X-Men Origins: Wolverine

X-Men Origins: Wolverine; Dangerously strays into “so bad, it’s good” territory that used to be a hallmark of goofy comic book movies pre-Batman. The cast deserves better than this schlocky, hammy approach to what is one of the more compelling Marvel characters. C’mon! He’s more than his claws!; C-

Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine; Fan service in a good way, delivering all the expectations plus many surprises. The fights are gratuitous, the cheeky asides hilarious and the meta moments glorious. A bromance for the ages that strangely maintains superhero cliches it simultaneously subverts. Great pairing; A-

Spirited

Spirited; Reynolds & Ferrell demonstrate how their peerless comedy comes from a heartfelt place, w/earnest attempts at singing & updating the Dickens classic. Best moments come in a Monty Pythonesque period number and when the two are riffing off each other. Sweet Xmas fare; B+
 

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

Red Notice

Red Notice; With the three most charismatic leads working today and some exciting action sequences, who needs a decent plot? The trio elevate the material above standard action fare and seem to be having as much fun, if not more, than the audience; B

Free Guy

Free Guy; Fun, exciting existential exercise set in a digital world that is fresh enough and when it is derivative it’s from the better sources of Spielberg, Nolan and the Wachowskis. Not groundbreaking but good fun with a little food for thought. Classic Reynolds humour; B+

Pokéman Detective Pikachu

Pokémon Detective Pikachu; Better than you’d expect. I want to experience more of what a Pokémon infused world would be like. Like a Roger Rabbit toon world, the film plays the combined elements wonderfully. Voice acting of Reynolds makes it all the better. Good fun; B

Deadpool 2

Deadpool 2; Surprise is gone but the antics amuse and additions work well. Action pieces deliver and dialogue zings at an amazing pace. Worthy sequel; A-

Deadpool

Deadpool; Reynolds' labor of love pays off in hijinks & hilarity. Action is shot w/violent results & cheeky remarks. Delightfully crude; A-

R.I.P.D.

R.I.P.D.; Reynolds & Bridges have great chemistry & produce laughs exactly like Men in Black films, just swap Aliens for Undead Bacon; B-

Turbo

Turbo; Fun voice casting makes bare bones underdog tale seem entertaining. Wastes no time on plot holes as it races to 2 finish line; B-

The Croods

The Croods; Surprisingly fun & enjoyable on several levels. Nice to see something new, even if it is a mish mash of movies past. Cool art; B