We’re nearing the end of the second quarter, so here’s a roundup of all the new movies I’ve seen in the last three months — including a few I didn’t formally review when they were initially released — in reverse chronological order of when I saw them. How I saw them (in a theater or via streaming) is also noted.
26. Daddio (streaming). See published review. Grade: B+
25. Thelma (theater). See published review. Grade: A–
24. Inside Out 2 (theater). Pixar has done it again. An emotionally resonant sequel that, while not as strong or revelatory as the original, still tugs at the heartstrings. Inventive in the ways it portrays pop psychology, the film amusingly incorporates 2D and video-game animation — which felt reminiscent of Ralph Breaks the Internet. (In a good way.) More importantly, IO2 avoids most of the mistakes made by Finding Dory, the subpar sequel to Finding Nemo. After watching it, I wanted to give my teenage niece a great big hug. Grade: B+
23. Tuesday (theater). See published review. Grade B–
22. The Bikeriders (theater). See published review. Grade B–
21. Hit Man (theater). See published review. Grade: A–
20. Janet Planet (theater). Not the movie I was expecting. I just couldn’t get into this one, a small-ish film about a mother and her awkward daughter, and the men and women who float in and out of their orbit. Grade: C
19. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (theater). George Miller has done it again with a visually spectacular and action-packed flick that goes pretty much nonstop from start to finish. Some of the sights won’t be new or surprising for anyone who saw and loved Mad Max: Fury Road, as I did, but when you’re repeating from a film as good as Fury Road, there are no complaints. The film features great stunt work, practical effects, and excellent cinematography. That said, I was put off at the start of the film by a sequence where young Furiosa is kidnapped and laid over the middle of a motorcycle, looking a bit like Shani Louk. And then Chris Hemsworth shows up wearing a very offensive Jewy-looking nose. Once I got over those two things, I enjoyed the movie. But I was awfully distracted for the first 30 minutes or so. Anyway, I’m giving this one a B+.
18. Unfrosted (streaming). Silly but fun movie detailing the supposed origin story of Pop Tarts. A who’s who of comedy talent (many mostly in cameo appearances) sometimes makes the film feel like an extended SNL skit, but Jerry Seinfeld and co.’s sustained commitment to the bit help this warm and loving nostalgia fest to go down easily. Grade: B
17. IF (theater). Maybe the A Quiet Place movies were a fluke? John Krasinski’s latest is a sweet but corny and, actually, kind of lame family-friendly film in which every bit of talent appears to be wasted. Even Ryan Reynolds, who I am generally not a fan of, doesn’t get to be Ryan Reynolds enough. There’s a lot that doesn’t make sense and Krasinski just seems like he’s trying too hard to pull at the audience’s heartstrings. Perhaps the best thing about IF comes during the end credits when we learn who “played” Keith, the invisible imaginary friend. (Spoiler alert: It’s Brad Pitt. Ha!) Grade: C–
16. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (theater). Another strong entry in this series, one of my favorite film franchises of recent years. Picking up the action “many generations” after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, the film shows how the apes have continued to evolve and how the lessons of Caesar, who advocated for humans and apes coexisting, has morphed into something less peaceful. The film features strong effects work, intelligent writing, a surprising appearance by William H. Macy, and a human character who somehow has perfect eyebrows, hair, and clothes, despite being on her own in a world with no salons or clothing stores. The film is a little too long, but it’s still a great flick. Grade: B+
15. The Fall Guy (theater). See published review. Grade: B
14. Sing Sing (theater). Sorry. You’ll have to wait a little longer for my thoughts about this one.
13. Back to Black (theater). See published review. Grade: B–
12. Abigail (theater). See published review. Grade: B
11. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (theater). See published review. Grade: B
10. Civil War (theater). See published review. Grade: B+
9. Monkey Man (theater). An impressive directorial debut from Dev Patel. It features lots of cool action mixed with spirituality. The film is not entirely for me, but I still dug it. Grade: B
8. Challengers (theater). See published review. Grade: C+
For a roundup of my first-quarter reviews, click here.
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