allen and Cyrus look back at past wrongs made better because of new love.

Unlike the stereotypical Vietnam movie, The Last Full Measure brims with hope and meaning amid its story of sacrifice. (R)

Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake and Kelly Clarkson return for this rollicking Trolls sequel, which emphasizes accepting those who are different but which predictably indulges some toilet humor, too. (PG)

Ever heard of the Houseparty app? What should you know?

Finneas laments the loss of a friend and all the things he should have done.

Just Mercy is a beautiful example of the work, the courage and the faith it takes to push against the wrongs of this world. (PG-13)

Elephant is Disneynature's latest in a series of family-friendly documentaries. We meet an elephant named Jomo and his herd, who must all undertake a perilous journey to find water. (G)

The Letter for the King is reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. But that doesn’t mean that families should compare these two distinctly different stories.

What should we do about apps that connect to strangers?

Hunt’s having a hard time turning from a lost love and a bottle.

Director Greta Gerwig’s version of this classic faithfully gives fans more of what they adore from the beloved March sisters. (PG)

Most of us know about the famous French mime Marcel Marceau. But you may not know that he helped Jewish orphans evade the Nazis as they invaded France in 1938. Though painfully violent at times, Resistance tells Marceau’s powerful story. (R)

A favorite character of yesteryear gets a CW makeover. And the results are just a little scary.

What should we do about those ever-lengthening screen times?

The latest James Bond theme song steers away from profanity and graphic references, and it instead delves into more generalized themes of love and loss.

Is The Current War electrifying? No, not quite. But it’s got some nice star power. (PG-13)

This feel-good Disney+ streaming movie shows the influence of one person's self-confidence and positive outlook on life. (PG)

Ashley graduated from college when she was 9. Now she has to find her place in the world.

What should we do about those ever-lengthening screen times?

Rice visits familiar country music territory. But will families want to venture there?

For fans of this franchise, The Rise of Skywalker works: not necessarily logically, but emotionally. (PG-13)

This gritty retelling of Peter Pan feels aimed more at adults than children—a thoughtful, dreamlike meditation on the beauties of childhood and the more subtle joys (and fears) of parenthood. (PG-13)

This show, for all its mystery, isn’t captivating enough to keep you guessing, and its content will keep you ducking.