A Sound Of Thunder (2005)

 

An amateurish mess that makes Jumanji look like an Oscar contender. Fake looking visual effects and a weak.

Rating: D-

Chaos Walking (2020)

The Noise is rather annoying, but you get used to it. Feels like everyone on that planet has autism from the thoughts they are projecting. It's a shame the hero kid didn’t get his big smooch at the end. Lost opportunity there. 

Rating: C

The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)

Third in the Cloverfield franchise and the dumbest of the bunch. Reminded me of Event Horizon, where nothing makes sense--just a mishmash of confusing sequences that somewhat resemble a story. Doesn’t work as a standalone film or as a necessary installment in the series.

Rating: D-

A Most Violent Year (2014)

It felt like the entire movie was building up to something big, which never arrived. A more interesting movie would have allowed for his wife to bring in her mobster family to set things right. Conflict in their marriage would have escalated as she took over wearing the big boy britches. Oh well.

Rating: C

Interstellar (2014)

A thought provoking science fiction film that dares to go beyond what science tells us we are capable of presuming. Some incredible twists were thrown in at the end which may have been a bit much. Solidly crafted up to that point though.

Rating: C+

Jack Reacher (2012)

This is one shade of a character Tom Cruise has played a number of times. It’s a comfortable leather jacket he feels is at home in, like the one Jack Reacher wears in the film. The plot, of what I can only believe is the first installment of a new movie franchise, is nothing special. Despite that, I remained engaged the entire film. It’s a slick production. I’m more than happy to give up my time in exchange for an above average action flick.

Rating: C+

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

I’m a sucker for origin stories, and this was a good one. Yes, it’s obvious the chimps are CGI, but once you get past that, it’s pretty slick to look at. I thought they did a solid job of developing the characters, creating emotional bonds, and then propelling the story forward with the ape escape. Sets things up perfectly for the next film. Looking forward to it.

Rating: B

The Last King of Scotland (2006)

One of those well made films with great performances that you enjoyed but never want to see again. A lot of heavy material with circumspect characters. Makes me wish I knew more about the historical accuracy of the film. Africa: what a messed up place.

Rating: C+