The visuals are incredible, the performances across the board are fantastic, and the score is excellent.
However, the narrative structure of the film is far too bloated, and character motivations far too thin too often. There are too many goofy, immersion-breaking moments that caused some people in my audience to laugh out loud at the nonsense they were being asked to accept. The conclusion to the nominal showdown is hilariously and offensively dumb.
That being said, there is plenty to like about this film. If you can avert your eyes from those large issues, the film is a decent amount of fun. The action is pretty great, and I was sufficiently sold on upcoming DCU films. But man, this could've and should've been so much better.
6.5/10
Eddie the Eagle
If you had asked me my opinion after the first 15 minutes, I'd have said something north of a 9/10. Unfortunately, the film sagged in the middle and fell into almost every trope imaginable; the stuffy old guard not letting the scrappy up-and-comer in, the disapproving father, the loving and encouraging mother, and the formerly-great-but-now-drunken-and-reluctant coach. The list goes on and on.
That being said, Taron Egerton is fantastic, and the film finishes just as strongly as it opened. Backed by a synth-fueled, very 80s score and a great message about competition, the film reflected the man on which it was based; plucky, uncompromising, and determined.
8.75/10
That being said, Taron Egerton is fantastic, and the film finishes just as strongly as it opened. Backed by a synth-fueled, very 80s score and a great message about competition, the film reflected the man on which it was based; plucky, uncompromising, and determined.
8.75/10
The Brothers Grimsby
Sacha Baron Cohen makes films that are silly, disgusting, and juvenile. And if I ever stop laughing at them, I'll know all traces of my inner-teenager are dead.
The Brothers Grimsby was very enjoyable for what it was, but stay away if you don't like toilet humor and gratuitous nudity and violence.
6.75/10
The Brothers Grimsby was very enjoyable for what it was, but stay away if you don't like toilet humor and gratuitous nudity and violence.
6.75/10
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Fey's performance was solid, but the film didn't make me care too much for any of the characters. In a film that leans so much on the interpersonal relationships, that is quite the bad sign.
5/10
5/10
Zootopia
A fantastic and fun detective film with a strong, positive message. The film is peppered with hilarious references, the plot is engaging albeit somewhat predictable, and the two leads have great charisma and chemistry.
9/10
9/10
10 Cloverfield Lane
This is exactly how this kind of movie (and I'm being intentionally vague here) should be made. John Goodman is unnerving and imposing, and the film is just an absurdly great experience.
9/10
9/10
Triple 9
Although the film included some excellent set pieces and tense, high-pressure moments, nothing seems to carry much weight, and the ending is baffling and unsatisfying.
6.5/10
6.5/10
The Wicker Man (1973)
This film was all about setting up a creepy and unsettling atmosphere. While it didn't do a terrible job doing so, it wasn't particularly good either.
5.5/10
5.5/10
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