80

Her (2013)

Setting was super charming and inspiring, if only subtly distinguishable from present day. Phoenix, Adams and Johansson all provide terrific performances. Yet another fine example of the old AI-as-human-nature chestnut.
February 15, 2016
83

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Felt like Star Wars. Maybe the expectation to be let down made it seem better, but you can hardly fault a movie for not letting you down. The characters were cool, and there was no more need to suspend disbelief or ignore contrived plot points than the original films. Good flick.
February 15, 2016
75

Interstellar (2014)

It was almost three hours, but it didn't drag once. The last act was narratively disappointing for my taste, but still done well. The sci-fi concepts are thoughtful and consistent. Aesthetically gorgeous, and the cast is great. If you like films about space, you'll like this.
October 24, 2015
65

The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Interesting idea executed in a bland way. The "twist" tipped its hand far too early to be effective. Not terribly cast, and aesthetics are decent enough. It just didn't click. By the end I was pretty disengaged. Fun alternative to "traditional" slasher films, but not amazing.
October 19, 2015
90

The Martian (2015)

Sci-fi? More like sci-fairly-plausible! Well written, well cast, well shot, well made. The basic premise is enough to get my attention, but this film was both clever and entertaining enough to keep me invested for its nearly 2.5 hour run-time. I definitely recommend this film.
October 7, 2015
55

This Is the End (2013)

Juvenile. Yet, for a movie that made more jokes about semen than any other topic, I still found myself laughing at decent intervals. Michael Cera plays a fantastic asshole, for about ten minutes. Decent watch if you have limited options or are fifteen.
October 7, 2015
65

Family Weekend (2013)

Most of this film is quirky and dark, though it takes a bit of a turn toward cornball near the end. A bit slow at times but overall a unique plot. Casting was decent, and the characters are interesting. The crisp and bright aesthetics were where this film held my interest most.
September 5, 2015
81

Ex Machina (2015)

Slow sci-fi - the best kind of sci-fi. A well articulated piece that reflects on the intricacies of human morality and emotional awareness. With enough narrative layers to remain interesting, the simplicity of the themes is maintained, allowing them to be well explored.
September 3, 2015
90

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Two-hour chase scene done magnificently. An action film with actual characters, as well as a rich and meaningful setting. Also possibly the best use of diegetic music I have seen in a film made in the last three decades. It combines thematic significance with cars and explosions.
September 3, 2015
68

American Ultra (2015)

Walked into this movie not having seen even a trailer. Probably made it more enjoyable somehow. Clever premise, but the film could've had some sharper satirical teeth. Decently cast and written, nothing amazing on either front. Got some popcorn? This is a fine excuse to eat it.
September 3, 2015