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B-
|
A Haunting in Venice
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Branagh’s strong performance is enough to make A Haunting in Venice worth your time, but fortunately this mystery has a little more up its sleeve to make it a worthy addition to a franchise that continues to deliver.
Posted Sep 22, 2023
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D-
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My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
While the latest effort is slightly better than the previous film, its still pretty miserable -- a pale imitation of the original that plays more like a travel ad for Greece than an actual feature film.
Posted Sep 15, 2023
|
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A
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Bottoms
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
On paper, nothing about Bottoms should work, but with Seligman and this talented cast willing to do whatever it takes, the film winds up being a generational teenage comedy that sets the bar high for future films in the genre.
Posted Sep 07, 2023
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C+
|
Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Perhaps if Blomkamp had chosen to be a little more straight-forward with his visual story telling, Gran Turismo could have worked. As it is, it proves to be a missed opportunity -- a film that basically is middle of the road.
Posted Sep 02, 2023
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B
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Blue Beetle
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
This is one of the most low-key comic book films ever made. That laid back approach proves to be the film's strength, with "Beetle" one of the most charming surprises of the year.
Posted Aug 26, 2023
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D+
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The Last Voyage of the Demeter
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
In the end The Last Voyage of the Demeter doesn’t totally suck, but it lacks the bite it needs to separate it from the multitude of Dracula cinematic entries.
Posted Aug 22, 2023
|
|
C
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Haunted Mansion
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
In a film littered with product placement, it's basically one big advertisement for the ride.
Posted Aug 14, 2023
|
|
B
|
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
It’s a film for all ages with a unique style and attitude that sets it apart from any previous “Ninja Turtles” film.
Posted Aug 14, 2023
|
|
B
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Jules
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
A beautiful little gem about aging gracefully.
Posted Aug 14, 2023
|
|
B+
|
Oppenheimer
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
This is stunning work from Murphy who captures Oppenheimer’s flaws, his mannerisms and his determination in exceptional fashion. It’s a memorable performance in a film that audiences won’t soon forget.
Posted Jul 21, 2023
|
|
A-
|
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
“Reckoning” is the film of the summer -- an old school throwback to the bygone days of action blockbusters.
Posted Jul 14, 2023
|
|
B-
|
No Hard Feelings
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
“Feelings” works despite a shaky premise, thanks in large part to Lawrence’s willingness to do anything for a laugh and a breakout performance by Andrew Barth Feldman.
Posted Jul 07, 2023
|
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B
|
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
It all adds up to a fine enough swan song for Ford and the Indiana Jones character. Dial of Destiny may not live up to the original three films but it has enough going for it to make it an enjoyable piece of nostalgia.
Posted Jul 01, 2023
|
|
B
|
Elemental
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
If the story had taken a little more chances I think Elemental could have hit that next level. As it is the film works fine for what it is -- the perfect summer escape to the movies for the whole family.
Posted Jun 24, 2023
|
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B+
|
It Ain't Over
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
It Ain't Over isn't just a must for Yankee fans, it's a must for all baseball fans. The chance to revisit one of the most iconic careers in the history of the game.
Posted Jun 17, 2023
|
|
A
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Past Lives
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Ultimately what takes Past Lives to another level is Lee. It's the best performance of 2023 to date as Lee manages to convey her character's inner struggles a lot of time with nothing more than a glance or facial reaction.
Posted Jun 17, 2023
|
|
C
|
The Flash
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Beyond Keaton, there really isn't much there. Miller's dual role doesn't work, with the younger Barry growing tiresome rather quickly and the banter between the two characters more annoying than fun.
Posted Jun 17, 2023
|
|
A
|
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Across the Spider-Verse isn't just the best comic book film in 2023 to date. It's one of the best films in any genre.
Posted Jun 10, 2023
|
|
C
|
The Little Mermaid
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
This version lacks the same spark, despite a lot of high energy throughout the song. It just falls flat and serves as a reminder how much inferior this version is to the original.
Posted Jun 02, 2023
|
|
D+
|
White Men Can't Jump
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
In the remake, there is no true glue, just a lot of duct tape that barely patches this wobbly concept together.
Posted May 26, 2023
|
|
B-
|
Fast X
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Is Fast X a good movie? Probably not. But is it a good time, that delivers exactly what the audience wants? Most definitely.
Posted May 20, 2023
|
|
C+
|
Carmen
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
That lack of depth to the story and some of Millepeid's directorial decisions prove to be the undoing for Carmen. This is a film that had plenty of potential, but never quite hits the mark.
Posted May 20, 2023
|
|
B
|
BlackBerry
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
The two leads and the infusion of humor really proves to be the driving force behind the success of BlackBerry. Who would have thought that a film about a smart phone could be so much fun?
Posted May 12, 2023
|
|
B
|
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
It all adds up to a fitting swan song for one of the most beloved groups in the Marvel Comics Universe. If this is truly the end, it’s been a fun and rather memorable ride.
Posted May 06, 2023
|
|
C-
|
Mafia Mamma
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Not only does Collette give it everything she can to the point of nearly dragging this dead carcass to acceptable levels, but the talent of director Catherine Hardwicke also can’t help but surface in some moments.
Posted Apr 27, 2023
|
|
B
|
Sisu
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Sisu clocks in at a brisk 91 minutes -- just enough time to appreciate the spectacle without it becoming too much. This is a film that knows its lane and stays in it -- with Helander and the cast delivering a bloody good time at the movies.
Posted Apr 27, 2023
|
|
A-
|
Air
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
The latest from director Ben Affleck that is effortlessly entertaining, thanks to strong direction and a stacked cast that gets to take a swing at this meaty material.
Posted Apr 14, 2023
|
|
B
|
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is sure to satisfy fans of the games, but it is so imaginative and clever that it will still play well for anyone who doesn’t know the difference between a Sega and a Nintendo.
Posted Apr 06, 2023
|
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B
|
Tetris
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Sure we’ve seen movies like this before, but Tetris manages to take the familiar cinematic puzzle pieces and create something that is quite entertaining.
Posted Mar 31, 2023
|
|
A-
|
John Wick: Chapter 4
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
It is a nearly three-hour roller coaster ride of bullets and swords and fists that never lets up -- an action movie that delivers on every level. It may well be the best John Wick film yet,
Posted Mar 22, 2023
|
|
B+
|
Return to Seoul
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
It's a performance that is so confident and controlled that it is hard to believe this is Ji-min's first feature film. It is an absolutely star-making turn in a film that really works on every level.
Posted Mar 17, 2023
|
|
B
|
Scream VI
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Audiences have been rewarded with another creative entry in the franchise, a film that builds off the strengths of last year’s reboot while continuing to honor the franchise’s roots established by the late Wes Craven.
Posted Mar 15, 2023
|
|
C+
|
Creed III
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Creed III is a film that looks good, has some fleeting moments but never quite lives up to the previous two films. It winds up being a disappointing entry in a franchise I’ve grown to expect more from.
Posted Mar 02, 2023
|
|
B+
|
One Fine Morning
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
A deeply profound and emotional tale that doesn't try to do too much -- and is all the more powerful for it.
Posted Mar 01, 2023
|
|
C
|
Jesus Revolution
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
An average movie at best that really does nothing to stand out from other films in its faith-based genre.
Posted Feb 25, 2023
|
|
D+
|
Marlowe
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Yet with all the potential, Marlowe fails to deliver on nearly every level. It is a plodding mystery that goes nowhere -- wasting a stacked cast in a rather mundane, lifeless film.
Posted Feb 23, 2023
|
|
B
|
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Portrayed by Jonathan Majors, Kang is an intense menacing presence who gives the MCU the jolt it has sorely needed since Avengers: End Game.
Posted Feb 23, 2023
|
|
C
|
Knock at the Cabin
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
The lackluster final act sinks a film that could have worked -- with Bautista's career performance the main driving point.
Posted Feb 10, 2023
|
|
C-
|
Shotgun Wedding
(2023)
|
Micheal Compton
|
A forgettable comedy that serves more as a way to kill a few hours. Sure you won’t be disappointed, but you won’t feel like you really needed to watch it either.
Posted Feb 04, 2023
|
|
D
|
The Son
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
The Son is a complete misfire -- a film that desperately wants to explore the trauma of mental illness but does it in such a heavy-handed manner that not one thing in the film feels authentic.
Posted Jan 28, 2023
|
|
B
|
Living
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Living finds Nighy at the top of his game - a performance where he gives it all. He bares his soul in this film, rewarding audiences with a performance that you can't help but stir the audience's emotions.
Posted Jan 28, 2023
|
|
B
|
M3GAN
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
This is a wildly entertaining and clever slice of horror that embraces its goofy premise and goes full speed, giving audiences a fun time at the multiplex.
Posted Jan 13, 2023
|
|
B+
|
Babylon
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
An overstuffed, overindulgent ode to cinema that throws a lot at the audience, but when it hits (and it does it a lot in the 189 minute run time), it really flies.
Posted Dec 28, 2022
|
|
B
|
The Whale
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
It's a heart-breaking story of regrets, grief and reconciliation that features multiple strong performances, with Fraser leading the way.
Posted Dec 28, 2022
|
|
B
|
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
This is a memorable re-telling that both moves the story in new directions while honoring what made it so beloved in the first place.
Posted Dec 16, 2022
|
|
B
|
Avatar: The Way of Water
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Like the original, it is a big screen spectacle that excels in craftsmanship, so breathtaking that it is easy to forgive the film’s shortcomings (and there are plenty in the rather hefty 192 minute run time).
Posted Dec 16, 2022
|
|
B
|
Bones and All
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
It’s a impressive feat to balance romance with horror elements, so it is a credit to the cast and Guadagnino that they are able to pull it off.
Posted Nov 30, 2022
|
|
A-
|
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Bautista, Hudson and Monáe are the standouts, but really everyone gets a chance to shine so its hard to single out. Everyone is just that good.
Posted Nov 29, 2022
|
|
A-
|
The Fabelmans
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
Spielberg has clearly put everything into The Fabelmans and you can feel that heart and passion on the screen. It's a glorious victory lap for a long time filmmaker who is still at the top of his craft.
Posted Nov 29, 2022
|
|
B+
|
She Said
(2022)
|
Micheal Compton
|
She Said is at its best when these two women are in the field trying to gather information for this story -- Samantha Morton nearly steals the film as one of the whistle blowers.
Posted Nov 17, 2022
|
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