828reviewsNOW is 828newsNOW’s weekly 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
1–3 weekly reviews of new theatrical releases
1 monthly round-up of films to see in theaters, watch on streaming or skip altogether
Rating scale
828reviewsNOW operates on a 5-point rating system.
- 1/5 = We watched so you didn’t have to. Skip.
- 2/5 = Not good!
- 3/5 = A perfectly serviceable time at the movies
- 4/5 = Good to great
- 5/5 = One of our favorites of the year
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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The 25 best movies of 2025 – 828reviewsNOW
2026 is almost here, which means it is time for our annual list of the best movies of the year.
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‘Song Sung Blue’ is a messy melodrama, but sung sweet – 828reviewsNOW
There is something irresistible about Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” especially as performed by Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. “Song Sung Blue” understands this very well. Read our full review of the musical melodrama below.
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Top 5 international movies of 2025 – 828reviewsNOW
2025 was a fantastic year for global cinema. From searing docudramas to surreal celebrations of the film medium itself, we visit Brazil, China, Iran, Norway and Palestine to bring you the best international movies of 2025. Read our list.
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Threequel ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is a lukewarm rehash – 828reviewsNOW
When “Avatar: The Way of Water” was released in 2022, it had been 13 years since James Cameron’s revolutionary sci-fi epic first hit the scene. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” meanwhile, comes soaring into cinemas this weekend just three years after its predecessor, and this time, it feels a little less special. Read our full review.
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Top 5 animated movies of 2025 – 828reviewsNOW
As the year winds to a close, 828reviewsNOW takes a look at the best movies of 2025. First things first: from gory sci-fi spectacles to French-language indies, we draw up a list of the year’s best animated features.