Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning; Serves up 2x tense stunt sequences, w/a greater emphasis on dramatic high stakes w/somber reverence for the series/characters as a whole. It’s great entertainment, but main stunts are so far removed from what we will experience, thrill is more detached; A-
 

Damsel

Damsel; Not exactly what it seems, yet every bit as predictable as a fairytale. Heightened by big budget effects and the powerful acting of agony by MBB, the realistic take on fantasy content is a bit jarring, unsettling but hard to turn away from. The story is simple yet strongly executed; B-

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; Rises to challenging/daunting task of honouring dearly departed Boseman yet struggles at filling immense void of that loss. Burdened by sorrow & dour feelings, the film is less entertaining than it is an act of catharsis. Great craftsmanship; B-
 

Soul

Soul; If 2D/3D art expresses our interpretation of life, then Pixar is the filmic height of artistic representation. Taking abstract elements & weaving a narrative to explore them is a feat unto itself. A solid voice cast + music makes this mediation on life a simple pleasure; A

Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Mission: Impossible - Fallout; Escalates nicely with intricately designed action set pieces beyond belief. New cast additions work well with series regulars. Humour, intensity, intrigue. Everything we’ve come to expect, amplified; A

Black Panther

Black Panther; Light on the action seen in the ads, more about the story and momentous themes connected to the characters and setting. Delivers a solidly crafted film, distinct from the usual Marvel entertainment; B+