Suicide Squad had so much promise and potential. It could've been the fun, lighthearted movie that DC despeartely needed. But instead turned out to be a dumpster fire of a movie. What happened to those great initial trailers?
Rogue One, despite not having some of the traditional Star Wars pillars, still puts together fantastic world building, engaging characters, and some of the most iconic moments I've ever seen. It's gritty and impactful in a way I've never felt from the series before and is a contender for my favorite Star Wars movie. A more than worthy addition to the Star Wars lore.
Fences is a slow quiet family drama that I would suggest to anybody to watch. It's subtle, yet packs in lots of intensity with steady cinematography and a few interesting plot twists.
Hell or High Water is a modern day Western, with it's classic tale of outlaw vs law. It's got some phenomenal dialogue and character development and while it's mostly a slow burn, it packs a punch when things do erupt.
Hacksaw Ridge is a visual and auditory spectacle that once again shows Gibson's master ability to transplant viewers to the battlefield. It falls into some cliches and stereotypes but largely lets the incredible true story do most of the heavy lifting.
Silence was a slow, trudge of a movie that dragged on for far longer than it needed to, without giving any real sense of resolution or conclusion. Outside of good performances from Garfield and a number of the Japanese cast, the movie has very little redeemable qualities and left me wondering, just who was this made for?
In short, The Last Jedi felt like it was a film desperately trying to course correct The Force Awakens' lack of progress and in doing so drastically changes things, sometimes in seemingly spiteful and heartbreaking ways. It's the boldest Star Wars film yet and it represents the end of the Star Wars that we (the older generation) have come to know and love - in more ways than one.
Despite some forgivable over the top stunts and action scene clichés, Tomb Raider's character motives and subplots seamlessly coincide with the central story, which goes to show that every element was carefully pieced together to create a memorable story that will stand the test of time. Not to mention, the character-driven movie also gave us a taste of the actual obstacles included in the video game that enabled us to explore the extraordinary capabilities of Lara Croft.
'A Star Is Born' is a fairly predictable story that fumbles the ending but Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper do a great job of delivering real emotional resonance and the music is fantastic.
'Green Book' is a refreshing take on a well trodden path thanks to great performances from both leads and the charisma and charm they bring to this 'odd pairing.'
'Roma' is an artistically realized and beautifully shot ode to the unsung people in our lives but its basic story and plodding pace can be a chore to get through.
Charles' show, for whatever reason, hasn't gotten much buzz, but those interested in how the world works, and how it laughs, would be well-served to set aside four hours to watch it.
Doctor Strange was yet another origin story with a weak villain, but the spectacular, trippy visuals and great acting keep it from being too formulaic. The future ramifications from introducing magic in the Marvel cinematic universe alone make this one worth watching.
Hidden Figures is like a historic retelling of black women who who changed the game and worked for NASA. A behind the scenes look at this story felt like it was literally hidden until this film came out. Great story, even a learning tool. Not quite a tear jerker, but the emotion was there.
Moonlight is a coming of age drama that lived up to the hype. I suggest any one see it at least once. Not very dialogue heavy but the cinematography is brilliant. Director and cast deliver a brilliant performance.
Arrival's slow, deliberate pacing and intimate focus make for one of the most subdued, cerebral sci-fi movies I've ever seen. It's fantastic writing and a stellar performance from Amy Adams kept the movie interesting even after I pieced together it's central mystery.
Manchester by the Sea is a simple tale about life, tragedy, and trying to pick up the pieces left behind. The story is almost inconsequential and it's in the smallest moments where it really shines. It's a tough watch but worth it at least once for the performance of a lifetime given by Casey Affleck and the rest of the cast.
Aronofsky's latest endeavor was marketed as a horror film, but it turned out to be so much more than anybody asked for or expected.
Black Panther may not be perfect in the technical department but incredible roles by its cast, the MCU's greatest villain yet, an impossibly cool setting, and a super hero with real emotional bite more than make up for any of it's shortcomings. I couldn't help but walk out of the theater beaming with pride and optimism for the future - and at the end of the day isn't that what super heroes are all about?
'Bohemian Rhapsody' is a fun, albeit shallow, ride that takes us through some of Queen's biggest hits while largely avoiding the seedier parts of Mercury's tale. More of a celebration than a hard-hitting biopic.
Although Spike Lee plays things a bit too much for laughs at times, 'Blackkklansman' delivers his most charismatic and engaging film in years.
While probably shaky from a factual standpoint, 'Vice' is a hell of an enjoyable watch for something so darkly disturbing because of its real-life implications.
'The Favourite' is a slog of a story to get through that's only alleviated by some superb performances by its leading females, particularly Rachel Weisz.
Award-winning Cypriot writer-director, Tonia Mishiali, brilliantly sheds light and audaciously challenges today’s social issues and norms relating to patriarchy, sexual harassment, and mental health through her empowering and eye-opening masterpiece, 'Pause'.
