 Lionsgate, 2020. It's hard to believe a movie like "Four Kids and It" was ever meant for the big-screen pre-pandemic. This is as throw-away as they come, probably better suited for a DVD bargain bin in a grocery store, let alone a streaming platform. But at least it's harmless.
 Focus Features, 2020. There's a sense of disappointment in watching "Irresistible," for what's depicted in the film, but mainly because so many of us expect so much more from Jon Stewart. For years, Stewart became a beacon of common sense and truth as the host of The Daily Show, and his voice is one that is sorely missed in today's polarizing and often confusing political landscape. So while his newest film does include several shards of sharp wit and satire, it doesn't quite hit as hard as we may have wanted, or expected it to.
 Netflix, 2020. If you're American, it is very possible you have never heard of Eurovision. I admittedly never had until seeing this film. But to those in Europe, this would be a fascinating detail to discover, as Eurovision is every bit a part of Europe's pop culture as, say, NASCAR is in America. You may not watch NASCAR or be a fan of it, but you know it's there. Having been around for DECADES in Europe, Eurovision is a televised international song contest (think "American Idol" or "The Voice" only bigger) that averages roughly 200 million viewers per year.
Knowing that Eurovision is something that really exists may in turn be a fun fact for Americans to discover, however this inherent disconnect with an American audience makes the new Netflix comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" ("ESC:TSOFS") hard to grasp.  Disney+, 2020. Originally intended for a mid-Summer blockbuster theatrical release, the family-friendly adventure "Artemis Fowl" finds its way to Disney+ this weekend.
Review: 'The King of Staten Island,' a peek into the mind of Pete Davidson reveals very little6/11/2020  NETFLIX, 2020. Leave it to Spike Lee to deliver a timely, deeply resonant - and dare I say -"masterpiece," at this precise time in American history. His latest joint, "Da Five Bloods" is also his best film in decades, and should be essential viewing once it hits Netflix this Friday.
 Indy, eery sci-fi flick, "The Vast of Night" wants to pull you in to its very own Twilight Zone, and yet it never fully grabs a hold.
 Focus Features, 2020. It's another light drama set in the world of music, but "The High Note" doesn't do much to add to a genre that has been totally played out.
 Netflix, Paramount Pictures, 2020. Expectations were high while reviewing my first film since the beginning of the stay-at-home quarantine, and even though "The Lovebirds" is a mindless diversion, it still doesn't quite sing.
 Netflix, 2020. After successfully teaming up for "Patriots Day," "Deepwater Horizon" and "Lone Survivor" (we'll forget about "Mile 22" for now), actor/producer Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg finally release a dud with the Netflix action-comedy, "Spenser Confidential."
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tom santilli movie reviews
Tom Santilli is a professional film critic, TV personality, host and
the Executive Producer of Movie Show Plus.
He also is the film critic for WXYZ Channel 7 Action News in Detroit,
and appeared weekly on FOX-2 in Detroit from 2016-2020.
Feel free to use the "search" below to find your favorite titles.
TOM'S GRADING SCALE:
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