Summer Movie Scorecard 2016

Critics Consensus: Indignation proves it's possible to put together an engaging Philip Roth adaptation -- and offers a compelling calling card for debuting writer-director James Schamus.

Synopsis: A Jewish college student (Logan Lerman) falls for a young woman (Sarah Gadon) while clashing with his dean (Tracy Letts) in 1951 Ohio.

Starring: Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, Tracy Letts, Linda Emond

Directed By: James Schamus

Critics Consensus: The Conjuring 2 can't help but lose a bit of its predecessor's chilly sting through familiarity, but what remains is still a superior ghost story told with spine-tingling skill.

Synopsis: In 1977, paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren come out of a self-imposed sabbatical to travel to Enfield, a borough in north London.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Madison Wolfe, Frances O'Connor

Directed By: James Wan

Critics Consensus: Sausage Party is definitely offensive, but backs up its enthusiastic profanity with an impressively high laugh-to-gag ratio -- and a surprisingly thought-provoking storyline.

Synopsis: Life is good for all the food items that occupy the shelves at the local supermarket. Frank (Seth Rogen) the sausage, Brenda (Kristen Wiig) the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader

Directed By: Conrad Vernon, Greg Tiernan

Critics Consensus: Star Trek Beyond continues the franchise's post-reboot hot streak with an epic sci-fi adventure that honors the series' sci-fi roots without skimping on the blockbuster action.

Synopsis: A surprise attack in outer space forces the Enterprise to crash-land on a mysterious world. The assault came from Krall (Idris Elba), a lizard-like dictator... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldaña

Directed By: Justin Lin

Critics Consensus: Don't Breathe smartly twists its sturdy premise to offer a satisfyingly tense, chilling addition to the home invasion genre that's all the more effective for its simplicity.

Synopsis: Rocky (Jane Levy), Alex and Money are three Detroit thieves who get their kicks by breaking into the houses of wealthy people. Money gets word... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto, Stephen Lang

Directed By: Fede Alvarez

Critics Consensus: With a typically absorbing performance from Greta Gerwig leading the way, Maggie's Plan gives rom-com sensibilities a smart, subversive twist.

Synopsis: A woman (Greta Gerwig) falls in love with a married man (Ethan Hawke), then devises a strategy to reunite him with his former wife (Julianne... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke, Julianne Moore, Bill Hader

Directed By: Rebecca Miller

Critics Consensus: Florence Foster Jenkins makes poignant, crowd-pleasing dramedy out of its stranger-than-fiction tale -- and does its subject justice with a reliably terrific turn from star Meryl Streep.

Synopsis: In the 1940s, New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep) dreams of becoming a great opera singer. Unfortunately, her ambition far exceeds her talent.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg, Rebecca Ferguson

Directed By: Stephen Frears

Critics Consensus: Pete's Dragon continues Disney's current live-action winning streak with an update that gives the original a visual overhaul without overwhelming its sweet, soulful charm.

Synopsis: Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford), a woodcarver, delights local children with stories of a mysterious dragon that lives deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban

Directed By: David Lowery

Critics Consensus: Absorbing, visually arresting, and powerfully acted by an immensely talented cast, A Bigger Splash offers sumptuously soapy delights for fans of psychological adult drama.

Synopsis: While vacationing on a Sicilian island with her boyfriend (Matthias Schoenaerts), a rock star (Tilda Swinton) receives an unexpected visit from an old flame (Ralph... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson, Matthias Schoenaerts, Tilda Swinton

Directed By: Luca Guadagnino

Critics Consensus: As strange as it is thrillingly ambitious, The Lobster is definitely an acquired taste -- but for viewers with the fortitude to crack through Yorgos Lanthimos' offbeat sensibilities, it should prove a savory cinematic treat.

Synopsis: In a dystopian society, single people must find a mate within 45 days or be transformed into an animal of their choice.

Starring: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Barden, Olivia Colman

Directed By: Yorgos Lanthimos