Stratton (2017)

Production value was on par, but the plot wasn’t. Simon West isn’t even trying anymore.

Rating: C-

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

What was cute, funny, creative, and original in the first Potter film, only comes off flat, disjointed, stale, and regurgitated in the second. Much to my regret, the red headed step-child is back, dumbing down each scene with inane comments and a faulty rod.

The "Oh, I'm so VERY evil" slicked back, blonde haired, Nazi mini-wizard plays his one note sneer throughout the entire film. All the special-ed Krippendorf pals are still tripping over themselves to kiss Harry's magical ass. And the featured evil creature looks like a retooled prop taken from the set of Tremors.

Rating: D-

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Thankfully they kicked out that hack Chris Columbus who lost his touch in the second film and brought in a real director, Alfonso Cuarón, who directed "Y Tu Mamá También." How you go from that film to this one is anybodys guess, but at least it saved this series from Disney on Ice.

The tone of Azkaban is much darker. I didn't seem to mind the awkward teenage years our three magicians have entered into like I thought I would. While I still don't feel that these films are anything special, I did enjoy this one.

Rating: C

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

I’m a sucker for origin stories, and this was a good one. Yes, it’s obvious the chimps are CGI, but once you get past that, it’s pretty slick to look at. I thought they did a solid job of developing the characters, creating emotional bonds, and then propelling the story forward with the ape escape. Sets things up perfectly for the next film. Looking forward to it.

Rating: B

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

I haven't read the books that started all the hoopla, but the movie was ok. Its basic plot stopped it from reaching the heights of say a "Goonies". The only decent thing on the bonus disc was some deleted scenes that you have to go through hell to access. They weren't very good and rightly belonged on the cutting room floor.

Rating: C+