Tomb Raider (2018)

A bit of fun at best. A convoluted mess at worst. Unrealistic and pointless puzzles at every turn that eventually lead up to one impossible narrow escape after another. Come on Hollywood. These things need to be based in at least a modicum of reality for us to care.

Rating: D-

Jason Bourne (2016)

This film adds nothing to the series. In fact, it detracts from it. Terrible plot. A camera operator with Parkinson’s. Fabricated suspense where there was none. A complete waste of time.

Rating: F

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

Can’t say I saw the television show the movie is based on, but I liked the adaptation to the big screen. Wish they had made it into an updated TV series instead. Would have worked much better and allowed for deeper characters.

Rating: C

Son of a Gun (2014)

A very good action drama from Australia starring Ewan McGregor. I liked how the story gave us a little bit of everything, including hard time in prison, the big job, and a double cross.

Rating: B

Burnt (2015)

I love anything having to do with cooking. Top Chef addict. It was a given that I’d enjoy this movie. It’s no three star Michelin film though.

Rating: C+

Ex Machina (2015)

A slow burning science fiction film about artificial intelligence. Only a handful of actors on the screen, but they pull you in and don’t let go. Very introspective and artful. Definitely will have you second guessing the notion of whether you could fall in love with a robot.

Rating: B+

A Royal Affair (En Kongelig Affære) (2012)

So I take back everything I’ve said about not liking European period pieces. I like them if they are done well. Recently, I immensely enjoyed Jayne Eyre. A Royal Affair is gorgeous, well-acted, and completely engaging. It ends quite sadly, but I guess we can’t always change historic events to meet our entertainment needs.

Rating: B-

Anna Karenina (2012)

It’s quite marvelous how they succeeded at filming a play, based on a novel, that spills out into the theater, and eventually the outside world. I can see why it received a nomination in cinematography. 

I was also very impressed by the lighting and sound, both of which helped to sell the realness of a mostly artificial environment. It’s a long film, and a bit tedious at times. Not the most exciting thing to watch, but interesting nonetheless.

Rating: C