Avatar: The Way of Water (****1/2) 3D shows us why so blue
Cameron has improved some of the shortcomings of the first film by giving this new effort more questions than obvious answers.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (****) means family
a worthy, if occasionally slight tale that serves as a solid springboard for a Marvel franchise that right now is happy to have one.
Black Adam (***) is just enough for The Rock
What this or the mid-credits scene does for the DCEU started by Zack Snyder is unclear. For now, you have a decent, entertaining DC film which is not terribly different than the rest of them.
Thor: Love and Thunder (*****) – Not everybody gets a hammer
Natalie Portman was the least appealing aspect of the first two Thor films. When she was not in on the third film, the series completely hit its stride for the first time. Now she’s back. Will it kill the vibe in the room that Taika Waititi brought with him for Ragnorok?
Jurassic World Dominion (**1/2) Wilting under the shoulders of giants
The film is at its best when the original Jurassic Park crew are onscreen.
The Batman (*****) Soars above the depths…
There is something very special about this film.
Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (****1/2) – Future Past
The brilliance of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is it literally encompasses everything one can imagine. If it hasn’t been covered up to now, Shang-Chi… is evidence that it will all come in good time.
Free Guy (****1/2) is solid
This is truly a film that is worth waiting through a pandemic to see on the big screen. It will also be something worth watching at home for years to come.
Wonder Woman 1984 (****) – Deserves a bigger stage
WW84 soars and falls like a bird that just discovered its wings.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (***1/2) almost taps it
In all it does what you want good comedies to do by giving several re-watchable moments and leaves a pleasant smile on your face. Great comedy risks more, but these guys have friendships with most of the people they are skewering. That’s okay, though. It’s only a Friday stuck at home in Covid 19 season.
Adrift (***) is steady as she goes
Overall, the film is a good story. It is inspiring to see people succeed through the gifts God gave them, even when they forgo the giving of thanks.
Forgotten Gem: Superbad (*****) became a classic and we all moved on…
There are so few comedies that are rewatchable. Ethical or not, this is a funny film about people we all knew in high school. None of them possess any sort of genius. Most of them are decent. Each of them were have a series of delightful failures with little victories along the way.
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 Gentlemen (****) enjoying the familiar
“If one knows and enjoys Guy Ritchie, this movie will not disappoint. It may not break any new ground, but it still feels fresh.”
1917 (****1/2) is never really gone
This film is exceptionally filmed and performed. It’s a necessary reminder that war is for keeps and not at all glamorous, even if the effort is a beautiful effort to save 1600 lives.
Richard Jewell (****1/2) now more than ever
“Thank God for Clint Eastwood, Billy Ray and this incredible cast. They have pushed forward the name of a man who is as good, decent and important as anyone you ever will meet. Because of them, we all now can thank God for Richard Jewell. “
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 