Dune (2021)

 

I thought they did a pretty good job developing the story without confusing the audience. The desert planet was full of creative surprises. Love those dragonfly ships. At two and a half hours, I felt some editing was in order. Plenty of extended shots with dramatic music playing that could have been whittled down. But I’m definitely in for the next installment. 

Rating: C+

The French Dispatch (2021)

 

Likely my least favorite of Wes Anderson’s films. The cinematography, sets, and editing were wonderful, but the story was a convoluted disaster. It felt like a computer program was fed all of Wes’ previous work and vomited out a script. Interesting to watch, but not up to par. 

Rating: C-

The Harder They Fall (2021)

 

A bloody black western with a modern soundtrack. 

Rating: C+

Finch (2021)

 

In this sequel to Castaway, Tom Hanks replaces Wilson with a robot to watch his dog after he dies of radiation in a post-apocalyptic hellscape. 

Rating: C

Army Of Thieves (2021)

 

I didn’t realize Army Of Thieves was a prequel to Army Of The Dead until the end of the film. The idea of uncrackable safes was quickly undone by how easily they were cracked. All filled with money, yet there didn’t seem to be a plan to take more than a small fraction of it. A lot of plot points didn’t make any sense. The heists weren’t all that interesting. A misfire. 

Rating: C-

Copshop (2021)

 

There was some promising buildup, despite a whopping dollop of foreshadowing shots and stories. Ultimately the air squeaked out of this shoot-em up with very little intrigue or fun. 

Rating: C-

Old Henry (2021)

 

It’s the Old West. You’ve stumbled across a wounded man, his gun, and a bag of money. What do you do? This is a pretty good Western about one man’s choice. 

Rating: C+

Skater Girl (2021)

 

Mixed emotions. It’s hard watching the extreme poverty and harmful traditions that exist in India knowing that real life rarely has the happy ending seen in movies. But the story is a good reminder that all of us have the potential to make the world a little better around us if we merely try. 

Rating: C+

Nightshooters (2018)

 

I got tricked into watching this movie from glowing reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. I forget that if a movie is small enough, and nobody sees it, the cast and crew can drive up their ranking with positive reviews. 

It’s typical B-movie fare. Poor acting, script, production, etc. Avoid. 

Rating: F

Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)

 

You don’t see many sequels turn the villain into a hero, of sorts. Thematically, they stayed true to the original and didn’t skimp on the violence. A tense thriller from a script with a few twists. Definitely see the first one before seeing #2. 

Rating: C+

The Protege (2021)

 

There was potential in this Long Kiss Goodnight La Femme Nakita knockoff. The camera angles and crisp sound were top notch. Maggie Q is a genuine badass. Ultimately it was the story itself that became overly convoluted, culminating in a milquetoast finale. Oh well. 

Rating: C-

Free Guy (2021)

 

A background in playing video games will make this movie more fun, but it isn’t necessary. The writing and acting are good enough to make up for some of the references being lost on you. 

Visually and audibly, it’s fun to see on the big screen. Ryan Reynolds and Jodi Comer really elevated the material. Excellent facial expressions in this film. It was surprising how quickly I got pulled into this fake world and what happened there. Not an easy feat within the confines of 90 minutes. 

The script was funny. Bit characters pulled in some huge laughs. A lot of creative nerd/gaming culture Easter eggs are there to be enjoyed. 

Rating: B-

Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain (2021)

 

Another documentary I rushed to see for reasons of infatuation with the subject matter, the man, Anthony Bourdain. His show No Reservations had a real impact on my life decisions to travel off the beaten path. To try new things. 

I’m not sure I expected the style of the documentary about his life to be so reminiscent of his show, but it is. I was hoping for something a little different. Radical. Subversive. Like his life. Instead its a straightforward retelling of his life, with interviews of close friends and associates. The tone is lonely. With that said, I’m glad I watched it. 

Rating: C

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

 

The humor made this Marvel offering palatable, despite the run-of-the-mill fight scenes. 

Rating: C

Spin (2021)

 

My first foray into Disney Channel films, which I chose to do after reading about the female Indian director behind the project. It definitely has the telltale signs of a Disney show, but the cheese is rather mild, thank goodness.

It’s mostly feel-good, with minor problems to overcome. Frankly, the food looks more appetizing than the beats. I love Indian food. House music; not so much. If you’re looking for something safe to watch with tweens that won’t leave you reaching for your phone, give this film a spin. 

Rating: C

CODA (2021)

 

A lighthearted drama about a teen girl finding her singing voice as she struggles to deal with the realities of growing up in a deaf family. I wish her parents hadn't been written as such weirdos. It felt out of place within the context of the film. They come off as semi-retarded in addition to being deaf. Why portray them this way???

Rating: C- 

Val (2021)

 

When I first heard Val Kilmer was coming out with an autobiographical documentary, I anxiously awaited for it to be released. I’ve always been a huge fan of the actor and intrigued by the man. It was lovely to look back on his life's work through his son’s voice and his now throaty rasp; post cancer. 

The documentary itself could have taken on many different styles and narratives. Val lived a very interesting life. I didn’t love the direction they took, but I did like its honesty. There was a sadness hanging over the production that may or may not have been intentional. I’m just glad he got to tell his story in his own words before passing through the final curtain call. 

Rating: C

The Suicide Squad (2021)

 

Every now and then I check out another DC/Marvel movie to confirm that they are still frivolous eye candy filled with empty calories. Yep, they are. I’d watch an entire film about the weasel though. 

Rating: D

Baby Money (2021)

 

Things go from bad to worse in a botched robbery. Poor decisions lead to dire consequences. A tense thriller. 

Rating: C

No Sudden Move (2021)

 

Crime drama from Soderbergh set in 1950s Detroit. Pretty average despite a lot of big names.

Rating: C