Justice League; Sum of the parts not nearly as interesting as each individual character could be. Casting is great but assembly awkward and underwhelming. Not very memorable at all; B-
Thor: Ragnarok; Innate fun that seems removed from the Marvel Universe, a capsule of sci-fi fromage from the past packaged for our present sensibilities. Nice to see Indigenous actors in speaking roles; B+
The LEGO Ninjago Movie; Another well crafted send up of that plays in the genre sandbox while lovingly remaining true to story elements; A-
Loving; Landmark case gets film treatment yet doesn't dive deep enough. Score annoyingly used to underpin drama already on actors' faces; B
Baby Driver; Original high octane heist based love story uses its cast to great effect. Action is kinetic, romance sweet & unpredictable; B+
Power Rangers; As incoherent & ridiculous as any of the previous incarnations. Ripe for MST3K style riffing. Money spent shows but blows; D+
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
Despicable Me 3; Quick cash grab that stays true to the franchise but fails to surprise. Laughs and gaffs aplenty but little improvement; B-
The Mummy; Cruise & Crowe are no strangers to silly campy guilty pleasures. This one entertains most when Mummy not around. Not all bad; C+
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-
Wonder Woman; Excellent action sequences & well crafted story based on fact & myth. Casting of Gadot is revelatory for the character; B+
Bad Moms; Why do these smart, funny actors have to wallow in male penned over the top stupidity? Devolves exponentially undeservedly; D-
Gifted; Exceptional acting elevates what could be a syrupy flick. Instead, characters are honest, real and fully formed. Enjoyable film; A-
The Circle; Stellar acting but too many ideas. Director can't find right tone or decide what the movie is. Compelling but unfulfilling; B-
Collateral Beauty; Telegraphingly predictable plot doesn't stop the amazing cast from tugging the heartstrings. Beautifully whimsical; B+
Logan; Brutal. Real. Jackman's fitting end. Stewart elevates it all. Raw. Violent. Earns the R rating and our emotional response. Dour; B+
Beauty & the Beast; Faithful, extravagant, cleverly cast feast for the eyes. More emotionally impacting & frightening. Missed Human Again; A-
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-
