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Linda and Al Lerner

Tomatometer-approved critic
Biography:

Linda and Al Lerner are members of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle (CIFCC) and the Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC). They have been reviewing film and covering film festivals for more than a decade. Al is a member of SAG/AFTRA. He was Sports Anchor/Feature reporter (ABC?s WLS-TV News-Chicago and radio personality/talk show host at WGN Radio, then syndicated on the USA Radio Network interviewing high profile entertainment, sports newsmakers to authors and politicians. Linda was Assignment Editor/Writer/Producer at CBS? WBBM-TV News (Chicago) and KNBC-TV news in LA. She wrote and produced movie and music features covering junkets for the Radio Network (60 stations nationwide) and Supervising Producer of a children?s musical special for PBS that won 3 Emmys.

Publications:

Reviews

Movies TV Shows
The Testament of Ann Lee (2025) 87% EDIT “Mona Fastvold directs Seyfried and Pullman to difficult but dedicated performances in an historical film about an egalitarian sect, largely extinct, we knew little about. The musical production is impressive, but scenes of violence may make you turn away.” – Movies and Shakers Jan 22, 2026 Full Review No Other Choice (2025) 97% EDIT “The South Korean master director finds the line between uproarious, often slapstick, satirical comedy and the cruel, hopeless, bleak future for powerless workers crushed by capitalism in this engaging and provocative film.” – Movies and Shakers Jan 22, 2026 Full Review Weapons (2025) 93% EDIT “Cregger’s film takes a disgustingly grisley turn with demented Aunt Gladys having fun casting horrific evil while everyone’s trying to find the kids. Garner, Brolin, but particularly Amy Madigan, weaponize their talent to keep you guessing to the end. ” – Movies and Shakers Jan 8, 2026 Full Review Song Sung Blue (2025) 78% EDIT “Brewer puts Jackman and Hudson on tap making music together in a dramatic story. Sappy at times about a talented couple we might never have known. But Lightning and Thunder had a moment in the sun in tribute to Neil Diamond. Touching me, Touching you. ” – Movies and Shakers Dec 31, 2025 Full Review Anaconda (2025) 48% EDIT “Jack Black and Paul Rudd play well together. Thandie Newton is the voice of reason and Van Zandt is outrageous. This film is a nice diversion with silly situations based on a sentimental movie loved as kids. Anaconda squeezes out some big laughs. ” – Movies and Shakers Dec 25, 2025 Full Review Is This Thing On? (2025) 86% EDIT “Arnett gives a polished performance in Director Cooper's film. There are not a lot of big laughs, but they fill the bill with grins and knowing nods about life and family with engaging discourse, on stage and off. Yes! This is definitely on.” – Movies and Shakers Dec 25, 2025 Full Review Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) 66% EDIT “This is a bloated plot with repetitious scenes, dialogue and confrontations, so temper your expectations for another profound, transformative encounter with the Na’vi. Fire and Ash is somewhat underwhelming, but it won’t crash and burn. ” – Movies and Shakers Dec 19, 2025 Full Review The Housemaid (2025) 73% EDIT “We kind of groaned, joining in some derisive chuckles from the audience in the hour-long run-up getting to the climactic gory scenes horror fans may relish. But Feig, Seyfried, Sweeney and Sklenar do keep you interested to see where it’s going.” – Movies and Shakers Dec 19, 2025 Full Review Marty Supreme (2025) 93% EDIT “The film is just too long, but Safie pulls it off. Chalamet proves he can transform into any character he commits to. He goes above and beyond with attitude to burn. By the end you may be rooting for Marty, like us, against your better judgement. ” – Movies and Shakers Dec 12, 2025 Full Review Zootopia 2 (2025) 91% EDIT “Bush creates so many colorful animal characters voiced by favorites in a vast cast led by Goodwin and Bateman. The vivid animation fills the screen with saturated colors to see in every part of the frame with sly references to other movies and genres. ” – Movies and Shakers Dec 8, 2025 Full Review Train Dreams (2025) 95% EDIT “Bentley structures the film as a biopic of this undistinguished man who deeply touches us. Splendidly shot and so well portrayed by Edgerton, this film is bursting with basic goodness and dignity. It is a scenic and touching ode to humanity.” – Movies and Shakers Dec 4, 2025 Full Review Hamnet (2025) 86% EDIT “Buckley gives a raging performance that sets her apart. Mescal is equally strong and passionate as Will. Zhao’s poignant film of love and grief triggers deep emotions. Many tears were shed at our screening. Bring tissues. ” – Movies and Shakers Dec 1, 2025 Full Review Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) 92% EDIT “Josh O’Connor wears his collar well in this film working with the famous Craig as Benoit Blanc in this Knives Out Mystery. Just know, it’s impossible to fall asleep watching Wake Up Dead Man.” – Movies and Shakers Nov 27, 2025 Full Review Rental Family (2025) 87% EDIT “Fraser is pleasant, quiet and controlled in this sweet, heartfelt film. Hikari’s film offers food for thought for a practical way to resolve the need for human connection. We think Rental Family deserves a long term lease.” – Movies and Shakers Nov 25, 2025 Full Review Wicked: For Good (2025) 66% EDIT “This passion project from the director shows off 5 years of dedication to boundless imagination, creativity and striking quality filmmaking with unbridled talent from Erivo and Grande. John M. Chu proves he’s the real Wizard.” – Movies and Shakers Nov 21, 2025 Full Review Jay Kelly (2025) 75% EDIT “Clooney gets to kind of make fun of himself and his craft, while Baumbach gets Sandler out of shorts and Hawaiian shirts, showing his talent in another serious role. Clooney plays the star in Jay Kelly, but in this film, Sandler is a scene stealer.” – Movies and Shakers Nov 20, 2025 Full Review The Running Man (2025) 62% EDIT “Powell does ridiculously difficult stunts leaving no way out, but Ben keeps right on ticking. After awhile, it gets a little tiresome, but somehow, Wright, with Glen Powell’s good looks and boundless energy, this Running Man gets enough traction. ” – Movies and Shakers Nov 14, 2025 Full Review Christy (2025) 67% EDIT “Michôd details Christy’s dedication working hard for success and survival, overcoming professional and spousal abuse. Impressive hard fought boxing cinema, but hoped for more inspiration for women to fight back. In the end, Christy pulls her punch. ” – Movies and Shakers Nov 5, 2025 Full Review Bugonia (2025) 88% EDIT “Lanthimos wields uncomfortable tension, while Stone, Plemons and newcomer Aidan Delbis bring bizarre, convincing performances that may make you wince looking up in space tonight. Could something, or someone, be looking back at us? ” – Movies and Shakers Nov 3, 2025 Full Review Frankenstein (2025) 85% EDIT “After the 1931 classic Frankenstein by James Whale some questioned the need for an update. But we suggest you see Guillermo del Toro’s monstrous childhood dream in this massive and captivating re-imagining brought, part by part, back to life. ” – Movies and Shakers Nov 3, 2025 Full Review Good Fortune (2025) 78% EDIT “It’s more hit than miss. Comedian, actor and writer Aziz Ansari steps behind the camera to direct and star in his first feature. Of course having an ensemble that includes Seth Rogen and Keanu Reeves doesn’t hurt one bit. ” – Movies and Shakers Oct 18, 2025 Full Review After the Hunt (2025) 37% EDIT “Good seeing Julia Roberts back on the big screen. But hard to watch the insecurities she, Garfield and Edebiri display in this #MeToo drama. Their significant performances fulfill Guadagnino’s mission; to make you, too, feel uncomfortable. ” – Movies and Shakers Oct 18, 2025 Full Review Roofman (2025) 87% EDIT “Channing Tatum does a more than credible job tackling the taxing physical, as well as the heartfelt emotional roller coaster and hilarious situations Jeffrey created making poor choices. You can make the fun choice to play in Cianfrance’s toy store.” – Movies and Shakers Oct 10, 2025 Full Review Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025) 77% EDIT “Director Condon, JLo, Luna and breakout talent Tonatiuh show the worst and best of humanity, acceptance and love with emotionally charged music and dance. So pucker up for this new Kiss of the Spider Woman.” – Movies and Shakers Oct 10, 2025 Full Review The Lost Bus (2025) 88% EDIT “Greengrass makes you feel feet to the fire with McConaughey and Ferrera in this taut drama. They play off each other well as strangers on a life threatening mission, learning as they go. We found this lost bus, in Paradise, could really bring the heat.” – Movies and Shakers Oct 7, 2025 Full Review
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