Finding Dory Is Certified Fresh

Pixar has adopted more of a franchise mindset in recent years, but for many of us, the studio’s best films were never meant to be more than standalone stories — which makes attempting a sequel to a classic like Finding Nemo a risky endeavor indeed. Happily, this is one instance where critics overwhelmingly agree that the ends justify the means: like all the best Pixar flicks, Finding Dory is a funny, heartwarming adventure that serves up state-of-the-art visual thrills while imparting a thought-provoking, ultimately poignant message. Picking up a year after Nemo‘s conclusion, Dory centers on the titular forgetful Pacific regal blue tang (voiced by Ellen Degeneres) as she embarks on a quest to find her family after experiencing a sudden flash of memory. Blending new characters with familiar faces — and, of course, raising the bar yet again for animation — it might fall just a little short of its predecessor, but the end result still hits some impressively lofty heights.

Does the world need another buddy cop comedy? Most likely not. And yet it’s a formula that can deliver terrifically entertaining dividends under the right circumstances — and the pundits say Central Intelligence pulls it off just well enough to recommend. Dwayne Johnson stars as Bob, a doughy high school outcast who grew up to be a musclebound CIA agent; Kevin Hart plays Calvin, the former classmate-turned-accountant who gets roped into Bob’s big case on the eve of their high school reunion. It’s a suitably daffy premise, and the Johnson/Hart pairing is inspired — all of which adds up to a blast of popcorn fun strong enough to make up for a willingness to coast on formula and the charms of its stars. The critics are charmed rather than wowed, but this should scratch your buddy-cop comedy itch — at least until the next Johnson and Hart film.

Orange is the New Black is back and better than ever, with a powerful fourth season full of compelling performances by the ensemble cast.

Bolstered by Ellen Barkin‘s acting prowess, Animal Kingdom is a darkly intriguing, although occasionally predictable, twisted family drama.

While admittedly uneven, BrainDead remains a charmingly idealistic sign of the political times.