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+