A Very Long Engagement (Un Long Dimanche de Fiançailles) (2004)

 

A second pairing between Audrey Tautou and Jean-Pierre Jeunet from Amelie with very good results. The plot is a bit complex, with many characters (including Jodie Foster?!?!?), but rest assured, everything will come together in the end, leaving you with a warm feeling inside, and perhaps a single tear rolling down your cheek.

Rating: B-

Hotel Artemis (2018)

The cast and acting are better than the film deserves. Works in a pinch if you're craving an action movie.

Rating: C

The Dangerous Lives Of Altar Boys (2002)

Reminded me of Stand By Me and many other "group of young boys who get into a lot of trouble" movies. Jodie Foster was pretty good as the cranky nun, but Vincent D'Onofrio was wasted as the priest. Kieran Culkin continues to nab interesting roles.

Rating: C

Panic Room (2002)

Cool concept. A simple yet effective plot, well directed, with edge-of- your-seat thrills. Delivers on all fronts.

Rating: B+

The Brave One (2007)

Not Jodie's finest moment. Maybe her bloodiest? She looks terrible in this film—I think it's the hair. Her revenge killings aren't as rewarding as I hoped they'd be. Perhaps because they are too random. This film didn't jive well for me. I need to see Panic Room again. A much much better film.

Rating: C

Flightplan (2005)

Contrary to popular belief, this movie has nothing to do with a flight plan. Pretty good suspense until the end, where it fizzled.

Rating: C-

Elysium (2013)

Really enjoyed the first half. A lot of creative ideas in this dystopian vision of the future. All special effects and manufactured environments were on point. Excellent camera and sound work. The second half relied more on Hollywood clichés, following a familiar path to a semi-sweet ending.

Rating: C+

Carnage (2011)

Carnage is a film based on a play, directed by Roman Polanski, although it feels more like David Mamet. Great fun watching four competent actors go at each other with sharp dialogue. I am ever so grateful to Quentin Tarantino for shining a light on Christoph Waltz so the world could see more of him on screen. He is a marvel to watch. John C Riley is no slouch himself. He’s just been doing genius level work for American audiences a lot longer.

Rating: B-

Inside Man (2006)

Pretty intense, clever, and fun. Would have appreciated a better ending, but you can't win them all.

Rating: C+