Sentimental Value

Sentimental Value; A remarkable achievement in family drama storytelling, containing exemplary performances throughout the cast. Hooks you immediately w/clever juxtaposition of imagery & narration, inviting you into the complexity of this family’s past & present relationships. A masterclass; A+

Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part Two; Every aspect of the craft of filmmaking is exquisitely done by each department, distracting from the relatively boring story. One would (and very well still could) fall asleep if it weren’t so spectacular to look at and listen to. An insanely talented cast adds to the ruse; B+

Dune

Dune; Never before has a film looked so stunningly well crafted, designed, and shot, yet been so boring and devoid of anything to care about. Exceptional cast, looking fantastic, all adding to the amazing mood and world that’s been built. But so little happens in the setup; C

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again; Gorgeously shot sequel outshines the original. New cast embodies their elder counterparts well, without becoming imitations. Script cleverly reworks songs while bringing strong emotional tones from the new voices that elevate the hits; A

Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World; Marvel does it again w/great cast. Blend of fantasy & sci-fi strikes perfect balance of action, humour & gravitas; B+

Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting; This amazing screenplay is really in touch with a younger generation of movie goers without leaving traditionalists behind. There's something for everyone's tastes in this movie that combines comedy, drama, and romance in their physical, spiritual, and mental aspects. Gus Van Sant makes the writing even better by getting soul baring performances from the whole cast. He makes the emotions physically manifest themselves on the screen. He dares to shoot one emotionally revealing scene between two lovers with the actors very plain and naked, not like the heavily mood lit/make up sensualizing of romance we're used to. This lets the inner emotions, struggles really reach out and touch the audience. The multi-layered script hits personally and universally; A-