Frozen II is not an embarrassment. It will make a bunch of cash and might even get a third installment. I would be happy with another episode of Tangled. But then, they got it right the first time, so no need to risk it.
Netflix and Scorsese's The Irishman (***1/2) – Charge with a gun; with a knife you run away
The biggest challenge for this viewer is when it comes to true crime sagas, Scorese peaked with Goodfellas and he's never really come close since.
Knives Out (*****) is a donut inside of a donut hole
"This is one of the best films of the year. It's also one of the best mystery films I remember seeing. My daughter solved it about midway through. She just wasn't sure how she'd solved it until Johnson let us all see. "
Ford v Ferrari (****) it’s Miles’ car now
"This movie feels like something relatable to people who don't expect films to be relatable anymore. "
Charlie’s Angels (***1/2) don’t need a hug
"It is likely that this film will not reach the heights required for sequels. That is a shame. They finally have the right person in charge."
Parasite (****1/2): When it comes to making plans…
Parasite is one of the best cast, directed and uniquely written films of the year.
Last Christmas (***) pulls a few heart strings…
"Overall, the Last Christmas is a nice story that is better than most romantic films one might see on the Hallmark channel this time of year. I would not see it again, but it wasn't wasted time. "
Midway (***1/2) – The sea remembers its own
If for no other reason we learn the name of Richard "Dick" Best, Midway is worth the watch.
Doctor Sleep (****1/2) is shining bright
"If you think you might like this film, you will. It's what a second movie should be: pushing the story forward without treading over the same old ground. Even if it ends in the same place."
The King (***1/2) at least it’s not Shakespeare
Edgerton's Sir John Falstaff is the biggest selling point of The King. It's almost as though he made the film just so he could play so plum a role.