Terminator Salvation (2009)

 

Just because 3 movies, a TV series, and a theme park ride have paved the path before you, doesn't mean you get to skimp on character development and story. Salvation dives right in, as if the audience has been waiting anxiously for the next installment.

Lots of robots and explosions with little to make the audience care who lives or dies. This is what your get when MCG is directing. His style may suit the Charlie's Angels crowd, but it's not suited for anything with depth.

Rating: D

Deep Cover (2025)

 

Improv actors recruited to help ensnare low level crooks get in way over their heads, yet stay committed to their roles. As far-fetched as that sounds, the script is quite good. Nice combination of violence and humor. Reminiscent of the HBO series Barry. 

Rating: B-

Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

 

Movies like this are made to be seen in the theater. Dinosaur fights and chases are in your face and felt in your bones. Fun to see a world slowly adapting to life with dinosaurs. Often felt like an Indiana Jones throwback–a compliment. 

Rating: C+

The Village (2004)

M. Night brings together a fantastic group of actors for one of his most original films to date. Suspenseful and surprising. If only all of his films were this good.

Rating: B

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Prehistoric fun for those able to let go of reality and enjoy the CGI dinosaurs.

Rating: C

Pete’s Dragon (2016)

More than anything, Pete’s Dragon reminded me how much I’m going to miss Robert Redford after he’s gone. The man’s a national treasure. The movie itself was ok.

Rating: C-

Jurassic World (2015)

I’ve enjoyed all the popcorn flicks in this series. They are complete escapism, especially when watched on the big screen. The story is always the same, but you watch for the incredible dinosaur action and booming sound.

Rating: C

Lady In The Water (2006)

Not my favorite M. Night film by a long shot, but interesting as usual. I think his childhood fascination with this story clouded his perception of it's real mass appeal. It's a stretch to go along with the premise, and not rewarding enough if you do. Given the right source material, he can do wonders. This source was lacking.

Rating: C-

The Help (2011)

Watching movies like The Help makes me want to run out and watch Django Unchained again. I love seeing ignorant douchebags get their comeuppance, especially if it takes the form of buckshot to the face.

In The Help, retribution for white injustice comes in a milder form, through a tell-all book from the perspective of the housekeepers. It’s a heartwarming story that gets a bit dramatic at the end, but that can’t be helped when it’s a Hollywood picture.

Rating: C+

50/50 (2011)

As far as cancer movies go, this is a good one. Most of the contrived, forced scenes have been left out. Instead we get a more straightforward, honest portrayal of what one person’s experience with cancer might be like. Fortunately Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt click as friends, so things stay light despite the downer material. The romantic elements were nice too. Well done.

Rating: B-