Disclosure Day (2026)

 

It’s an interesting take on the revelation that aliens-exist genre. They’ve tried really hard to imagine how our world would react to this knowledge, but I found it unrealistic. The story plays out more like a long episode of The X-Files, with some corny plot holes to boot. 

With Spielberg at the helm, the film is gripping and well crafted. Emily Blunt acts the hell out of it. Just don’t expect any sort of satisfying conclusion.

Rating: C

The Wolfman (2010)

 

Dark, moody, hairy, and violent. Citizens are systematically maimed, shredded, and beheaded. Not for the squeamish. Story? Meh. It's Spooky Monster Writing 101 here, but with better special effects. 

Rating: C-

The Fall Guy (2024)

 

I enjoyed the first half, which was cute and fun. The plot unraveled in the second half, culminating in a ridiculous final act. Having watched the original show as a kid, I was hoping they’d do it justice. Still, it’s hard not to “fall” for Emily and Ryan on screen. 

Rating: C

A Quiet Place Part II (2021)

 

Whereas the first movie mostly teased the monsters, the sequel gives you a face full up front, and it’s startling. Many of the scares come from the excellent sound editing. The sound system in the theater we went to was LOUD. I jolted in my seat at least a dozen times. 

Rating: C+

Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Fun, but not magical. I may be too grounded to get carried away in this kind of fantasy.

Rating: C

My Summer Of Love (2004)

Emily Blunt is such an underrated smoke-show. Both female leads are great in their roles. A bit dark and claustrophobic for my taste.

Rating: C

A Quiet Place (2018)

Simple, yet terrifying. Life in a world without noise doesn’t seem like very much fun; especially with killer space dino-bugs on the loose.

Rating: B-

The Great Buck Howard (2008)

I'm still in shock that someone was bold enough to make an indie drama that's rated PG. I can't remember the last time that happened. Engaging story, often funny, and well acted.

Rating: C+

Sicario (2015)

The audience is kept in the dark for much of the film, just like our main character. Cinematography and authentic location shoots were high points. However, none of the characters are all that likeable. We are along for the ride on an intense operation, but I never felt fully invested. Not so much a movie as a very well staged reenactment of a covert op.

Rating: C

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Doug Liman pulls of a rare time shifting movie that’s both entertaining and mostly coherent. It’s Groundhog’s Day meets District 13. Packed with plenty of action, humor, and solid acting. I quite enjoyed Cruz’s transformation. One of the best action films of the year.

Rating: B+

Wild Target (2010)

This falls into the quirky hit man genre. Plot-wise, it’s nothing to write home about, but the characters make it a fun ride.

Rating: C+

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

An enjoyable romp into the world of fashion, more so than the contrived series Ugly Betty, which borders on the absurd, rather than funny. Streep is good, but not Oscar good. There were plenty of other performances that should have been nominated in her place. Even so, I liked the film, if only because it poked fun at the absurdity of the fashion industry, while simultaneously attempting to justify it.

Rating: C+

The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

A familiar cast that we all know and love. Full of funny lines and situations. It’s not going to win any awards, but you will be well entertained. I can’t get enough Emily Blunt.

Rating: C+

Dan In Real Life (2007)

Wonderful. Some of the best interpersonal writing I've seen in a long time. And funny too. Really funny. Steve Carrel is fantastic in this dramatic roll. Seriously, it's amazing to see a Daily Show correspondent just kill some very difficult scenes. This movie is so well written and effortlessly acted, it's impossible not to love it.

Rating: A-

Your Sister’s Sister (2011)

Person: Will you see any movie if you’re told Emily Blunt is in it?

Me: Yes, absolutely.

Person: Even if that movie is called “Your Sister’s Sister”, which is the absolute worst title for a movie, and makes one think of something that might be airing at 3 in the morning on Oprah’s new channel.

Me: Yes.

Turns out it was a great little indie revolving around terrific performances by the three main leads.

Rating: B-

Salmon Fishing In The Yemen (2012)

As far as plotlines go, this is an unusual one. And with movies, I favor unusual plots. Then you have Lasse Hallström directing. Additionally, I’ve been a huge admirer of Emily Blunt’s screen work for some time, so this was a must see for me.

A slow, patient film, much like the sport of fishing. Yet it was also rewarding and engaging. I quickly discovered later via Google that there is not, in fact, salmon fishing in Yemen. This is based on a novel, not a true story.

Rating: C+

Looper (2012)

I find most time travel movies frustrating, as they rarely make sense or stick with their own rules. Looper is a bizarre hit man tale that doesn’t make any effort to explain time travel; using it as a plot device instead. The story is engaging, albeit confusing at times. I thought it could have been edited with more focus on the main story. Not bad as far as time travel movies go.

Rating: C

Sunshine Cleaning (2008)

The crime scene clean-up is just background to a great character driven piece. It's deserving of the many positive reviews I heard before finally renting the DVD. A nice little indie drama.

Rating: B-

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

I was a bit skeptical of this sci-fi romantic drama, but the chemistry between Emily Blunt and Matt Damon quickly won me over. Both are incredible actors that make you forget you’re watching a film. It was well balanced and smartly made. In the wrong hands this could have been a huge disaster. A great first time effort by director George Nolfi.

Rating: B-