The Magnificent Seven (2016)

I wasn't expecting much from a remake of a reinterpretation, and while this movie was certainly watchable and somewhat entertaining, the overall experience fell a bit flat. I've heard it referred to as the Meh-gnificient Seven, and that seems appropriate.

6/10

Blood Father

Mel Gibson, despite all of his flaws, is quite fun to watch in this film. The core emotional relationship didn't really work for me, but the raw physicality Gibson brings to the role kept me entertained.

6.75/10

Band of Robbers

Part modern retelling of classic Twain stories and part Goonies Grown Up, BAND OF ROBBERS was an absolute blast. The narrative was full of twists and turns, and the core relationship between the two leads felt genuine and gave the film a great deal of heart and charm.

9.25/10

The Light Between Oceans

This film was gorgeously filmed and acted, to be sure. Narratively, I felt that the plot dragged quite a bit, and despite some excellent and unsettling sequences in the third act, I left feeling a bit underwhelmed.

7.25/10

Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair

This is both Volume 1 and 2 cut together into one glorious 4-hour film, with a smattering of additional footage and bonus content sprinkled in.

I don't think the extra scenes added much to the film. The slightly longer and uncensored Crazy 88 action sequence was appreciated, but the best thing I got from this version was simply the excuse to revisit this jaw-dropping, excessively slick, and incredibly engaging story.

10/10