Freeze Frame

Russ covers “A Walk in the Woods,” the latest from actor Robert Redford, “Jimmy’s Hall,” a social drama from Ireland and “7 Chinese Brothers,” a wacky indie comedy.

Russ gives us an overview of “No Escape,” a thriller, “Zipper,” a political soap, “We Are Your Friends,” a drama about the LA dance scene, “Mistress America,” a screwball comedy, “Diary of a Teenage Girl,” a coming-of-age drama and “Z …

Russ takes a hit for us by viewing “Hitman: Agent 47,” a video game movie and provides the lowdown on two documentaries about two eccentric celebs, “Listen to Me, Marlon” and “Being Evel.”  

“Straight Outta Compton,” a drama about the rise of rap group NWA and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” a tongue-in-cheek spy thriller hit theaters this week. Russ gives the scoop.

Russ marvel’s at the failure of “Fantastic Four,” Marvel’s latest and reviews “Irrational Man,” a Woody Allen drama, “The Gift,” a psychological thriller and “Shaun the Sheep,” an stop-motion animated feature.

Russ covers “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” Tom Cruise’s latest, “Vacation,” the re-boot of a classic comedy, “Infinitely Polar Bear,” a Mark Ruffalo drama, and “The Stanford Prison Experiment,” the screen version of a textbook psychology experiment.

Russ provides fair warning on “Pixels,” Adam Sandler’s new sci-fi comedy and “Paper Towns,” the latest dramedy aimed at young audiences.

Russ covers “Ant-Man,” homeboy Paul Rudd’s entry into the Marvel universe, plus “Mr. Holmes,” Ian McKellan’s take on an aging detective, “Trainwreck,” Amy Schumer’s movie debut and “Lila & Eve,” a thriller with J. Lo and Viola Davis.

Russ covers the movie bases with “Minions,” a kids’ flick, “Amy,” an intriguing documentary about Amy Winehouse, and “The Gallows,” a low-budget horror entry.

They’re both back. Arnold is a time traveling cyborg in “Terminator Genisys” and Channing Tatum is an exotic dancer in “Magic Mike XXL.” Russ lets us know if either is worth our time.

Is Ted 2, a film about a raunchy teddy bear bearable? Is “Max” a movie dog? Is “Me, Earl & the Dying Girl,” the big winner at Sundance, worth the hype? Russ weighs in.

Russ covers two films from opposite ends of the cinematic spectrum. “Inside Out” is an animated Pixar offering, and “Dope” is an R-rated Sundance hit.

Russ lets us know if “Jurassic World,” the latest in the dino franchise has bite and covers “About Elly,” a strong Iranian film and two adaptations of Flaubert’s classic, “Madame Bovary” and “Gemma Bovary.”

Check out reviews of “Love & Mercy,” a biopic of Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, “Spy,” a secret agent spoof with Melissa McCarthy, and “Entourage,” the big screen version of an HBO series get the once-over from Russ Simmons.

Russ warns us about “San Andreas,” a disaster flick starring The Rock and explains why “An Honest Liar,” a documentary about magician “The Amazing Randi” is worth your time.

“Tomorrowland,” Disney’s big budget sci-fi extravaganza and two art house flicks — “Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter,” “The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared” — are on Russ’ agenda this week.

In a really unusual week, Russ gives ‘thumbs way up’ to three new movies, “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Pitch Perfect 2,” and “Far From the Madding Crowd.”

Russ explains that two lame buddy Hollywood comedies — “Hot Pursuit” and “The D Train” — are the best that Hollywood can offer us this week.  

Could two films be more divergent? Russ takes on “Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the comic book juggernaut, and “The Clouds of Sils Maria,” an art film about a aging actress.

Russ thinks “Ex Machina,” a new sci-fi effort is the year’s best so far. “The Water Diviner,” Russell Crowe’s directorial debut, and “Little Boy,” a new faith-based offering are also covered.

“Unfriended,” a unique and original new horror entry gets a few “likes” from Russ.

Russ scrutinizes “Merchants of Doubt,” a frightening but important documentary about professional spin doctors who create confusion about the concept of climate change.

Russ marvels at the empty-headed joys of “Furious 7,” the latest action epic in the “Fast and Furious” franchise.

Russ wonders about racial stereotypes in the Will Ferrell/Kevin Hart comedy, “Get Hard” and covers the animated fantasy, “Home” and the creepy horror entry, “It Follows.”

“Insurgent,” the second installment in the “Divergent” series, “The Gunman,” a Sean Penn action flick and “Do You Believe?,” a faith-based drama are up for Russ’ inspection.