The Family Man (2000)

This "It's a Wonderful Life" retread isn't too bad. That little daughter can act up a storm.

Rating: C+

Jarhead (2005)

If I wasn't interested in joining the armed forces before, I certainly am not interested now. Sadly, I believe this film gives a fairly accurate portrayal of the crappy life a soldier endures. It's like a frat house with high powered weapons. No thanks Uncle Sam. 

Rating: C

Ready Player One (2018)

I was hooked within the first 7 minutes. Brilliant idea and execution. I’d watch for the pop culture callbacks alone. A teensy bit cheesy and cliche towards the end, but still a lot of fun.

Rating: B

The Visitor (2007)

A worthy follow-up to Thomas McCarthy's The Station Agent, which I loved. The Visitor is a much subtler, slower paced film. What's unique about McCarthy is how he can make the most obscure hobbies into an entertaining, feature-length film. Trains, drumming, what have you. In the end, they are all just devices in which to paint rich characters around. Not as satisfying as Station Agent, but still good.

Rating: B

Malibu’s Most Wanted (2003)

Mindless fun. The outlandish plot doesn't get in the way of the enjoyment.

Rating: C

Blockers (2018)

Occasionally funny. Teens are stupid.

Rating: C-

Push (2009)

Push suffers from the same flaws as it's twin brother Jumper. A convoluted plot with very few dots connected. The potential was there, but TV shows did a better job of reaching it. Namely, the first two seasons of Heroes and The 4400.

Rating: D+

Split (2016)

Legitimately creepy. Hailing back to Night's work on The Village. James McAvoy does some fantastic acting work with his multiple personalities.

Rating: B+

Isle Of Dogs (2018)

Wes Anderson films are always a treat because you know you’ll be getting something unique, yet on brand. This tale of boy’s best friend was playful, sincere, and entertaining. I loved the Japanese cultural influences.

Rating: B

Riding In Cars With Boys (2001)

A true drama. Not terribly exciting or uplifting, but still a good story. Drew has never looked so bad.

Rating: C

My Best Friend’s Girl (2008)

It's what you expect and nothing more. It made me laugh really hard twice. You could do worse, and probably have if you are watching this.

Rating: C-

Tomb Raider (2018)

A bit of fun at best. A convoluted mess at worst. Unrealistic and pointless puzzles at every turn that eventually lead up to one impossible narrow escape after another. Come on Hollywood. These things need to be based in at least a modicum of reality for us to care.

Rating: D-

The Rookie (2002)

Predictable Disney tearjerker that doesn't suck.

Rating: C

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

Don’t watch with your mom. This is some violent stuff. On par with the first Purge.

Rating: C

The Commuter (2018)

Preposterous and ultimately pointless. Bottom of the barrel script. 

Rating: D

Special (2006)

They did a good job of using a small budget to their advantage. It actually adds to the film. A bit depressing despite attempts at an uplifting message at the end.

Rating: C

The Purge (2013)

Decided to watch the four films in this series since I started watching the USA television show. As suspected, the TV show pulls directly from the films. Interesting premise, although they never really addressed a fundamental flaw in the purge system, which is what happens after purge day when the people who tried to kill you, or vice versa, didn’t succeed. Is there supposed to be no lingering resentment or grudge just because The Purge is over? Unrealistic.

Rating: C

Game Night (2018)

I enjoyed all the pop culture references throughout the film. It definitely borrows a lot from other movies, especially The Game. Still, it was funny and entertaining.

Rating: C+

Ratcatcher (1999)

I know nobody has seen this little Scottish movie, and nobody probably will, but thought I'd let everyone know that is was interesting, but slow. Despite being in English, you'll still need to read the subtitles, as the accent is very thick and rural.

Rating: C-

Marwencol (2010)

Documentary about trauma, brain damage, recovery, dolls, therapy, and women’s shoes. Not the usual fare. Mildly interesting.

Rating: C-