Daily Wire’s Shut In (*** 1/2) – Uses the best parts
This film is a tough watch, but it is worthy. One should not watch this nor should they avoid it simply because of who produced it.
The 355 (***) We’re spies, asshole
It’s not easy to love this film. It’s relatively easy to like, just for the women’s talent alone.
The Matrix: Resurrections (***1/2) Old Code, Something New?
It wouldn’t hurt to show a single blade of grass growing in some dirt. All in good time, I suppose. Maybe part 5?
Spider-man: No Way Home (*****) is the magic number
It does the almost impossible task of bringing together everything we’ve seen and opens the door to everything else we might see in the future.
Christmas Terror Two: Fatman (***) and Krampus (***)
Two films for those who need horrid stories for Christmas.
Encounter (***1/2) family past the breaking point
If you’re a fan of Ahmed, give this a spin. It’s not unusual to see him play a significantly challenged individual. We’ve never seen him play a father. He does both well until the story runs out of steam and decides it’s going to go the route of Smokey and the Bandit II.
Ghostbusters Afterlife (*****) never leaves
Great is still great, no matter the age.
Wrath of Man (**) is not clever
Unlike Bronson, Statham has skills beyond the action realm. The Bank Job, is proof of that concept. This is not beyond that realm.
The Harder They Fall (*****) Welcome to the Majors
This is Majors’ film, through and through. It’s his arrival on the big stage, and he does not waste the opportunity.
Eternals (***1/2) the biggest can of worms (no spoilers)
The questions heading into the film are numerous. Some are answered: even more arise in their wake.
Netflix’ Army of Thieves (***1/2) is a sweet heist
Army of Thieves feels as quaint as a home movie compared to Army of the Dead.
Free Fire (**) hits and misses
Director Ben WheatleyScreenplay Amy Jump, Ben WheatleyStarring Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Armie Hammer, Sharlto Copely, Jack Reynor, Babou Ceesay, Enzo Cilenti, Sam Riley, Michael Smiley, Noah Taylor So much shooting. […]
Dune (****) Feels like part of an epic
The first part of Dune is a story well told and beautiful as anything we will see this year. It just feels like the story is just beginning when the credits start to roll.
The Last Duel (***): Good Will Rashomon
The hard thing about period pieces is those who make them are subject to the sensibilities of the time they are being made.
Escape Room: Tournament of Champions Theatrical (**) vs. Extended Edition (***)
Neither version of the story is a bad film, if you like the intesity solving puzzles before doom strikes.
The Forever Purge (*) Why can’t we purge together?
Perhaps if they were part of the more concise and tense ridden television series, and the story was given more time to breathe more than simplistic leftist platitudes into the story, we would have something to pomder aside from how Blumhouse can keep making money off of such a weak material.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 