Civil War (2024)

Seeing this on a big screen with an incredible sound system really added to the tension of the story. We live in a divided America, and it’s not much of a stretch to see things becoming violent. Whether or not that could manifest into an organized, militaristic attack is yet to be seen. But seeing this director’s vision of what it might look like makes me really hope it doesn’t. 

I felt like the storytelling was even keeled–not preachy about which side was right or wrong. It’s more of a both-sides-lose situation. One thing is for sure. If shit hits the fan and society breaks down, don’t take a cross country road trip. Hunker down with people you trust. Have resources to self-sustain. Thank me later. 

Rating: B-

The Power Of The Dog (2021)

A heavy mood hangs over the entirety of the film. Tension. The soundtrack makes you feel uncomfortable, but the acting pulls you in. 

Rating: C+

Get Over It (2001)

Not bad. Something to pass the time.

Rating: C-

Midnight Special (2016)

Interesting premise. It takes a while before you know what’s going on. Things unfold slowly. It’s never clear why the ladies are dressed like polygamists. But anyway, you’ll spend the entire film waiting for a big payoff at the end. Something happens, but it wasn’t enough to justify all the buildup.

Rating: C

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

After a disappointing and cartoony Spider-Man debut, I didn't expect Spider-Man 2 to turn out any better. I was wrong. The sequel was superior in so many ways.

The villain here is much more credible and somewhat reality based. There's no glossy, plastic suit to draw attention away from the action. I thought the mechanical arms would turn out novelty-like, ala Inspector Gadget, but instead they looked fantastic.

In addition to some really cool action and fight scenes, there was plenty of character and story depth that I felt was lacking in the first.

The final battle between the bad guy and Spider-Man was not formulaic. Spider-Man was not beaten to a bloody pulp, only to come back and finish off the villain. They changed things up a bit. Overall pretty entertaining.

Rating: C+

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Such a brilliant concept by Charlie Kauffman so perfectly executed by Michelle Gondry. Jim Carrey delivers a performance that nobody thought he was capable of. Kate Winslet is never off her game.

Eternal Sunshine is what all movies with an unconventional romance aspire to be. Most enjoyed on the first viewing, although I still really liked it on my second viewing almost 10 years later.

Rating: B+

On The Road (2012)

Pretentious and full of annoying characters. It tries way too hard to be hip and cool without succeeding at either. Rambling on without a destination.

Rating: D-

Melancholia (2011)

I swore I would never see another Lars Von Trier film again after the nightmare that was Antichrist. But I kept reading things that said this one was worth seeing, so I acquiesced. Things move very slowly, sometimes in slow motion. It’s dreary. The wedding scene is as boring as the one in Rachel Getting Married. Halfway through you’ll be ready for the planets to collide so the film with end. I used the FF button to get there faster.

Rating: F

Elizabethtown (2005)

Certainly not your run of the mill romantic comedy, but then what did you expect from Cameron Crowe? I enjoyed this film and it's uniquely functioning disfunctuality. Crowe made my favorite romantic comedy of all time with "Say Anything" -- here he delivers another fun film in a completely new way.

Rating: B-

Crazy/Beautiful (2001)

I loved Kirsten Dunst in this movie. It almost takes off from where her role in "The Virgin Suicides" left off. Almost. Yes, there's a basic Hollywood formula being followed here, but when something is done right, even if it's been done before, it's still right. The DVD deleted scenes aren't bad, and the making of documentary is great.

Rating: B-

Spider-Man (2002)

This was an opening weekend kind of movie. Went with my dad, and we had a great time. Lots of good action, a little romance, cool f/x, and great sound. Unfortunately it follows the basic superhero plot and includes unrealistic feats, even for a superhero.

Rating: C+

Levity (2003)

Great film. Solid performances, especially by Billy Bob Thornton. Too bad those acting chops have dried up. There's a nice tone throughout the film with subtle bits of humor sprinkled in.

Rating: B-