Toy Story 5

Toy Story 5; How many Toy Storys are too many? Turns out 5. Coasting on nostalgia & introducing new characters that don’t have the likability of previous films, the formula is tired & no longer inspired. Franchise has been lifted by sum total of toys, but there’s little for most toys to do here; B-

TRON: Ares

TRON: Ares; Maintains cool aesthetic lighting and killer soundtrack that makes the franchise appealing in the first place. New plot angles are interesting enough to fill a full two hours and Lee is a great leading actor to root for. Unfortunate casting of Leto detracts but it’s still watchable; B-
 

Problemista

Problemista; A hilarious yet sad story that reflects and exposes the dichotomy of privilege by birth right versus the immigrant experience and all the injustices that entails. Swinton in a maddeningly Anna Wintour from literal hell turn, the sweetness of Torres counterbalances her wonderfully; A-

Past Lives

Past Lives; A beautifully acted, personal tale w/universal themes & appeal. The raw, honest depiction of childhood crushes, feelings of guilt, comfort & shame when living between two different cultures, and how circumstances change the paths of our lives, rendered exquisitely; A-

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse; Another groundbreaking tour de force that builds on its predecessor while amplifying its core heart, humour & feast of animation excellence. Less satisfying since it’s an instalment starter, but a great launching point for what’s to come; A