Babes (2024)

 

A pretty raw having-a-baby film, but funny. Not for the squeamish. 

Rating: C+

Chef (2014)

It’s nice to see Jon Favreau writing and directing smaller films again, a la Swingers. The story feels personal and relevant. All the latest internet jargon is injected. Sure, the film will sound completely dated in 5 years, but it will be a nice snapshot of what social media was like in 2014. 

Food looks amazing. DVD sets would become relevant again if they could figure out a way to deliver a piping hot Cubano sandwich with the film. A bit overly sentimental at times, but it’s a feel good movie, so it can be forgiven. Enjoyed. 

Rating: B

Kill The Messenger (2014)

Heavy drama based on the story of the CIAs involvement with the drug trade and Nicaraguan Contras. Renner does a fine job as usual. It’s a satisfactory project, but nothing that will get your heart pumping.

Rating: C

2012 (2009)

A by the numbers disaster movie, but with superior special effects. Quite watchable for the first 3/4ths of the film. Some ok humor to lighten things up. Things fall apart toward the end with some extremely forced emotional scenes. Had it not been for the groundbreaking (pun intended) end of the world depictions, I would have scored this movie lower.

Rating: C

Benny and Joon (1993)

Not as satisfying as I remember it being after a second viewing. I think I’m more cynical now than I used to be.

Rating: C

Year One (2009)

When I saw the initial previews for this film, I thought, "This is a sure thing!". I mean Jack Black and Michael Cera. How can you go wrong? Turns out writing matters, and this script was beyond weak. The concept was great, but Harold Ramis has lost his touch. Poor execution and generally unfunny.

Rating: D-

Frost/Nixon (2008)

I tend to avoid period dramas, like The King’s Speech, even though they usually end up being good. I simply don’t get as excited for historical reenactments as I do for an action movie. So even though I forced myself to finally sit down and watch Frost/Nixon, I really did enjoy it.

Excellent screenplay and editing. They elevate what could be considered dull material to the level of entertainment. Stellar cast and acting. It’s not a film I’m going to rush out and see again, or ever for that matter, but you’ll be glad you viewed it once, even if you were forced into it.

Rating: B

X-Men: First Class (2011)

A solid origin story that takes after the excellent first two films in the series, helping to wipe that horrible 3rd installment from our memories. A rare summer action film that is worth seeing in the theater.

Rating: C+

Please Give (2010)

Your average character driven indie with a few laughs here and there. The standout was the cranky grandma. Superb.

Rating: C