Batman Begins

Batman Begins; An origin that leans heavily into the comics & the psychological aspects of the Batman mythos. Plays characters and world as if it were real, grounding it in what would most logically replicate the fiction in reality. Cleverly uses two rogues new to the films to serve Wayne’s story; A

The Boy and the Heron

The Boy and the Heron; These films are not for me. They look beautiful and the characters are insane but the way the story goes in fits and starts, annoys me more than it appeals to me. The randomness and fantasy side quests and diversions simply don’t add up in a cohesive way that’s satisfying; C+
 

The Pale Blue Eye

The Pale Blue Eye; Murder mystery immerses the viewer from the first frame forward w/atmospheric filming and fine acting. Bale shows why he can’t be defined by his comic book characters as his presence infuses the story with depth, despair and detective work. A fine whodunnit; B+

Amsterdam

Amsterdam; Talented cast chews up dialogue in this important cautionary reminder of how history repeats itself when lessons of the past are dismissed or ignored. Film has a lot to say but struggles to find its footing with an uneven pace and too broad a scope to fluidly tell; B

Thor: Love and Thunder

Thor: Love and Thunder; Tries to tonally tie together parental grief, a rom com, Norse mythology & deity exploration into a MCU film, w/about as much success as one can expect. Cast is fully on board for fun, while Bale gives a master class in acting, in an entirely other film; B

American Hustle

American Hustle; Fun, swinging acting class allows Bale, Adams, Bradley & Lawrence to play in 70s con game. Stylistically entertaining; A-

The Dark Knight Rises

The Dark Knight Rises; Thank you, Mr. Nolan, for truly getting ALL the characters of the Gotham universe & for a trilogy w/o a weak film; A-