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Us arrives as a horror film directed by Jordan Peele, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke give Us a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Us comes into focus without a long explanation: In order to get away from their busy lives, the Wilson family takes a vacation to Santa Cruz, California. Across its 1h 56m running time, Jordan Peele keeps Us clear enough to keep the emotional

It Chapter Two arrives as a horror film directed by Andy Muschietti, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy give It Chapter Two a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in It Chapter Two comes into focus without a long explanation: Twenty seven years after their first encounter with the terrifying Pennywise, the Losers Club have grown up and moved away, until a devastating phone cal

Jumanji: The Next Level arrives as a comedy directed by Jake Kasdan, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black give Jumanji: The Next Level a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Jumanji: The Next Level comes into focus without a long explanation: In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. Across its 2h 3m running time, Jake Kasdan keeps Jumanji: The Next L

Joker arrives as a thriller directed by Todd Phillips, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro give Joker a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Joker comes into focus without a long explanation: Arthur Fleck, a party clown and a failed stand up comedian, leads an impoverished life with his ailing mother. Across its 2h 2m running time, Todd Phillips keeps Joker clear enough to

Aladdin arrives as a comedy directed by Guy Ritchie, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Will Smith and Mena Massoud give Aladdin a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Aladdin comes into focus without a long explanation: Aladdin, a kind thief, woos Jasmine, the princess of Agrabah, with the help of Genie. Across its 2h 8m running time, Guy Ritchie keeps Aladdin engaging in bursts but unable to maintain the

Spider Man: Far from Home arrives as a comedy directed by Jon Watts, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Tom Holland and Samuel L. Jackson give Spider Man: Far from Home a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Spider Man: Far from Home comes into focus without a long explanation: Peter Parker, the beloved superhero Spider Man, faces four destructive elemental monsters while on holiday in Europe. Across its 2h

Captain Marvel arrives as an action film directed by Anna Boden, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson give Captain Marvel a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Captain Marvel comes into focus without a long explanation: Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. Across its 2h

Toy Story 4 arrives as an animated adventure directed by Josh Cooley, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen give Toy Story 4 a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Toy Story 4 comes into focus without a long explanation: When a new toy called "Forky" joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy. Across its 1h 40m running

Frozen II arrives as an animated adventure directed by Chris Buck, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel give Frozen II a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Frozen II comes into focus without a long explanation: Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn bound forest of an enchanted land. Across its 1h 43m running time, Chris Buck keeps F

Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker arrives as an action film directed by J.J. Abrams, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega give Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker comes into focus without a long explanation: The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again. Across its 2h 2

The Lion King arrives as an animated adventure directed by Jon Favreau, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Donald Glover and Beyoncé give The Lion King a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Lion King comes into focus without a long explanation: After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. Across its 1h 58m running ti

Avengers: Endgame arrives as an action film directed by Anthony Russo, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans give Avengers: Endgame a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Avengers: Endgame comes into focus without a long explanation: After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. Across its 3h 1m running time, Anthony Russo keeps Aveng