The Bye Bye Man
The Bye Bye Man is a dumb depository of derivative death-dealing that anyone who’s ever watched a movie of this ilk will see coming from a mile away.
Patriots Day
To realistically convey their vision of this tragedy, the filmmakers show us vivid, gaping wounds and dismembered limbs. And they immerse us in a Boston police force that’s rampant with vulgarity.
Sleepless
Sleepless is pretty much a standard-issue R-rated corrupt cop caper. It’s not terrible, by genre standards. Nor is it memorable. What it is, however, is chock-full of violence and profanity.
Live by Night
For 98% of this movie, Ben Affleck’s character is a heartless, selfish monster. The fact that he’s slightly less monstrous than his enemies doesn’t make him any less culpable … or any more likable.
Underworld: Blood Wars
“I have seen so much killing, so much war. I cannot bear more.” So says the heroine Selene near the end of Underworld: Blood Wars. And you know what? I feel exactly the same way about this franchise.
A Monster Calls
A boy’s journey through grief uncovers some surprising truths by the time the credits roll.
Paterson
Paterson is enjoyable without being entertaining. It’s a shyly thoughtful story that asks its viewers to stretch themselves and dream a little … but to not be in a rush to quit their day jobs.
Fences
Even though its dialogue can be harsh and its protagonist can be a monster, Fences has some important things to say.
Why Him?
Why Him? This zany, raunchy movie asks. When I left the movie, it had me asking another question: Why me?
Silence
Even in a place and time when brutal forces mercilessly sought to silence the faithful, their voices could still be heard. In their prayers. In their screams. In their stubborn, resilient devotion.