Self Reliance (2023)

Loved the concept. The setup in the first third of the film was excellent. Anna Kendrick was cute and fun. I just wish they had committed to the story and had a few more dangerous encounters that were less corny. A slow reveal to his family and friends would have been funny and cathartic. 

Instead, the game became too much of a joke without any real consequences for breaking the rules. I would have loved to see the viewers perspective–those tuning into the dark web D.O.G. show. The final act was all over the place. Real shame. 

Rating: C

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Spielberg, Hanks, and DiCaprio. Hard to go wrong. Based on an amazing true life story, this movie was pure fun to watch. Leonardo is solid as usual, Hanks is very subdued, but perfect in his role. It's a fun piece of escapism.

Rating: B-

A Better Life (2011)

A look at the immigration issue through the story of a father and his son. It doesn’t come off preachy or try to take sides. Fairly realistic in its portrayal of an immigrant family and the daily challenges they face.

Rating: C+