Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu; Takes B-movie serials of yesteryears, adds some classic Hollywood inspirations like Blade Runner, French Connection and Butch Cassidy, in a Return of the Jedi flavour to appeal to both adult & child adventurers. Feels like a few episodes and not a true film; A-

Materialists

Materialists; Works best as a dark comedy when it’s speaking deadpan about sociopathic behaviour in an American Psycho way. But when it comes to the rom com angle, Johnson’s woodenness doesn’t convey anything appealing to either leading man. Still, Celine Song knows how to direct dialogue; B

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The Fantastic Four: First Steps; Exquisite production design paints a fabulous world, more idealistic than any Earth we’ve known, situating the FF family in a story centred on their relationships. This allows the great cast’s acting to provide the explosiveness more so than the superhero action; A-
 

The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot; Beautifully rendered, lovingly told, the film follows the WALL-E way of endearing the audience to the robot via silent film techniques and cute, tiny interactions. By the time the conflict shows up, we’re rooting for the robot to succeed in its reflection of humanity. Sweet film; A-

Drive-Away Dolls

Drive-Away Dolls; Salaciously subversive & bitingly satirical in a way only a Coen could craft. Cameos are fun but its leading ladies’ spirited performances that add heart amongst hilarity. Comic buffoonery, surprise gaffs, all in a rapturous road movie buddy film that plays & smashes tropes; B+

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent; Meta narrative suits Nic Cage well, as his self-aware performance is game for layers of action, family & self-reflection propelling this film. At times hilarious, at others quite touching, it’s all the greatness of Cage one expects; B+

The Bubble

The Bubble; Some exceptionally enjoyable & hilarious actors, along with some Apatows, make a silly thing about a silly time when we were in early stages of Covid-19 protocols. Mocks actors for their faux hardships while being partially reflective of what we all went through; B-

Wonder Woman 1984

Wonder Woman 1984; Sad misfire. Serves up minuscule amount of action & modicum of humour when 80s era of excess offered comedic & critical opportunities. A big letdown despite clever casting choices. Character still inspires but is soddened by her obsession with one man; C+