Examiner Reviews

NEW RELEASE REVIEWS AND MORE FOR THE EXAMINER!!!

Examiner Review Schedule

On this page, you will see the reviews that I work on for the Examiner and the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock for the current new releases, film festival selections and/or special movie events that will also appear in the Wyoming County Press Examiner!!! I will keep this schedule of upcoming reviews as updated as possible!!! I typically post my reviews on here a few days prior to when they appear in the Examiner!!

* Starting after the New Year, besides the new releases, film festival selections and any special movie events that I can get to at the Dietrich Theater, I will also be focusing on recent releases that I have either missed or may RE-VISIT! These films will also consist of some selections from 2016 to current - with some sporadic throwbacks here and there (for example some planned series, such as my award season series, holidays)*

* Each of the lists of films will be updated as the reviews are published and posted!*

*** Line-ups are subject to change ***

I will be starting up my award season series in January! This will consist of various award winners and nominees, along with a few Razzie-nominated films sprinkled in-between! The list below will be updated as I go thru the films!

EXAMINER 12/31

My Examiner reviews for the final slate of 2025 will consist of the following:

David (new)
Avatar: Fire and Ash (new)
SpongeBob: Search for SqaurePants (new)
The Housemaid (new)
Bad Santa/Bad Santa 2 (Reel Jolly)

EXAMINER 1/7

My Examiner slate of the first edition of 2026 will consist of the following:

A Look Back at 2025
Labyrinth (40th anniversary) (special movie event)
M3GAN 2.0 (recent release)
The Amateur (recent release)
Arrival (award season series)

EXAMINER 1/14

My Examiner reviews for the 1/14 Examiner will consist of the following:

Misery (In Memory Rob Reiner)
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (recent release)
The Expendables 4 (recent release)
Greenland (recent release 2020)
Him (recent release 2025)

EXAMINER 1/21

My Examiner reviews for the 1/21 edition will consist of the following:

The American President (In Memory Rob Reiner) (award season)
Interstellar (award season)
Breakfast at Tiffany's (award season)
4th review TBA
5th review TBA

EXAMINER 1/28

My Examiner reviews for the 1/28 edition will consist of the following:

War of the Worlds (recent release 2025)
This is Spinal Tap/Spinal Tap II (In Memory Rob Reiner)
3rd review TBA
4th review TBA
5th review TBA

“Search for Squarepants” A Big Screen Adventure That Delivers Plenty of Silly Fun

“SpongeBob Squarepants” is a series of live-action/animated movies based on the popular Nickelodeon TV series of the same name. “The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie” was released in 2004 and two sequels followed: “Sponge Out of Water” in 2015 and “Sponge on the Run” in 2020 (this sequel skipped theaters due to it being, well, 2020). After a couple spin-off movies for the Netflix streaming service, the series makes its theatrical return with “The SpongeBob Movie” Search for Square

Matt Palmer

2 days ago3 min read

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” An Immersive, Emotional, Visually-Stunning Epic

With “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” visionary filmmaker James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na’vi leader Jake Sully, Na’vi warrior Neytiri and the Sully family. The conflict on Pandora escalates as the Sully’s encounter a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe. The third entry of the blockbuster franchise that began in 2009, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” delivers more groundbreaking visuals and even features a lot more emotional moments compa

Matt Palmer

3 days ago4 min read

“The Housemaid” An Intense Thriller That Fans of the Novel Will Enjoy

“The Housemaid” is a 2022 psychological thriller novel by author Freida McFadden and published by Bookouture. The 2022 novel sold roughly 3.5 million copies and counting and spawned a couple follow ups (“The Housemaid’s Secret” in 2023 and “The Housemaid is Watching” in 2024). Now, the popular novel hits the big screen that will surely be loved by fans of the novel and even newcomers. “The Housemaid” is a wildly entertaining thriller that plunges audiences into a twisted worl

Matt Palmer

4 days ago3 min read

“David” A Beautifully Animated Retelling of the Beloved Biblical Story

From the songs of his mother’s heart to the whispers of a faithful God, David’s story begins in quiet devotion. When the giant Goliath rises to terrorize a nation, a young shepherd armed with only a sling, a few stones, and unshakable faith steps forward. Pursued by power and driven by purpose, his journey tests the limits of loyalty, love, and courage - culminating in a battle not just for a crown, but for the soul of a kingdom. The latest film from the faith-based studio An

Matt Palmer

5 days ago2 min read

Reel Jolly series: The “Bad Santa” Movies

To wrap up my Reel Jolly holiday review series, I wanted to revisit a couple dark comedies for the older audience - the “Bad Santa” movies. Now, while the 2003 movie, “Bad Santa,” garnered positive reactions from both critics and audiences, the belated 2016 sequel failed to match the original’s success. In the 2003 dark comedy “Bad Santa,” the crotchety Willie T. Stokes and his partner reunite once a year for a holiday con. Posing as a mall Santa and his elf, they rip off sho

Matt Palmer

6 days ago4 min read

Reel Jolly series: “Scrooged”

For this edition, I took a look at a couple different takes of the beloved Charles Dickens’ tale “A Christmas Carol.” For this particular review, I will be talking about the 1988 Bill Murray dark Christmas comedy “Scrooged.” In this modern take on “A Christmas Carol,” Frank Cross is a wildly successful TV executive whose cold ambition and curmudgeonly nature has driven away the love of his life, Claire Phillips. But after firing a staff member, Eliot Loudermilk, on Christmas

Matt Palmer

Dec 25, 20254 min read

Reel Jolly series: “White Christmas” and “The Family Man”

In the holiday classic “White Christmas,” two talented song and dance men team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business. One winter they join forces with a sister act and trek to Vermont for a white Christmas. The result is stuff dreams are made of. This beloved 1954 classic delivers a nostalgic blend of heartwarming holiday themes, spectacular musical numbers, and its comforting, feel-good story about veterans helping their old general, creating a

Matt Palmer

Dec 25, 20255 min read

Reel Jolly series: “Gremlins” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” - A Couple Unconventional Holiday Staples

For this review, I took a look at a couple movies that are holiday favorites that aren’t exactly traditional holiday classics - “Gremlins” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” In the 1984 movie “Gremlins,” a gadget salesman is looking for a special gift for his son and finds one at a store in Chinatown. The shopkeeper is reluctant to sell him the “mogwai” but sells it to him with the warning to never expose him to bright light, water, or to feed him after midnight. All of t

Matt Palmer

Dec 24, 20255 min read

Reel Jolly series: “The Muppet Christmas Carol”

Like I stated at the beginning of my “Scrooged” review, I looked at a couple versions of the beloved tale “A Christmas Carol.” So, for this review, I took a look at a version of this classic story that I haven’t seen since I was a little kid - “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge. Other Muppets - Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie the Bear, among many

Matt Palmer

Dec 22, 20254 min read

Reel Jolly series: “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000 and the 1966 Animated Classic Special)

For the Christmas Eve edition of the Examiner, I wanted to focus on a lot of holiday reviews for everyone to enjoy! But, next week’s edition (New Year’s Eve) will consist of four new releases and one more holiday review. So, for this festive review, I wanted to take another look at the live-action “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (which just celebrated its 25th anniversary) and the 1966 beloved animated classic special! In the live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s

Matt Palmer

Dec 21, 20255 min read

A Look Back at “Avatar: The Way of Water”

With the opening of the highly anticipated “Avatar: Fire & Ash” coming upon us (actually opens this Friday with some early showings on Thursday at some theaters and at the Dietrich), I began revisiting the world of Pandora. For the last edition, I checked out the 2009 installment and for this review, I took another look at the 2022 sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water” - the first time I have seen this since I initially reviewed it for the Examiner! In “The Way of Water,” Jake Su

Matt Palmer

Dec 17, 20253 min read

The Latest “Knives Out” Film Is An Intriguing Murder Mystery

The “Knives Out” films have been fairly intriguing murder mysteries. The series started in 2019 with “Knives Out,” which was met with critical acclaim and was also well-liked by audiences. After its success, Netflix bought the exclusive rights to two sequels for over $400 million. The second film, “Glass Onion,” was also released to a positive critical reception in 2022, but not nearly as well-received as the first film. The third murder mystery, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives O

Matt Palmer

Dec 16, 20253 min read

Reel Jolly series: “Batman Returns” and “Jack Frost”

For this holiday review, I took a look at a couple more selections that are part of the Dietrich Theater’s 12 Movies of Christmas festival - “Batman Returns” and “Jack Frost,” both featuring the actor Michael Keaton. In the Tim Burton-directed sequel “Batman Returns” (which takes place during the holidays), the monstrous Penguin, who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt businessman Max Schreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Schreck’s timi

Matt Palmer

Dec 16, 20255 min read

Reel Jolly series: “The Polar Express” A Magical Holiday Staple for the Entire Family

While I was looking at the list of films that the Dietrich would be featuring during the 12 Movies of Christmas, there were quite a few that I have watched every holiday season that I have always enjoyed, such as “Christmas Vacation,” “Elf” and “A Christmas Story” just to name a few. Then, I found one that I initially thought was just an OK watch. But, over time, it has grown on me - the 2004 animated film “The Polar Express.” A young boy who has grown skeptical of Santa Clau

Matt Palmer

Dec 15, 20253 min read

“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” A Clunky, Yet Fun Movie That Fans of the Game Will Enjoy

When “Five Nights at Freddy's" was released a few years ago, many fans of the video games flocked to theaters (or streamed on Peacock since it was streaming at the same time) so they could see their favorite video game make its way to the big screen (or their TVs). While fans of the video game enjoyed the first movie, I thought it was fairly entertaining, even though I really didn’t understand most of the video game references. So, let’s get into “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.”

Matt Palmer

Dec 14, 20254 min read

Reel Jolly series - “It’s A Wonderful Life”

There are so many beloved holiday classics out there for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. The one film that is probably viewed the most during this festive time of year is the Frank Capra classic “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Just like the previous years, the Dietrich Theater will be continuing on their tradition and showing this beloved Capra classic for free! George Bailey had so many problems he’s thinking about ending it all - and it’s Christmas! As the angels disc

Matt Palmer

Dec 9, 20254 min read

Reel Jolly series: A Look At a Few Holiday Staples for the Whole Family

For this review, I felt a little nostalgic and wanted to check out a few older holiday specials that numerous people have seen over the years that are also available on streaming. So, let’s get into “Frosty the Snowman” (Hulu/Peacock), “The Little Drummer Boy” (Hulu) and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (Apple TV). In “Frosty the Snowman,” a discarded magic top hat brings to life the snowman that a group of children made, until a magician, Professor Hinkle, wants it back, and the

Matt Palmer

Dec 8, 20257 min read

A Look Back at the Groundbreaking 2009 Film “Avatar”

“Avatar: Fire & Ash,” the third installment of the still popular “Avatar” franchise, is probably the most eagerly-awaited film of the year and will be showing in theaters soon! So, to get ready for “Fire & Ash,” I’m getting a fresh look at the previous two entries! In the 2009 smash hit, on the lush alien world of Pandora live the Na’vi, beings who appear primitive but are highly evolved. Because the planet’s environment is poisonous, human/Na’vi hybrids, called Avatars, must

Matt Palmer

Dec 7, 20255 min read

Reel Jolly series: “Christmas Vacation” and “Four Christmases”

Last week I started up my holiday review series with the 2017 animated movie “The Star” (which can be seen during the 12 Movies of Christmas) and the remake of “Miracle on 34th Street.” So, for this review, I took a look at a couple more festive selections that can be seen during the 12 Movies of Christmas festival at the Dietrich Theater - “Christmas Vacation” and “Four Christmases.” In the holiday favorite “Christmas Vacation,” as the holidays approach, Clark Griswold want

Matt Palmer

Dec 6, 20256 min read

“Zootopia 2” A Hilarious, Heartwarming Adventure That Will Easily Charm Audiences

For last week’s edition, I checked out the 2016 family favorite “Zootopia” and it is still one of the most entertaining Disney movies that have been recently released! So, now, its highly anticipated animated sequel is now playing on the big screen and family and fans of the 2016 movie will absolutely love it! In “Zootopia 2,” detectives Judy Hopps and Nick find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who turns the mammal metropolis of Zootopia upside down. T

Matt Palmer

Dec 5, 20254 min read