The Batman (2022)

 

Gave this a watch because I wanted some extra backstory for HBO’s The Penguin series. It was quite long, but entertaining enough. 

Rating: C

Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)

 

Feels like a bonus season of Luther edited down to film length, which if you are a fan of the show, is a welcome treat. Always compelling despite being somewhat implausible. 

Rating: C+

Long Shot (2019)

I laughed for much of the film. Smartly written and funny. Will have you rooting for the underdog and wishing that the Democrats could field a candidate with a real personality. 

Rating: C+

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

A really long space chase filled with lasers and droids. I appreciated the few bits of humor they sprinkled in to give me a reprieve from all the “Who’s that again?”, “How do they know each other?”, and “How come Leia didn’t freeze in space and explode into a bazillion pieces?” It was a typical Star Wars flick, and at 2 ½ hours long, it was challenging to get through.

Rating: C-

Black Panther (2018)

Over-hyped. Not the usual origin story, but it seems all superhero movies end up in the same place, with the hero fighting an evil version of himself. Everything is CGI heavy without much depth. The plot was implausible--more so than most from the genre. Mildly entertained.

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

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Like most other Star Wars films, it was packed with coincidence, improbability, and lasers. Cheap thrills over content. The new droid was cute. Light speed was attained. One Storm Trooper was redeemed. The rest got massacred. Sabers were crossed.

Rating: C

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

I still can't believe Peter Jackson was able to pull off triple perfection. Each film was both unique and equally wonderful. Incredible work and very entertaining.

Rating: A-

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

This ape reboot continues to entertain and dazzle with high end CGI effects. The plot wasn’t all that dynamic, but execution was pretty solid.

Rating: C+

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Watched in the theater. Awesome! The story continues right where the first leaves off, without skipping a beat. The battle scenes and narrative were excellent. I loved the new characters/creatures etc. Looking forward to the third.

Rating: A-

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

A movie that actually delivered on all pre-release hype. LOTR has everything you could ever hope for in a fantasy adventure film. I can't wait for the next two. The action scenes and special f/x were amazing. Cool creatures, lots of imagination. Sets, costumes, design, make up, story line, everything, GREAT.

Rating: A-

The Hobbit (2012)

Really pretty to look at and full of incredible special effects, but light on story development and suspense. Doesn’t measure up to the very high bar the three other LOTR movies set.

Rating: C

Wild Bill (2011)

A British film about a deadbeat dad coming home to his abandoned boys after serving a stint in prison. Great performances and direction. They handled the heaviness of the story without allowing things to get too depressing. Enjoyed.

Rating: C+

King Kong (2005)

This was a great film to see in the theater. It was made for the big screen. Tons of action, larger than life characters, and great sound. Peter Jackson can do no wrong in my book.

I knew Jack Black had it in him to do a serious role, and I'm glad Peter saw it too. Naomi Watts was perfect in the lead. The ape was simply amazing. Wasn't cartoony looking at all. Yes it was long, but it's a fantastic trip.

Rating: B

13 Going On 30 (2004)

Jennifer Garner lets loose and has a ball portraying a 13 year old girl in the body of a 30 year old woman--a hot woman at that. Very witty and well acted. Enjoyed almost everything they threw at me.

Rating: B-

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

Quite amazing computer animation. It looks wonderful. The hidden treasure story is ok, but starts to wear thin by the end.

Rating: C

The Prestige (2006)

A well crafted film, but an ultimately implausible story. Acting was solid all around, but I couldn't get over the idea that a few magic tricks were worth all that.

Rating: C-