Crime 101 (2026)

 

An ok crime premise with typical moving parts. I got hung up on storyline inconsistencies like I typically do. All that planning to make sure nothing goes wrong, and then this dude drives like a maniac that could result in his death or an innocent bystander with every turn. Plenty of plot holes in the final act as well. Viewers expect more. 

Rating: C

What Doesn’t Kill You (2008)

 

A really long crime drama with solid performances by Ruffalo and Hawke. It's based on a true story, so they could only pump up the action so much. It's a relationship movie at its core. 

Rating: C

Blindness (2008)

 

The first half of the film looked very low budget. The scale of what was occurring was massive, but it seemed to be treated as a local epidemic. It didn't make sense. Too much time was spent locked up inside their prison. The real story was outside in the streets! That's the story I wanted to see. 

The idea of nearly everyone in the world losing their eyesight is a fascinating one. The few with vision suddenly become superheroes. This concept eventually came to fruition in the excellent series See.

Rating: C

Just Like Heaven (2005)

 

You'll need to suspend reality and give in to your metaphysical side in order to enjoy this film, but if you can, then it's a light-hearted romantic comedy with several funny performances. 

Rating: C

Windtalkers (2002)

 

John Woo directs this over-budget stinker. There is a sprinkle of Navajo code stuff, but it’s mostly endless monologues and battle scenes. 

Rating: D

Mickey 17 (2025)

 

I had high hopes going into this one. The concept, cast, director, and production all pointed toward a hit. But the execution was murky. The story never felt authentic, wavering somewhere between a comedy, sci-fi, and action movie, but not really delivering on any of those. It was watchable, but not exciting or very interesting. Missed potential. 

Rating: C-

Poor Things (2023)

I’m not particularly fond of Yorgos Lanthimos’s work, but I was intrigued with the award nominations and Emma Stone, so went to see it with my cousin. Captivating and often funny, but seemed way too focused on her sexual awakening. Multiple people got up and left the theater midway through. 

Emma’s performance was pretty spectacular. I’m sure many would say brave. She put it all out there. Not for the squeamish. 

Rating: C

Begin Again (2013)

 

I love John Carney films because they make you feel like you’re a part of the music creating process. You get to be entertained by the story and hear some great tracks. Reminded me in some ways of his recent Flora & Son. 

Rating: C+

The Adam Project (2022)

 

Time travel movies never make sense; this one included. It’s a bit of child-fantasy fun that will make dads feel guilty about not spending enough time with their kids. 

Rating: C

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

 

The humor made this Marvel offering palatable, despite the run-of-the-mill fight scenes. 

Rating: C

Date Night (2010)

Truthfully, I get more enjoyment out of an average episode of The Office or 30 Rock than I did this movie. It was ok, but many of the jokes fell flat. The writing wasn't particularly clever. Not enough fun cameos to make up for it either.

Rating: C

The Brothers Bloom (2008)

A very beautiful and unique film, at least for the first third. Things got a little sketchy after that. I liked the characters and direction. Reminded me at times of "Pushing Daisies", but less cartoony.

Rating: C

All The King’s Men (2006)

Sean Penn returns as the mighty orator, delivering Oscar inspired speeches from stone steps. Nobody can deny he's a fantastic actor, as is the rest of the all-star cast. But isn't anyone else growing tired of seeing Penn in grandiose dramatic roles? The movie is dark, slow moving, and a bit dry.

Rating: C-

Now You See Me (2013)

Preposterous, but fun. Magicians behaving like borderline superheroes in a mix of The Italian Job and Tomb Raider.

Rating: C

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

The Last Castle (2001)

Liked the movie, despite it's predictability. Solid acting all around. Even made me feel a little better about the military, so there's something.

Rating: C+

Now You See Me 2 (2016)

Far more ridiculous than the original. The plot is a disaster. They treat magic like a superpower that defies all logic and reality. This sequel was unnecessary.

Rating: D

Collateral (2004)

Cool, dark thriller by Michael Mann. Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx are at their best. The script is polished and the violence nicely paced. This film could have been an unbelievable mess in someone else's hands.

Rating: B-

Shutter Island (2010)

The film is finely crafted by Martin. Acting is excellent. Story? Eh. I was certainly on edge and intrigued. I liked the ending. But overall, I wouldn't say it's a very satisfying film.

Rating: C

We Don’t Live Here Anymore (2004)

Didn't really care for the story. Sort of depressing. Quality actors portraying people I didn't want to see.

Rating: D+