The Life Of David Gale (2003)

 

Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslett star in a movie about capital punishment that makes its point without shoving it down your throat. Chilling in some parts, gruesome in others. Not something you'd watch for a good time.

Rating: C+

K-PAX (2001)

I hate movies where things are left mysterious and vague. I want to know how the story ends, not play guessing games with what the writer/director were thinking.

I thought Kevin Spacey did an admirable job as an alien, and I liked Jeff Bridges as well. The story was interesting, and the plot was well developed. I only wished they would have acknowledged the fact that he either was or wasn't an alien.

Rating: C

Baby Driver (2017)

The quirky style and musical interplay make this film instantly likable. You aren’t exactly sure where it’s going, but the ride is very fast. Just when you think you’ve seen every car chase sequence in existence, Baby Driver pulls out a few new tricks. A strong first half make up for an average second.

Rating: B

Se7en (1995)

That Trent Reznor music during the opening credits really sets a disturbing mood. Brad Pitt is really great in this. At the end you can really see his mind at war with itself.

Rating: B+

Horrible Bosses 2 (2014)

Another unnecessary sequel. Some mildly amusing parts, but not enough to warrant getting the cast back together.

Rating: D+

21 (2008)

The term "loosely based on the novel" immediately comes to mind. Sometimes that's not a bad thing. Here it spells implausibility. Events feel very amped up in order to deliver a Hollywood type film that contains enough eye-catching scenes to fill a movie trailer. For that reason you will be entertained, but left feeling a bit empty. Not unlike the way you feel when leaving Vegas.

Rating: C

Margin Call (2011)

A fictionalized look at the beginnings of the recent financial crisis. Fine acting elevates a somewhat dry narrative.

Rating: C

The United States of Leland (2003)

A moody and well acted film. Jena Malone plays yet another girlfriend to the unstable male lead. (Much better in The Glass House) Cheadle was very good in his role. This movie won't leave you feeling happy, but it will put you in a thoughtful mood, which is a good thing sometimes.

Rating: C+

Superman Returns (2006)

I expected so much from the director of the first 2 X-Men films (since the third one sucked), but all I got were cool special f/x and not a whole lot more. The plot was ridiculous, and the pacing was way too slow for what is supposed to be a fast action superhero movie. There was such an opportunity here to make something fresh and new. Instead we received a compost pile of old clips and story lines. Not super at all.

Rating: D

Horrible Bosses (2011)

Dark and funny. It’s a joy seeing Charlie Day do his thing outside of Sunny in Philadelphia. I actually really liked Jennifer Aniston playing the slutty dentist too. I forgot how funny she can be in the right role. This wasn’t one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in the last year—no huge belly laughs—but it was consistently funny.

Rating: C+

Moon (2009)

As far as movies with 1 actor go, this one is pretty good. Sam Rockwell puts in an amazing performance as the lonely astronaut. The production looks much better than its indie funding should allow. I enjoyed the Sundance Q&A from the bonus section as well.

Rating: B-