Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

There was a lot of smoke, but no fire. Never felt the heat from this mostly watered down thriller. An unsatisfying end didn’t help. 

Rating: C-

Sing Street (2016)

Recently watched this clever Irish musical for the second time and enjoyed it even more than the first. So many terrific one liners. The songs are catchy and fun. Someone did a masterful job of blending costumes, musical genres, and classic videos in a way that made each collaboration seem fresh and timely.

What really gets me are the genuinely sweet relationships between Conor and other characters. His older brother living vicariously through him. Pining for, and ultimately winning over his dream girl. Fearing and then winning over the school bully. And his trusted songwriting companion who lives for music; and rabbits. It’s no small feat to develop interpersonal relationships like this in under two hours.

Rating: A-

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

The Hollywood story of Queen. Great music and of course a fantastic performance from Rami Malek.

Rating: C+

Shadow Dancer (2012)

A mostly thrill-less IRA thriller.

Rating: C-

Shanghai Knights (2003)

Owen Wilson was funny in this sequel and there were some well choreographed fight scenes with Jackie Chan.

Rating: C

Blitz (2010)

A straight to DVD Statham action flick. Perhaps it had a theatrical release in Britain. There was a grungy, B-grade look to the production, and I don’t think it was on purpose. I thought it had a slow start but picked up steam in the second act. Not a bad rental if you’re looking for something in this genre.

Rating: C