The Tomorrow War (2021)

 

It looks and sounds great, but for a film centered around scientists, nothing makes a whole lot of sense. You’ll have to leave your brain on the other side of the wormhole. 

Rating: D+

The Kings Of Summer (2013)

A quirky telling of three boys in the woods. Always a joy to have real life couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally playing the parents.

Rating: C+

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

A step up from Two Weeks Notice, but not a big step. Cute and funny scenes here and there, but a predictable plot and over-the-top sub characters made it wallow in the mediocre romantic comedy trough.

 Rating: C-

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Send some well developed characters out on a road trip under the supervision of a talented director with some quality writing, and it's hard to go wrong. It worked splendidly in such recent films as About Schmidt and Sideways, and it works here too.

Greg Kinnear continues to impress. He has a knack for picking great roles. He's come a long way since his Talk Soup days. Everyone in the film pulls off an acting showcase. I'm not aligning myself with many critics who feel this film is perfect, but it gets closer than most did in 2006.

Rating: B+

Julie & Julia (2009)

I enjoyed Julia's side of the story much more than Julie's, who I found to be a bit grating at times. As a food lover myself, I loved seeing an entire film revolve around cooking. Don't see this film on an empty stomach. The love story between Paul and Julia felt authentic—who could resist Stanley Tucci?

I watched most of the extras on the Blu-Ray as well, which were informative, yet a bit long-winded. Meryl certainly was deserving of the Oscar. She's quite brilliant in her roll.

Rating: B-

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

This film is incredible, and helped cement Paul Thomas Anderson as one of my favorite directors of all time. The soundtrack combined with the odd filming style and the unexpected story developments were mesmerizing and unsettling. I thought the opening sequences were amazing.

Adam Sandler has never been better, and sadly, never never will again. Emily Watson makes it look easy. This odd pairing somehow meshed perfectly onscreen. Familiar faces from PTA's other films popped up in just the right places.

I love movies that make me feel something deep down inside, and ideally leave me feeling uplifted at the end. Like Magnolia, my other favorite film from him, Punch-Drunk Love succeeds at this. Anderson has a way of producing just the right tone and mood for his movies. This is a must see.


Rating: A

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

A gem of an indie. A time travel movie that isn’t really about time travel at all. Funny, hip, and smart without being condescending. Definitely a contender for Top 10 Films of the Year.

Rating: B+

Sunshine Cleaning (2008)

The crime scene clean-up is just background to a great character driven piece. It's deserving of the many positive reviews I heard before finally renting the DVD. A nice little indie drama.

Rating: B-

Dude, Where's my Car? (2000)

This movie was bad. Sure, I might have chuckled from time to time, but overall, it was one unfunny joke or gag after another. Lame plot, lame acting, lame everything.

Rating: F

Storytelling (2001)

I saw Welcome to the Dollhouse from Todd Solondz a long time ago, and more recently, Happiness - so this was my third go round. I thought I knew what I was getting into.

I didn't. He crossed new lines and boundaries I didn't think could be crossed. That's not actually a good thing in this case. I realize I'm not making much sense, but I'm not really trying to. I'd pass on this one.

Rating: D+

The Anniversary Party (2001)

Directed by Alan Cummings and Jennifer Jason Leigh, this is a perfect collaboration between two talented people. It's a drama that takes place in and around a house where the focus of the movie is on a married couple and their friends. If you are looking for fast action and crazy antics, skip this one. But, if you enjoy witty dialogue, subtle humor and great acting, check it out. I enjoyed watching the Sundance feature they included with the bonus features.

Rating: B-

Firewall (2006)

Formulaic action thriller with an over-the-hill Harrison Ford. Entertaining in the moment, forgetful in the end.

Rating: C-