"Emancipation" works best as a gripping action-thriller featuring a powerful performance by Will Smith, but its screenplay hinders it from being anything more.

"Violent Night" is a cyanide-laced sugarplum, a holiday action movie starring David Harbour as Santa that will delight viewers who can get on its wavelength.

"Top Gun: Maverick" marries high-tech thrills and real emotional stakes to improve upon its predecessor and become one of the year's most entertaining films.