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
3.5/4 Come Play (2020) Pamela Powell Come Play is a smart horror film capitalizing on the familiar while making a few pointed jabs at our social dependency on electronics and the dangers within. EDIT
Posted Oct 29, 2020
3.5/4 Antebellum (2020) Pamela Powell Antebellum is a film that keeps your eyes glued, your attention rapt and your heart pounding until that final moment that makes everything crystal clear. EDIT
Posted Sep 24, 2020
3/4 Mulan (2020) Pamela Powell Mulan is a cinematically stunning, live-action remake that accentuates action over heart, but the message it conveys, one of female strength and ingenuity as well as value, cannot be overlooked. EDIT
Posted Sep 3, 2020
4/5 Red Penguins (2019) Pamela Powell Polsky's storytelling skills give audiences high entertainment value, and he also gives us an education about Russian culture. EDIT
Posted Aug 13, 2020
4/4 Most Wanted (2020) Pamela Powell It's a compelling, complex and captivating mystery thriller that makes use of all of the two-plus hour runtime that will be at the top of my 2020 film list. EDIT
Posted Aug 5, 2020
3/4 Fisherman's Friends (2019) Pamela Powell If you're looking for a feel good, sweet romantic comedy that is based upon a true story, then look no further. EDIT
Posted Jul 24, 2020
4/4 The Short History of the Long Road (2019) Pamela Powell Creating an environment that adequately expresses all of this could be a daunting process for any filmmaker, but writer/director Ani Simon-Kennedy expertly takes us on this adventure... EDIT
Posted Jul 2, 2020
4/4 Irresistible (2020) Pamela Powell Stewart brilliantly weaves together a succinct story the unveils what drives the political machine no matter where you live and which party you most readily identify. EDIT
Posted Jul 2, 2020
4/4 Sometimes Always Never (2018) Pamela Powell ... an example of filmmaking at its finest as it tackles a difficult topic but finds elements of humor to carry the emotional load. EDIT
Posted Jun 11, 2020
Working Man (2019) Pamela Powell A topical film with evocative performances reminding us of the importance of having a purpose in life and compassion for others. EDIT
Posted Jun 5, 2020
3/4 Military Wives (2019) Pamela Powell The music is quite catchy as the group prepares for its final competition, but at the heart of this is the need for friendship and support, especially during times of uncertainty and a little distraction can be important, too. EDIT
Posted May 29, 2020
2.5/4 Inheritance (2020) Pamela Powell Pegg's performance elevates the film as he creates a character with whom we vacillate, eliciting a myriad of emotions for this character. EDIT
Posted May 28, 2020
3.5/4 The High Note (2020) Pamela Powell On the surface, this is a fun-filled movie with great music and a predictable storyline, but it is so much more as it tackles ageism, racism, and gender issues with an incredible soundtrack! EDIT
Posted May 28, 2020
() Pamela Powell Whether filming himself or having a friend document his progress, we feel we are walking or perhaps running in Jeffrey's shoes. EDIT
Posted May 11, 2020
4/4 The Half of It (2020) Pamela Powell Filled with awkwardly comedic situations, layered dramatic elements and a cast that gives us a reason to care, [Alice] Wu's film comes to life. EDIT
Posted May 4, 2020
4/4 Ride Like a Girl (2019) Pamela Powell When you combine a heartfelt, true story with underplayed and authentic performances and incredible cinematography, your heart will race as fast as the horses. EDIT
Posted Apr 27, 2020
2/4 Selah and the Spades (2019) Pamela Powell The artistry in this film is an element that frequently overshadows the story and performances as it pulls you into this surreal world. EDIT
Posted Apr 16, 2020
3.5/4 The Lost Husband (2020) Pamela Powell [Leslie] Bibb and [Josh] Duhamel elevate their love story by never overplaying their roles. EDIT
Posted Apr 13, 2020
3.5/4 Trolls World Tour (2020) Pamela Powell "Trolls World Tour" is a spirited and lively animated feature that delivers exactly what its precursor "Trolls" did - fun music that gets your toes a-tappin', brilliantly rich animation and positive life lessons. EDIT
Posted Apr 13, 2020
1.5/4 Coffee & Kareem (2020) Pamela Powell Raunchy comedies can be a lot of fun, and this one certainly had potential given the talent involved, but it just couldn't deliver in a consistent way. EDIT
Posted Apr 2, 2020
4/4 Crip Camp (2020) Pamela Powell "Crip Camp" hits all the right notes to give viewers understanding, empathy, compassion and entertainment. EDIT
Posted Mar 27, 2020
Phoenix, Oregon (2019) Pamela Powell The story is filled with rich characters in a small town, all of whom remind us of the importance of friendship and forgiveness. EDIT
Posted Mar 20, 2020
3/4 Onward (2020) Pamela Powell "Onward" is a beautifully animated and emotional film punctuating the importance of family, but with its pacing, it seems to miss out on fully accentuating that emotion as it focuses on the action. EDIT
Posted Mar 9, 2020
3/4 The Invisible Man (2020) Pamela Powell Each scene in "The Invisible Man" sets the right tone, building the foundation of tension block by block so that we the viewer have no choice but to jump in our seats as the madness unfolds. EDIT
Posted Mar 2, 2020
3/4 Downhill (2020) Pamela Powell The topic and subject matter paired with [Julia] Louis-Dreyfus' and [Will] Ferrell's performances are well worth spending the money to see this film. EDIT
Posted Feb 18, 2020
3.5/4 Horse Girl (2020) Pamela Powell Beautifully filmed with a story that captures your heart while finding a way to make you question the reality of what you're seeing, it's a film that shines a bright light on its subject matter and augmented by skillfully thoughtful acting. EDIT
Posted Feb 7, 2020
4/4 Just Mercy (2019) Pamela Powell The story itself is riveting, but it's the characters that bring the story about the death penalty to life. EDIT
Posted Jan 13, 2020
3/4 Uncut Gems (2019) Pamela Powell [Adam] Sandler brilliantly creates Ratner, pushing his own boundaries and exhausting us as we watch. He's crude. His language is as offensive as his actions, but there is a reality to him that is not only intriguing but engaging. EDIT
Posted Dec 30, 2019
4/4 The Farewell (2019) Pamela Powell You've probably never heard of Shuzhen Zhao who brings Nai Nai to life, but she will create a lasting memory in this role. She's spunky, smart, trusting, and above all, loving, exactly what the term "grandma" means. EDIT
Posted Dec 17, 2019
4/4 Dark Waters (2019) Pamela Powell Dark Waters is a powerful, compelling and necessary story to tell as it has you on the edge of your seat, mesmerized by each and every scene. EDIT
Posted Dec 12, 2019
4/4 Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019) Pamela Powell Brittany Runs a Marathon is such an unexpected surprise of the year, blending the elements of comedy and heart together with utmost skill. EDIT
Posted Dec 12, 2019
3.5/4 Midway (2019) Pamela Powell Midway is a film to give a new generation an important lesson in history; one that feels alive and one that will connect you with the heroes from The Battle of Midway. EDIT
Posted Dec 12, 2019
3/4 Last Christmas (2019) Pamela Powell Last Christmas breaks through the mold of typical romantic comedies with a dramatic edge allowing you to forgive its sluggish pace in the middle of the story. EDIT
Posted Dec 12, 2019
2.5/4 Frozen II (2019) Pamela Powell Frozen II may not deliver the same love and energy of the first film, but with extraordinary animation, positive messages, and our beloved Olaf, it's still a film for Frozen fans to see. EDIT
Posted Dec 12, 2019
4/4 Ford v Ferrari (2019) Pamela Powell Ford v Ferrari is so much more than just a car racing movie. It's a poetic and emotional story of friendship, love, and family. EDIT
Posted Nov 15, 2019
1/4 The Goldfinch (2019) Pamela Powell The Goldfinch bites off more than it can chew as it spins in circles uncertain as to what direction to take. EDIT
Posted Sep 13, 2019
Alternate Endings: Six New Ways To Die In America (2019) Pamela Powell Alternate Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America is filled with love, heart, and information that can help you see death and your own final farewell in a new light. EDIT
Posted Aug 29, 2019
1/4 Blinded by the Light (2019) Pamela Powell Perhaps if Yesterday had not preceded the release of Blinded by the Light, my expectations wouldn't have been so high, but this film truly disappoints. EDIT
Posted Aug 23, 2019
4/4 Where'd You Go, Bernadette (2019) Pamela Powell Where'd You Go, Bernadette is an unusual drama filled with comedy that highlights the emotions that mother experiences. EDIT
Posted Aug 19, 2019
3/4 Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) Pamela Powell Overall, Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a vibrant, fun film that will delight youngsters as they learn great information about a unique part of the world, solve problems, and root for the kids to prevail. EDIT
Posted Aug 9, 2019
1.5/4 Stuber (2019) Pamela Powell Stuber is just another summer casualty. EDIT
Posted Jul 15, 2019
2/4 Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) Pamela Powell "Spider-Man: Far From Home," even with its charming subplot of teen love and angst, is just another super hero movie in a world where I need Captain No More to save me from seeing another film in this genre. EDIT
Posted Jul 5, 2019
3/4 Annabelle Comes Home (2019) Pamela Powell Gary Dauberman nimbly co-writes and directs this textbook creepy cinematic creation that will certainly fuel the fires of fear of inanimate plastic dolls. EDIT
Posted Jun 28, 2019
4/4 Toy Story 4 (2019) Pamela Powell The gang's all there, immediately reminding viewers why Pixar stands out above other animated features, stirring the emotions of adults and kids alike. EDIT
Posted Jun 21, 2019
1.5/4 Men in Black: International (2019) Pamela Powell The film is missing heart and consistent humor and becomes a failed attempt to keep the franchise going. EDIT
Posted Jun 14, 2019
4/4 Late Night (2019) Pamela Powell All rings true of society today and its issues at hand, yet the film somehow still makes us constantly laugh until tears stream down our cheeks. EDIT
Posted Jun 14, 2019
See You Yesterday (2019) Kiera Allen With impeccable, emotional acting from Smith and scenes that may be difficult for viewers to watch, See You Yesterday starts out feeling lighthearted, fun and real. EDIT
Posted Jun 10, 2019
2/4 The Hustle (2019) Pamela Powell The repetitiveness of the story is what weighs the film down, not allowing Wilson or Hathaway out of the box to shine. You're never trying to guess what's going to happen next. EDIT
Posted May 10, 2019
4/4 Avengers: Endgame (2019) Pamela Powell A wonderful surprise, filling almost each and every minute with excitement, drama, humor and visually interesting and entertaining intrigue. EDIT
Posted Apr 29, 2019
2.5/4 Breakthrough (2019) Pamela Powell At each and every crossroad, it feels as if you hit a brick wall with a red neon message scrolled before you just in case you missed what was happening. With contrived and sometimes stilted situations, the film lost its verve. EDIT
Posted Apr 22, 2019