The 33 (2015)

A retelling of the Chile mining rescue. Sadly, these accidents happen around the world almost daily, and most of the stories are left untold because they don’t have as happy an ending as this one did.

Some parts are overly dramatic. Others were unnecessary and should have been edited out. The movie picks up once contact is made and the world comes together to get them out. It’s quite remarkable how long these poor men managed to stay alive underground, which makes their rescue all the more emotional when they finally got out.

Rating: C

Godzilla (2014)

This latest version suffers from all the same missteps of its predecessors. Hokey plot, bad writing, and overuse of CGI. If these creatures couldn’t be destroyed by nuclear weapons on previous attacks, than why is the military bothering to shoot them with guns, tanks, and missiles? Isn’t that all pointless? Every soldier is running around with a gun in his hand, as if it has a purpose in this ridiculous scenario. It got progressively worse.

Rating: D+

Dan In Real Life (2007)

Wonderful. Some of the best interpersonal writing I've seen in a long time. And funny too. Really funny. Steve Carrel is fantastic in this dramatic roll. Seriously, it's amazing to see a Daily Show correspondent just kill some very difficult scenes. This movie is so well written and effortlessly acted, it's impossible not to love it.

Rating: A-

Chocolat (2000)

A delight to watch. Makes you feel good after it's over. Great performances and a cute story. Johnny Depp is at his best with Lasse H. at the directors' helm. They do good work together.

Rating: B+