Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3; More emotional than humourous, w/a sense of closure for many characters, this volume isn’t as fun or exciting as previous two, yet still satisfying & enjoyable in its delivery of action, laughs, heart & galactic spectacle. Additions fit well; A-

Avatar: The Way of Water

Avatar: The Way of Water; Technically astounding. Finale has elements of Terminator, Aliens & Titanic. Some story moments are silly. The film struggles to overcome the fact that most of the Sully family isn’t very likeable. A remarkable visual feast from the peerless Cameron; A

Amsterdam

Amsterdam; Talented cast chews up dialogue in this important cautionary reminder of how history repeats itself when lessons of the past are dismissed or ignored. Film has a lot to say but struggles to find its footing with an uneven pace and too broad a scope to fluidly tell; 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

Missing Link

Missing Link; Laika Studios’ first fail. Fails to tell an interesting story or offer us characters to care about (they’re all bland & unlikeable). Fails to even wow us with its normally groundbreaking stop motion animation. Seriously needed to be reconsidered in early stages; C-

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+

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2; More heartfelt, w/cruder jokes & cuter Groot. Matching Vol. 1 is an impossible task, sequel is solid fun; B+

Star Trek Beyond

Star Trek Beyond; Entertaining for a non Trekkie. Shows influences from recent films GotG, Gravity, Inception, all for the better & fun; B

The Book of Life

The Book of Life; Spectacular animation deserves more than the typical kid flick slapstick. Would be much better played straight. Still; A-

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy; Fully realized space adventure is funny & exciting while establishing its own Marvel universe.Misfits work well; A-

Edit (Aug 8th): I just did something I don't think I've ever done before.Saw a movie three times in the theatre. In less than a week. #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy

Only other movie I probably saw in theatres more than twice is Pulp Fiction. Saw that one four times. Maybe the original Batman three times.

I may have to revisit my initial review of Guardians of the Galaxy after seeing it in IMAX 3D. Actually makes it an A or dare I say, A+ even.