X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

 

The Origins part of this origin story was too thin. Popcorn fare that lacked flavor.

Rating: D+

Caught Stealing (2025)

 

Darren Aronofsky directing was enough to get me out to the theater again, however, Caught Stealing didn’t possess anything resembling his previous works that I enjoyed. The story was predictable and dark. Far too few comical moments. No one to root for. A series of bad decisions that eventually came to an unrealistic end. 

Rating: C-

The French Dispatch (2021)

 

Likely my least favorite of Wes Anderson’s films. The cinematography, sets, and editing were wonderful, but the story was a convoluted disaster. It felt like a computer program was fed all of Wes’ previous work and vomited out a script. Interesting to watch, but not up to par. 

Rating: C-

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)

This psychedelic animated spin-off took preposterous into another dimension. If you like watching a dozen lava lamps have an orgy with a ridiculous plot to match, it seems you’ve bought into the hype and are pretending to love this movie. I feel sorry for you.

Rating: D-

Hamlet (2000)

I kind of liked the updated version of Romeo & Juliet, so I thought I'd give this one a shot, since it received the same treatment. Watching a Shakespearean movie is like watching a foriegn film to me, I need subtitles just to figure out what the hell they are saying. And even when I do follow the jibberish, it usually turns out to be some flowery diatribe about misery and incest.

I freaking hate Shakespeare. Pure crapola. Even though this movie had an incredible cast, it still wasn't enough to overcome another dreary, tragic plot.

Rating: F

Isle Of Dogs (2018)

Wes Anderson films are always a treat because you know you’ll be getting something unique, yet on brand. This tale of boy’s best friend was playful, sincere, and entertaining. I loved the Japanese cultural influences.

Rating: B

The Sum Of All Fears (2002)

The first half of the movie is all build up. A lot of political spy talk that nobody, except the writers, really care about. When the action finally does come, it is anti-climatic. The characters meant nothing to me. Most were one dimensional.

Rating: D-

The 5th Wave (2016)

A hodgepodge of stolen pieces from other teen angst ridden post-apocalyptic movies. Too much time spent on unimportant smoldering romances and not enough time filling in enormous plot holes.

Rating: D+

Spotlight (2015)

A lot of heavy hitters show up in this Oscar-bait docu-drama. They do a solid job of turning investigative journalism into a compelling story. It’s mind boggling how anyone could stand in the way of this story getting told without everyone around them pointing a finger and saying—hey, stop supporting pedophilia asshole! Important film.

Rating: B

Taking Woodstock (2009)

I don't know that I would have bothered seeing this if it wasn't for Ang Lee. Not the director you first think of for this kind of movie. What you get are some really interesting characters, nice performances, authentic set pieces, and a quirky story based on actual events.

It felt uneven at times. A few scenes were simply wedged in because they needed to go somewhere; but overall it was entertaining.

Rating: C

Kate and Leopold (2001)

A pleasant surprise. Smartly written and fun.

Rating: B-

Repo Men (2010)

I liked the concept, but the story didn't work. It's all surface material—no real depth. Ultimately I didn't buy the main point of the film; that society would allow a private company to hack people up willy-nilly like unionized serial killers working for the man. And if you can't get past that, then the rest of the movie feels a little pointless.

Rating: D+

Goon (2011)

Small town brawler takes his fists to the hockey rink. There are a few laughs, and it’s watchable, but nothing to wet your pants about.

Rating: C

The Painted Veil (2006)

Not your typical epic love story, which is a good thing. A very solid drama with even better cinematography. The film is beautifully shot and while it unfolds slowly, you won't regret sticking it out until the end.

Rating: C+

Salt (2010)

A pretty good action flick, with genuine heart pounding sequences. The plot keeps you guessing without being too complicated to follow. It's a fun summer popcorn movie.

Rating: C+

The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

It walks a thin, dark line between believable and science fiction. While the acting was good, the story wasn't very compelling to me and I was let down with how things wrapped up.

Rating: C