Contributor: Bob Hoose

After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1

This first installment of Kevin Costner’s planned four-chapter epic Western can be pretty. But it’s also disjointed, violent and raw.

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Riven

Riven is back, decked out with pretty new baubles and fresh puzzles. And in several ways, it’s a journey into another age.

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Civil War

There’s nothing tongue and cheek about Civil War. It’s serious, bloody and ground-pounding carnage. And plenty of it.

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challengers

Challengers

It’s a film about terrible people who play tennis. In that order.

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Tarot

This divination pic has a creepy feel. But in the end, its horrific spirituality is all pretty predictable.

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Goat in a tutu for Goat Simulator

Goat Simulator 3

Goat Simulator 3 is chaotic and bizarre, to be sure. But the silliness can also bite you when you’re not looking.

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Seven Samurai

This classic film from director Akira Kurosawa still shines in its own groundbreaking way. But there is some samurai scruffiness to consider.

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Still Wakes the Deep

Still Wakes the Deep is impressive and cinematic. But it’s also a mire of the dreadful and wincingly foul.

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Summer Camp

Profane summer-camp hijinks and … old people: This ‘Summer Camp’ isn’t exactly the amusing vacation you may be looking for.

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The First Slam Dunk 2023

The First Slam Dunk

You don’t have to be a basketball fan at all to appreciate the strong redemptive themes in the Japanese anime The First Slam Dunk.

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Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game

These Killer Klown invaders come toting cotton candy ray guns and wearing galumphy shoes. But don’t forget the M-rated side of their play.

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Mental Health Crisis? There’s an App for That

Researchers at Dartmouth College have been running clinical trials on an AI-powered therapeutic app. What families should expect.

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IF

Director John Krasinski’s follows a grieving tween named Bea who discovers the world is full of cast-off imaginary friends.

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Star Wars: Hunters

Patient Star Wars fans can get in on free team-based shooter play with Hunters. Those less patient, will need their wallets.

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Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Brilliant graphics and sound draw you in, but then Senua drops the other dark and gruesome shoe.

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