Crime 101 (2026)

 

An ok crime premise with typical moving parts. I got hung up on storyline inconsistencies like I typically do. All that planning to make sure nothing goes wrong, and then this dude drives like a maniac that could result in his death or an innocent bystander with every turn. Plenty of plot holes in the final act as well. Viewers expect more. 

Rating: C

The Machinist (2004)

 

I respect Brad Anderson as a director and can understand why an actor might go to great lengths for a role in one of his films, but not this one. Christian Bale's sacrifice was wasted on a dreary mess filled with unsympathetic characters. 

Rating: D-

Annihilation (2018)

There’s a whole genre of films that follow in the footsteps of Jodie Foster’s “Contact”. Sci-fi movies that show promise of a rich, intricate plot, but then never deliver the goods. This is one of those. Ultimately pointless. Yet another director who thinks audiences will get off on asking themselves “What do you think the meaning was?” to one another after the credits roll. F that.

Rating: D-

Welcome To Me (2014)

At its best when going completely off the rails with the talk show within the movie. Interesting concept that had some decent laughs as well. I love when Joan Cusack plays deadpan. She’s great. 

Rating: C

The Spectacular Now (2013)

Teen relationship movie. The main character was interesting, but the movie was just average.

Rating: C

The Hateful Eight (2015)

Filmed in the style of a theatrical play—a very dark and violent play. Definitely a character piece, filled with heady dialogue and facial expression. Most of the movie is a slow build-up to the bloody conclusion. As far as Tarantino films go, and I’ve seen them all, this won’t be one of my favorites. Closer to the bottom actually. Still liked it though.

Rating: C+

The Jacket (2005)

To me, this was an updated version of Somewhere In Time, that slow, boring, chick flick which nearly put me in a coma. Both involve finding one's true love in another time after lying down. Only, with The Jacket, it involves restraints and some serious drugs.

Rating: C

Greenberg (2010)

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't whatever transpired on screen. I've seen a lot of indie films like this—kind of pointless dramadies that don't really go anywhere, yet are mildly entertaining. Greenberg was one of the better examples in this category.

Rating: C

Road to Perdition (2002)

With Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law starring, and Sam Mendes of American Beauty fame directing, this was a sure bet. And it paid off. Very well done - gripping from start to finish.

Rating: B-

The Anniversary Party (2001)

Directed by Alan Cummings and Jennifer Jason Leigh, this is a perfect collaboration between two talented people. It's a drama that takes place in and around a house where the focus of the movie is on a married couple and their friends. If you are looking for fast action and crazy antics, skip this one. But, if you enjoy witty dialogue, subtle humor and great acting, check it out. I enjoyed watching the Sundance feature they included with the bonus features.

Rating: B-