Godzilla vs Kong

The monster movie Godzilla vs Kong met all of my expectations. So many battles! The Kong CGI is great. There is a butt scratch, a great reaction to snow and so much saliva in that roar. Monster movies scratch a certain itch for me, especially when the human says, "Oh shit...." Well done.

Moxie

I find portrayals of blatant sexism to be very disturbing. The story in the film Moxie struck me as both inspiring and infuriating. A student creates a magazine to bring awareness to the social injustices at her high school. Well done.

Another Round

Alcohol abuse is the result of a social experiment among some Danish teachers in the film Another Round. This film is an interesting take on relationships, confidence, friendship and substance abuse. A surprisingly inspiring dance sequence is a highlight in this film.

Tenet

Tenet was a difficult film to watch both technically and conceptually. I struggled to understand the plot and its time-jump theory. "You have a future in the past." I also struggled to understand the characters speaking with gas-masks, mumbling and competing with the sound track. The sound mix was way off in my opinion. The visual effects were good, but that's about it. Frustrating rental.

News of the World

The film News of the World is a historical reminder of how hard communication and life was. This is an old timey road trip well told. The extra feature about the Kiowa is especially heartwarming.

Extra Ordinary

Extra Ordinary is a paranormal adventure with a sweet center. The humor is dark, but it suits the story. Well written and performed, this one is clever and funny. Good rental.

The White Tiger

The White Tiger is a story of clawing out of poverty. Drama ensues. Not for the faint of heart. Excellent film.

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan is a story about animal protection. I'm not always a fan of talking animals in movies, but the CGI is good and so is the voice acting. The story of "400 pounds of pure power" is based on a true story. The Big Top Mall is quite a concept. Good movie.

The Last Blockbuster

"Make it a Blockbuster night". The Last Blockbuster is a documentary that captures the nostalgia of the physical act of going into a Blockbuster store. Browsing around, chatting with other customers, the kid at the register, the smell of candy and popcorn. I miss it. Good doc.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon

I love Shaun the Sheep, but A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is as clunky as the title. Technically well done, but the story is pretty blah. 

Promising Young Woman

The film A Promising Young Woman portrays reactions to misogyny, sexual assault and injustice. The way we turn our heads on hurtful behavior is put under a magnifying glass, as it should. This is a heartbreaking story very well told.

Mulan (2020)

The animated film Mulan is one of the few Disney films I had not seen. The more recent live action version does the Chinese folk-lore proud. I loved the music. Well done.

Better Off Dead

In the coming of age film Better Off Dead a teenager feels he needs to take dramatic measures when his love life does not go the way he wants. His ultimate plan works out better than his original intentions. This is a goofy, funny 80s comedy I really enjoyed.

Miss Stevens

When Miss Stevens chaperones high school students to a drama competition, we get a story set in a high school environment with very real characters and situations. There is a struggle between adult and adolescent behavior. The performances elevate the plot which did not go where I expected. That was refreshing. Good film.

The Sunshine Boys

In The Sunshine Boys two comedic geniuses reunite for a TV show. The problem? They hate each other. This situation is played for big laughs in this very funny film. A pleasure.

Onward

The Disney film Onward is the story of two brothers trying to bring the father they never knew back for just one day. They embark on their quest with family and fantasy, humor and heart. Magic plays a large role, so does bravery and loyalty. I liked this film a lot.

Over the Moon

Loosely based on Chinese legend, Over the Moon is a sweet story with vivid animation, beautiful music and a big heart. I'm glad that it got an Oscar nomination.

Stardust

 The film Stardust tells the story of David Bowie's first visit to the US and the inspiration for Ziggy Stardust. The story is actually quite amusing and this film is well done.

Avalon

 While sorting family memorabilia from my parent's house, I came across the film Avalon. The story of family, immigration, work and love was a good companion to the task. An outstanding cast a beautiful set design make this a film worth seeing. Lovely.

Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art

The documentary Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art dives into the story of art fraud in NYC. Fascinating story.

Framing Brittney Spears

 The documentary Framing Brittney Spears is a sad story of control, money and abuse. Very troubling. 

Miss Juneteenth

Dreams, expectations, family dynamics and hard work play their parts in the strong coming of age story Miss Juneteenth. A young woman works toward her own identity despite her well-intentioned mother. The way she finds it works well in this film.

Jayne Mansfield's Car

Generational differences and experiences make for family drama in the film Jayne Mansfield's Car. Two very different families gather for a final farewell. War, relationships, drugs, culture, cars and history all amplify emotions. I liked this interesting film.

Long Shot

The movie Long Shot is a solid romantic comedy. A reunion of two people with little in common than their past relationship, leads to an interesting fish-out-of-water story. This movie earns it's R rating and delivers the laughs. The chemistry between these two is great and it is beautifully shot. The extras on the DVD are worth watching.

Raya and the Last Dragon

I was invited to watch Raya and the Last Dragon to take part in Movie Night. Fun with the family from 200 miles away. Technology rocks. Beautiful animation and cool story. I learn about water dragons and "butt-kickery". Wonderful movie and a good time with the kids.

Cold Comes the Night

Unusual circumstances of a kidnaping and robbery set the stage for tension in Cold Comes the Night. Desperation and money drive the plot of this gritty drama. Alice Eve's character and performance are that glue that holds this crime thriller together. Cranston is understated and menacing. Good film.

Father's Little Dividend

 In Father's Little Dividend a father who has just adjusted to his daughter's marriage, struggles with the news he will soon be a grandfather. A little silly, but the performances make this film worth seeing. I enjoyed this.