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