Old (**) – It’s better to burn out…
There are no performances that will resonate, as the constantly shifting variables give everyone a form of schizophrenia to the point of mild annoyance.
Netflix’ Gunpowder Milkshake (***) is on the Wick spectrum
…this is mostly an excuse to show some very capable killer ladies strut their stuff on screen for in just under two hours. This is more than enough for me.
Amazon’s The Tomorrow War (**1/2) stuck in reverse
If you make it through the agonizing first hour, you’ll have something on between The Thing and Starship Troopers.
Flashback (**) Handle your High
There is entirely too much flashing, and not enough here for which to back.
Voyagers (**1/2) Lord of the skies
If you ever wanted to see Lord of the Flies in space, then Voyagers is for you.
Infinite (**) retread
Wahlberg’s good a pumping out product. Sometimes we get The Italian Job, other times we get Contraband. This is closer to the latter.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (**1/2) diminishing returns
It’s doubtful anyone will dislike this entry, beyond the afore-mentioned lack of lighting, but it’s also no sure bet that it will be nearly revisited as the first two films. Subtract half of a point for sadly wasting John Noble.
A Quiet Place Part II (***1/2) Dives a bit
The best thing about that first film, however, is the best thing about the second film: Millicent Simmonds.
The Woman in the Window (**1/2) wears its influence out
There is next to no thrill the viewer gets from seeing Adams huff her way through the scenes, wondering if she’s imagining things or if her life is even worth living.
Netflix’ Army of the Dead (***1/2) is Snyder’s road back
Notaro especially is worth the price of admission, with her wry comedic observations wafting through the heavy air like a wisdom to which the rest of us are not privy.
Land (*****) is something you can settle on
See this film if you want to experience the calm after the storm.
Oxygen (****) is high tension
If you can handle a story with real tension and digital countdowns, start here.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (***1/2) could try harder
Those Who Wish Me Dead is an above average thriller (with an awful title) where women are allowed to shine without making the film look too woke for the willing suspension of disbelief.
Spiral: From The Book of Saw (***1/2) finally makes good on the promise
It’s not necessarily a reinvention, but the same story in better hands.
Separation (*1/2) In search of anxiety
You can skip this and just assume you will know the real killer in the first 5 minutes.
Minari (****1/2) shows where life really begins
Minari is the type of film that feels more like a moment in time that can forever change the life of the person who experiences it.
