Possession (2002)

What a great work of art. LaBute manages to blend two time periods and the world of poets into an interesting and moving story. Very different from his other films.

Rating: B-

We Love You, Sally Carmichael! (2017)

Cute idea. Terrible execution. The acting was abysmal. Dialogue was stupid. Characters were boring and trite. Avoid at all costs. 

Rating: F

Mutant Chronicles (2008)

I've since learned that this is a movie based on a role playing game, which I imagine doesn't really get the blood pumping. There was a limited theatrical release, but this baby is pretty much direct to video.

It's a shame, as the cast features quite a few stars, and the film itself isn't bad. It's a cross between Hell Boy and a zombie movie. Not exactly Shakespeare, but a lot more entertaining. Would have been better with a bit more character development.

Rating: C

David Brent: Life On The Road (2016)

A movie by Ricky Gervais continuing his famous character from The Office. 90 minutes of pure awkwardness, as you might imagine.

Rating: C

Brigsby Bear (2017)

Loved the premise. Brilliant idea. Mooney’s bizarre humor is so much better suited to the big screen than the handcuffs of SNL. Experiencing the world for the first time through his eyes was a blast. The fact that it was filmed in my home state of Utah made it even more fun. Trust me, this thing is a joy to watch.

Rating: A-

Running on the Sun: The Badwater 135 (2000)

Riveting documentary on the Badwater 135 mile ultramarathon, considered to be the toughest ultra in the world. It's painful just watching the film. I can't imagine the torture felt while running the actual race. I liked the real time chronology of the footage. The filmmakers highlighted many runners, rather than the usual 5-6, which was nice. The pacing was great too. As a novice ultrarunner myself, I found the film very inspiring.

Rating: C+

Pu-239 (The Half Life of Timofey Berezin) (2006)

I was drawn in by the trailer, which made this film look more exciting than it actually was. There was real potential here for a decent thriller. Instead, it leaned more towards a drama. A slightly depressing one at that.

Rating: D+

Brawl In Cell Block 99 (2017)

After an initial story arc, things get pretty dark, violent, and depressing quickly. On the list of things I fear, going to prison rates high on that list. This movie didn’t help.

Rating: C

Snowpiercer (2013)

An ultra-violent actioner that takes place in a self-contained super-train in a post-apocalyptic world where people are segregated by class, both figuratively and literally? Sign me up!

The train turned out to be cooler than I thought. Themed cars such as a marine aquarium, steam saunas, hair salon, greenhouse, and nightclub. Unfortunately, the end of the train and the end of the movie both turned out to be a disappointment. Great ideas for movies rarely have great endings. Snowpiercer was not an exception.

Rating: C

The Missing (2003)

Started off rather dry, but came into its own as it progressed. Could have used more editing.

Rating: C-

IT (2017)

All the bullying in this movie brought back a lot of memories of elementary school. I wonder if kids are still huge dicks? Too unrealistic to be truly scary. Mostly consists of spook house gags and jump cuts. The kids had some funny lines. I bit presumptuous to end the movie with Chapter 1. I wouldn’t watch a sequel. 

Rating: C-

Ben X (2007)

An interesting take on the kid that gets bullied in school. For some of us, it will bring back uncomfortable memories. I was satisfied with the way the film played out, but I have to admit that a part of me wanted to see some violent justice meted out on those kids.

Rating: C

Thir13en Ghosts (2001)

Cheap thrills.

Rating: F

All The Money In The World (2017)

On paper it’s a kidnapping negotiation film, but my takeaways all had to do with wealth. When you have more money than you know what to do with, what motivates you to keep earning more? What do you do with it while you are alive? What do you want done with it after you pass? How will you be remembered?

These are questions I thought about while watching a well crafted period piece on location in Italy. I saw parallels between Getty’s character and how I imagine Donald Trump’s ending will be--although I hope his will be much sadder.

Rating: B-

G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra (2009)

Looks and sounds amazing on screen, but it's hard to ignore the terrible script and delivery.

Rating: D+

Grey Owl (1999)

I checked this one out because it was directed by Richard Attenborough of Gandhi fame. Not terribly exciting, but enjoyable.

Rating: C

Lady Bird (2017)

A sharp snapshot of a semi-rebellious girl surviving her high school years. The writing is incredibly on point, as is the acting. Fabulous performances all around. So much awkwardness. 

Rating: B

The Accountant (2016)

A fairly unique vigilante thriller with enough violent sequences to quench a hardened viewer’s bloodlust. The second half could have used some tightening up, but all in all, a solid action drama. 

Rating: B-

The Work of Director Mark Romanek (2005)

I love this series showcasing various director's work, usually music videos. The director's cut of Jay Z's 99 Problems is really good. Other treats include videos from Nine Inch Nails, No Doubt, Johnny Cash, Janet Jackson, Fiona Apple, and Lenny Kravitz. There are some clunkers as well, but pretty good overall.

Rating: C+

The Foreigner (2017)

While Chan’s English still leaves a lot to be desired, his acting skills were on point. Depth of emotion was written all over his aging face. The plot slowly builds, and doesn’t reveal Chan to be a serious badass right away. The action was fun, like in all of his movies, but there was definitely a more serious tone than we are accustomed to. A solid production all around for the action genre.

Rating: B

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

The thing that bothered me the most about this movie is that they tried to sell me on it being based on actual events. Please. I could have swallowed the plot better if they just kept it sci-fi. Spooky at times, with a few 'gasp' scenes, but overall just ok.

Rating: C

Dinosaur (2000)

They seamlessly blended live action backgrounds with computer animated dinosaurs with an amazing outcome. The story wasn't too bad either, and it wasn't dumbed down for kids.

Rating: C+

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

Quite a letdown after such a fun and original first film. This felt more like a cheap imitation that played on cliques and CGI to make up for a mishmash script and stunt casting.

Rating: D

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

Better than the first film. The story was more coherent and interesting. Special effects are fantastic, with shout-outs to Pan's Labyrinth. If you can deal with the fantastical nature of this movie, you'll have a good time.

Rating: C+

The Wolverine (2013)

Despite some decent camerawork and action sequences, the film eventually succumbs to the same cliques plagued by almost every superhero movie ever made. The big battle at the end was downright stupid.

Rating: C-

American Made (2017)

If you already don't think the world is a terrible place full of corrupt governments that make incredibly stupid decisions everyday, well then, this movie probably won’t save you from your epic ignorance. But that’s ok, at least you’ll be entertained. Ignorance is bliss after all. This movie serves as a nice companion piece to the terrific series Narcos. Check it out.

Rating: C+

Right At Your Door (2006)

Let's say you're watching an episode of 24, where several dirty bombs go off in L.A. But instead of continuing with the show, the story shifts to the point of view of a married couple, chosen at random. However, the budget's been cut in half and the action dial has been turned down to a mild 2 instead of 10.

It's an interesting perspective, but somehow you find yourself wanting a bit more blood and guts at ground zero. Right At Your Door delivers a mega dose of drama which I couldn't help thinking would work better on stage. Maybe the script originated as a play. I'm not sure. Not bad, but not great either.

Rating: C

Yeah Right! (2003)

A glorified skate video with some great footage, however it got old after awhile.

Rating: D+

The Mars Generation (2017)

This documentary focuses on a group of teens at Space Camp; and the past, present, and future endeavors underway to land the first humans on Mars. Some good space travel history mixed in to boot. Enjoyed.

Rating: C+

American Outlaws (2001)

Left much to be desired, but I'm a sucker for shoot em ups and explosions.

Rating: C-

In The Valley Of Elah (2007)

A compelling story told very well. Tommy Lee just gets better with age. Prepare to have your opinions challenged. 

 Rating: C+

Murder On The Orient express (2017)

Great visuals and fun characters kept things interesting and fun during the first half. The train slowed to a stop in the third act, eventually pulling into the station with a less than satisfying finish. You do what you can with the source material. Camera work made up for some of it.

Rating: C

In Order of Disappearance (Kraftidioten) (2014)

More than just a Norwegian revenge flick. Secondary characters and story lines added some interesting layers. It was also a snapshot of life in BFE Norway that most of us are unaware of. Bring a jacket.

Rating: C+

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)

A ho-hum sequel to a slightly better first offering. No big surprises here. Mostly unrealistic by-the-numbers plot. Not bad, but not good either.

Rating: C

35 Up (1991)

There seemed to be less surprises in this installment, as the kids have reached an age where their lives have solidified, for the most part. Paul in Australia is still my favorite. Some I hated as kids, have become very likable as adults.

Now that they've reached my age, I found myself looking inward quite a bit, comparing my life and accomplishments with theirs. I wondered to myself many times where I would be in 7 years. I even felt a bit jealous that I didn't have a camera crew checking in with me at regular intervals. It's a fascinating series that everyone should see.

Rating: C

Me And Earl And The Dying Girl (2015)

A lot of teen anguish and angst wrapped in a mostly palatable package. Terrific performance from the dying girl.

Rating: C+

Fat Head (2009)

A hit-piece documentary on Morgan Spurlock’s Super Size Me. It oftentimes comes off as spiteful, and perhaps jealous of the former’s critical success. A few good points are made, so the film isn’t entirely without merit.

Rating: C-

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Charlize is stunning and deadly, however the storytelling felt scattered. Soundtrack is a pleasure. Action sequences are intense. One thing I can’t understand. If they could have taken the Ambassador’s car smoothly across the entire time, why didn’t they just use it to get Spyglass across in the first place? That makes everything that transpired pointless!

Rating: C

Life Or Something Like It (2002)

Better than I expected. A little hokey, but not bad.

Rating: C

Arrival (2016)

Arrival reminded me of the Jodi Foster movie Contact. Both were full of drama, emotion, and a confusing plot. Ultimately nothing very exciting happened. Certainly one of the most over-hyped films of the year.

Rating: C-

Assault on Precinct 13 (2005)

I actually did see the original, which is pretty cool, and these two films are very different. I wouldn't call it a remake at all. I appreciated the intensity and high-level of violence. That's what kept me watching, since there wasn't much of a plot. Not bad if you are in the mood for some action.

Rating: C

Freetown (2015)

A low budget Mormon film with wooden acting and a lumbering script. Very little happens. I thought that road trip would never end.

Rating: D-

The Dish (2000)

A less dramatic, Australian version of the historical moon walk. They did a good job of taking an unexciting story and stretching it out into a movie. Kept me awake anyway.

Rating: C

War For The Planet Of The Apes (2017)

Didn’t measure up to the first two as far as plot goes, but the ape characters were on point. It’s quite incredible how much depth and emotion they are able to portray.

Rating: C

It Might Get Loud (2008)

It’s a joy to watch these guys talk so passionately about the thing they love most--the electric guitar. The viewer is also treated to obscure recordings and videos from their past. For music lovers, this documentary is a real treat. Cinematically, it’s not going to blow your socks off.

Rating: C

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

It was nice to pull away from the main Star Wars narrative for a mostly stand-alone film that didn’t require a college level course to keep track of all the characters and space lingo. Sure, much of the acting and dialogue were wooden, as you’d expect in a Lucasfilm production, but the theater experience was still entertaining.

Rating: C

Employee Of The Month (2006)

A few funny parts, but most miss their mark. The plot seemed disjointed, and when they attempted to pull everything together at the end, dozens of plot holes immediately came to mind.

Rating: D+

All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records (2015)

A documentary about Tower Records, but also about the music industry in general. Music lovers that skew a bit older will enjoy this trip down memory lane. Enjoyed seeing the crazy beginnings of such a successful company. Socks aren’t being blown off, but they may sag a little.

Rating: C

Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003)

Only a few light chuckles throughout, the rest was almost unwatchable. Really weak and poorly written.

Rating: F

The Big Sick (2017)

Actor comedian Kumail Nanjiani turns his real life story into a heartwarming film. It was honest and funny. Definite comparisons to Aziz Ansari’s show Master Of None. That’s not a bad thing.

Rating: B