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.

Assassin’s Creed

Between its tortured logic and its fatalistic view of religion, Assassin’s Creed does little more than kill off a couple of hours that might have been better used.

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The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series—A New Frontier, Chapter One

This zombie game packs a surprising emotional wallop … but plenty of brain-busting, too.

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Collateral Beauty

The whole production feels like a mildly melodramatic stage play that isn’t afraid to take its time and to wax poetic with its philosophical musings.

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Super Mario Run

Mario can now go for a run wherever you take your phone. Is that as Peachy as it sounds?

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Stardew Valley

There’s a lot to enjoy in this engaging farm simulation game. Perhaps, too much.

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Office Christmas Party

Office Christmas Party is, quite simply, yet another entry in a long line of sleaze-in-your-stocking holiday forgettables.

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Werewolves Within

This E-rated VR-meets-game-night entry is entertaining, but it could have some potential online teeth, too.

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The Last Guardian

Here’s a boy-and-his-dog tale with an out-of-this-world pooch and an out-there fantasy twist.

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Moana

Disney sets its narrative sights on a new blend of Hawaiian myth and Pacific Ocean adventure.

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Bad Santa 2

The fact is, Bad Santa 2 is truly one of the most repulsive and intellectually detestable movies ever put on film.

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The Edge of Seventeen

The problem with The Edge of Seventeen is that it packs noxious teen-movie content into its humor and insight.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Much of this movie’s magicking revolves around Harry Potter-style witchcraft.

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Arrival

There’s no Independence Day-like bim-bam-boom here. No little green men or giant robots with laser eyes, either. In fact, this intelligent, multi-layered pic is likely not what you’re expecting.

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Pokémon Sun/Pokémon Moon

Nintendo’s latest handheld Pokémon contests build on the franchise’s familiar trappings but also give gameplay a kinder, gentler makeover.

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Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

If you think battling robots in space will be less messy for human combatants, think again.

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