828reviewsNOW is 828newsNOW’s film criticism column by Pruett Norris, 828newsNOW reporter and member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. 828reviewsNOW is dedicated to writing about the new releases you should – and should not – be seeing, whether in the theater or at home on streaming.
What to expect
- Reviews of new blockbuster releases
- One monthly round-up of films to see in theaters, watch on streaming or skip altogether
Rating scale
828reviewsNOW operates on a 10-point rating system:
- .5/5 = Abysmal
- 1/5 = Pruett watched so you didn’t have to. Skip.
- 1.5/5 = Bad, but maybe there was a glimmer of something there.
- 2/5 = Not good!
- 2.5/5 = Half of it worked, half of it didn’t.
- 3/5 = A perfectly serviceable time at the movies.
- 3.5/5 = Good!
- 4/5 = Great!
- 4.5/5 = Excellent!
- 5/5 = Flawless.
About Pruett Norris
Pruett Norris is a staff reporter and film critic for 828newsNOW. He is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) and graduated from Appalachian State University with degrees in English and Electronic Media/Broadcasting. He enjoys vampire movies, Scrabble and hanging out with his cat, Tommy Chainsaw. Contact him at pruett@828newsNOW.com.
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‘Backrooms,’ He-Man and ‘Scary Movie’: New movies to see or skip in June 2026
Looking for a new movie to see as summer vacation starts? Check out our reviews of three major releases: the indie horror phenomenon “Backrooms,” the silly 80s throwback “Masters of the Universe” and the sixth installment of the long-running parody series “Scary Movie.”
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‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ is cute, copy-and-paste ‘Star Wars’
The first new “Star Wars” movie in seven years is here! While far, far away from the galaxy’s best “Star Wars” flick, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” offers up cuteness in overdrive.
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From ‘Michael’ to ‘Mother Mary’: New movies to see or skip in May 2026
A Michael Jackson biopic, two Anne Hathaway vehicles and an Australian serial killer thriller are our movies to see, stream or skip this May. Find out which is which in our reviews.
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New movies to see, stream or skip in April 2026
Looking for a movie to see in Asheville this April? Learn what to see, stream or skip with our reviews of a cult horror reboot, a fresh spin on “Hamlet,” a documentary of epic length and a niche new vampire flick.
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Animation station: ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ and a new ‘Star Wars’ show – 828reviewsNOW
Check out our review of the not-so super “Super Mario Bros.” sequel and dive into our spoiler-free overview of the first eight episodes of “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord,” now streaming on Disney+.
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Are ‘Ready or Not 2’ and ‘They Will Kill You’ the same movie? – 828reviewsNOW
In the latest case of ironic movie calendar confluence, two bloody movies about a pair of sisters battling satanic death cults were released inside a week of each other. Despite the oddly specific similarities of their premises, one is far more successful than the other.
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‘Project Hail Mary’ is a grand, gorgeous, galactic good time – 828reviewsNOW
Ryan Gosling may be the most charming astronaut who has ever befriended a rocky alien spider-crab in the fun and fantastic-looking “Project Hail Mary.” Read our review for more.
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Stabby’s dollhouse: ‘Dolly’ is derivative slasher fun – 828reviewsNOW
“Dolly,” a new horror film evoking slashers like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and filmed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, does Appalachian horror with gory panache. Read more in our review.
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Going for gold: Oscars 2026 predictions and a printable ballot – 828reviewsNOW
The 98th Academy Awards are almost here. Before Hollywood’s biggest night commences, take a look at our predictions for what will win and what should win Oscar gold. Plus, print out a ballot to play alongside our predictions.
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3 movies to see, stream or skip in March 2026 – 828reviewsNOW
A Pixar movie about beavers, humans and the bonds between them. A scathing documentary about the Alabama prison system. The latest installment in a long-running horror franchise. Which should you see, stream or skip? Find out in our review.
