From Disney magic to dark horror: A look at the latest theatrical releases

The current theatrical landscape offers a diverse range of cinematic experiences, spanning from family-friendly nostalgia to intense, visceral horror and poignant historical dramas. As audiences flock to theaters, critics have weighed in on a variety of new releases that highlight the industry's ongoing commitment to both spectacle and storytelling.

Key takeaways

• Disney's Moana remake delivers a faithful, visually stunning experience for fans of the original.

• The Bollywood action film Alpha introduces a refreshing female-led perspective to the spy genre.

• Evil Dead Burn polarizes critics with its extreme brutality and dark, unrelenting tone.

• Reading Lolita in Tehran provides a timely and powerful look at intellectual rebellion.

The return of Moana

Director Thomas Kail’s live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated hit Moana has arrived, offering a faithful retelling that leans heavily into the charm of the original. With Dwayne Johnson and Jemaine Clement reprising their roles, the film succeeds through gorgeous visuals and iconic musical numbers. While it may not break new narrative ground, its sincerity and appeal remain intact, making it a reliable choice for families and fans of the source material.

Bollywood's latest spy thriller

Alpha marks a significant shift for the Yash Raj Spy Universe by featuring its first female-led narrative. Starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as estranged sisters, the film delivers a bombastic, action-heavy experience that feels like a superior expression of the Hollywood-style adolescent power fantasy. Despite its formulaic plot and predictable jingoism, the film’s well-choreographed stunts and strong lead performances make it a satisfying summer watch for those seeking high-octane entertainment.

A brutal entry in the horror genre

Evil Dead Burn has sparked intense debate among critics, with many describing it as a grueling and deeply dark addition to the long-running franchise. While some praise director Sébastian Vaniček for his technical precision and inventive set pieces, others find the film’s relentless focus on misery and extreme gore to be excessive. It is a bold, uncompromising work that pushes the boundaries of the series, though its somber tone may be an acquired taste for casual viewers.

A story of intellectual resistance

Eran Riklis’s adaptation of Reading Lolita in Tehran offers a poignant look at the power of literature in the face of oppression. Set against the backdrop of the Islamic Revolution, the film follows a professor and her students as they form a secret book club to discuss forbidden texts. Though the film occasionally drifts into melodrama, it remains a timely and timeless testament to the strength of women who use intellectual pursuit as a form of quiet, persistent rebellion.

Sources

• Disney remake surfs the wave of familiarity, and that's fine, Roger Ebert.

• Yash Raj actioner is bombastic Bollywood business as usual, Roger Ebert.

• Evil Dead Burn Review — 'Bold and brutal', Empire.

• Vicious sequel gets lost in the woods, Roger Ebert.

• Iranian drama is timely and timeless, Roger Ebert.