Russ Simmons
Tomatometer-approved critic
Biography:
Russ Simmons is a two-time winner of the National Entertainment Journalism Award for "Best TV Movie Critic." His reviews have appeared in print, broadcast and online outlets for over 20 years. Russ is a long-time member of the Critics' Choice Association and the Kansas City Film Critics' Circle, the nation's second oldest critics group.
GOAT (2026)
80%
3/5
EDIT
“"Goat" is a predictable, but family-friendly bit of escapism.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Feb 13, 2026
Full Review
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die (2025)
83%
3/5
EDIT
“The result is a smart and wildly imaginative film, even if it sometimes struggles with pacing and knowing when to wrap things up.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Feb 13, 2026
Full Review
Crime 101 (2026)
86%
4/5
EDIT
“"Crime 101" is an entertaining action throwback.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Feb 13, 2026
Full Review
The Wrecking Crew (2026)
73%
2/5
EDIT
“The main things wrecked in the Amazon Prime action comedy "The Wrecking Crew" are cars, motorcycles, helicopters, property…and logic. ” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Feb 6, 2026
Full Review
Dracula (2025)
52%
2/5
EDIT
“"Dracula" doesn’t exactly suck, but it isn’t a full-blooded horror, either.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Feb 6, 2026
Full Review
Solo Mio (2026)
80%
2/5
EDIT
“Everything about the script is utterly phony, but the photogenic Italian scenery gives "Solo Mio" a minor boost.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Feb 6, 2026
Full Review
The Moment (2026)
64%
3/5
EDIT
“"The Moment" is an interesting experiment more than a satisfying movie and features surprisingly little music. ” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Feb 6, 2026
Full Review
Moses the Black (2026)
23%
2/5
EDIT
“"Moses the Black" is bleak, awkward and as subtle as a sledgehammer. ” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 30, 2026
Full Review
Shelter (2026)
63%
3/5
EDIT
“Don't roll your eyes too much while watching "Shelter," or you'll miss some decent stunt work.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 30, 2026
Full Review
In Cold Light (2025)
50%
2/5
EDIT
“"In Cold Light" is a little too cold and a little too calculated.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 23, 2026
Full Review
H Is for Hawk (2025)
80%
3/5
EDIT
“"H is for Hawk" is relatable, thanks to Foy’s performance, but never quite soars.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 23, 2026
Full Review
Mercy (2026)
24%
3/5
EDIT
“While it gets a bit goofy and stretches credibility to the limit, "Mercy" gets to its over-the-top climax in an entertaining manner.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 23, 2026
Full Review
The Choral (2025)
68%
3/5
EDIT
“"The Choral" is well crafted, but very lightweight.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 16, 2026
Full Review
Dead Man's Wire (2025)
91%
3/5
EDIT
“While it generates a certain level of tension, this thriller from filmmaker Gus Van Sant is really a sober study of utter desperation.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 16, 2026
Full Review
The Rip (2026)
79%
4/5
EDIT
“Fans of the genre will enjoy the action of "The Rip," as well as the challenge of figuring out who the good guys are…if there are any.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 16, 2026
Full Review
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
92%
3/5
EDIT
“While gripping, well-made and genuinely scary, its graphic and sadistic violence approaches the level of torture porn.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 16, 2026
Full Review
Rosemead (2025)
89%
2/5
EDIT
“The intent is admirable, and the execution is competent enough. But "Rosemead" is a hard watch that offers no easy answers. It’s tragic and depressing in equal measure.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 9, 2026
Full Review
Father Mother Sister Brother (2025)
81%
3/5
EDIT
“The talented cast helps a lot, but "Father Mother Sister Brother" is one that will probably only appeal to fans of Jarmusch’s slow, low-key style.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 9, 2026
Full Review
Is This Thing On? (2025)
86%
3/5
EDIT
“Arnett’s foul-mouthed comedy material isn’t really all that funny but still rings true. "Is This Thing On?" should appeal to those not easily offended.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Jan 9, 2026
Full Review
The Testament of Ann Lee (2025)
87%
3/5
EDIT
“"The Testament of Anne Lee" is dark and dramatically erratic but oddly involving.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Dec 26, 2025
Full Review
Song Sung Blue (2025)
78%
3/5
EDIT
“The stars are very appealing, but if you’re not a fan of Diamond’s music, steer clear.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Dec 26, 2025
Full Review
Marty Supreme (2025)
94%
4/5
EDIT
“"Marty Supreme" is supremely watchable.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Dec 26, 2025
Full Review
Goodbye June (2025)
65%
3/5
EDIT
“It’s manipulative and obvious, but the sterling cast prevents "Goodbye June" from becoming too saccharine.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Dec 26, 2025
Full Review
The Secret Agent (2025)
98%
4/5
EDIT
“The structure of "The Secret Agent" is disjointed for sure, but only that adds to its offbeat appeal.” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Dec 19, 2025
Full Review
The Housemaid (2025)
74%
2/5
EDIT
“"The Housemaid" doesn’t clean up because the filmmakers didn’t have the nerve to go full camp…which would have been the better route to take.
” –
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Dec 19, 2025
Full Review
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