The Mule (2018)

 

Clint Eastwood plays an old codger who apparently has no qualms about earning a few extra bucks as a drug mule for a cartel. He likes to sing along to old tunes on the radio and bang young prostitutes. It’s a family film. 

Rating: C

Licorice Pizza (2021)

I’ll see anything Paul Thomas Anderson makes. He earned that after Magnolia. But I think he peaked back then. Nothing since has come close to his early stuff. This was an interesting period piece, with a focus on quirky characters. It meanders without really going anywhere. 

I did find it quite funny at times. My two favorite scenes were the interactions with the casting agent lady and the conversation before the home waterbed installation. 

Rating: C

Nightmare Alley (2021)

 

Had to check out the new Guillermo Del Toro release. Even if his films aren’t always good, they are always interesting. Excellent cast, acting, and direction. Didn’t love the story, but mainly because I didn’t buy the ending. 

Rating: C

A Star Is Born (2018)

I’ve always found alcoholism depressing to watch on screen. That applies to this film as well, but there are other more inspiring bits to keep it from falling into Leaving Las Vegas territory.

Rating: C

War Dogs (2016)

Perversely entertaining despite knowing the real joke is on everyone watching the film. At least our wasted tax dollars help fund the story this film is loosely based upon.

Rating: C+

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Flashier and more CGI heavy than the first, which isn’t a compliment. Also it followed the usual superhero narrative where the two big baddies duke it out at the end. I wish there was another way to tell a Marvel story. Sigh.

Rating: C-

Joy (2015)

Big fan of David O. Russell here. He makes the most of what he has to work with here, and much of it works. It’s a character driven movie that gives you more of an appreciation for those inventing and bringing products to market. Nothing blows you away, but it’s a solid film.

Rating: C+

The Rocker (2008)

No real surprises, but enough laughs to hold your attention.

Rating: C

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+

American Sniper (2014)

Compelling war drama based on a true story. Not as sugar coated as it could have been. Bradley Cooper did a fine job.

Rating: C+

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

A bit silly and loosely put together, but entertaining enough to warrant a single viewing.

Rating: C

American Hustle (2013)

A-list actors putting on a clinic of how it’s done. David O’ Russell, one of my favorite directors, makes the 70’s shine like it hasn’t in a long time. Nonstop eye candy on screen. The story played second fiddle to everything else going on, and I was ok with that. Certainly some nomination-worthy material here, although it wouldn’t be my pick for Best Picture.

Rating: B+

The Hangover Part III (2013)

If you've seen the first two, it goes without saying you’ll check out the third. I liked this one better than the second, but it’s no first.

Rating: C

Wedding Crashers (2005)

What I saw advertised at the time was a juvenile, trite film about a bunch of womanizers. But after hearing such good word of mouth, I decided to check it out. Sure, it's juvenile and about womanizers, but there's a story too! Plus crazy characters and hilarious writing.

Rating: C+

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

With such a cool cast, I was expecting an off-the-wall, hilarious comedy , but instead it was lame, with many scenes were unbearably bad. Very disappointing.

Rating: D

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

I did such a terrific job of avoiding all mentions of this film prior to seeing it, that I had myself convinced it was about a high school football coach leading his team to victory by using a set of special plays in the Silver Linings Playbook. Turns out I was way off, which is how I like it.

I love going into movies ignorant of what I’m about to see. So I instantly went from liking this movie to loving it once Jennifer Lawrence came onscreen. I enjoyed her character because I love girls who are honest, slightly crazy, and aggressive about what they want. (Ideally, that would be me, but it’s been a while since that was the case)

Anyway, all interactions and conversations between Jennifer and Bradley’s characters were golden. Smart, funny dialogue. We can thank David O. Russell for taking an average story and elevating it to an award winning level. After all, this is the man that brought us Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees, and The Fighter. This is definitely the crowd pleaser I heard it was.

Rating: B+

The A-Team (2010)

Like the original TV show, it's understood the viewer must check reality at the door and go along for the ride. Absolutely absurd scenarios, but they look terrific. A lot of money was thrown at this film in post production. They did a good job of casting. Story wasn't bad. It's an entertaining piece of fluff. No more. No less.

Rating: C

Failure To Launch (2006)

A generic romantic comedy that constantly borders on implausibility. Sarah Jessica Parker is gross.

Rating: D+

The Hangover (2009)

Wildly inappropriate, but really funny. Nothing is off limits. Perfect movie to go see with the guys.

Rating: B-

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

Impressive cast surrounding a cute book adaptation. Ginnifer Goodwin and Howie Long stole the show, but Scarlet Johansson proves once again why she is a sex goddess of our time.

Rating: C+