Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers; A fun romp stuffed chock full of cartoon cameos and nods to animation history. The premise is funny and the voice actors have the comedic timing to keep up with the cartoon lunacy. Not cinematic level material but perfect for a streaming feature; B+

Palm Springs

Palm Springs; Groundhog Day premise taken in a different direction with a duo, hits all the right notes in exploring existential reflection, love, absurdity, regret, and acceptance. Succeeds in that Lonely Island way of goofy hilarity grounded in highly executed craftsmanship; A-

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Ghostbusters: Afterlife; Better when spooky than comedic, w/its teenage quartet in place of 4 men/women. Dynamic works well, but 3rd act seems stitched together w/much left on cutting room floor. Grace & Rudd are especially enjoyable, fresh aspects fare better than nostalgia; B

Zack Snyder's Justice League

Zach Snyder’s Justice League; If thought of as a six episode superhero series, this is an improvement on the original (can’t complain about more Flash & more Cyborg). Expands the characters & lives longer in the moments. Like we’ve grown accustomed to from premium television; B+

Whiplash

Whiplash; An exceptionally powerful film feat. performances for the ages. Direction & editing of music scenes bring music alive to our eyes complementing what it brings to our ears. Actors offer us the devastating impact that music has on the hearts and minds of the dedicated; A

Klaus

Klaus; Refreshingly original visual style and take on a Christmas animated story. Captures the whimsical spirit of Christmas classics of the past, with a character turn reminiscent of Scrooge or George Bailey. Voice cast is stellar and lend heart and humour to it all; A-

Justice League

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-

La La Land

La La Land; Loving ode to LA works due to music & masterful direction, not so much the singing. Is there a more dreamy lead than Gosling? A

Zootopia

Zootopia; Fun anthropomorphic take on buddy cop genre. Mixes heart, humour & adventure in the Lasseter Disney way. Top notch family fare; B+

Kung Fu Panda 3

Kung Fu Panda 3; Great things come in 3s. My new favourite trilogy of all time. Spiritual elements infuse new kung fu tropes to series. A-