Criterion: Scandal (***1/2) – Shimura steals the show
This is good Kurosawa, brought up by a great Shimura and steadied by Mifune.
Shin Godzilla (dubbed) (***1/2) pain and gain
Shin Godzilla is a movie both fantastic and frustrating.
Another Look: Galaxy Quest (***1/2) still good, almost great
If only the scriptwriters could have done more to punch up the story to match the superior acting talent, this might be a classic.
Criterion: Stray Dog (***1/2) wanders beautifully
It’s the invention of the buddy cop trope that gets Stray Dog it’s spot as a Criterion release.
Pixar’s Onward (***1/2) nothing I can say…
In all, this is a good, not great film by a studio that’s in the sophomore slump. They could hit a winner out more often, if they weren’t concentrating on getting everyone to first base.
Another Look: True Romance Director’s Cut (***1/2) is Tony Scott overriding Tarantino
The result is a good, not great first script. There are two fantastic moments and many good ones to boot. It’s not much more than that, even as Tarantino’s legend rises beyond what anyone imagined.
Criterion: The Out-of-Towners (***1/2) wears out its welcome
The combination of Hiller, Lemmon, Miller and Jones no doubt is what makes this a Criterion selection. I can’t argue with this. As a film, it may not be a classic, but it is worth exploring.
Netflix’ Before I Wake (***1/2) – Living the rest of the dream
“The track record for Flanagan is astounding. His output is prolific and is always appealing. Every one of his films, even those he has adapted, feel like a part of a patchwork.”
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.
Rambo Chronology: Blood and Putz
Come for the rankings, stay for the White Douchebag analysis.
Bad Boys Chronology – Too old for this shit…
By the time they get to the third film, they finally make a good one.
Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino: The Chronology
I am pretty sure most of those reading will not agree with my number 1, or even my number 9. That’s okay though. Let me know your own list or thoughts in the comments.
Jumanji: The Next Level (***1/2) keeps getting better
This is perhaps the first trilogy in my memory where each of the sequels has improved on the previous entry. This could be even bigger than either of those films, and it deserves more chances to entertain.
Frozen II (***1/2) Dam for no reason
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.
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.
