Frenetic, scattershot, and thoroughly self-absorbed, director Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” might satisfy those nostalgic for the early days of “SNL,” but fails to make a name for itself on its own merits. poplifestl.com/saturday-night…

With its emotionally rich storytelling, Albion Theatre's “Lungs” demands much from Joel Moses and Nicole Angeli, who fearlessly tackle those challenges in their finely chiseled performances as M and W. poplifestl.com/duos-vigorous-…

Fearless and unflinching, writer-director Jacques Audiard’s bold fever dream of a movie colors outside the genre lines. “Emilia Perez” is unlike any conventional cartel crime thriller that’s gone before. poplifestl.com/vivid-emilia-p…

“Life Is a Dream” makes a case for living in the present, but also keeping dreams alive, and Upstream Theater underlines that with exclamation points. poplifestl.com/ace-ensemble-i…

An intense, darkly funny, and, ultimately, heartbreaking tribute to those striving to achieve the American Dream, featuring a magnificent performance from Mikey Madison, director Sean Baker’s “Anora” is a film that feels gloriously alive. poplifestl.com/mikey-madison-…

For a merry good time, head to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s Emerson Studio to join in the fun of watching a pair of seasoned performers – two of St. Louis’ finest – beautifully bookend each other in a dark comedy on self-discovery, “The Roommate.” poplifestl.com/dynamic-duo-de…

Come for the music, stay for the lovefest. A gleaming crowd-pleasing tribute, “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” at The Fox celebrates the singer-songwriter’s greatest hits, which is what the enthusiastic audience expected and was eager to do. poplifestl.com/strong-perform…

In large part due to a deliciously sinister performance from Hugh Grant, co-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ “Heretic” is a taut, suspenseful slice of horror that strikes an unwieldy but entertaining balance between big ideas and blood-soaked chills. poplifestl.com/hugh-grant-emb…

Complicated family ties and honoring Jewish heritage are explored in the heartfelt “A Real Pain.” With its strong emotional pull as two once-close cousins reconnect, the comedy-drama is often amusing but also tinged with melancholy. poplifestl.com/warm-and-genui…

None of the emotions “Red One” is trying to elicit are earned... Its clash of tones is irritating, but nevertheless, there are elements that can make either the naughty or nice list. poplifestl.com/red-one-is-a-s…

A movable feast of tumbling ideas and kernels of wit, “Wolf Kings” is an inspired piece of inter-disciplinary performance by indomitable producing partners Maggie Conroy and Chuck Harper of YoungLiars. poplifestl.com/youngliars-fra…

A zestful and exuberant “Anastasia: The Musical” is a crowning achievement for the Tesseract Theatre Company, which has crafted a big, bold production where every element is in harmony together. poplifestl.com/an-elegant-exu…

"Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" and "Will & Harper" tied for Best Documentary Feature at the Ninth Annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards. poplifestl.com/super-man-the-…

Did it need to be this long? No. Is it worth your time? Yes. With ‘wow factor’ production values and sensational performances, this vivid re-imagining of the Land of Oz is a must-see event best-suited for the big screen. poplifestl.com/wicked-part-1-…

Lacking the focus and heart of its predecessor, “Gladiator II” undercuts its splatter-filled action sequences and on-point performance from Denzel Washington with a jumbled narrative that’s content to live in the shadow of greatness. poplifestl.com/gladiator-ii-i…

Laugh-out-loud funny, New Jewish Theatre's “First Date” is a refreshing tonic that we didn’t know we needed, a balm to sooth our jangled nerves, a palate cleanser for these times. poplifestl.com/new-jewish-the…

On this edition of Take Ten, Lynn Venhaus profiles award-winning actor local actor Will Bonfiglio. poplifestl.com/take-ten-with-…

The St. Louis Film Critics Association has announced their 2024 nominees for the best in film. poplifestl.com/st-louis-film-…

Without skipping a beat, four iconic music legends continue a sentimental reunion in the cheery holiday show “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas,” which has been gift-wrapped with star power and delightful musicality. poplifestl.com/the-rep-stages…

Charming and delightful, “That Christmas” is an animated comedy that will give you the warm-and -fuzzies without the too-sweet and unrealistic situations that derail many of these holiday-themed movies. poplifestl.com/merry-and-brig…