Kristy Puchko is a film critic/movie blogger who has written for Cinema Blend, Next Movie, Jezebel, The Film Stage, and Critical Mob. You can read her movie reviews here, or follow her on Twitter @KristyPuchko
Kristy Puchko
10 Best Movies of 2014
2014 has been a thrilling year in film that's included not only heartbreaking love stories and pulse-pounding adventures, but also outrageous comedy and unforgettable drama.
‘Endless Love’ Review
Often felt in the hormone-fueled heydays of youth, first love can be a frenzy of overwhelming passion and dizzying lust. So of course it's a sensational jumping off point for drama. Add in a dash of deep parental disapproval, and you've got the stuff of Shakespeare. Sadly, while the new movie 'Endless Love' has the premise for great romantic drama, it lacks the conviction and execution, coming up
‘Vampire Academy’ Review
Based on the bestselling YA book series, 'Vampire Academy' seemed a promising movie adaptation. Combining the cutthroat world of high school with the bloodlust of vampire fiction, it had an enticing starting point. Adding to its allure were a writer and director who have defined the modern teen queen movie, Daniel Waters, the screenwriter of 'Heathers,' and Mark Waters, the director of 'Mean Girls
‘The LEGO Movie’ Review
Few things scream "cash grab" as loudly as a movie about a popular children's toy, as these productions rely highly on the brand recognition of children and nostalgia of adults. Making a good movie inspired by pre-existing playthings is such a rare thing that it almost seems impossible. Thankfully, Phil Lord and Chris Miller -- the directing duo behind the charming 'Cloudy With a Chance
‘That Awkward Moment’ Review
Last week saw the release of Vanessa Hudgens' brave dramatic turn in 'Gimme Shelter.' This week, her 'High School Musical' co-star Zac Efron tries his hand at R-rated comedy with the rom-com for dudes and by dudes, 'That Awkward Moment.' So, has he made his next step from child star to accomplished adult actor as powerfully as she did? In a word: no.
‘Gimme Shelter’ Review
After former Disney kid Vanessa Hudgens scored the spotlight with a string of family-friendly 'High School Musical' movies, she began the tricky trek from child star to respected ingénue. Her first step was to shake up her image with steamy roles in controversial features like 'Sucker Punch' and 'Spring Breakers.' Now with the coming-of-age indie 'Gimme Shelter,' Hudgens strives to show how commit
‘Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones’ Review
Before 'Paranormal Activity 5' comes out this Halloween and continues the terrifying tale of the possessed Katie and her spooky nephew, Paramount Pictures has unveiled the spin-off 'Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones.' Made to cater to the Latino audience that has been a major force in making this franchise a hit, this found-footage feature dedicatedly plays by the rules and expectations of the
‘Her’ Review
The "manic pixie dream girl" has become a well-recognized stereotype in romance movies. She's bubbly, flirtatious and quirky, but most importantly, she's a tool for the moody male hero to discover himself/a new lease on life. This usually makes her a bit grating and stale. But in Spike Jonze's 'Her,' this stock character is reimagined with a sci-fi twist and an incredible insightfulness
‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Review
In 2012, 'The Hunger Games' was not only critically acclaimed; it was also the third highest grossing blockbuster of the year, coming in behind 'The Avengers' and 'The Dark Knight Rises.' This meant Francis Lawrence, who took over directing duties for the film series after Gary Ross bowed out, has an incredibly high bar to meet with the adaptation of Suzanne Collins' second novel in her trilogy, '
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Joseph Gordon-Levitt
With 'Don Jon' hitting theaters, Joseph Gordon-Levitt can officially add "writer/director" to his many-feathered cap. You probably know that he started out as a child actor, but do you know what his first commercial gig was or what film took his family to Africa...