Happy Death Day

Happy Death Day
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 out of 5

While you’re unlikely to die laughing (pun intended), Happy Death Day is a fun adaptation of Groundhogs Day that is sinfully amusing!

Straying from horror film norms, this isn’t a bloody slasher flick with gratuitous nudity. Instead, it’s a delightfully campy social commentary with mild-scares. Surprisingly, the lead character isn’t full of bad decisions either (ie; hiding in a graveyard or toolshed). While fighting to catch her killer and live another day, Jessica Rothe successfully translates the script without trying too hard; a feat that's often unaccomplished for this genre.

Best described as “stupid fun”, this is an appropriately rated PG-13 movie that ends in time before the novelty wears off.

Blade Runner 2049

Blade Runner 2049
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 out of 5

Director Denis Villeneuve depicts a controversial possibility for the future of AI that is both sexy and smart. Beautifully illustrated, yet unnecessarily slow, this film would better be categorized as a drama that examines the human condition.

While the philosophy of desire and purpose are a large part of this story, the visuals take precedent over what could have been an impactful message. At nearly 3 hours long, the result is a movie that should have used it’s time more wisely. Ryan Gosling’s looks are more epic than the film itself.

Still, Blade Runner 2049 is a well-constructed art piece that is likely to spark conversation.

American Made

American Made
⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5

Surprisingly fascinating, American Made is a comedic look at a true story. Tom Cruise is a natural fit, though the pacing and cinematography are his biggest enemy. At times, the production seems like an action flick on Xanax confused as to whether or not it wants to be a documentary.

The moments of humor are effective and the story progresses in a way that’s easy for the viewer to follow. Relationship conflicts added depth and made Tom’s character relatable despite an unorthodox lifestyle.

It’s unlikely this film will win “Best movie of 2017”, but compared to the other releases the same week it surpasses the competition.

The Mountain Between Us

The Mountain Between Us
⭐️⭐️1/2 out of 5

This film is like a personals ad - everything about it sounds compelling, but it’s exaggerated. Beneath all the glam is something boring and generic.

As if the movie is unsure of itself, viewers will struggle to find empathy toward the characters. In moments of hardship, the cast seems to observe chaos instead of experience it. There’s a level of predictability one expects, but even the sporadic challenges and emotional moments could be seen coming from a mile away.

Viewers are unlikely to feel the pressure of seclusion or extreme conditions as time runs out. Moments of angst quickly dissolve and their growing relationship takes the forefront. Unlike “Cast Away” or “Passengers” which navigated both elements beautifully, this was a missed opportunity and the simplicity undermines its potential.

Flatliners (2017)

Flatliners
⭐️⭐️ out of 5

Who would have known a near-death experience could be so boring? Even at its most exciting parts, Flatliners feels anti-climactic and lacks depth.

Although the concept should be interesting enough to keep the film afloat, audiences are likely to grow tired as they wait to experience some type of thrill like the actors so desperately seek. At some point or another, viewers will realize the only thing they’re watching flatline is their enthusiasm for dropping $12 on a movie ticket.

Casting Ellen Page as lead role for this film was the director’s best and worst decision… her acting was superior which outshined the weak and mildly-amusing storyline.

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Spider-Man: Homecoming
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 out of 5

If you’re worried this is just another remake, think again!

With cameos from iconic Marvel characters and a new take on Peter Parker’s adolescence, Director Jon Watts was spot-on with this film’s execution. Spider-Man: Homecoming is sure to engage audiences as much as it makes them chuckle.

What makes this film unique to its predecessors is the exploration of Spider-Man’s newfound abilities without focusing too heavily on how he got them. The curiosity and sense of adventure in this adaptation is more fitting to a high-schooler, which went unseen in the franchise’s earlier films.

Despite the fresh take and likeable cast, this chapter serves nostalgic value but is far from iconic. Perhaps this has less to do with the film itself and more to do with how tiresome the back-to-back Spider-Man films have become. In any regard, this is a great movie-night rental!

Leap!

Leap!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5

Though Leap! is an animated film, the story and dialogue are uncomfortably real. Highlighting the struggles aspiring ballet dancers face, the movie’s primary antagonist was unnecessarily mean for a children’s film. As if to shame blue-collar workers and anyone who lives a traditional (less privileged) life, the aggressor can be seen yelling “you are nothing” on several occasions.

Aesthetically the film is a masterpiece that gets overshadowed by its generic storyline. While exploring romantic relationships that have little relevance to the overall theme, there are also times the script seems to get lost in itself.

Long story short? What could have been a unique twist on a typical story was poorly executed. Leap! lacks grace and missed the beat.