Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Spider-Man: Brand New Day; Surprisingly manages to show more inventive ways to experience Spidey on the screen, w/spectacular stunt work & inspired super hero team ups and clever shots & sequences. On top of that, weaves an emotional arc w/impact, even if it meanders off on an odd pace for a bit; A

Poor Things

Poor Things; Wild production design + eccentric performances establish a framework for the bizarre story of Bella Baxter on a feminist awakening from woman child to expressing agency in her own affairs. The film has to be seen to be believed, and not for audiences who are adverse to the perverse; A-

The Adam Project

The Adam Project; Time travelling sci-fi can often get messy w/plotting and logic, so Reynolds’ ability to weave comedy, action & drama keeps it entertaining while the film struggles to connect the dots. Cast and budget make it well worth the watch but it lacks lasting effect; B

Avengers: Endgame

Avengers: Endgame; Brilliantly displays why extraordinary actors were cast to play these roles. Emotional payoffs aplenty alongside the witty humour we’ve come to enjoy from the MCU. Lovingly crafted to close out character arcs 10 years in the making. Truly impressive; A

Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Infinity War; Hard to review what is essentially half a movie. Combines and situates characters from the Marvel Universe in interesting ways, while focusing mostly on the new baddie. Action aplenty but bereft ending ultimately unsatisfying; B+

Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok; Innate fun that seems removed from the Marvel Universe, a capsule of sci-fi fromage from the past packaged for our present sensibilities. Nice to see Indigenous actors in speaking roles; B+

Now You See Me 2

Now You See Me 2; Over the top tricks makes this less enjoyable as plot spirals around the players too conveniently connected. Still fun; B

Avengers: Age of Ultron

The Avengers: Age of Ultron; Darker and less fun than one. Excellent character moments seek deeper emotional depths but make mood dour; A-

Now You See Me

Now You See Me; Fun film full of misdirection that isn't as clever as it wants to be. Cast is superb and elevates the drama and suspense; B