The Maltese Falcon

The Maltese Falcon; A fast talking detective noir that doesn’t pull punches. The cast of characters spout dialogue like a radio play, snapping the plot along at a steady pace. Some parts seem silly to modern standards, but the entertainment value has endured nicely. Effie steals her scenes; A-

Captain America: Brave New World

Captain America: Brave New World; Has the opportunity to cover new ground but seems to rehash old themes and topics. Film feels like a sad victim to real life circumstances overshadowing the release and timing of this movie. At least it finally acknowledges the events of Eternals. VFX seem off; B-

Fear Street: Prom Queen

Fear Street: Prom Queen; Completely 80s style horror w/few knowing winks or attempts at meta commentary. In many ways, it feels very much like it could have come out in the 80s, for better or for worse. Straight up 80s horror w/o any clever storytelling like the Fear Street films preceding it; C+

One of Them Days

One of Them Days; Keke Palmer is so readily watchable, adeptly conveying comedy, romance & drama across a day’s worth of zany coincidental circumstances that occur only in a contrived comedy like this. Plausibility aside, it’s just so darn fun watching her bounce her way through the day with SZA; B

Havoc

Havoc; If a bullets and blood orgy is your thing, you’re going to like this film. But if the actors are the draw, you’ll soon find they’re there to elevate a stylistic action film by lending their names for added prestige. Unfortunately, none of the characters are worth rooting to keep alive; B-

Thunderbolts*

Thunderbolts*; Gets deeper than anticipated while offering Marvel brand destruction couched in humour we’ve come to expect. The cast plays well off each other, following the James Gunn formula for loveable misfits overcoming their pasts to connect w/their found family. Preaches the power of love; B+