The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

Despite a ridiculous title, it was a mostly heartwarming and occasionally funny adventure film.

Rating: C+

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

The excessive swearing, especially the Lord’s name in vain, was both unnecessary and distracting from the story. A story of sad, broken people inflicting cruelties upon one another. Charlie’s mom from Always Sunny In Philadelphia fit right in. Very dark and ultimately rather unfulfilling. I guess that’s the Academy’s sweet spot.

Rating: C

Everest (2015)

I’ve never understood the lunacy of wanting to climb Mt. Everest. Then again, I run ultramarathons, and people say the same thing about long distance runners. I get the sense of accomplishment that comes from doing something hard, but the risk of life is just too great to be worth it.

The movie itself does a good job of walking the casual viewer through what it’s like to prepare for and hike Mt. Everest. The story is compelling and a bit depressing.

Rating: C+

Miami Vice (2006)

I want to start off by saying that this film had virtually zero connection to the original TV show. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but it could have passed as any other undercover cop flick.

The flash and fun is gone, replaced with dark and dismal. The story holds up, but so does an episode of CSI. We expect to be more entertained than a normal night at home with the tube. A popcorn movie. This one was missing the pop.

Rating: C-

Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006)

It's not everyday you get to see a comedy about suicide. In fact, every character in this film has killed themselves. Surprisingly, it's not depressing. Instead, it's like a darker version of the film "Defending Your Life", which is a great movie if you haven't seen it.

Favorite parts: Gogol Bordello & the black hole underneath the seat.

Rating: C+

The Sessions (2012)

Gutsy performances for the two leads, especially Helen Hunt. Not a film for everyone.

Rating: C

Me And You And Everyone We Know (2005)

Great story. Funny characters. Plenty of awkward moments. Enjoyed it a lot.

Rating: B-

Identity (2003)

This movie freaked me out. I was ashamed to be covering my eyes with my own hands. They use the classic slow build up to a jump-out shot to get the scares, but they are effective. The story may be a little thin, but the acting was pretty good.

Rating: C

Lincoln (2012)

Filled with old timey political debate and closed door meetings. Chalk full of ridiculous hairstyles, walking canes, hearth fires, longwinded speeches, and the corpse of Tommy Lee Jones. (Someone needs to inform him he died 7 years ago and it’s safe to walk into the light.) If those are things you enjoy seeing on screen, this is a must see for you.

The film features an endless slate of A and B list actors. It may be simpler to list the actors not starring in Lincoln. The production value is very high, however it felt more like a stage production. I was particularly annoyed by Sally Field’s overly dramatic portrayal of Lincoln’s wife. Lifetime movie obnoxious. The movie is somewhat entertaining, but comes off more as a heavy handed history lesson.

Rating: C

Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)

Heavy and uncomfortable. Somewhat slow. Depressing. Muddled. Terrible ending.

Rating: D

American Gangster (2007)

Solid film all around. Packed with top of the line actors. Plus you have Ridley behind the camera, so everyone looks great. The big budget enables a very authentic setting and art direction. Not one of my favorite mob/gangster movies, but a good one.

Rating: C+

Contagion (2011)

A far superior outbreak film than what’s come before, including “Outbreak”. A lot of questions are raised about what we, as citizens, would do in this type of situation, but also our governments, military, and global neighbors. It was an interesting depiction of one scenario that hopefully will help us to address some of these issues now instead of when it’s too late.

The film also reminded me of a zombie movie, since it essentially breaks down to the same thing: Infected vs. Survivors. Your Zombie Apocalypse Plan would probably work in this case as well.

Rating: B

Winter's Bone (2010)

A drearier, less exciting cinematic version of FX's Justified. Jennifer Lawrence and the rest of the cast do a fine job in their roles. There is some great tension throughout the film, but for me there needed to be a couple more climatic events to win me over. Thanks goodness Justified got renewed for another season.

Rating: C+