Whether or not they choose to build on this film, there is an opportunity here. This film feels like an Iron Man type achievement. No one was expecting a movie like this would actually be as good as it turned out.
Twins (***) for a time when average comedy had a place
As for Reitman, this movie is right in the middle of the road, for his work. It's not nearly as good as Dave, Stripes, Ghostbusters or Kindergarten Cop, but it's not nearly the shitscape of Junior, Six Days, Seven Nights or Evolution. There is fun here, and a little bit of talent. There's a whole lot more typical '80's bland movie making.
The Host (English dubbed) (***1/2) on the verge
We're never entirely scared, sometimes on the verge of laughing. Sometimes though, it is quite moving. Not sure these are selling points for a classic, but it is definitely not a waste of one's evening.
Orphan (***) the only thing unexpected is the brutality
We get the absolute creeps from Esther's relentless mowing through one character after the other, innocent or not, knowing what it is she ultimately has in mind. Still, there is not enough here for more than a mild recommendation.
Fantasy Island (**1/2) almost comes true
The two teenage girls I was with love this film. It is more than enough for one whose range of experience with movies is less jaded and more exuberant. For this viewer, it's an average trip, less remarkable than pleasant.
Gretel and Hansel (**) Mephistopheles is not your name
The dread / fascination with and of Krige feels more like a weekend spent with a widowed aunt who just can't wait to tell you her recipe for fruitcake.
I don't have a vote for Oscars 2019 – Movies of the year
Alright, let’s cut the crap.
Birds of Prey… (****): On their knees for no one
"...Yan and Hodson strike a nice balance between feminine wile and Deadpool comic brutality. The film might seem derivative, were it not for Robbie's complete absorption into the humor and brutal comic lunacy of Gotham without Batman looming. "
The Turning (**) doesn't make it all the way around
There isn't enough here to qualify for halfway satisfying. If they had pushed a little harder to complete the circle, maybe. Not this. This is an incomplete scare handed off into thin air.
Rambo Chronology: Blood and Putz
Come for the rankings, stay for the White Douchebag analysis.