Shoplifters (Manbiki Kazoku) (2018)

A patchwork family of hustlers and lost souls do what it takes to get by in this bittersweet Japanese film. The acting was really good, especially by the kids. 

Rating: C+

The Woman King (2022)

 

Female African warriors battle to protect their kingdom from another tribe and slavers. The storytelling felt simple and shallow. It would have worked better as a series. 

Rating: C

Rare Exports (2010)

I was beguiled by the premise and misleading reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. This film might appeal to a small Finnish audience, but it will bore nearly anyone else. Not much happens. It’s not scary, funny, or violent enough. The story never comes together. 

Rating: D

Night Call (La Nuit Se Traîne) (2024)

 

A young Belgian locksmith gets caught up with a gang trying to retrieve their stolen money. He spends an intense night running and fighting for his life. It’s got some heart pounding sequences. A lot of action. I only wish they’d come up with a more satisfying ending. 

Rating: C+

A Real Pain (2024)

I pulled the plug on this one mid way through. Culkin’s character was so grating and obnoxious, I simply couldn’t take it anymore. Perhaps there’s a point to it all at the end of the film that I wasn’t willing to wait around for. Not enough interesting stuff was happening to make me care. 

Rating: D-

Companion (2025)

 

A winner for those of us that appreciate dark humor with our horror/thriller films. It’s a future love-bot gone wrong story with a lot of thoughtful, smart touches. Great one-liners and reactions from the cast. I laughed, shrieked, and jumped. A good time at the theater. 

Rating: B+

The Thicket (2024)

 

A wintry western with some unique casting. Much better than I expected from a Tubi production. 

Rating: C+

Top 10 Films of 2022

 

Rank	Title	Year	Country	Grade
1	Kimi	2022	US	B+
2	RRR (Rise Roar Revolt)	2022	India	B
3	Avatar: The Way Of Water	2022	US	B
4	The Fabelmans	2022	US	B-
5	Downton Abbey: A New Era	2022	England	B-
6	Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio	2022	US	B-
7	Sisu	2022	Finland	C+
8	Brian And Charles	2022	Wales	C+
9	Hustle	2022	US	C+
10	Prey	2022	US	C+

Get Away (2024)

 

From the build up, I thought the film might actually be pretty good. Jokes were landing. I didn’t mind the heavy foreshadowing. But once the mayhem started, it devolved into an unsatisfying mess. 

Rating: D

Flow (2024)

 

Storytelling through animals. Although made in Latvia, there’s no dialogue. It was quite peaceful, yet tense in moments. I enjoyed it. 

Rating: C+

Trap (2024)

 

The latest from M. Night Shyamalan. The premise and execution in the first half of the film wasn’t bad. But then plot holes popped up in nearly every scene, with the ending being one giant one. One can only suspend belief so far. 

Rating: C-

Gladiator II (2024)

 

Son of Maximus hits the gladiator circuit, making a name for himself while undermining the elites. It’s more of the same, and as good a reason as any to go to the theater over the holidays. 

Rating: C+

The Remarkable Life Of Ibelin (2024)

 

A life thought unlived is recreated in a moving Norwegian documentary through old family recordings, animated renderings, video game play, and interviews. I had tears streaming down my face at the end. 

Rating: C+

The Big 4 (2022)

This Indonesian action film started out promising, but soon veered into Bananaville. The slapstick antics weren’t funny and felt out of place with the violent fight sequences. They drove in too many different lanes to maintain a coherent story. 

Rating: D

Fanatical: The Catfishing Of Tegan And Sara (2024)

 

As a fan of Tegan & Sara and someone who has been catfished, this documentary was right up my alley. Really sad this happened, but also terribly interesting to see the scope. Be careful online everyone! 

Rating: C

¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! (2024)

 

As a lifelong fan of South Park, it was a blast to see Matt & Trey crossover into the real world with another passion project. While fiscally irresponsible, in a way these two rich guys have given back to the community. The restaurant serves as a museum, cultural landmark, and entertainment center. I enjoyed learning about the history of the restaurant and watching the transformation. 

Rating: C+

Apocalypse Z: The Beginning Of The End (2024)

The best zombie movie to come along in some time comes from Spain; the first in a trilogy it seems, although a sequel hasn’t been announced yet. 

These speedy zombies come from a virus, that quickly brings civilization to a halt. The film does an excellent job of showing the breakdown from start to end. Some handy survival tips to be culled for sure. 

The action is fast paced, with lulls for character development. I hope there’s a next one. 

Rating: B-

The 4:30 Movie (2024)

 

Kevin Smith is officially washed up. This was terrible. Looked like it was made by a couple of horny, nerdy, high school teens over the summer. Not funny or interesting. 

Rating: F

Will & Harper (2024)

 

Friendship. Exploration. Understanding. Empathy. Anxiety. Humor. 

Rating: C+

The Substance (2024)

 

Perhaps there were some life lessons to be learned from this movie, but the closing sequence will have erased them from your mind. There’s a decent story in the first half, which descends into a gonzo freak-fest in the second. Demi Moore put her whole self into this character. It’s something to behold, although you may wish you hadn’t. 

Rating: D+