White Oleander (2002)

An ofttimes depressing film about the tragic aftermath a mother's crime has on the life of her daughter. Excellent performances all around (except Rene Zellicker of course), especially by the daughter who ages and assumes several looks throughout the movie. A lot of strong female performances, if you're into that.

Rating: C+

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

Charming old timers return to remind us that getting old doesn’t have to mean giving up. Quaint, but not as original as the first film.

Rating: C

The Blind Side (2009)

Not so bad overall. Sandra Bullock didn't ruin the film. The schmaltz wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. There were a few legitimately funny moments.
Rating: C

Everly (2014)

Amateurish, pointless violence.

Rating: D

Proof (2005)

An engaging drama about mathematics, losing your mind, and uncomfortable romance. I liked it.

Rating: C+

Southpaw (2015)

As a viewer, I feel like I’m supposed to like and root for Jake Gyllenhaal’s character. However, he’s such an asshole, I can’t help but feel he’s getting what he deserves.

And then there’s the matter of no police investigation after his wife is murdered. The cops asked him a few questions and called it a day.

The movie is kind of a downer. I found his relationship with his daughter, especially in the aftermath of the shooting, to be annoying. Even his comeback training was depressing.

He supposedly went undefeated and defended the belt multiple times, and he’s only now learning defense? Didn’t make sense.  Later he struggles through a charity exhibition fight against a nobody. He was an undefeated world title holder for crying out loud.

Some kid named Hoppy who had 2 minutes of screen time gets killed off screen and we are supposed to get emotional about it? No. The film is sloppily put together with unlikable charters doing things that don’t make sense. The whole project was mishandled by Fuqua.

Rating: D-

Timeline (2003)

Somewhat entertaining. Not Paul Walker's finest role. Very wooden.

Rating: C

John Wick (2014)

A peek into the world of hit men with a script that is essentially a revenge flick. A lot of blood and violence. Reality is mostly suspended throughout the film, but the fast pace will distract you from focusing on it too much.

Rating: C

Gran Torino (2008)

Strangely funny and gripping at the same time. An interesting take on race relations and the generation gap. Eastwood still has it. Not the ending I was hoping for, but then again, I wasn't watching The Punisher 2.

Rating: B-

Soaked In Bleach (2015)

An exhaustive documentary about Kurt Cobain’s murder and how the case was mishandled by the Seattle police department. It’s difficult and frustrating to watch, just as it would be to watch any movie where the smug villain gets away with murder. That villain is of course Courtney Love. One can only hope that someday, somehow, justice will be served.

Rating: C+

Garden State (2004)

Loved it. Films like these are all the better because of how infrequently they are made. I don't have anything else to say. I loved it.

Rating: A

The Maze Runner (2014)

Another film based on a young adult novel. Heavy on the teen angst, light on plot. Much didn’t make sense or jive with what might realistically happen within their given situation.

Rating: C-

The History Of Future Folk (2012)

So bad I had to stop watching. Not funny. Not interesting. Weird in a bad way. Completely uninspiring.

Rating: F

Cobain: Montage Of Heck (2015)

An impressive compilation of media about Kurt Cobain arranged in a fantastic manner. His story from birth to death with the blessing, and a producing credit, of his daughter Frances. A must for any fan of music, especially those into Nirvana.

Rating: B-

Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing (2006)

As advertised. Better than the first. Rare when talking about direct to video sequels. Fighting wasn’t terribly realistic, but it didn’t suffer from as many plot holes as you’d expect.

Rating: C

The Drop (2014)

A low key gangsteresque drama that proved to be mildly entertaining.

Rating: (C)

Happy Times (Xing Fu Shi Guang) (2000)

Surprised this wasn't remade stateside, as the story is cute and original. A believable cast with solid acting.

Rating: C+

Spare Parts (2015)

A feel good movie about a robotics club from a poor school competing with the big boys. It’s pretty sappy in a lot of places. I could have done without the multiple commercial spots for the military and McDonalds, as if those are the only options for  Hispanic kids. Based on a true story, the script really wrote itself.

Rating: C

Yoga, Inc. (2007)

Entertaining and informative. Gave me something to watch while cooking dinner.

Rating: C

American Sniper (2014)

Compelling war drama based on a true story. Not as sugar coated as it could have been. Bradley Cooper did a fine job.

Rating: C+