War Of The Worlds (2005)

Fantastic special effects. I would have liked more about the aliens, rather than a one-sided view from our perspective. There wasn't much in the plot explaining why everything was going on, how their machines worked, etc etc. It just seemed very one dimensional.

Rating: C

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

The excessive swearing, especially the Lord’s name in vain, was both unnecessary and distracting from the story. A story of sad, broken people inflicting cruelties upon one another. Charlie’s mom from Always Sunny In Philadelphia fit right in. Very dark and ultimately rather unfulfilling. I guess that’s the Academy’s sweet spot.

Rating: C

Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

I hadn’t seen this since I was a kid, but had the opportunity tonight to watch it for a second time at Robert Redford’s screening room. If you are from Utah, it’s fun to see the many recognizable areas where the movie was shot. Not my favorite of his films, but still good.

Rating: C

The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)

Third in the Cloverfield franchise and the dumbest of the bunch. Reminded me of Event Horizon, where nothing makes sense--just a mishmash of confusing sequences that somewhat resemble a story. Doesn’t work as a standalone film or as a necessary installment in the series.

Rating: D-

Run Ronnie Run (2002)

Being a huge fan of Mr Show with David Cross and Bob Odenkirk, I had to check out this collaboration film/sketch project, even though I heard they weren't happy with the outcome. As I expected, it was hit and miss. Really funny in some parts, and really off mark in others. This movie had an unbelievable amount of cameos by every comedian in town. If you are a fan of theirs, it's worth checking out.

Rating: C

Molly’s Game (2017)

For characters that are speaking Aaron Sorkin fast, you may be surprised by the 140 minute run-time. It’s a long movie that is  slick and fun when focused on poker and how Molly’s rise to power came to be. There are flashbacks and flash-forwards that keep the story from growing stagnant. Things fizzled out a little towards the end.

Rating: C+

Lakeview Terrace (2008)

A very uncomfortable movie to watch. Samuel L plays a bully cop who has serious issues with interracial marriages. Labute enjoys turning stereotypes on their heels, and he does so with reckless abandon throughout the film. Not his best work though. 

Rating: C

Happenstance (Le Battement D'ailes du Papillon) (2000)

Twisting plots with various characters who eventually come together. I enjoyed it.

Rating: C+

All The King’s Men (2006)

Sean Penn returns as the mighty orator, delivering Oscar inspired speeches from stone steps. Nobody can deny he's a fantastic actor, as is the rest of the all-star cast. But isn't anyone else growing tired of seeing Penn in grandiose dramatic roles? The movie is dark, slow moving, and a bit dry.

Rating: C-

The Shape Of Water (2017)

Benicio Del Toro continues to make fascinating films. This reminded me of a cross between E.T. and a reverse Splash. Maybe a bit of Cocoon thrown in. Anyway, I liked it. An authentic and literal fish out of water love story.

Rating: B

What We Do In The Shadows (2014)

The Office meets Interview With A Vampire. Mildly entertaining. More gory than I thought it would be.

Rating: C

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Entertaining for what it was. 

Rating: C

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Nothing particularly original in the first half of the film. The second serves as a grim reminder of how ugly, stupid, and pointless war is. Nice to see a person of faith respected in a film for a change, even if it’s at the hands of Mel Gibson.

Rating: C

Son Of Rambow (2007)

An original and fun indie British film in the same vein as Billy Elliott. We need films like these to cleanse our palette of all the Hollywood popcorn crap polluting our minds. Don't get me wrong. Pollution is fun, as long as you take breaks to breath in the fresh indie air.

Rating: B-

Home Movie (2001)

Very entertaining documentary by the guy who brought us American Movie. He has a knack for presenting quirky people on screen. This film is a big screen version of MTV Cribs for the slightly insane. It's a blast to check out these non-conventional homes and meet the people who live in them.

Rating: B-

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Doesn't follow your typical path, where the victimized husband goes on a vengeful killing spree while keeping the audience on his side. Certainly watchable, but never rises above cheap entertainment.

Rating: C

Under The Skin (2013)

Like watching meaningless paint dry. Pointless and irritating. 

Rating: F

Thumbsucker (2005)

A decent indie centered around a teenage thumbsucker and his attempts to find his way in life. Some witty parts and characters, but overall forgettable.

I see potential in the director. His next film will be much better. On a side note, the soundtrack is fantastic, especially the Elliott Smith songs. Not enough to up my rating, but worth noting nonetheless.

Rating: C

Jerome (1998)

I was hoping for something different, like a story the revolved around the city of Jerome AZ, rather than on a boring journey leading to the city.

Rating: D

Braven (2018)

A wilderness action flick where a logger faces off against drug dealers. It holds your attention, but the premise wasn’t all that believable. Drug dealers aren’t as dumb as the guys portrayed in the film. Felt a bit flat.

Rating: C-