The Big Short (2015)

The Big Short could very easily have been a documentary about the worldwide financial meltdown of 2007-2008, but instead they decided to go full Hollywood with it, making a compelling motion picture with heavy-hitting actors. If only we could learn from our mistakes, but I doubt it. 

Rating: B

Fantastic Four (2005)

Not as bad as I expected it to be. Some cool special effects and action sequences make it a fun popcorn flick. Plus, Jessica Alba.

Rating: C

Battleship (2012)

Terrible on all fronts—starboard, aft, etc. The plot suffered from as many holes as the destroyed battleships. The middling backstory and character development was awkward. The mini Friday Night Lights reunion was distracting. In fact, nearly every actor in the film comes from the small screen. I expected a lot more from Peter Berg, who used to be a competent director.

Rating: D-