Hancock (2008)

 

One of the first mainstream films to take a dark spin on superheroes. Not for kids.

Rating: C

The Old Guard (2020)

Gave this a spin without knowing anything going in. Fun concept that I won’t spoil here. Things unraveled by the third act, per usual, but I’d probably watch a sequel.

Rating: C

Bombshell (2019)

Frustrating to watch, but refreshing to see these men (Trump & Rudy included) be portrayed as the true assholes they are. I take joy in knowing that they will continue to be portrayed that way in every movie and TV show that comes out for the rest of their miserable lives. This movie will be enjoyable to everyone but Trump supporters--so human beings.

Rating: B

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+

In The Valley Of Elah (2007)

A compelling story told very well. Tommy Lee just gets better with age. Prepare to have your opinions challenged. 

 Rating: C+

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Charlize is stunning and deadly, however the storytelling felt scattered. Soundtrack is a pleasure. Action sequences are intense. One thing I can’t understand. If they could have taken the Ambassador’s car smoothly across the entire time, why didn’t they just use it to get Spyglass across in the first place? That makes everything that transpired pointless!

Rating: C

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

I really enjoyed the unique animation style mixed with origami. The story was rich with Japanese culture. Well-made and enjoyable to watch.

Rating: B

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

A fun, action-packed monster car-fest that keeps the gas pedal to the floor. No deep backstories here. Just explosions, Frankenstein rigs, and vehicular manslaughter.

Rating: C+

15 Minutes (2001)

DeNiro and Burns are both good in their roles, but the insane bad guys really steal the show. The plot twists and turns, always leaving you guessing. Just when you think things are winding up, BAM, a new turn.

Rating: C+

The Yards (2000)

A lot of big names in this one, although it didn't make a big splash at the box office. Acting was good, story held my attention, and suspense was satisfactory.

Rating: C

The Road (2009)

I love love love post apocalyptic films. Unfortunately, most of them are crap. This one is good, but quite dreary. I think I'd rather have the earth covered by zombies than the gray world depicted here. It held my attention, but at a price.

Rating: C

Prometheus (2012)

A very slick piece of sci-fi eye candy from director/producer Ridley Scott. Seamlessly blends creationism, aliens, and horror into an interesting package. I’ve read online that this is not a direct prequel to the Alien franchise, but rather a bridge point to future films that may be prequels, but more likely will exist independently inside the Alien universe.

Either way, it’s a terrific foundation for stories to come. I really liked the DAVID android and hope to see more of him in future installments. The rest of the cast did a swell job too. Looking forward to many of the questions raised in Prometheus being answered down the line.

Rating: B-

Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Starts out a little kooky, but evens out once Snow White comes of age. Many creative characters and elements. The dwarves were particularly cool. Pretty good as far as fairytale adaptations go.

Rating: C+

Young Adult (2011)

Another indie with an unlikeable lead character. I found myself rooting for the inevitable train wreck, but even after it came, I was left unsatisfied. Mostly depressing.

Rating: C-

The Astronaut's Wife (1999)

It sucked. Bad story. Predictable. Weak plot. Poor script. No chemistry. Weak all around.

Rating: F

Æon Flux (2005)

Stupid previews and their expectation raising trickery. The film wasn't all bad. Some cool special f/x, hot costumes, and creative ideas. It was a weaker version of The Island, sort of. Truthfully, I enjoyed Charlize Theron much more in this season of Arrested Development.

Rating: D+