Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

 

Heavy on the religiosity and convoluted mystery that ultimately didn’t feel all that rewarding. It was fine. 

Rating: C

The Batman (2022)

 

Gave this a watch because I wanted some extra backstory for HBO’s The Penguin series. It was quite long, but entertaining enough. 

Rating: C

American Fiction (2023)

A clever twist on African American stereotyping in film, but also a story of a typically dysfunctional family coming together in their own way. It doesn’t feel like a comedy, but I laughed out loud a lot. Smartly written and well acted. 

Rating: B-

The French Dispatch (2021)

 

Likely my least favorite of Wes Anderson’s films. The cinematography, sets, and editing were wonderful, but the story was a convoluted disaster. It felt like a computer program was fed all of Wes’ previous work and vomited out a script. Interesting to watch, but not up to par. 

Rating: C-

Hamlet (2000)

I kind of liked the updated version of Romeo & Juliet, so I thought I'd give this one a shot, since it received the same treatment. Watching a Shakespearean movie is like watching a foriegn film to me, I need subtitles just to figure out what the hell they are saying. And even when I do follow the jibberish, it usually turns out to be some flowery diatribe about misery and incest.

I freaking hate Shakespeare. Pure crapola. Even though this movie had an incredible cast, it still wasn't enough to overcome another dreary, tragic plot.

Rating: F

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015)

About as unsatisfying as Part 1. Bits of unrealistic action followed by long bouts of boring conversation. They could have done a lot more with the pods. The book has a lot for them to draw from. And what was with the multiple false endings. I thought the credits would never come. Way to end the series on a low note.

Rating: C-

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

Better than I thought it was going to be. Some fun adventure sequences make up for the predictability of the script. Beautiful animation.

Rating: C+

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (2014)

The third book was the weakest in the series, in my opinion. So breaking it up into two movies seemed a bit much. Part one is mostly setup for the big capital city breach. It’s filler.

Rating: C

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

It followed the book quite closely and did a great job of bringing the story to life. Acting was all top notch, with my favorite still being Stanley Tucci. He’s glorious in that role. CGI and special effects were effectively used. They’ve handled the first two films adeptly, but they have their work cut out for them in the third.

Rating: B-

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-

Quantum of Solace (2008)

I had high expectations following the fantastic rebirth of James Bond. Sadly, they were mostly unfulfilled in this complicated mess of intrigue and chase scenes. The plot was all over the place, and then they had to go and throw in a bunch of explosions at the end, as if to let the audience know the old days were coming back.

I can't bear the thought of returning to bimbo rocket scientists and ridiculously named villains. I guess Casino Royal was just a fluke to get people hooked again. Well it won't work. No more opening weekend ticket prices for me. You'll be lucky to get a DVD rental out of me in the future when it comes to new James Bond pics.

Rating: C

Syrianna (2005)

An intense look into the ruthless world of oil. Although the story and characters can be a bit confusing at times, the film is very well made. Reminded me a lot of Traffic in style. Clooney is at the top of his game.

Rating: B-

The Ides of March (2011)

Stellar cast of actors all doing their thing. A mostly by the books plot—like an uptight version of Primary Colors.

Rating: C+

Casino Royale (2006)

I've been continuously let down by the Bond franchise for some time now. Big explosions, big plot holes, and big boobs do not make for a good movie. Apparently I wasn't the only one complaining, because the stiffs holding the keys to 007 finally got their shit together and recruited some real writers and a solid director.

The result is a fantastic action/thriller with a Bond who doesn't have to ham it up to hold the audience's attention. Technically, this is an R rated movie, so be prepared for some high quality action and violence. Let's hope this trend continues.

Rating: B

Source Code (2011)

Entertaining despite the plethora of plot holes. I’m pretty sure the ending is impossible, scientifically or otherwise. I like my sci-fi with a bit more plausibility.

Rating: C