Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022)

 

I rewatched the extended version of the first film just before watching this one. I highly recommend it, because Way Of The Water is a true sequel, with interwoven storylines from the first. 

The return to Nu’vi is another creative adventure. Are there ‘save the planet’ messages in spades? Yes, and I think that’s a good thing. Looking forward to the next film. 

Rating: B

The Village (2004)

M. Night brings together a fantastic group of actors for one of his most original films to date. Suspenseful and surprising. If only all of his films were this good.

Rating: B

Finding Dory (2016)

Starts off weak but gains momentum in the journey. Some cute moments. Decent family film.

Rating: C

Holes (2003)

Much better than I thought it would be. Could have been way cornier.

Rating: C

Baby Mama (2008)

One of those comedies you enjoy for it's parts, and not the whole. Steve Martin really makes the film. He should be rewarded with 5 minutes of uninterrupted eye contact.

Rating: C

Chappie (2015)

They pulled off what so many other films have attempted to do—create a smart and fun artificial intelligence action movie. Absolutely loved the ending and the possibility of a sequel.

Usually with movies of this kind, I get hung up on all the plot holes, but I didn’t get that with Chappie. Brilliant execution on both emotional and ass-kicking levels. Write Neill Blomkamp a blank check and let him loose on his next project.

Rating: A

Vantage Point (2008)

Like watching an extended episode of Boomtown, but with a bigger budget. Expect to be entertained and not much more.

Rating: C

The Tale of Despereaux (2008)

Too much narrative and hokiness for kids, and too slow and dull for adults. I dozed off several times.

Rating: D+

Galaxy Quest (1999)

Still awesome after a second viewing. They did everything right. There's at least 1 deleted scene that should have been added to the movie, beyond that, the editing was perfect.

Rating: A-

Wall-E (2008)

Wonderful. Pixar never ceases to amaze. (Until they finally did with Brave) Can be enjoyed by children as well as adults—no small feat for an animated film. Creative, funny, warm, and thought-provoking.

Rating: A

The Cabin In The Woods (2011)

Not your run of the mill horror film, but that doesn’t necessarily make it good. The premise is seriously absurd. It’s a big pill to swallow in order to make it to the who’s-who-of-nightmares wreaking havoc at the end. That was a pretty good payoff, however it doesn’t make up for the rest of the film.

Rating: C-

Tadpole (2000)

It was a Sundance audience winner, but didn't make any waves at the box office. Worth viewing for it's subtle humor and characterization.

Rating: C+

Annie Hall (1977)

For years I’ve been meaning to see this early Woody Allen  movie—some say it’s his best film ever.

 I was bored to tears. It’s not funny. It’s not romantic. It’s incredibly self-indulgent. It’s neurotic. Basically, it’s Woody Allen on celluloid. Boggles my mind that some lunatics made it through the entire thing, let alone label it a cinematic masterpiece.

Rating: F

Avatar (2009)

Visually, it's unlike anything we've ever seen before. I saw it in 2D, as I'm yet to be convinced 3D makes the viewing experience better. Life in the new world James Cameron creates is fun and interesting. Certainly more exciting than the unplugged world within the film. Acting and story outside of Pandora are bland and wooden. Go see Avatar for what's over the rainbow, not below it.

Rating: B-

Paul (2010)

The previews for this didn’t win me over, however the film itself was much better than I was led to believe. I only wish I’d avoided the previews so they couldn’t ruin several perfectly good jokes. I liked that this was an action, road-trip buddy comedy. The writing was witty for the most part and the supporting characters did a good job. Seth Rogan’s voice was put to better use here than in Monsters Vs. Aliens.

Rating: C+

Cedar Rapids (2011)

An absolute perfect vehicle for Ed Helms and John C. Reilly to show off their comedy prowess. Cedar Rapids delivers the funny on all levels. Brilliant script, especially Rilley’s crude one liners. The supporting cast is great too. Certainly one of the funniest movies of the year.

Rating: B+