A Wrinkle In Time
This incredible, visionary tale from cracker-jack director Ava DuVernay is one of the most misunderstood, wrongfully-maligned films since the dawn of the millenium.
With a current 4.2 IMDB score, it's rated as one of the worst of 2018, and yet, this is the most visually stunning works I've seen in years.
Two siblings and their friend go into the universe to find a scientist father trapped. With the help of celestial beings, they push into the dark side of the other-world to rescue their dad.
DuVernay produces a kids movie mature enough for all audiences, and with young Storm Reid and Deric McCabe providing fantastic performances, it's a can't miss.
Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Oprah are a delight here as larger-than-life helpers, and the film is an absolute thrill-ride in pure old-school Disney fashion.
I will never understand the hate for this film, because to me, this is a gem.
4/5 Stars
Harsh Times
This film about two grit-fueled friends in South Central L.A. mired by violence and difficult, impoverished lives, is a well-plotted, dark drama.
Starring Christian Bale and Freddy Rodriguez, the two give it all and give charismatic, full-bodied performances. Bale, for his part, is great in an often-forgotten career high.
David Ayer -- best known right now as the director of financially viable but critical flop Suicide Squad -- shows he has prowess as a writer-director here.
It's not an awards-worthy film, but as a genre movie, it establishes a firm, gripping story and Ayer gets the best from his leads.
3.5/5 Stars
Chloe
This psychological thriller is a sexy, provocative under-the-radar film that will take you by surprise.
From brilliant Canadian director Atom Egoyan, this spider's web of infidelity and mistrust is an awesome showcase for the stars.
It revolves around a woman who hires an escort to test her husband's fidelity. However, as things get closer, all three become a bit too involved in the trap that's been weaved.
Julianne Moore and Liam Neeson are great as husband and wife, but this is truly Amanda Seyfried's film. She's seductive, playful and menacing as the escort in between the married couple.
It's messy and imperfect, but it is an interesting exercise.
3.5/5 Stars
Delirious
(No legally posted trailer available)
Eddie Murphy's 1980's days in a red leather jacket were profane, hilarious and not even a little bit appropriate for today's audience.
But if you keep an open mind, his comedy special here is one of the funniest things I've ever seen.
Murphy -- who has long since become a joke in Hollywood -- owned the 80's, and things like this prove why.
It's a gut-busting 70 minute affair, and you'll be cough-laughing your whole way through.
5/5 Stars
Operation Finale
This moody, atmospheric drama follows agents tasked with tracking down Nazis post-WWII and bringing them to justice.
When they find who they think is Holocaust puppet-master Adolph Eichmann, they go through a rigorous, daunting and emotional investigation. Then, their patience and loyalty is tested when they must extract him and bring him in for trial.
Oscar Isaac and Ben Kingsley's sparring is enough reason alone to watch this flick. Kingsley is the best he's been in a decade as Eichmann.
Isaac continues his run as the best thing about every movie he's involved in. I can't say this is a delight due to its subject matter, but it's an important film that's worth your time investment.
4/5 Stars