Category: Popcorn Perspectives

Popcorn Perspectives with Danny Minton

Week of May 28, 2018

Annihilation
Rated R for violence, bloody images, language and some sexuality
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
Available on disc and streaming
This very risky Rated R sci-fi project stars Natalie Portman as a scientist who joins a military mission into a giant alien bubble that has appeared on Earth in order to both discover its contents as well as possibly find her missing husband (Oscar Isaac). Written and directed by Ex Machina auteur Alex Garland, the film is equally as trippy and fantastic as his freshman outing. It’s a beautiful nightmare of a film that will have you both in awe and biting your fingernails with every step forward. It’s a bit weird for some audiences but many will find it refreshingly horrifying. B

Early Man
Rated PG for rude humor and some action
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
Available on disc and streaming
While theaters are noticeably vacant of good family films, this great little Aardman stop-motion animation pic will at least give you something great to watch at home. Here a group of neanderthals are stripped of their homeland only to find themselves in a soccer match with a more civilized group of humans in order to hopefully win it back. It is a charming, clever and frequently funny adventure that should get you by until some decent family fare hits the big screen again. B+

Popcorn Perspectives with Danny Minton

Week of May 21, 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action/violence
In Theaters
Disney has made it a mission to both expand the Star Wars universe and fill in the gaps with a full slate of new movies and adventures. Part of the gap-filling is this new tale which essentially gives Han Solo an origin story. Here a young Han (Alden Ehrenreich) meets his future life-partner Chewbacca and sets off on a mission with fellow hooligan Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) to steal precious cargo worth a fortune for them if they get away with it. This is probably easy to predict, but this movie is exactly what you think it will be. And that’s not a bad thing. There was some concern when the original directors were fired and replaced with Ron Howard, but as one with a lot of faith in Ron Howard, my confidence in his ability proved valid. The film is a fast, light-hearted joyride with all of the great moments you knew would have to be there such as the Kesell Run and a memorable meet-cute between Chewy and Han. Ehrenreich does a completely competent job as Han but stealing the show is certainly Glover whose career is as hot as it gets right now. Overall this is a highly enjoyable addition to the Star Wars franchise, destined to be a hit and possibly even its own franchise starter. B+

Game Night
Rated R for language, sexual references and some violence
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
Available on Disc and Streaming
While this critical hit turned out to be a bomb at the box-office, it hopes to gain a little more attention for home viewing. In this adult comedy, Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams are a young couple who love to host a frequent game night with their friends. But when his brother (Kyle Chandler) shows up trying to one-up their game night, things take a serious (yet still comedic) turn as truths start to materialize. While most of the twists and turns don’t make a lot of sense as you put thought into them, the writing and acting is strong enough to push you through and the crazy night ends up being fun to watch even in spite of the obvious plot problems. B-

Red Sparrow
Rated R for strong violence, torture, sexual content, language and some graphic nudity
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 47%
Jennifer Lawrence has been picking some fairly unconventional projects lately such as Mother! and Passengers, and continuing that trend comes this film about an injured Russian ballerina who is forced into the life of a sex spy. The overlong film is a chore to get through as it is mostly boring, with a pervasive rapey vibe and loaded with torture. Sure the acting is decent but the film is as far from a sexy thriller as you can get. The whole thing is a lushly produced nauseating experience. C-

The Other Side of Hope: The Criterion Collection
Not Rated
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
In Finnish, English and Arabic
Available on Disc and Streaming
Finnish writer/director Aki Kurismäki takes on the refugee crisis as he tells this tale about a businessman who befriends and attempts to help a Syrian refugee who lands in Helsinki as a stowaway. Kaurismäki’s work is certainly not for everyone and this is no exception. While frequently funny and ridiculous, the director’s deadpan style makes the actors seem rigid and mundane, stealing away from the terrific story which gives life and empathy to the Syrian refugee crisis. I really wanted to like the movie, but its style is just too off-putting. C+

Popcorn Perspectives by Danny Minton

Week of May 14, 2018

Deadpool 2
Rated R for strong violence and language throughout, sexual references and brief drug material
In Theaters
The foul-mouthed comic vigilante superhero Deadpool, aka Wade Wilson, aka actor Ryan Reynolds, is back in this much-anticipated sequel directed this time by John Wick director David Leitch. When the first film was made it was a risky venture to release an R-rated raunchy super hero flick. But as Deadpool points out early the film, the risk paid off and Deadpool was a smash box office hit. This new adventure is much less of a labor of love and much more like a bunch of friends having fun, full of confidence that their project will succeed. The story begins with our red dead super hero taking apart crime syndicates around the world, only to find himself determined to protect a young mutant who is being hunted by a hitman from the future named Cable (Josh Brolin). Just as in the first film, the humor is rampant and the violence is constant. But if you are used to it, it shouldn’t be offensive to most audience members. That’s not to say the material isn’t offensive. It is certainly not a film for everybody and most definitely not for kids unless you want them to get in trouble on their last days of school for repeating many of the new things they’ll learn. But for desensitized late teens and adults, it’s a wildly entertaining action pic that will make you laugh yourself silly. B+

Black Panther
Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Marvel’s mega-hit about an African king/superhero gets its home entertainment release this week, where it will no doubt grow it’s already legendary profitability. The nice thing about this box office champ is it has earned its stripes. Telling the origin story of King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and how he enters the world stage while protecting his own people in Wakanda, the film lets us know all we need to know while at the same time helping us see him in his place in the larger Marvel universe. It is a solid production on all levels. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed) and with an amazing cast of talented actors, the film excites and thrills with tight pacing and a sense of awe. Black Panther is more than just an addition to the Marvel Universe – it is a reinvention if it. A-

Popcorn Perspectives by Danny Minton

Week of April 30, 2018

Avengers: Infinity War
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, language and some crude references
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
In Theaters
This much-anticipated franchise addition to the Avengers universe basically adds almost every character we’ve seen so far (minus a couple of ones no-one will miss like Hawkeye and Ant-man), in an ultimate battle against Thanos, an Alien invader who wishes to collect the full set of Infinity Stones in order to decimate half of the universe. If you don’t follow the plot, don’t worry, it’s a silly copycat of Lord of the Rings that Marvel has been pushing out for years. Chances are, most of the folks reading this review have already seen the movie. But if you haven’t, I’ll try not to give away any major spoilers that will upset you, although I bet your friends have already given everything away. What I can safely say is that the film is extremely funny and full of non-stop action. While there are plot turns that have the potential to make you mad, I can also declare that you will get your money’s worth here. I will also say that these plot turns are easy to see through and fairly easy to predict if you are familiar at all with their films past and what they have coming out in the future. While I don’t think the movie is worth repeat viewings, it is a solid piece of entertainment and a great addition to the series. It shows the progression of an impressive vision from producer Kevin Feige and Disney, and should thrill pretty much anyone who buys a ticket. Are there some major problems? Sure there are. I saw several opportunities for the story to just end and be set right. But these issues are easy enough to ignore as long as you are forgiving to the fact that Disney still has billions of dollars to earn off its audiences. B+

Hostiles
Rated R for strong violence, and language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Christian Bale plays a decorated Army Captain who is tasked with escorting a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their tribal lands, only to discover a woman (Rosamund Pike) who is the lone survivor from her family after a brutal Comanche attack. I have to admit that this film is really growing on me. The production is quite amazing with breathtaking cinematography by Masanobu Takayanagi (Warrior) and a haunting score by Max Richter (The Leftovers). But most impressive is the directing and script by Scott Cooper, with a story both disturbing and relevant. Emotionally, it is a tough one to watch for sure, but worth putting in the time. A-

12 Strong
Rated R for war violence and language throughout
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 54%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Based on the recently declassified true story about a group of soldiers sent in for a first strike on the Taliban after 9/11, Thor and General Zod (Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon) lead a small group of men who must learn to ride horses in order to navigate the treacherous terrain and confront the enemy. The story itself is interesting but the way it is told here is a let down. It is overlong and underwhelming, with great actors badly phoning in their parts. C

Mary and the Witch’s Flower
Rated PG for some action and thematic elements
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Written and directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi (former key animator at Studio Ghibli) Mary and the Witch’s Flower is a hand-drawn animated fantasy which follows a young girl who discovers a hidden world in the clouds where she is enrolled to become a witch in training, only to reveal secrets hidden by those she knows on Earth. The film is rich in both storytelling and artistry with a lush beauty you would expect from one with such a background. Personally, I found it to be the best animated film from Japan not to come from Studio Ghibli, which is still quite a compliment. B+

The Insult
Rated R for language and some violent images
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Available on Disc and Streaming
This Oscar-nominated foreign film from Lebanon tells the story of a Christian and a Muslim, caught up in a battle over a careless insult that is thrown out during a stubborn and unwinnable argument. It is a fascinating look both at a different culture but also at a relevant situation given today’s chaotic political and religious climate at home. It is a bit preachy and a little full of itself in regards to its message and theme, but is still an important and memorable story worth watching. B

Popcorn Perspectives by Danny Minton

Week of April 23, 2018

Paddington 2
Rated PG for some action and mild rude humor
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Part of the above description should have given you pause. 100% Rotten Tomatoes score? Not one critic out of almost 200 (including me) didn’t recommend it? You read that correctly. This almost perfect family film beat out the first’s almost perfect 98% score in grand fashion. Based on the popular English stuffed animal, Paddington 2 continues the adventures of the lovable bear as he is falsely arrested for stealing a priceless pop-up book, only to find himself and his human family hot on the heels of the despicable real thief, played by the versatile Hugh Grant. Just like the first, the film is cuddly, cute, clever, funny and surprisingly smart. And if you have kiddos, it is one of the most family-friendly films you can enjoy with them without feeling guilty. The whole thing is simply an enjoyable way to send nearly two hours. A-

Den of Thieves
Rated R for violence, language and some sexuality/nudity
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 41%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Gerard Butler plays a flawed and ferocious cop, hell-bent on taking down a ring of criminals determined to be the first to ever rip off a federal reserve bank. The film has a big-time Michael Mann vibe to it, but lacks the substance and talent, even though the attempt is admirable. So while Heat it ain’t, there are some respectable qualities. The premise itself is original and almost works, especially towards the end when the actual crime takes place. But where the film fails is the long, meandering path to get to the climax. It’s a slow burn with little reward or even justification as to why it takes so long to show us the money. Still Gerard Butler is believable as the sort of good guy and Pablo Schreiber is convincing as the street savvy gang leader ready to take on the biggest heist in history. I just wish the film didn’t waste so much of my time getting to the well-executed third act. C+

The Post
Rated PG-13 for language and brief war violence
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
Available on Disc and Streaming
After watching this film in theaters last December, I felt certain that I had just seen the movie that would win Best Picture. After all, it had two of America’s most-loved actors (Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks), in addition to America’s most-respected director Steven Spielberg telling the most relevant of stories about the Washington Post in the 70s going against all odds to print a story that would eventually bring down a president. But while it brought in a slew of nominations, it didn’t win a thing and eventually fizzled. Still – this is a movie that needs to be seen, even if it will not be seen or appreciated by the audience most in need of its message and theme. It is a tale of caution and courage, meant for far greater ambitions than it was able to achieve. But that doesn’t change the fact that it is a masterful film worthy of America’s attention. A

Grease: 40th Anniversary Edition
Rated PG for adult situations/language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Since this film came out when I was six, I was unable to see it in theaters and had to rely on VHS, TV, and eventually DVD for my limited exposure to it. But now remastered in this new 4K edition, the film looks pristine to the point where it’s almost uncomfortable. Since this musical, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John as two teenagers in love, relies more on its iconic nostalgia for its success rather than its art; this new and stunning-looking film might throw you off quite a bit. I’m actually anxious to discuss with fans of the film to see if they prefer this or the dirty, lower resolution version of the pic we are used to seeing. B-

Popcorn Perspectives by Danny Minton

Week of April 9, 2018

The Greatest Showman

Rated PG for thematic elements including a brawl

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 55%

Another victim/survivor of the crowded Christmas schedule this year was this musical produced by and starring Hugh Jackman as the infamous P.T. Barnum.  But even though it didn’t get much in the way of awards love (I didn’t even get to see it until after nominations were due), it went on to have a moderately successful box office, creating quite a fan base who went to see it again and again.  Well I have to admit that I am right there with them.  After seeing it the first time in early January, I couldn’t wait to go again.  I found the music (written by Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land scribes Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), to be catchy and addictive, with a soundtrack that now has regular play intervals in my car and home, especially when my young son has his choice.  Overall, I found the movie to be an excellent feel-good movie/musical and had I had the chance to see it before I wrote my Top 10 of 2017, it might have been a major player on my list.  A

 

Phantom Thread

Rated R for language

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Nominated for 6 Oscars including Picture, Director, Actor and Supporting Actress, Phantom Thread was quite the last-minute surprise from director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights).  The story follows Daniel Day-Lewis as a high-end fashion designer in the 1960’s and his struggles to constantly improve his craft and his inability stay grounded in both love and life.  For much of the movie, it is possibly the most pretentious, snooty film I have ever seen.  But then the film takes a turn to bring it and its subject back down to Earth in a deeply surprising manner that actually excited my intellect and curbed my almost negative opinion.  I would not recommend this to anyone who isn’t a serious cinema fan, but I can see why the Academy honored it with so many high-power nods, and I look forward to discussing with other viewers once some people have actually seen it.  B

 

Molly’s Game

Rated R for language, drug content and some violence

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin makes his directorial debut here with this real-life story about an ex-olympic skier (Jessica Chastain), who created an exclusive high-stakes poker game until she became an FBI target.  With Sorkin on the script, the story is well-written and the talented cast keeps the words and action flowing.  Its only downfall is that the story, while interesting, isn’t two hours interesting, making you wish that there was something more worth watching.  It’ll pass the time on a rainy day, but I doubt it will stick with you.  B-

Popcorn Perspectives by Danny Minton

Week of April 2, 2018

Ready Player One
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action violence, bloody images, some suggestive material, partial nudity and language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%
In Theaters
Based on the best-selling novel by Ernest Cline (and one of my favorite books in recent memory) Ready Player One explores a futuristic world where life in the real world is quite terrible, but people can escape into a virtual reality program called the OASIS, where they can be anyone and do anything. Before its creator died, he left a series of puzzles and easter eggs with the prize of the entire company to the lucky first solver. After five years of no one finding the first clue, a poor young gamer figures it out, sparking the race to see who will soon rule the virtual world.

The world of the OASIS in the book focused solely on 80s pop culture, but here director Steven Spielberg, along with the novelist Ernest Cline, recreate the world to serve modern nerd culture instead. And while the structure of the story stayed mostly the same, the adventures and puzzles are all brand new. This has made some purists angry, but personally, I loved the changes. These differences create a more vibrant and exciting story, well within the spirit of the original text. Also, there are some moments in the book, that while great on the page, had no way of translating to the big screen. Spielberg and team were able to get past these potential pratfalls and the storytelling on display is magnificent.

While 140 minutes long, the movie zips along at a fast pace, literally keeping you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out where they are going next. The journey is invigorating and incredibly fun, while all the while giving you a sense that the heroes are still in a world of danger.

Personally I found this film to be even better than I had hoped – and I was expecting a lot. Once again Spielberg proves his worth as one of my heroes. His vision and ability to pull off a project such as this is truly impressive. This film is pure joy and the epitome of what we hope for when we go to the movies. A

Insidious: The Last Key
Rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic content, violence and terror, and brief strong language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 32%
Available on Disc and Streaming
In this fourth Insidious flick, Lin Shaye and her sidekicks return to her childhood home in New Mexico in order to take on a demon which won’t leave her old house alone. The story is again ridiculous but there are a few decent chill-inducing scares here and there. The low box office proves that there aren’t that many fans willing to stick around, but the film still ran a profit, if only a minor one. As long as horror franchise flicks like Insidious are cheap to make and can be assembled in a PG-13 fashion, they’ll keep making them. I just wish they could put some thought and talent into the story so that it wasn’t just a formulaic mess such as this. C-

Popcorn Perspectives by Danny Minton

Week of March 26, 2019

Pacific Rim Uprising
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 46%
In Theaters
Years after the events of the first film, John Boyega (Finn from Star Wars) is a promising young Jaeger pilot who has abandoned his military career to explore a life of crime. But when he is forced back into the program, he is faced with the first Kaiju attacks since the Earth was almost destroyed the first time they came. If you didn’t see the first film, then you are probably confused by my description. But trust me – you will be more confused by the film. I saw the first Pacific Rim, directed by the now Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, maybe 3 or 4 times. But there were still things I forgot or took for granted. Surprisingly enough, here they don’t give you exposition or background – they just jump in like you should remember every little detail. Since the movie comes in at less than 2 hours, I feel a dab of exposition would have been nice. In the end though, they are treating the franchise like the silly plot doesn’t matter. All that does matter are giant robot soldiers (Jaegers) fighting giant monsters from another planet (Kaiju). Its big and silly and sometimes fun when its not tedious. Story-wise the film should have been much stronger with less predictability and a better thought-out villain. But if all you are going for is big monster battles, you will probably leave somewhat satisfied. Personally I would have loved to have seen a continuation of del Toro’s vision, rather than the vision of a studio merely trying to breathe life into a franchise. C

Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Available on Disc and Streaming
In this official 8th Star Wars movie (not including the spin-off Rogue One of course) The Last Jedi continues the saga as we watch Rey gets some training from the unconventional teacher Luke Skywalker while Kylo Ren makes his move to take over the galaxy. Having missed the press screening, I was thrilled to find out that all of my critic buddies were stirring up all kinds of buzz. They were declaring it highly original and one of the best of the entire series. But all that buzz might have hurt my enjoyment. I started to tear it apart when I started witnessing all of the movie’s imperfections, of which there were many. I was not surprised that while the Rotten Tomatoes critics score was 91%, the Audience Score was 48%. The movie just didn’t mesh for me like I was hoping it would. That being said, I liked, but definitely didn’t love it. I was even more disappointed after seeing the deleted scenes on this blu-ray release. There were scenes that should have been left in but were instead removed for pacing and runtime. But if they were really concerned about pacing and runtime – they should have removed the entire casino heist scene with Finn and Rose, which was a long sequence of wasted space (no pun intended). Fortunately, a lot of the film did work for me and the overarching story choices, I firmly believe, will lead to an amazing 9th film. B-

Popcorn Perspectives by Danny Minton

Week of March 19, 2018

Downsizing
Rated R for language including sexual references, some graphs nudity and drug use
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 51%
Available on Disc and Streaming
When Alexander Payne’s (Sideways, The Descendants) latest dramedy was released during the holiday, I actually expected it to be a competitor for awards season, but was greatly surprised when the reviews and buzz spiraled down. With all of the films being released at the same time, I missed the critic screening and they never sent an awards screener, so I dismissed it immediately. But I was still intrigued by the story. The film takes place in a world where technology has allowed people to become small in order to save dwindling resources. The benefit to the small is that they can live in luxury for a fraction of the price it takes when you’re big. The downside is that you leave the world you knew forever to take on the new life. Here Matt Damon becomes small and goes on a life journey that you just can’t see coming. Honestly, the film has an epic feel to it and after finally seeing it, I just can’t conceive how this movie was not considered one of the best of 2017. I loved the writing, the storytelling, the acting and pretty much everything about it. Most of all I loved its incredible creativity. The world is extremely well thought-out with with a grandiose vision. A-

I, Tonya
Rated R for pervasive language, violence and some sexual content/nudity
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Based on the true story, I, Tonya takes place in the world of figure skating where the very talented but brutish Tonya Harding was known more for her involvement in the assault of competitor Nancy Kerrigan than her actual skating. There has always been a dark cloud over Harding, and while this film does nothing to lift it, it actually brings empathy to its title character rather than shame. Margot Robbie is wonderful as the damaged hero and Allison Janney is magnificent as her mother, and awarded with an Oscar because of it. Overall this is a terrific movie that sheds light on a story that we only thought we knew. B+

Lady Bird
Rated R for language, sexual content, brief graphic nudity and teen partying
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
Available on Disc and Streaming
While it’s hard to pinpoint and describe the actual plot of Lady Bird, it’s easy to describe it as one of the best movies of 2017. With a host of big Oscar nominations including best picture, best director/best screenplay (Greta Gerwig), as well as best actress (Saoirse Ronan) and best supporting actress (Laurie Metcalf), the buzz should be enough to interest most audiences. The story follows the life of a precocious and entitled high school senior (Ronan) whose over-extended confidence more than makes up for her lack of abilities. It is a grand coming-of-age story full of verve, but again, not full of plot. But that really doesn’t matter here. Personally, I just loved watching her go through the motions, exploring the limits of her relationships and mostly – appreciating that she is not my daughter. A

Popcorn Perspectives with Danny Minton

Week of February 26, 2018

Annihilation
Rated R for violence, bloody images, language and some sexuality
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
In Theaters
This heavy sci-fi piece from Ex Machina writer/director Alex Garland stars Natalie Portman as an ex-military scientist who leads an all-female mission into an environmental disaster zone in order to try to uncover what happened to the all male team that preceded them. Once there, they discover a world that defies logic as well as the laws of nature. With a feel much like that of a cross between Arrival and Alien, you at once try to figure out both the importance of the characters as well as their mission and the extent of its danger. But once you are in the zone, you can’t help but be sucked into the secrets of the crazy and strange world on display. It is scary, thrilling, fascinating and beautiful – all at the same time. This is certainly some hardcore sci-fi, and thus not for everyone, but many will find this a weird and exhilarating adventure. B

Coco
Rated PG for thematic elements
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Available on Disc and Streaming
About the only Oscar that is a sure-thing this year will go to this Pixar hit about a young boy who enters the world of the dead on an adventure to find and gain the blessing of his grandfather. While Warner Brothers beat Pixar to the screen with its Dia de los Muertos-themed The Book of Life, Pixar one-upped them with this spectacular musical fantasy that simply blows the competition away with its storytelling and artistry. It is a true masterpiece that is equally enjoyable for both kids and adults. A

Darkest Hour
Rated PG-13 for some thematic material
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Available on Disc and Streaming
There is so much to love with this remarkable film about Winston Churchill that it is hard to know where to start. The standout here is the brilliant performance by Gary Oldman, which is quite inspiring. It is also a product of one my favorite director and composer teams (Joe Wright and Dario Marianelli – Pride and Prejudice, Atonement), with work on par with their previous projects. But what will stick in your brain is the terrific story of how Churchill came to be the prime minister during WWII and the events that led up to the evacuation of Dunkirk, a story that so few Americans have a clue about since it took place before the U.S. entry to the war. It won’t win Best Picture this year, but it is surely deserving of its nomination and makes a great primer to watching one of the other great Best Picture nominees: Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. A

The Florida Project
Rated R for language throughout, disturbing behavior, sexual references and some drug material
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Available on Disc and Streaming
One of the most under-appreciated films this year was this little indie about a precocious six year-old girl who lives in a hotel with her struggling mother who pays little attention to her as she plays and gets in trouble with her friends. I went to see this film without a hint to what it was about and I felt lucky because of it. I was most fascinated that I was 60 minutes into the movie asking myself “what is the story?” until I finally realized that I was already neck-deep into it. It has a modern-day 400 Blows feel to it and the little girl, played by newcomer Brooklyn Prince (winner of the Critics Choice Award for young actor) pulls off the role magically. But the best part of the film is the amazing performance of Willem Dafoe who plays the hotel manager and only thing protecting the children when their parents are no where to be found. A-

Murder on the Orient Express
Rated PG-13 for violence and thematic elements
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 58%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Sure it has one of the most amazing casts assembled in recent years (Branagh, Cruz, Depp, Dafoe, Dench, Gad, Pfeiffer and Ridley) and a lush production, but ultimately the story gets bogged down as a mystery, as it is arrogantly solved by writer/director/star Kenneth Branagh. I was so annoyed by the ego-driven performance and distracted by the horrible mustache that I wished someone would have simply pushed him off the train as they were traveling through the mountains. I rather liked the story behind the mystery but hated having to watch it unfold. C-