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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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.
