The Guru (2002)

 

I didn’t hate this Bollywood bandwagoner. Heather Graham was hot as always. 

Rating: C-

The First Purge (2018)

I’m a sucker for a good origin story, and this was pretty good. The style and story was in line with the rest of the films, but I liked the gangs vs militias plot-line a little more. Quite violent. Could have done without the extra cheesy final minute of the movie though.

Rating: C+

The Big Short (2015)

The Big Short could very easily have been a documentary about the worldwide financial meltdown of 2007-2008, but instead they decided to go full Hollywood with it, making a compelling motion picture with heavy-hitting actors. If only we could learn from our mistakes, but I doubt it. 

Rating: B

Anger Management (2003)

Relatively funny throughout, but seemed to get progressively cheesier as it reached the end. The final scene was pure compost. 

Rating: C-

Trainwreck (2015)

Amy’s first big foray into motion pictures is a mixed bag. This is not Judd Apatow’s best writing, likely because it was probably written for Amy. That would explain how forced many scenes were. Still, they rounded up a lot of funny people to make appearances in the film and I laughed enough to warrant a C rating.

Rating: C

Spare Parts (2015)

A feel good movie about a robotics club from a poor school competing with the big boys. It’s pretty sappy in a lot of places. I could have done without the multiple commercial spots for the military and McDonalds, as if those are the only options for  Hispanic kids. Based on a true story, the script really wrote itself.

Rating: C

Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)

One of those semi-depressing movies where you watch everyone make one bad decision after another until they finally choke on the consequences of their actions. No complaints about the acting or cast. All helped to take a simple story to the next level.

However, don't expect to feel uplifted at the end. Also, I should have married Marisa Tomei. She looks absolutely amazing for her age. Plus, we share the same birthday.

Rating: C

In The Bedroom (2001)

What a mood this movie brings into the room. Very heavy and depressive, but very well done. The performances are so believable. I was completely sucked in.

Rating: B

Cyrus (2010)

I like quirky, dysfunctional love stories, such as As Good As It Gets, Punch Drunk Love, or Benny & June. Cyrus is a fine example. I'm glad they played it straight rather than going the Step Brothers route of crazy high-jinx. Jonah is actually very reserved in this role and shows some depth most people didn't know he had. Marisa is gorgeous as always. Riley is consistently great. Fun little move.

Rating: B

The Ides of March (2011)

Stellar cast of actors all doing their thing. A mostly by the books plot—like an uptight version of Primary Colors.

Rating: C+

The Wrestler (2008)

Darren Aronofsky has made some of my absolute favorite films of all time, so I was anxiously waiting to see this. Well made? Yes. Dark? Yes. Authentic? Yes. Depressing? Yes. Entertaining? Somewhat. Rourke certainly delivers a killer performance. Marissa is as gorgeous as ever, especially with those tattoos. I'd be the Ashton Kutcher to her Demi Moore any day.

Rating: C+

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

Started out strong with some funny scenes and smart writing. Things weakened in the second half. A lot of contrived plot lines and cliché sequences. This is a general audience pleaser and fun overall, but it’s better if you switch half your brain off. Ladies will be giving this an A+ for Ryan Gosling alone.

Rating: C+

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

A solid legal drama/thriller. Not sure if they are going to continue making films based on the book series, but if they do, they’ve established some solid characters to build from. Fun seeing Macy with his “Shameless” hair and Cranston with a bit more than he sports on “Breaking Bad”.

Rating: C+