Jaws

Jaws; Excellent filmmaking pairs w/fantastic character acting to elevate what is a thread bare B-movie plot. Brass orchestration strikes more fear and suspense than a giant rubber prop with teeth, resulting in some clever shots and spooky jump scares. The humour peppered throughout lands nicely; A-
 

The Fabelmans

The Fabelmans; Heavy handed, overwrought personal filmmaking that means more to its director than his audience. Suffers from the fact that it’s better suited for a documentary on a young film prodigy’s origins than this sentimentalized drama. Chloe East steals her scenes; B

West Side Story

West Side Story; Reimagining does a great job of refreshing elements while staying true to what makes the original an undeniable classic. Songs, choreography and score remain the highlights as new cast works well within the old parameters. Doesn’t detract from its predecessor; A-

Ready Player One

Ready Player One; This Spielberg guy knows how to pace a film and play in a future setting that feels familiar and possible. Deftly bounces between the virtual and real worlds with intensity while referencing childhood touchstones with great emotional resonance; B+

The BFG

The BFG; Welcome update to 1989 cartoon version of Dahl's silly bedtime tale. Worth seeing for a single tears of laughter inducing scene; B+