Top Ten Movies of 2018

Here are my top ten movies for 2018.

Avengers Infinity War

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Hereditary 

Annihilation

Creed 2

Ant-Man and the Wasp

A Quiet Place

The Grinch

Deadpool 2

Incredibles 2

Paco the Eel and The Talent Show

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Thoughts on The Grinch

The Grinch is one of the better imaginings of the beloved Suess stories. The characters and the colorful cgi really make this fun. The humor is cute and Looney Tunes like in its nature. It is good spirited and sweet. I do sort of wish that movies would stop giving the Grinch a motivation. The story says “no one quite knows the reason” after telling us the cinematic origin of the Grinch’s holiday hatred. Still, it’s a cute movie that will fill the void nicely if you want a fun movie or dislike the Ron Howard version.

Thoughts on The Incredibles 2

The Incredibles 2 is a fun action movie and amazing Pixar addition. The movie feels like an animated Bond movie and the animation has improved at great deal. My only complaint is that the villains motivation was very weak. Still, this movie was a lot of fun. Check it out if you enjoyed the first or if you want a very stylized and relevant animated action flick.

Thoughts on Cell

Cell is a forgettable movie with some good aspects and some flaws. The script isn’t great and the camera work seems over the top and constantly jarring making the action difficult to decipher. The performances are okay. The actors are trying to make the material work. Still, it is a weak take on a decent Stephen King story. It brings nothing new to the zombie genre and gives the audience an ending that is a middle finger twist. I’d give it a miss unless really interested.

Thoughts on Creed 2

Creed 2 is a good follow up to the Creed storyline. It features lots of familiar faces and they are welcome as the story has a lot of heart. It is not the best for the franchise but it is far from the worst. The film features some fantastic shots and the actors nail the emotions needed to make the story shine. If you enjoyed the Rocky franchise this is worth checking out.

Thoughts on The Christmas Chronicles

The Christmas Chronicles is insane. The actors try to make something out of the craziness but it comes off futile. The tone is all over the place and makes the movie very confusing. Kurt Russell makes it watchable but it is very silly. It is unique and at least seems like it is trying to be fun. It just glosses over aspects that should be serious and revels in the chaos and opts to be a kids dark comedy. It is a Cat in the Hat story at its core. If only the ending didn’t make the entire movie basically pointless.  It is better than a lot of other Christmas crap out there so it is worth seeing if you like holiday movies.

Thoughts on The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a fantastic movie. The antholgy is a beautiful mix of tales about the old west. Some are sad and some funny, but all are incredibly well shot and well written. The cast all does a good job and it shows a great level of craft. If you like Coen Brothers movies or Westerns, then this will be right up your alley.

Thoughts on My Little Pony: The Movie

My Little Pony: the Movie is fine for what it is. I am not really the key demographic for this movie. Still, if your kids like the show they will probably like this movie. It is colorful and inoffensive. It won’t win Oscars but it also won’t win any Razzies.

October Halloween/Horror Movie Goal

This October I reached and breached my goal of watching 31 Halloween or Horror themed movies in October. Here is a list of the films I watched.

Scary movie

Evil Ed

Ghostbusters

Tombs of the Blind Dead

Night of the Demons

Return of the Living Dead

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (producers cut)

Donnie Darko

Halloweentown

Murder Party 

The Blair Witch Project

The Monster Squad

Halloween 

Friday the 13th part 7 The New Blood

Night of the Comet

Carnival of Souls 

Night of Living Dead

Hocus pocus

Let the Right One in 

Tucker and Dale vs Evil

Evil Dead (2013)

What We Do in the Shadows 

Friday the 13th (1980)

Paranormal Activity 

It Follows 

Halloween (2018)

The ‘Burbs

The Witch

Shaun of the Dead

Ghostbusters 2

Oculus

Halloween 2

Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire

White Zombie

In the Mouth of Madness

Halloween 3: Season of the Witch

Thoughts about Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire

Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire is a harmless Disney Channel Original Movie. It takes elements from Fright Night and The Lost Boys and makes it for kids. It’s cheesy and the script is fine for what it is. It isn’t going to win awards. Still, people gotta pay mortgages so I get why it exists. At least it doesn’t completely insult the intelligence of the audience. The movie has some bizarre edits. The acting is serviceable even with the main child channeling his inner Macaulay Culkin. Kids should like the benign nature of the movie,

Thoughts on Solo

Solo might have been interesting. On a technical level it is pretty bad. It is as if the filmmakers didn’t know that audiences like to see what is on screen. Everything is dark and gray and wrapped in shadows.. It acts like every nod to the original trilogy ia very clever and not forced, which it most certainly is. For as long as the movie is you’d expect more character and plot development. The actors are fine at impersonating the classic characters, but it still comes off as hollow. As if things aren’t pointless enough they have an SJW droid. Did a focus group say that we needed more smart ass robots? Especially one with a lazy name as L3-37, which is just elite in leet speak. It is amazing to see what a huge mess this movie is. The humor is lazy and the sentimental moments have no gravitas to give it value. Give it a miss unless you don’t care about the quality of the Star Wars universe.

Thoughts on Hotel Artemis

Hotel Artemis is forgettable. It has a good cast but the material failed to make me care. The plot is so shallow that the rest of the movie feels like a wasted premise. It really should have been better but instead comes off as lazy. It is a bummer to see such a waste of talented actors. I’d only recommend this on cable as background noise.

Halloween (2018)

Halloween (2018) is not good. There are some good aspects. the acting is fine but the script is really dumb. The score is fantastic and remincsnt of the older classic Halloween movie. The movie has some nostalgia value but the lack of focus and no real main character weaken the already annoying script.  The movie is not the worst in the franchise. This movie is still insulting to fans who really saw potential in a new Halloween movie and timeline. I’d give it a miss unless you adore the franchise. However, if you do end up watching this movie you should keep your expectations low.

Thoughts on Murder Party

Murder Party is a fine movie. A bit slow and a touch predictable, albeit still entertaining. The characters all fairly developed and the performances are decent. The story itself isn’t remarkable but it makes for an interesting Halloween season movie. The gore effects are pretty fun and add a level of silliness. I would recommend it for anyone looking for something different to watch in October.

Thoughts on Night of the Creeps

As an homage to cheesy monster movies Night of the Creeps is a fun watch. The effects are corny, the script is silly, and the story is simple. but at the very least, it is an entertaining movie. The pace is smooth and actors seem to be playing it seriously despite the material. It is a movie made by a person who has a lot of love for the genre and is totally worth checking out if you are a horror fan. Just be sure you can put your brain on hold for a bit you will have a really enjoyable time.

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Thoughts on FDR: American Badass

FDR: American Badass is a mixed bag. On one hand it’s a silly premise that can’t really be taken seriously. Some of the jokes hit right on the mark and others fail to draw humor. The story is incredibly basic and the effects are cheap and corny. Occasionally it has some great one liners that really make it an enjoyable distraction. It is a silly movie that is fine if you don’t care what you see.

Thoughts on How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a stupid movie. The script is wretched and the stars do not seem to be trying beyond the desire for a paycheck. It’s story about two horrible people who find love based on lies. It really banks on you liking the characters which is very difficult. On top of that, the dialogue assumes that the audience is full of idiots. It is not fun, charming, or entertaining. Give it a miss.

Thoughts on Carpool

Carpool is a trite movie representing a by-gone era of cookie cutter comedies. The story is ludicrous and the acting leaves a lot to be desired. There are a few gags that were able to get a laugh out of me, but it was rare. Even the simple plot is bogged down by so much padding that it all felt forced. It is a brainless comedy with a terrible conclusion that is dated and pathetic. I don’t recommend this movie unless you are nostalgic for a soulless cash grab.

Thoughts on Deadpool 2

Deadpool 2 is a damn fun movie. The acting is decent and the story is well-written and clever. It relies heavily on pop culture references, which gets a little old. The movie has some depth and has fun in its comic book shlock. I found it much more enjoyable than the first. Check it out if you enjoyed the first movie.

Thoughts on Ant-Man and the Wasp

Ant-Man and the Wasp is a very good sequel. In a lot of ways it could have easily turned into a cliche movie but it keeps itself fresh with good performances and fun effects. It is a movie that has fun in it’s comic book logic. The villains are largely sympathetic. It is certainly worth seeing if you enjoyed Ant-Man or the events of Civil War. I look forward to seeing how this connects to the Infinity War.

Thoughts on Chances Are.

Chances Are is dumb, perplexing, and outrageous at times. The acting choices are bizarre and B plots come out of nowhere and add nothng to the narrative. It comes off like what an alien would think a romantic comedy would be. It also is a tad dull at times and the humor comes off as creepy and tone deaf. This film would have made a better horror movie or adult film. It isn’t the worst movie of its time. It has a strange concept that might have worked in a different genre. It also was shocking that nobody brings up the clear case of incest that is taking place. It’s a schlocky movie that might be charming to some people who can overlook the creepy elements.

Thoughts on Swiss Army Man

Swiss Army Man is an interesting movie. It is a dark comedy that takes a bizarre concept and just goes with it. It requires a lot of suspension of disbelief but the performances carry the story along for a fun ride. Most of the productions of A24 have been great movies that take chances; this film is no exception. Give it a try if you want something really unique.

Thoughts on Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Sicario: Day of the Soldad is an awful mess. The acting is good and the few moments of action are good. However, the story is a mess. Without a clear protagonist the story becomes a jumbled and confusing slog. It is a shame. The first Sicario was really good and was fascinating. This movie comes off confused and aimless. I can’t recommend this movie, even for fans of the previous film.

Thoughts on Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom

Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom is decent schlock. There are fun moments and clever homages to past movies in the franchise. As a whole the movie is very silly and the plot takes interesting directions that are bizarre and new. Some of the best moments are the most absurd. The kills are mostly comeuppance deaths. The twists are largely predictable. The bulk of the characters aren’t very compelling, although the Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard characters do add the charm this movie needs to make it enjoyable. I question a lot of the motivations of the characters and the real science is kicked to the curb in this movie. The movie is entertaining enough for a rental or matinee especially if you enjoy the franchise.

Thoughts on Hereditary

Hereditary is a horror movie that is tough watch. On one hand the acting is excellent. The use of cinematography, atmosphere, and sound really make it chilling. On the other hand the story is a bit mysterious and there are odd editing choices. The story treats the audience like they are smart enough to figure things out but I felt like I needed to read more about it to full grasp what I saw. The movie is good and worth seeing for any horror fan but I don’t feel like I want to subject myself to multiple viewings.

Thoughts on The Strangers: Prey at Night

The Strangers: Prey at Night is a forgettable horror romp. The movie borrows much of the looks, themes, and shots from other, better movies. The acting is nothing memorable, which is a shame since much of the cast have shown more talent in other projects. At the very least the pacing is good and it isn’t a total waste of time. As a whole, it is not a bad movie, however, it is forgettable. Rent it if you are in an apathetic mood for a movie.

Thoughts on Happy Death Day

Happy Death Day is a movie that relies on it’s gimmick. This gimmick is basically making Groundhog Day into a horror film. The characters are unlikable for the most part but as the story progresses it gets better and the protagonist becomes less of a caricature of a vapid sorority girl. It has some stupid moments and some cheesy moments but it still has enough charm to be interesting and one of the better horror movies to come out from Blumhouse productions. It is an interesting rental at the very least. At least it is very self-aware of it’s concept.

Thoughts on Please Stand By

Please Stand By is a well-made indie film. Dakota Fanning gives a great performance as an autistic Star Trek fan teying to get her fan script to a contest in L.A. It is a sincere movie that has great performances. It is a gem that showcases a lot of amazing talent. Check it out if you want to see something original and different.

Thoughts on Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is an impressive movie. The cast is amazing. The performances are stellar. The subject matter is dark but handled with sincerity. It isn’t a story where good and evil are specified. Almost everyone has elements of gray which make the story more realistic. The humanity of the characters is exposed and it is often not pretty. It ‘s disturbing and challenges the notion that good and bad are such clearly defined ideals. Check it out if you want a good movie that takes writing and preforming to a new level. The ending is ambiguous but it will leave you hoping things work out.

Thoughts on The Guest

The Guest is a fine movie. It is entertaining and the performanves are good for the most part. It has some cool visuals and the effects are pretty solid. The problem is that the story is pretty ridiculous. That fact doesn’t make the movie less entertaining at least. It is charming and utilizes good pacing for the story. It would make a fine rental or background movie for the viewer that doesn’t want to invest a ton of time in a movie.

Is The Incredibles a Work of Genius?

I hadn’t thought of The Incredibles for a long time; however, an upcoming sequel and the development of the Incredicoaster at California Adventure’s Pixar Pier have brought it into the limelight. Looking back at the film I realized something: The characters and their powers all thematically tie together and make the movie more than just a tale of a superhero going through a midlife crisis.

Mr. Incredible/Bob Parr

Mr. Incredible is super strong. He has the power to lift trains but he still must work a mediocre desk job. He does this because he loves his family. He takes on heavy burdens and has to be strong to contain his desire for adventure and days long past. When he loses his patience it causes destruction. For example: the damage to his vehicle and to his former boss whom he nearly kills. He needs to be the strong one because it lets his family lead a normal life. 

Mrs. Incredible (Elastigirl)/Helen Parr

Mrs. Incredible is metaphorically and literally flexible.  She needs to be to deal with the kids, the constant moving towns, and the midlife crisis of her husband, Bob. She is constantly pulled in multiple directions and it clearly wears on her quite a bit. Still, she is able to alter herself as needed for any situation, be it hero, housewife, savior, or purely utility. 

Lucius Best/Frozone

Lucius is a smooth character. Well-groomed and suave, he exudes the persona of a cool character. His coolness is seen when he is stopped by the police and he simply and calmly talks to the officer until he can get the upper hand and escape. There are times when he loses his cool, like when he can’t find his super suit or when a fire has eliminated the moisture in the room. Whether he is putting on the Hai Karate for date night or freezing water mid-spill, this character is going to keep his cool.

Violet 

Violet has the power of invisibility and force fields. She is appropriately named Violet because she is extremely shy and often shy people are called shrinking violets. While not having the literal ability to shrink, she does have an ability all shy people wish they had which is to make themselves unseen. The fact that she can project force fields could be an element of her need to hide and protect herself from the harm of others, be they other kids or actual physical threats.

Dash

Dash has the ability to be super fast. He is a kid that wants to show the world what he is capable of but has had to restrain his ability to look normal. His frustration and acting out all are the signs that other children show when they are not meeting their potential. We have yet to see all that his super speed can really do.

Jack-Jack

While just an infant, Jack-Jack holds the potential for limitless power. Like most babies he has mood swings and has yet to control his body much less his emotions. He holds an astounding array of abilities, which have not yet even begun to be fully developed. For starters, he can float, shoot lasers, teleport, shapeshift, become intangible, turn into metal, and become combustible. Like most babies, they are the combination of their parents with the possibility of amazing potential.

Mirage

One of the definitions of Mirage is something that is real or possible but is not in fact so. Does she have powers? It is never really brought up. If she does have powers she doesn’t use them or it simply is never revealed to the audience. All that is known is that she is supposed to have good intentions while working for a villain. She even turns on the villain, proving that her moral compass is every changing and she is more than she appears to be.

Syndrome (Incredi-Boy)/Buddy Pine

Syndrome is a fan boy with a gift for invention. His plan is to eliminate the super humans of the world and then his inventions will be sold so that anyone everywhere can be super. When everyone has access to super powers, superheroes will no longer be exceptional. He is a disease to the world of super humans and he has an ability to make technology that can appropriately counter and duplicates the abilities of super humans.  His desire to spread his inventions and his amoral attitudes towards life and death, in his goal to be a superhero, have made him a dangerous adversary that is befitting of his name and abilities.

It will be interesting to see where these characters go in the next film. Whether or not these characters were thematically supposed to match with their powers is unknown. If it is intentional, then it is extremely subtle and clever. If it is mere coincidence then it is really a fascinating look at how character’s abilities match their personalities.  If you have a chance to give The Incredibles a re-watch give it a look and let me know what you think.

Thoughts on Brigsby Bear

Brigsby Bear is a fascinating movie. It isn’t funny in a conventional sense. It is a bit of a depressing concept. There are moments of brilliance, like making the villain of the Brigsby Bear show called Sun Snatcher which is essentially what the kidnappers are. I felt awful for the main character, James’s parents. They want ti heal from the loss and want to make up for lost time but James and his naïveté and obsession with his childhood show is strange to them. The acting is great and very sincere. Even the funny moments are played very seriously. It is a clever movie that should be seen by anyone wanting to see something original.

Thoughts on Super Troopers 2

Super Troopers 2 is a bummer. Where the original struck comedy gold, this movie comes off as very lazy. There are a few funny moments but they are few and far between. It might have made a funny sketch but as a full length movie it feels forced. Give this one a pass unless you are itching for a rental that you will likely forgets shortly after.

Thoughts on The Disaster Artist

The Disaster Artist is the story of the making of the hilariously bad movie The Room. The movie is entertaining enough and gives some fun performances. The problem is that the story of the making of this movie isn’t nearly as compelling as the performances. It is interesting but not so much that it will stick with me like Ed Wood did. The movie also has a strange homo erotic vibe which bu itself isn’t a bad thing but the parts are played by actors who are brothers in real life. If you’ve seen The Room you might like this. The attention to detail is very impressive. Otherwise wait for it on cable.

Thoughts on The Avengers: Infinity War

The Avengers: Infinity War does exactly what is needed for the MCU franchise. It brings all heroes together against a terrible evil. The Thanos character is interesting and adds more dimension to the film as a more developed villain. He is evil but he has a method to his madness. It didn’t have as much heart as other MCU movies but it is still entertaining and sort of sad. It is recommended for any MCU fan.

Thoughts on Rampage

Rampage is a movie based off of a video game. The story is trash, the acting is subpar, and the characters are very poorly developed. Duane Johnson and Jeffery Dean Morgan at least add some charm to the movie while the other actors just seem to be reaching for their paychecks.. It is a movie where you have to constantly tell yourself not to take it seriously. While not the worst movie out now, it is very dumb and it seems to assume that the audience is fairly dumb as well. It feels like a tacky Syfy network movie that somehow got greenlit for theaters. Check it out if you like dumb movies or want to watch something that requires very little brain power.

Thoughts on Leatherface

Leatherface is a movie bereft of original ideas. The story, concept, and even some camera angles are all reminiscent of other movies. It comes off as a movie trying really hard to be an exploitation film but with no discernable direction. None of the characters are interesting so investment into this story is practically impossible. It comes off as a sleazy attempt to cash in on a franchise. The original The
  was so much more interesting and scary without the gore. This is a forgettable movie which only horror buffs would care to see as background noise.

Thoughts on Battlefield Earth

Battlefield Earth sucks. The script has more holes than Swiss cheese, it looks like it was edited by a blind man, and the characters are as bland as celery. John Travolta is so over the top that it can be amusing at times.  It is still a huge muddled mess that is a complete waste of time. Don’t see it unless you enjoy bad movies.

Thoughts on The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water is a beautiful movie. The acting is superb and the story is very stylized and lovely. There are lots of homages to familiar films likr The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The use of visual storytelling really works to the films advantage. This is what a remake of The Creature From the Black Lagoon should be, different but captivating. The haunting style give it a fairytale dreamlike quality. It’s great filmmaking that should be seen and enjoyed.

Thoughts on A Quiet Place

A Quiet Place is a good movie that feels like a Twilight Zone episode. The acting is great and the story is fine. Some of the narrative is surrounded with Chekhov’s guns which make it a bit predictable. The monsters are mysterious and creepy but I kept wondering how they took over the world so easily. They can hear really well until the script needs then not to do so. Conceptually, it seems clever but it still has holes in execution . It really didn’t make much sense that the workd was ruined by these creatures. It has more depth than your average monster movie.  It doesn’t treat the audience like it’s stupid, but it also doesn’t take chances. It’s a worthwhile movie that is worth seeing but just don’t have high expectations.

Thoughts on The Flintstones

The Flintstones is fine. It is well made and well performed. The story is a bit weak but the expectations are a bit low since it came out in 1994. The product placement is extreme but after so long it seems like a funny quirk. As a movie that can be viewed as background noise it does it’s job. Otherwise, it is a cliched, forgettable distraction.

Thoughts on Coco

Coco is a beautiful movie. The story is remarkably colorful and showcases great songs with fun and well developed characters. The message is sweet and the animation is stunning. The authenticity towards the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration is wonderful and showcases a lovely aspect of the culture. See it if you get a chance. Just bring a tissue or two.

Thoughts on Murder On The Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express is a damn good movie. The cast is a whose who of talented individuals that make the film very entertaining. The mystery is well developed and the Hercule Poirot character is fascinating to watch. Even on a thematic level this movie does well by creating a clever story arc. Anyone interested in a 1930s murder mystery from a classic story will enjoy this update. The cast is charming and makes for an enjoyable watch

Thoughts on A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time is a forgettable movie. With decent actors phoning in lazy performances it is easy to simply not care about the events unfolding. With loads of CG the movie comes off as all spectacle with no substance. A lot happens inexplicably and the lack of character development and chemistry among them really makes this a dull watch. I wouldn’t bother watching this unless you are a huge fan of the book. Then you can add disappointment to the boredom you feel.

Thoughts on I, Tonya

I, Tonya is a really good movie. It features great acting, a solid story, and a fantastic soundtrack. The use of CG was sometimes a bit jaring, but that is nitpicking. The choice to make it more of a dark comedy then straight drama is a entertaining decision.  It showcases a lot of talented performances and makes it obvious why this movie was a serious contender for the Oscars. It is worth checking out for anyone who has interest in dark true-ish stories.

Thoughts on Annihilation

Annihilation is a really thought provoking movie. With good acting, amazing visuals, and a creepy and haunting story. The film seems to be a metaphor for cancer and the way it changes life on a cellular level. The cinematography is pretty breathtaking and has a dream like quality reminiscent of the card art from Magic: the Gathering. I recommend it for scifi fans who are looking for a more cerebral movie. It is a mysterious film that is worth checking out.

Thoughts on Swamp Zombies

Swamp Zombies is pretty awful. Granted the fight scenes involve real stunts by the actors but that  doesn’t make a watchable film. The script is simple, the acting is bad, and the editing is a wretched mess. Even the sountrack seems wildly inappropriate for the scenes. If you are a fan of cheesy movies it will kill some time. It is an amateur movie at best and at worst some glorious schlock.

Thoughts on Jigsaw

Jigsaw feels like a last gasp of the torture porn era of horror films. A herd of characters who are despicable try to prevent a horrid death that they all completely deserve. It’s still trying to be clever but instead it comes off as a dead horse getting beaten to a pulp. Too much stupidity and not enough substance to make it worth a damn. If I hadn’t seen the other films I never would have bothered with this at all. It brings nothing new to the table and doesn’t even attempt to revive the genre. Instead it’s the same story with twists that can’t live up to the first movie.

Thoughts on Veronica

Veronica is a Spanish horror movie about a teenage girl who experiments with the occult and summons a dark entity. Supposedly it is a crime that Spanish police actually reported as paranormal. It is visually very well made and the acting is good. There are a lot of aspects that seem cliche but it works well enough. The ending is sort of abrupt but the visuals make it memorable. It’s worth checking out for horror fans.

Thoughts on Professor Marston and the Wonder Women

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women is the story of the creator of Wonder Woman and his polyamorous relationship. The acting is fine but the story is a touch on the dull side. It doesn’t have any real conflict to center around. As a whole, it’s a fine movie on an interesting subject but it isn’t executed in such a way to make it gripping. It’s worth a rental if you have an interest but otherwise it is nothing spectacular.

2018 Oscar Predictions

Here are my 2018 Oscar predictions:

Best Picture:

“The Shape of Water”

Lead Actor:

Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”

Lead Actress:

Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water”

Supporting Actor:

Christopher Plummer, “All the Money in the World”

Supporting Actress:

Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird”

Director:

“Get Out,” Jordan Peele

Animated Feature:

“Coco,” Lee Unkrich, Darla K. Anderson

Animated Short:

“Lou,” Dave Mullins, Dana Murray

Adapted Screenplay:

“Logan,” Scott Frank & James Mangold and Michael Green

Original Screenplay:

“Get Out,” Jordan Peele

Cinematography:

“Blade Runner 2049,” Roger Deakins

Best Documentary Feature:

“Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,” Steve James, Mark Mitten, Julie Goldman

Best Documentary Short Subject:

“Heroin(e),” Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Kerrin Sheldon

Best Live Action Short Film:

“DeKalb Elementary,” Reed Van Dyk

Best Foreign Language Film:

“On Body and Soul (Hungary)

Film Editing:

“Baby Driver,” Jonathan Amos, Paul Machliss

Sound Editing:

“Baby Driver,” Julian Slater

Sound Mixing:

“Baby Driver,” Mary H. Ellis, Julian Slater, Tim Cavagin

Production Design:

“Blade Runner 2049,” Dennis Gassner, Alessandra Querzola

Original Score:

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” John Williams

Original Song:

“Remember Me” from “Coco,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez

Makeup and Hair:

“Darkest Hour,” Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski, Lucy Sibbick

Costume Design:

“Beauty and the Beast,” Jacqueline Durran

Visual Effects:

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner, Dan Sudick

Thoughts on Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist is a Netflix movie based on the anime show. As a stand-alone movie it doesn’t really hold up but if you are a fan of the show it is entertaining enough. It comes across as a mass of cosplayers just making representation of the high points of the show. Not much depth is given to the characters and it comes off as a shallow interpretation. It isn’t a bad movie but it is weakened by trying to cram so much into the time allotted. It would be a confusing mess to any one not familiar with the show.

Thoughts on Black Panther

When it comes to Marvel movies Black Panther is okay. The story is a run of the mill tale of revenge. The actors are all good but the story is fairly dull. The effects even felt a bit dated which was a real shame considering the hype this movie is getting. As a whole it isn’t a bad movie but it is forgettable. It is predictable and does nothing to challenge the genre. It ia worth seeing if you are looking to keep up with the ever growing MCU but otherwise it’s can be a rental.

Thoughts on The Kingsmen: The Golden Circle

The Kingsmen: The Golden Circle is okay. No more, no less. It has a more ridiculous plot than the original. It still is a fun enough movie with enough charm to make it entertaining. It isn’t perfect by any means but it seems to realize this and is fine just being silly and over the top. It is a worthy as a rental or background movie.

Thoughts on The Ritual

The Ritual is a good Lovecraftian story that feels like The Descent. The acting is good and the story is    eerie. The characters are interesting and well developed. It feels like a familiar premise but it works. The film is entertaining and a worthy horror movie for any afternoon. The woods are creepy and this movie capitalizes on that feeling. Check it out if you are a horror fan.

Thoughts on The Cloverfield Paradox

The Cloverfield Paradox is a fun scifi entry into the Cloverfield universe. The acting is good and the effects are fun to watch. It is an immersive movie that made kept me captivated even during the more stranger aspects. There seems to be some attempt to tie the movies together but it was a bit confusing on that level. This movie leaves me with a few questions but I was entertained and enjoyed the weird ride.

Thoughts on My Life as a Zucchini

My Life as a Zucchini is a gorgeous film. It is depressing and uplifting at the same time and the stop motion captures the emotions perfectly. The material is somber and adult but the imagery is colorful and beautiful. The contrast makes it quite compelling. The story is pretty simple but it feels genuine. If you can handle a French film then it is worth watching.

Thoughts on Baby Driver

Baby Driver is a pretty fun action movie. The look and soundtrack is very stylized which makes the movie interesting to a certain degree. Otherwise it is a pretty standard crime movie. The acting is very over the top and the script seems like a 70s movie. It is not a bad movie but it is also not a very deep movie. The humor is pretty low key and subtle which gives it charm. It is fine way to kill some time.

Thoughts on Rings

Rings is a piss poor excuse to try to revitalize a franchise. It adds nothing new, feels like it is retreading old ground, and is poorly written. Characters struggle to find stuff to do which is baffling and pointless.  The main characters are bland and the dialogue is poor executed. Bottom line is that this is fine if you are bored but otherwise it is a forgettable movie.

Thoughts on A Futile and Stupid Gesture

A Futile and Stupid Gesture is a fine movie. The acting is fine and the subject is interesting but the tone is muddled. At times it plays itself like a comedy and other times a drama and then there are times when dramatic parts are undercut with comedy and visa versa. The movie just ends abruptly which is jarring. It is a fine film choice for a mild distraction but it is fairly forgettable.

Thoughts on IT

IT is a solid movie that keeps a lot of the charm of the miniseries and cuts out the B.S. The acting is great and the kids are really quirky enough to hope for their survival. The parts that stuck out as flawed is that Richie is annoying (but he is kind of supposed to be), the frights are mostly jump scares, and they modernized the time period but the Stephen King stereotypical bully is still in full force. As a whole it’s a fine movie and I look forward to part 2.

Thoughts on Man Vs.

Man Vs. is an interesting take on the survivor reality shows. The build up is really great and the performances seem genuine. The twist is a bit silly and just a bit disappointing. As a whole the movie is at least entertaining. Check it out if you are looking for something fun. The premise is good and the build up makes up for the silly aspects.

Thoughts on The Blackcoats Daughter

The Blackcoats Daughter is a pretty impressive horror film. It is subtle and creates a tone of nightmarish unease. With great performances and a slow burn script the film is quite haunting. It clearly doesn’t think the audience is dumb by hitting them over the head with exposition. Instead it lets the story unfold as the horror begins to take hold. Check it out if you are looking for a smart, subtle, and effective horror story.

Thoughts on The Polka King

The Polka King is an interesting look at the Jan Lewan Ponzi scheme. He is an interesting character and the actors do a great job with this dark comedy. The problem is that the story is not very funny and you are really just watching a strange character hit rock bottom. It is a depressing movie and the tone is a bit muddled. Still, it is interesting and well-acted so it is worth checking out if the preview interests you.

Thoughts on Ingrid Goes West

Ingrid Goes West is probably the best Aubrey Plaza movie since The To Do List. It really is a fascinating take on the stalker relationship in a social media world. It feels like it could easily be a horror movie. Elizabeth Olsen plays the object of Ingrid’s obsession. The movie has a great cast and a  relevant tone. It also touches on the illusion of life perfection in social media. Check it out if you are looking for something clever and worth a damn.

Thoughts on Sharknado 5

Sharknado 5 is what happens when the Asylum makes a movie where everyone is in on the joke. If you like puns and references to better movies then it is at least a fun distraction. If you want a seriously good movie with decent acting then look elsewhere. As if the other films weren’t ridiculous enough they are introducing magic to the storyline in a desperate attempt to make it original. It is schlock but sadly it is not very good schlock.

Thoughts on I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore

I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore is a fun, dark comedy. It is about people being vicimized seeking justice. The acting is good and it is fantastic to see Melanie Lynskey getting better parts. It is a clever movie that handles the dark mood and subject matter really well. It is worth seeing for anyone looking for something a bit different.

Thoughts on Creep 2

Creep 2 is a decent follow up to Creep. The main character remains the same and his charm and demeanor still sell the story. The performance are genuine and thrilling. It really is a good sequel that is worth checking out if you enjoyed the first film. Good subtle horror at its finest.

Thoughts on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is another bland entry in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. By now it feels so forced and dull with no really original ideas to keep afloat. It just becomes a muddled mess as the film progesses. The first movie was fun but they have gotten progressively worse with every new entry. The story is bland and the characters are lazily written with no chemistry amongst them. It is worth a watch on Netflix if desperate but is easily forgotten.

Thoughts on The Hit Man’s Bodyguard

The Hit Man’s Bodyguard is an okay action comedy. The characters have a fun chemistry. The story itself is a bit trite. The script is sort of weak so it makes up for it with swear words. Still, there are a few fun moments that make it a worthy rental. It might be a bit forgettable but it will kill some time. Sometimes, that is all you need.