Heads Of State (2025)

 

Cartoonish in execution. The production value was plenty high, but they skimped on the script. Nothing feels believable, so the danger isn’t suspenseful. 

Rating: C-

Deep Cover (2025)

 

Improv actors recruited to help ensnare low level crooks get in way over their heads, yet stay committed to their roles. As far-fetched as that sounds, the script is quite good. Nice combination of violence and humor. Reminiscent of the HBO series Barry. 

Rating: B-

The Girl with All the Gifts (2016)

A clever twist on the zombie genre featuring a new generation of sentient flesh eaters. I don't want to give a way too much, as the film does a nice job of peeling back layers gradually. There's a nice balance between tense moments, violence, and story development. A dose of humor would have been a nice touch. Few complaints though.

Rating: B

My Summer Of Love (2004)

Emily Blunt is such an underrated smoke-show. Both female leads are great in their roles. A bit dark and claustrophobic for my taste.

Rating: C

Pu-239 (The Half Life of Timofey Berezin) (2006)

I was drawn in by the trailer, which made this film look more exciting than it actually was. There was real potential here for a decent thriller. Instead, it leaned more towards a drama. A slightly depressing one at that.

Rating: D+

The World’s End (2013)

I honestly thought this was a drinking buddy dramedy right up until the point it went off the rails bonkers. That’s the beauty of seeing films without watching or reading previews. I enjoy being surprised by a movie, even if it’s a weird humanoid surprise with blue blood squirting out of it. Dumb ending.

Rating: C-

Submarine (2010)

Reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film, but Welsh. The cinematography, direction, and editing were terrific. Plenty of great dialogue too. Rich characters. I didn’t expect to like the film as much as I did.

Rating: B

Cinderella Man (2005)

Together, Ron Howard and Russell Crowe do justice to this compelling true story of a comeback boxer during the Great Depression.

My only complaint: Renée Zellicker sliming her way into a perfectly good movie. Just because you made a deal with the Devil to become famous doesn't mean I should have to pay for it by seeing you on the big screen.

To her credit, she didn't ruin the entire film, just the majority of the scenes she was in. But you can fast forward those without missing anything important to the film. Rot in Hell Renée!

Rating: B-

In America (2002)

Very enjoyable movie. The actors are fantastic, especially the littlest girl in the family. Cutest thing you've ever seen.

Rating: B-

Blitz (2010)

A straight to DVD Statham action flick. Perhaps it had a theatrical release in Britain. There was a grungy, B-grade look to the production, and I don’t think it was on purpose. I thought it had a slow start but picked up steam in the second act. Not a bad rental if you’re looking for something in this genre.

Rating: C