8.13.2017
Loving
Loving; Landmark case gets film treatment yet doesn't dive deep enough. Score annoyingly used to underpin drama already on actors' faces; B
8.08.2017
Baby Driver
Baby Driver; Original high octane heist based love story uses its cast to great effect. Action is kinetic, romance sweet & unpredictable; B+
Notables:
Ansel Elgort,
B+,
Elza González,
Jamie Foxx,
Jon Bernthal,
Jon Hamm,
Kevin Spacey,
Lily James
7.22.2017
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Valerian & the City of a Thousand Planets; Visual feast offers cinematic SciFi delights meant for theatre viewing. Leads play tones well; A
Notables:
A,
Cara Delevingne,
Clive Owen,
Dane DeHaan,
Ethan Hawke,
Luc Besson,
Rihanna
7.16.2017
Power Rangers
Power Rangers; As incoherent & ridiculous as any of the previous incarnations. Ripe for MST3K style riffing. Money spent shows but blows; D+
7.08.2017
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Spider-Man: Homecoming; Most teenage Spidey yet is also tons of fun. Layered w/superb Keaton villain, film thrills a smile on your face; A
7.01.2017
Despicable Me 3
Despicable Me 3; Quick cash grab that stays true to the franchise but fails to surprise. Laughs and gaffs aplenty but little improvement; B-
6.22.2017
The Mummy
The Mummy; Cruise & Crowe are no strangers to silly campy guilty pleasures. This one entertains most when Mummy not around. Not all bad; C+
Notables:
Annabelle Wallis,
C+,
Russell Crowe,
Sofia Boutella,
Tom Cruise
6.16.2017
Jason Bourne
Jason Bourne; Save for the one excellent car chase scene, a rehash of jerky close ups and clichés makes this unnecessary sequel D.O.A.; C-
6.04.2017
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman; Excellent action sequences & well crafted story based on fact & myth. Casting of Gadot is revelatory for the character; B+
5.30.2017
5.29.2017
Gifted
Gifted; Exceptional acting elevates what could be a syrupy flick. Instead, characters are honest, real and fully formed. Enjoyable film; A-
Notables:
A-,
Chris Evans,
Jenny Slate,
Lindsay Duncan,
Mckenna Grace,
Octavia Spencer
5.05.2017
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2; More heartfelt, w/cruder jokes & cuter Groot. Matching Vol. 1 is an impossible task, sequel is solid fun; B+
4.28.2017
The Circle
The Circle; Stellar acting but too many ideas. Director can't find right tone or decide what the movie is. Compelling but unfulfilling; B-
Notables:
B+,
Bill Paxton,
Emma Watson,
John Boyega,
Karen Gillan,
Nate Corddry,
Tom Hanks
4.09.2017
Collateral Beauty
Collateral Beauty; Telegraphingly predictable plot doesn't stop the amazing cast from tugging the heartstrings. Beautifully whimsical; B+
3.18.2017
3.17.2017
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty & the Beast; Faithful, extravagant, cleverly cast feast for the eyes. More emotionally impacting & frightening. Missed Human Again; A-
3.12.2017
Ballerina
Ballerina; Sweet animated film is devoted to its story of an orphan's spirited love of dance. Perfect film for its targeted age range; A-
Notables:
A-,
Carly Rae Jepsen,
Dane DeHaan,
Elle Fanning,
Julie Khaner,
Maddie Ziegler
2.25.2017
The LEGO Batman Movie
The Lego Batman Movie; Sends up company properties w/love & affection but has more heart than humour surprisingly. Cast to best effect; B+
2.19.2017
The Legend of Tarzan
The Legend of Tarzan; Valiant attempt to modernize this tale, using F/X, great cast, colonial conscious script, to no avail. Let it die; C
2.18.2017
A Dog's Purpose
A Dog's Purpose; A wonderful reminder of the joy & companionship that dogs bring to our lives. Sad that the trailer showed us everything; B
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)