Darkest Hour (2017)

My first impression was that I was watching another episode of The Crown, only with slightly different actors. I then found myself asking--does this film rise above the level of an episode of that TV show? Perhaps. But interestingly enough, it also ties into another nominated film: Dunkirk. It’s as if all these programs were working in cahoots with one another to help us brush up on our world history.

Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Winston Churchill was on point. Likely Oscar worthy. It’s quite amazing how a bunch of rich, pasty, hanky-waving old dudes managed to come together to save the world from Hitler. Sadly, more often than not, it’s those same old white dudes who get us in trouble to begin with.

Rating: C+

Tomb Raider (2018)

A bit of fun at best. A convoluted mess at worst. Unrealistic and pointless puzzles at every turn that eventually lead up to one impossible narrow escape after another. Come on Hollywood. These things need to be based in at least a modicum of reality for us to care.

Rating: D-

Tell No One (Ne le dis à Personne) (2006)

French mystery/suspense film with some great direction, twists, and editing. The score is good too. You may be confused through most of the film, but trust me, things will come together by the end. The film had a very different feel to it, which I liked.

Rating: B-

Salmon Fishing In The Yemen (2012)

As far as plotlines go, this is an unusual one. And with movies, I favor unusual plots. Then you have Lasse Hallström directing. Additionally, I’ve been a huge admirer of Emily Blunt’s screen work for some time, so this was a must see for me.

A slow, patient film, much like the sport of fishing. Yet it was also rewarding and engaging. I quickly discovered later via Google that there is not, in fact, salmon fishing in Yemen. This is based on a novel, not a true story.

Rating: C+

Life as a House (2001)

Life as a House is a wonderful, moving film. Kevin Kline and Kristen Scott Thomas are at their very best. Hayden Christensen has never been better. His crap role in Star Wars was the exact opposite of his performance in this one. Loved Jena Malone's character as well.

Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

Rating: A

Largo Winch (2008)

A very French action movie based on a Belgian comic book. American audiences will be slightly confused and a little annoyed for the first half of the film. Plot points and story arcs aren’t being shoved down the viewer’s collective throats. Knowing it was based upon a comic book, I actually expected something a little more superhero-like. In reality, it's more of a white collar thriller.

I discovered today that there is a sequel. Now that all the characters have been set up and the back-story told, I’m hoping for something more straightforward in the next go-around.

Rating: C+