John Hanlon
Tomatometer-approved critic
John Hanlon is a freelance movie and entertainment critic based in the Washington D.C. area. Hanlon writes movie reviews for Big Hollywood and conducts celebrity interviews for the blog Backstage Pass. Hanlon has discussed films on the radio on The Dennis Miller Show and The Hugh Hewitt Show. All of his reviews and interviews can be found on his personal site at JohnHanlonReviews.com.
Movies reviews only
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American Underdog (2021) |
This inspiring drama about Kurt Warner delivers an insightful look into a man who never gave up on his dreams and showed the world what true decency looks like. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Dec 22, 2021
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Finding You (2020) |
A satisfying and kind-hearted romantic drama. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted May 14, 2021
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A Star Is Born (2018) |
This film takes its well-known story and its well-known actors and shows us something completely fresh and surprising - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) |
A lovely escapist adventure that is magnificently brought to life by incredible production design. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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The Front Runner (2018) |
This feature is so focused on the big picture of what this scandal means that it oftentimes neglects its unique characters. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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The Nun (2018) |
A solid addition to this long-running series. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Smallfoot (2018) |
With some great songs and a few moments of levity, this animated film is a colorful delight. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Operation Finale (2018) |
There are some stumbles in the feature's first half (more editing could've helped) but the latter half makes up for those weaknesses. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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The Wife (2017) |
A beautiful character study anchored by a tremendous lead performance by Glenn Close. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018) |
Unlike some of the bigger Marvel movies, this one succeeds by going small (pardon the pun) and focusing on one unique family. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) |
Featuring tremendous action sequences, smart dialogue and emotional depth, this installment is one of the best action movies of the year. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Skyscraper (2018) |
There's a lot of fun to be had in this big-budget action thriller that never takes itself too seriously. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Dog Days (2018) |
The gentle and kind-hearted message that this family feature offers viewers is something that we could all use in our lives - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) |
Fans of this series might find something to like here (I did) but others should steer clear. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Ocean's 8 (2018) |
Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter steal the show in this fun escapist drama. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Adrift (2018) |
The romantic elements work well enough but some of the emotional moments ring false. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) |
It's fun and satisfying but it never reaches the heights it's aiming for. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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RBG (2018) |
A personal and detailed look at the life and loves of this unforgettable Supreme Court justice. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Avengers: Infinity War (2018) |
The emotional stakes are raised in this exciting Marvel entry, which manages to balance all of its storylines remarkably well. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018) |
There are moments here that the film hints that it could be more than standard fare but it never truly delivers on that. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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Chappaquiddick (2017) |
A painfully realistic portrait of a tragedy that is too often viewed through a political prism. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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I Feel Pretty (2018) |
The cast and the writers do enough with the premise to earn a few laughs while also delivering an uplifting message. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2018
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A Quiet Place (2018) |
This unique horror film offers an emotional resonance that makes it truly stand out. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 24, 2018
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Pacific Rim Uprising (2018) |
A lackluster follow-up that offers a lot of special effects but little character development. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 24, 2018
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Ready Player One (2018) |
Pop culture fans will find something to love in this fun thrill ride. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 24, 2018
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Tomb Raider (2018) |
A disappointing plot and a familiar third act prevent this remake from reaching its full potential. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 24, 2018
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A Wrinkle in Time (2018) |
Despite its flaws, the film offers a noteworthy message and some great visual effects that should captivate the audience. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 20, 2018
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Death Wish (2018) |
This remake is superficially interested in its characters and the debate of vigilante justice versus the justice system but it's never willing to explore either in any depth. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 20, 2018
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Black Panther (2018) |
An exciting and refreshing superhero movie that stands out as one of the year's best films. - Big Hollywood
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| Posted Nov 20, 2018
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Game Night (2018) |
A delightful comedy that offers some great comedic bits and a few wonderful surprises. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 20, 2018
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The 15:17 to Paris (2018) |
A straightforward drama, this film works well enough for what it is but it could've been much better. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 20, 2018
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Hostiles (2017) |
Morally provocative and thoughtful, this Western offers a few standout performances (including a great supporting turn by Rosamund Pike). - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 19, 2018
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Forever My Girl (2018) |
Despite a familiar story, this romantic drama has its charms. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 19, 2018
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12 Strong (2018) |
A commendable exploration of heroism in the post 9/11 world. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 19, 2018
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Justice League (2017) |
These great characters deserved much better than this. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 19, 2018
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Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) |
Director Rian Johnson takes some major risks here. Some of them work well while other choices contribute to the film's uneven tone. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 19, 2018
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Thor: Ragnarok (2017) |
Funnier and more colorful than its predecessors, this feature showcases a different side of the title character. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 19, 2018
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The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017) |
By focusing on Charles Dickens himself, the filmmakers find a fitting new way to bring a well-known story to the big screen. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 19, 2018
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Only the Brave (2017) |
Focusing on character more than special effects, this drama stands out. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 19, 2018
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Thunder Road (2018) |
It's a testament to the filmmakers here that they manage to maintain a superb balance of comedy and tragedy in this original tale. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Oct 12, 2018
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Wonder Woman (2017) |
[Gal] Gadot is particularly memorable as the lead character here. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Jan 11, 2018
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Rules Don't Apply (2016) |
Director Warren Beatty tries to do too much in this nostalgic drama and the plot suffers because of it. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 13, 2017
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Split (2016) |
A smart thriller that is more interested in provocative ideas than it is in simply scaring the audience. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Nov 03, 2017
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American Made (2017) |
Tom Cruise seems to be having a great time playing this real-life figure but the film never goes beyond the superficial elements of this man's life. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Oct 31, 2017
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It (2017) |
This wonderfully dark story offers a mix of solid laughs and great scares and really brings this Stephen King novel to life. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Oct 31, 2017
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Home Again (2017) |
This romantic comedy plays it safe too often to really stand out in this genre. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Oct 31, 2017
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Annabelle: Creation (2017) |
A well-crafted horror film that relies on tension and suspense, rather than simple scares. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Oct 31, 2017
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Kidnap (2017) |
A fast-paced and satisfying thriller that works (despite its numerous flaws) because of Halle Berry's strong lead performance. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Oct 31, 2017
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Atomic Blonde (2017) |
Although the plot is underwhelming, the action sequences really stand out with Theron leading the way with a commanding performance. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Oct 31, 2017
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Dunkirk (2017) |
Christopher Nolan's direction and Han Zimmer's music combine to make this war film an unforgettable cinematic experience. - John Hanlon Reviews
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| Posted Oct 31, 2017
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