Daily Journal (Kankakee, IL) - Rotten Tomatoes

Daily Journal (Kankakee, IL)

Daily Journal (Kankakee, IL) is not a Tomatometer-approved publication. Reviews from this publication only count toward the Tomatometer when written by the following Tomatometer-approved critic(s): Kiera Allen, Pamela Powell
Rating
Title/Year
Author
1
2.5/4
Glass (2019)

Pamela Powell

A fun, escapism film that doesn't always hit the right notes, but it does accomplish the goal of connecting "Split" with "Unbreakable" and setting up another sequel.
Posted Jan 18, 2019
2
4/4
On the Basis of Sex (2019)

Pamela Powell

A standout film with exceptional performances to re-create a time in history that determined the future of women not only today, but tomorrow as well.
Posted Jan 11, 2019
3
4/4
Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Pamela Powell

With brilliant performances from both Robbie and Ronan, as well as the supporting cast, we gain compassion and most importantly, understanding of these women and a time of great inequality and intolerance.
Posted Jan 4, 2019
4
1/4
Holmes and Watson (2018)

Pamela Powell

How could a movie with Ferrell and Reilly not work? These are two incredible actors, but these roles just don't suit them, try as they might. Their over-the-top antics never gel, appearing as if even they know it's not working.
Posted Jan 2, 2019
5
4/4
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Pamela Powell

The film is filled with catchy new tunes and remarkably choreographed dance numbers that would be just as pleasing to see in a live theater production as it is on the screen.
Posted Dec 21, 2018
6
Bird Box (2018)

Pamela Powell

A smart, nail-biting psychological horror film that works, thanks to a tight script, a talented cast and stunning cinematography.
Posted Dec 17, 2018
7
4/4
Roma (2018)

Pamela Powell

It's visually and auditorily captivating, pushing your emotional understanding to its limits.
Posted Dec 14, 2018
8
1.5/4
Robin Hood (2018)

Pamela Powell

The cast gives it their best, but with a script that slowly slips down the slope of silliness, there's not much an actor can do. All of the characters are one-dimensional cutouts of men and women in a dark and violent time.
Posted Nov 26, 2018
9
1.5/4
The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018)

Pamela Powell

In many films, you must suspend belief, but this film attempts to meld two worlds -- one of reality and one of absurdity -- and it just doesn't work.
Posted Nov 9, 2018
10
3.5/4
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

Pamela Powell

A magnificent reimagining of the classic Christmas tale filled with beauty and magic, but most importantly, it's a tale that gives strength, power and intelligence to the lead character, a girl, Clara.
Posted Nov 2, 2018
11
Halloween (2018)

Pamela Powell

So predictable and formulaic, caught up in the stereotypical slasher movie genre, that it becomes just another Halloween sequel, not capturing any of the sensory prelude to terror that Carpenter so perfectly parlayed.
Posted Oct 22, 2018
12
3.5/4
First Man (2018)

Pamela Powell

It is a spectacular feat in retelling history and the journey of getting to the moon. We learn of the men who paved that path, some by laying down their own lives to make it possible.
Posted Oct 15, 2018
13
Pick of the Litter (2018)

Pamela Powell

It's like watching a marathon filled with elite athletes as we root for each of them, cheering and being surprised as their strengths and weaknesses change over the course of months.
Posted Oct 5, 2018
14
To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

Kiera Allen

This movie is witty, funny, heartwarming and will make even the nonbelievers of true love, or at least romance, into converts.
Posted Sep 21, 2018
15
3.5/4
Operation Finale (2018)

Pamela Powell

While there are some issues with pacing and editing as well as Isaac's performance, Operation Finale is an important part of history that should not be forgotten.
Posted Sep 21, 2018
16
4/4
The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)

Pamela Powell

Black's comedic timing and acting makes him a perfect fit for portraying the outlandishly peculiar uncle. Blanchett's poise and grace, paired with her adept and nuanced acting, bring what could have been a dull character to technicolor life.
Posted Sep 21, 2018
17
2.5/4
The Happytime Murders (2018)

Pamela Powell

Is it great cinema that we will hear about during Oscar season? Absolutely not. Is it fun, embarrassingly so? Yes. It pushes the envelope and a few buttons, but that's exactly what it promised to do..
Posted Aug 30, 2018
18
#Realityhigh (2017)

Kiera Allen

The writing in this film is seamlessly funny with quippy sarcasm, but it's also heartfelt when dealing with the sensitivity of teenagers going through all of the motions of a high school setting.
Posted Aug 26, 2018
19
El Camino Christmas (2017)

Kiera Allen

No carols are sung. No Santa is seen, and the decorations are few and far in-between. This is more of an anti-Christmas, anti-feel-good flick, but it's one you might want to watch more than once.
Posted Aug 26, 2018
20
The Babysitter (2017)

Kiera Allen

The Babysitter has meticulously placed laughs (and music) when needed, but the standout laughs come from Andrew Bachelor (who plays John), better known as King Bach from his laugh-inducing, viral Vine videos.
Posted Aug 26, 2018
21
Little Evil (2017)

Kiera Allen

Scott brings plenty of humor to the classic role of a seriously concerned stepdad. But it is once he actually starts pursuing the idea that Lucas actually might be the Antichrist that things get even funnier.
Posted Aug 26, 2018
22
When We First Met (2018)

Kiera Allen

What's refreshing about When We First Met is that it comes with twists and heartfelt surprises.
Posted Aug 26, 2018
23
6 Balloons (2018)

Kiera Allen

Jacobson does a fantastic job portraying someone who's at the end of her rope while still feeling like she has to do more.
Posted Aug 26, 2018
24
Extinction (2018)

Kiera Allen

Extinction is sure to thrill, shock, surprise and impress -- if you're a science-fiction fan.
Posted Aug 26, 2018
25
Bright (2017)

Kiera Allen

This movie has heart, promise from the very beginning, well-delivered dialogue and stellar, emotional performances from Smith and Edgerton, with laugh-out-loud lines thrown in for sometimes-needed comic relief.
Posted Aug 26, 2018
26
1922 (2017)

Kiera Allen

It's what comes after that killing that leads into 70 additional minutes of horror and misfortune for the James family.
Posted Aug 25, 2018
27
Black Panther (2018)

Kiera Allen

Longtime fans, newcomers and moviegoers alike will find this film emotional, mesmerizing and refreshing yet familiar. It'll quickly become the new movie you'll want to watch again and again.
Posted Aug 25, 2018
28
Win It All (2017)

Kiera Allen

Jake Johnson brings a type of charisma and serious humor that's no different than his past roles in New Girl and Drinking Buddies. His way of acting really helps to tell a very real story of a man on a downward spiral.
Posted Aug 24, 2018
29
Set It Up (2018)

Kiera Allen

At a run-time of an hour and forty-five minutes, the fast pace of the film never drops as the momentum is held by the energetic spirits of both Powell and Deutch.
Posted Aug 24, 2018
30
2.5/4
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Pamela Powell

The elements that create interest such as cultural differences, familial secrets and obligations, the love of a mother and her child and, of course, romance, strongly shine through.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
31
4/4
BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Pamela Powell

In my opinion, it's one of Lee's best films to date, appealing to all audiences who want a great story.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
32
3/4
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

Pamela Powell

"The Spy Who Dumped Me" is great fun while it provides fans of this genre the intense action that is expected.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
33
3.5/4
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

Pamela Powell

While the story is simply ludicrous, the sensational camera work and action more than make up for it.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
34
3.5/4
Unfriended: Dark Web (2018)

Pamela Powell

Be warned. This is a disturbing film, and it's not for everyone.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
35
2/4
Skyscraper (2018)

Pamela Powell

"Skyscraper" isn't going to be remembered a year from now, and Johnson will not be the next "Die Hard's" John McClane.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
36
4/4
First Reformed (2018)

Pamela Powell

This is Hawke's best performance to date and a film that is at the top of my list of the year.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
37
3.5/4
Ocean's 8 (2018)

Pamela Powell

It's a fast-paced, comedic, heist film that balances out the gender scales for everyone to enjoy.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
38
3.5/4
Book Club (2018)

Pamela Powell

The film captures an element of female friendship that perhaps most films typically don't.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
39
3/4
A Quiet Place (2018)

Pamela Powell

In "A Quiet Place," Krasinski demonstrates he can make us care and our hearts race.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
40
4/4
Ready Player One (2018)

Pamela Powell

Creating escapism is what Spielberg is all about, and he nails it with "Ready Player One."
Posted Aug 22, 2018
41
3.5/4
A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

Pamela Powell

It's refreshing to see a young girl lead and a predominantly female cast made up of many different ethnicities, making this a magical movie with an uplifting message.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
42
4/4
The Shape of Water (2017)

Pamela Powell

As an actress who utters not a single word, Hawkins give a profound performance, creating a breathtaking understanding of her longing to be loved.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
43
4/4
I, Tonya (2018)

Pamela Powell

It's really a rather sad tale, but Rogers' script and the editing make this biopic surprisingly hilarious. Still it does not demean the brutality and cyclical effects of abuse.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
44
2/4
12 Strong (2018)

Pamela Powell

While it does attempt to look into the disturbing treatment of women and children in war, the constant bombardment of air strikes and bombing doesn't give us enough of a storyline.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
45
4/4
All the Money in the World (2017)

Pamela Powell

This could very well be the best film Scott has directed.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
46
2.5/4
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Pamela Powell

If you're a fan, you're going to appreciate the story continuing (on and on). If you're into makeup and CGI, you'll appreciate every minute of it.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
47
4/4
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

Pamela Powell

The film brings us into small-town living, and dying, and all the difficulties in between.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
48
2.5/4
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Pamela Powell

Sadly, although the film has all the markings of a great sequel, it lacks any passion or sentiment for most of the story.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
49
2.5/4
Friend Request (2017)

Pamela Powell

Just in time for Halloween, this up-to-date horror film might make you think twice before you "friend" someone you don't know. And that's not a bad lesson to learn.
Posted Aug 22, 2018
50
4/4
Wind River (2017)

Pamela Powell

Standout performances and excellence in direction, writing and cinematography create one of the best films of 2017.
Posted Aug 22, 2018