Angel Has Fallen

THE GIST: The President might be different, but Mike Banning's job is still the same: protect him at all costs. Unfortunately for him, an attempt on the President's life is blamed on Banning himself, who claims he's being framed. Now on the run, he has to use his entire skill set to get out of it alive and clear his name.

Angel Has Fallen is the second sequel in the Banning series, and while it doesn't feel as satisfying as either or its predecessors, it still manages to show us a good time.

Gerard Butler is quite good in the title role, flanked by an always charming Morgan Freeman, a very broody Lance Reddick, and a good baddie Danny Huston. Jada Pinkett Smith has a nice but too short role, while Nick Nolte looks to be having a grand time.

THE BOTTOM LINE: By now you know the drill: someone causes trouble and Banning is here to save the day; so you know what you're in for. This time, however, the ride feels a bit less thrilling.

Grade: 6.5

London Has Fallen

THE GIST: All the world leaders converge on London for the state funerals of the Prime Minister. Just as the American President arrives, a terrorist attack strikes down several heads of state, so he goes on the run together with trusted Mike Banning. Since the President was actually the main target of the attack, the terrorists are in hot pursuit and no one can be trusted.

The sequel to Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen picks up the baton and has a go at it. Fortunately, it not only succeeds but manages to be a bit more fun than the original!

Granted, a lot of what happens here is predictable or convenient, and if Olympus was swinging for the fences, London blows up the stadium, but it all somehow works better than the first time.

Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, and Angela Bassett reprise the roles that by now feel very familiar.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you enjoyed the first chapter of the Banning saga, you should like this one just fine. Again, they're not reinventing the wheel here, just settling in for a couple hours of bash-em-up, blow-em-up kind of fun.

Grade: 7.5

Olympus Has Fallen

THE GIST: Mike Banning is a highly skilled and dedicated Secret Service agent, who gets sidelined when he can't save the First Lady. When the White House is targeted by a terrorist attack, he heads there anyway to save the President.

Olympus Has Fallen is a fairly standard action thriller that follows the rules of the genre by the letter. It's certainly enjoyable, but hardly original and often predictable.

Still, as a vehicle for Gerard Butler it works, showcasing his action-hero credentials. Aaron Eckhart, Dylan McDermott, and Angela Bassett are all good. Of particular note are Melissa Leo and a Morgan Freeman in fine form.

THE BOTTOM LINE: This movie is good for a couple adrenaline-infused hours. I didn't rate it higher because it feels like it tries to be more than it is and ends up swinging for the fences.

Grade: 7

Covered in Pollen

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Where'd You Go, Bernadette

THE GIST: Bernadette, a once prominent architect, gave up her career when she had a child, who's now in her late teens. She has a good marriage but no friends or confidants apart from an assistant she interacts with by leaving messages over the phone. One day, she starts feeling the urge to get back to creating the beautiful and useful structures she was known for.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette is one of those films I think of as little pearls: they are simple, streamlined, usually deep, they make your heart leap, and often contain extraordinary performances.

The lovely Cate Blanchett pours so much energy into giving life to Bernadette, you feel like you just want to hug her, help her solve her problems, and enjoys a cup of hot cocoa with her afterwards.

The story is interesting as well, rich with all the different things happening to this woman, to the point that you start wondering how can she not feel overwhelmed at times.

Billy Crudup, Emma Nelson, Kristen Wiig, and Zoe Chao are all very good, and Laurence Fishburne has a wonderful little cameo.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you like cinema, I think you'll enjoy this movie as much as I did. There's something to like for everyone.

Grade: 7.5

Good Boys

THE GIST: Three 6th grade boys dreaming of love, sex, and being accepted by the cool kids, embark on an epic journey to earn their stripes while having to deal with angry teenage girls, angry drug dealers, and angry parents.

Good Boys is a pretty funny comedy showcasing the notable talents of Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, and Brady Noon.

I would wholeheartedly recommend to avoid the trailer at all costs, because it will likely reveal way too much, since in this case even one joke ruined is a joke lost.

THE BOTTOM LINE: This movie doesn't set out to reinvent the wheel, so a lot of what happens might be seen coming from a mile away, but it's at times hilarious and the three kids work overtime to earn your chuckles.

Grade: 6.5

47 Meters Down: Uncaged

THE GIST: Four friends go explore the ruins of an ancient city that is now underwater. Once there, they realize that sharks scour the ruins hunting for prey, which they have now become.

47 Meters Down: Uncaged is clearly meant to capitalize on the success of 47 Meters Down, but aside from the similar title and same predator, they have little in common.

In fact, while the original was largely spared the worst trappings of the genre, this sequel is not: group of hunted teenage girls, check; trust and acceptance issues between half-siblings, check; guy working with loud music that covers all warning signals, check; dad hurrying to the rescue, check; schoolgirl rival left speechless, check; and the list goes on.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you want to get your mind off, go for the original. This one gets that extra half grade just because it does have a fair amount of suspense, but ultimately it's trite.

Grade: 4.5

47 Meters Down

THE GIST: Two sisters on vacation decide to try out sightseeing sharks in their element from the safety of a steel cage. Things don't work out as expected.

From looking at the poster (or watching the trailer, if you're into getting your movies spoiled ahead of time), 47 Meters Down is your standard, mindless, popcorn-flick with no pretenses and a few cheap thrills.

Now, don't get me wrong, those aren't necessarily bad qualities, since we all occasionally want to just turn off our brains and enjoy a couple hours without worrying about our problems.

All this to say that this movie is actually a step above that usual light fare and has a couple aces up its sleeve too, which result in a decent grade.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you want to get your mind off your daily routine, put this on and you won't regret it.

Grade: 6

Playful Spout

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Luce

THE GIST: All seems to be going great in high school for their adopted son Luce, forecasting a brilliant future, until a concerned teacher makes a disturbing discovery.

I was very intrigued about Luce by the little information I was able to extrapolate from snippets of the trailer I caught (I always try to avoid watching them in full, as they give away too much information), and I wasn't disappointed.

The plot is quite layered and gets unraveled slowly to great effect.

Octavia Spencer is phenomenal and Kelvin Harrison Jr. is fantastic; Naomi Watts and Tim Roth are as great as always.

THE BOTTOM LINE: I really enjoyed this movie for the spiraling family drama at its center and the performances. I strongly recommend it.

Grade: 8

In Memoriam

Larry Kramer (June 25, 1935 - May 27, 2020)

From the New York Times:

Larry Kramer is dead at 84. His raucous, antagonistic campaign for a response to the AIDS crisis helped shift U.S. policy in the 1980s and ’90s. 

Mr. Kramer co-founded the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the first service organization for H.I.V.-positive people, in 1981. His fellow directors effectively kicked him out a year later for his aggressive approach, and he returned the compliment by calling them “a sad organization of sissies.” 

He was then a founder of a more militant group, Act Up (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power).

R.I.P.

After the Wedding

THE GIST: The director of an Indian orphanage must travel to New York to meet a wealthy benefactor in person. Once there, she discovers that there are strings attached to her generous gift.

After the Wedding is not particularly inventive, but it's strength lies in a couple twists and a lot of very good performances, courtesy of Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, Billy Crudup, and Abby Quinn.

THE BOTTOM LINE: There isn't a lot more I could say about the movie without giving away important plot points. It's not memorable, but it's still a worthwhile heart-tugger.

Grade: 6

The Peanut Butter Falcon

THE GIST: Zak, who has Down syndrome, spends his days in an assisted living facility, dreaming of becoming a professional wrestler. One night, he runs away and meets Tyler, who's also running away, but from bigger troubles. Tyler, not completely selflessly, decides to help Zak achieve his goal, until Zak's primary caregiver tracks them down and wants to bring him back to safety.

The Peanut Butter Falcon is a very sweet movie that attempts, and succeeds, in showing the humanity of an individual afflicted by an incurable condition.

Zack Gottsagen, Shia LaBeouf, and Dakota Johnson are all perfectly cast, and they get a big lift from excellent supporting players like Bruce Dern, Thomas Haden Church, Jon Bernthal, and John Hawkes.

THE BOTTOM LINE: This is a very simple story but with a big heart. Check it out!

Grade: 7

Ready or Not

THE GIST: Shortly after her wedding ceremony, a newly minted bride is informed by her new in-laws that, as per tradition, until dawn on her wedding night, she's going to be hunted to the death by all of her new family. Only if she makes it out alive will she be part of the clan.

Ready or Not is a very dark, tongue in cheek comedy that I found to be a lot of fun.

I am a bit embarrassed to say that when I saw the poster I thought the leading lady was Margot Robbie, while in reality it's Samara Weaving. My apologies, and hats off for a nice performance.

She's joined by Adam Brody, Mark O'Brien, Henry Czerny, and Andie MacDowell, who rarely plays the bad girl but seems to have plenty of fun here.

THE BOTTOM LINE: It clearly needs to be seen with an open mind, but I enjoyed it plenty.

Grade: 8

Red Chair and Old Safe

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Anna

THE GIST: Orphaned as a little girl, Anna lives a life of drudgery and abuse. One day, she applies to join the Russian military and eventually is recruited by the KGB.

I had low expectations when I went to see Anna, thinking it would be the usual boilerplate espionage flick, but I was pleasantly surprised.

There are so many twists and turns and flashbacks that it definitely keeps you engaged. The action is relentless as well.

In the title role, newcomer Sasha Luss is very good and incredibly beautiful. Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, and Cillian Murphy are all excellent as always.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Definitely recommend this movie to anyone into thrillers, crime, or espionage movies. It might feel a bit confusing at times because of the dense plot, but it's worth tagging along.

Grade: 8

Aladdin

THE GIST: Kind-hearted Aladdin's simple life of mischief is turned upside down when he meets a beautiful girl he falls for. When he finds out she's the princess, he thinks his chances are dashed, until he finds a magic lamp that contains a powerful genie, who can make his wildest dreams come true. But a dangerous man is also after the lamp, wanting to take control of the kingdom and make himself Sultan.

Yet another Disney retelling of a story it previously told in animated form. It certainly cannot be said that the movie isn't well made, and Will Smith does an excellent job in a part previously voiced by the great late Robin Williams.

The visual effects are excellent, the songs sweeping, the acting good; ultimately, it's just a matter of answering the age-old question, Was it really necessary?

Just like with the "live-action" version of The Lion King, Disney decided the potential windfall from rediscovering and re-adapting a beloved classic was worth the few raised eyebrows and side glances.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you've seen the animated version, there's nothing new in this Aladdin, but it's still a pretty entertaining film, and the kids will definitely love it.

Grade: 7

Pavarotti

THE GIST: The life, the works, the ambitions, the philosophy, the achievements, and the legacy of legendary opera singer Luciano Pavarotti.

Pavarotti is a documentary film about one of Italy's most widely known artists. His voice was unique and instantly recognizable, and we're all lucky that he felt it was his duty to bring opera to the masses via concerts and recordings and collaborations with other artists.

Even more crucial was his desire to collaborate with artists that weren't just opera singers, like U2's Bono and many others. While some purists scoffed at the notion that an opera singer should dabble in other singing forms, Pavarotti never looked at them as inferior or beneath him, and he was right, of course.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Even though I knew a lot of things about this artists, this documentary is so rich with information and anecdotes, it's definitely worth a viewing.

Grade: 8

X-Men: Dark Phoenix

THE GIST: After coming in contact with an unknown energy source in space, Jean Grey's powers seem to grow past her ability to control them. Given that she was already almost dangerously powerful, her newfound abilities might actually pose a threat to mutants and humans alike.

I'm very disappointed to have to report that the latest installment in the X-Men saga is not just weak, but actually pretty bad. It's also unfortunate because this was the final installment produced by 20th Century Fox, so the saga bows out with a whimper.

Now that Fox has been absorbed by Disney, which already owned Marvel, the X-Men are finally back in the hands of the label that originated the comics and that has created an unprecedented, never-ending, and record-busting series of incredibly well made movies about its stable of superheroes. It will likely take a few years before we get to see what Marvel conjures up for the X-Men, but it will almost assuredly be great.

Perhaps, after making so many movies about the X-Men, Fox felt under pressure to write them a final chapter. If so, it might have brought closure, but they signed off on a sour note.

The casting is as good as always, the score captivating, and the visual effects spectacular. What doesn't work is the screenplay, and for a very simple reason: the anti-hero, Vuk, is treated like an afterthought.

Movies, based on comic books or not, often have a main plot and a subplot; the latter can be effectively used to either propel the action forward or simply justify the passage of time.

Here, Jean's issues with her powers and her past memories take center stage (sure, okay, the title is, after all, Dark Phoenix), but Vuk's people's history, provenance, needs, wants, strengths, and weaknesses are never fleshed out. As I said earlier, they're an afterthought; theirs is more of a subplot, to be used as filler, than the enormous threat that we're told they represent to Earth and its people.

This is not to say that Jean's story isn't interesting enough to carry the movie. It's just that the screenplay never effectively amalgamates the two storylines and so it ultimately feels lacking. At the end of the day, if a movie has a bad guy, we have to know enough about that character to care for or against it. Here, we're just told "Be very, very afraid of the aliens and look! There's Jean doing her thing!!"

THE BOTTOM LINE: Unfortunately, unless you're a fan of the X-Men like I am, and therefore want or need to see all of their movies, you can skip this one. It's ultimately disappointing.

Grade: 4

X-Men: Apocalypse

THE GIST: Reawakened after thousands of years and unimpressed by our civilization, Apocalypse, thought to be humanity's first mutant, recruits four Horsemen to help him destroy the world as it currently stands and build a better one; one that would bow to him of course. What's left of the X-Men and a few new mutants are all that stand in their way.

I cannot say that I didn't enjoy X-Men: Apocalypse, because I did, but I didn't find it as good as X-Men: Days of Future Past.

I think that the problem I have with Apocalypse is that this is a bad guy who can literally bring about the end of the world and easily overwhelm any and all mutants he encounters (not to speak of regular humans).

It's a little bit like the situation with Ultron in the Avengers movie, where he's so powerful, it's practically impossible to beat him. A clever workaround must be found, and I think they did a better job of finding it in Avengers than they did in Apocalypse.

Disclaimer: I never read the X-Men comics, so if Apocalypse is in them and similar to how he is portrayed here, then of course I take it all back.

Anyhow, the visual effects are stunning, the score great, and the casting is as wonderful as one would expect.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Ultimately, the movie provides a good couple hours of unadulterated fun, and if you're a fan of the genre obviously don't miss it.

Grade: 7.5

Small Church

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The Lion King

THE GIST: After the death of his father, the pride's king, is cruelly blamed on him, young lion cub Simba runs away. Years later, now grown and strong, he learns the truth and has to decide whether to seek justice.

This version of The Lion King is a faithful retelling of the original animated movie from 1994. The only difference is that this is a "live-action" version, but I put that in quotes because usually it means that the performers are real -- as in alive -- instead of being hand-drawn (on paper or on a screen).

Here, every character is computer generated, except that the technology has gotten so good that it's virtually impossible to tell that they aren't actual animals. In that, it hardly qualifies as "live-action" in my opinion.

At any rate, just like the original, the story is sweet, emotional, and engaging, and all the voice overs are excellent.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you liked the original movie, you'll probably like this one too, since they're virtually one and the same. Just think of it as a modernization of the original, given the improvements in the visual effects field, but that obviously begs the question, "Was it really necessary? Wouldn't all that money and talent have been put to better use by creating an original story instead?" I guess it's open for discussion.

Grade: 8

The Matrix

THE GIST: Always feeling like something is off, a computer hacker ends up learning the truth about everyone's reality from a few ragtag rebels. They also reveal to him who he really is.

I can still remember the sense of awe I felt the first time I watched The Matrix. The script was so original, the action so engaging, and the visual effects so revolutionary that it became an instant classic in the science fiction canon.

Its slow-motion, multi-angle camera work was so radically innovative that it was adopted by countless imitators. It also earned the movie Oscars for Best Visual Effects, Sound, Sound Effects Editing, and Film Editing.

But the movie is a lot more than just visual and sound effects. The screenplay is timeless and almost feels like the ultimate take on the alternative-reality genre.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you've never watched this movie and like sci-fi or action movies, don't waste any more time. I have watched it countless times since it first came out and more than 20 years later it's still one of my all-time favorites.

Grade: 10

Crisis in Six Scenes

Back when working with Woody Allen was still socially acceptable, i.e. before the #MeToo movement finally took off, Amazon Studios made a deal with the famed auteur to develop a comedy series.

Now that Allen's name has become too toxic to put on any project, the series has been canceled, but the lone season of Crisis in Six Scenes is quintessential Woody Allen. Whatever the case may be about the allegations made against him, his talent is still intact well into his eighties!

The premise is extremely simple: an old couple's ordinary and monotonous existence is upheaved by the arrival of a wanted fugitive, who is an old acquaintance of the wife.

If you're a fan of Allen's work, check this out because it had me in stitches a few times.

Grade: 7

Empty Sidewalk

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The Goldfinch

THE GIST: Young Theo is visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art with his mother when some terrorist detonates a bomb. His mother dies in the attack and, in the general confusion, Theo steals The Goldfinch, a famous painting he was admiring. Taken in by a wealthy family, Theo gradually moves on, his life forever changed, but he'll always return to the painting he stole.

The Goldfinch is based on a famous novel (I never read it), but I'm afraid this is one of those cases when the book is likely better than the movie.

Don't get me wrong, I still liked it because it's captivating to see the life Theo lived, the friends he made, and the events that shaped him, but it's the kind of movie that makes you go, "Too bad, it could have been a lot better."

It certainly had an intriguing concept, and the talented cast includes Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman, Jeffrey Wright, Luke Wilson, Sarah Paulson, Finn Wolfhard, and Denis O'Hare.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you read the book, you'll likely come away dissatisfied, but I only recommend this to anyone committed to any of the actors really, because at the end of the day the movie... could have been better.

Grade: 6.5

Brittany Runs a Marathon

THE GIST: Party-hard-girl Brittany lives a pretty carefree life, even though she barely makes ends meet. A visit to the doctor to score more pills, however, results in a wake-up call: take better care of your body or soon it'll crash down on you. Resistant at first, eventually Brittany makes a life-changing choice.

Brittany Runs a Marathon is based on a true story, which adds a layer of interest to this already funny comedy.

Jillian Bell plays Brittany's highs and lows wonderfully well, and her level of commitment is admirable. Michaela Watkins is also of note.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you're looking for a funny movie that also has some dramatic overtones, then look no further. This one is definitely worth your time.

Grade: 7

Freaks

THE GIST: Little Chloe lives barricaded in her house with her dad. He warns her never to venture outside and never to let anyone in, because everyone is potentially lethally dangerous. One day, a beckoning ice cream truck driver proves too alluring, and she walks up to it.

It's hard to pinpoint what is missing in Freaks that would make it a better movie. The premise is solid, and the script isn't really flawed, so perhaps it just needed to be fleshed out more. The story is certainly intriguing.

The acting is really good, especially Emile Hirsch and Bruce Dern, and young Lexy Kolker is impressive.

THE BOTTOM LINE: There are some very interesting ideas at the core of this film, so even if it's not ultimately great, I'd recommend it.

Grade: 6.5

Basking in Sunlight

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Abominable

THE GIST: A teenage girl discovers a young yeti hiding out on the rooftop of her building. He ran away from a secret laboratory, where they were doing experiments on him, and is lost. Together with a couple friends, she decides to help him get back to his family, which lives on Mount Everest, before he's re-captured by his former captors.

Abominable is touted as being from the same studio that brought us How To Train Your Dragon, but it hardly deserves to be lumped together with the latter's utter originality and charm.

Don't get me wrong, Abominable is a cute little movie with a totally new and adorable character, but it lacks the magic of other animated tales and likely their staying power as well.

Furthermore, the yeti is given such powers that it's impossible to imagine him getting captured or that his tribe wouldn't be able to get him back. Powers like that, therefore, are only given to make sure he can get his friends out of trouble, but not to help himself, and that is a failure of imagination on the part of the writers, in my opinion.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Do absolutely check this movie out, especially if you have little ones to entertain, just don't expect to find another classic here.

Grade: 6

Hustlers

THE GIST: A group of former strip club employees figures out a way to turn the tables on their onetime Wall Street high-spenders after the 2008 Great Recession reduces their revenue streams to a trickle.

The movie Hustlers is based on a true story recounted in the New Yorker Magazine. Ultimately, the girls got into trouble for what they were doing, but I find that a bit hypocritical.

Strippers are objectified and taken advantage of by the men who go to these clubs on a regular basis. These girls never physically hurt anyone, just their bank accounts. If the men got in trouble with their companies or their wives, it was their choice to get involved with these women in the first place, so it's their responsibility.

Jennifer Lopez's performance generated a lot of buzz and even Oscar-talk. I found her credible and committed, but I think even a nomination would have been a stretch.

Constance Wu, on the other hand, is just as good but went unnoticed; probably because Lopez dominated the conversation.

THE BOTTOM LINE: I enjoyed the movie. It's not really a comedy but not really a drama either. It's layered and eye-opening though, so I would definitely recommend it.

Grade: 7

Rambo: Last Blood

THE GIST: Rambo, still suffering from PTSD, now lives on a secluded ranch with an old friend and her granddaughter, whom he views as a niece. When the girl is lured to Mexico under false pretenses and then abducted, Rambo has no choice but to go save her.

I still remember the raw ferociousness unleashed by Rambo in his first feature film, when he was unjustly attacked just for walking on a street without bothering anyone. It really felt like a new breed of hero; a new type of movie; it felt original and exciting and refreshing.

That movie's title, First Blood, is clearly, and cleverly, referenced in the latest chapter of the  Rambo saga, Rambo: Last Blood, but the similarities, alas, end there.

Sure, Rambo still has to utilize the skills he learned in the war to deliver some well deserved justice, but here he seems to just be going through the motions for the sake of making one last movie about this character before Sylvester Stallone is physically unable to do so anymore.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Ultimately, it's the wafer thin screenplay that does it in, full of holes and platitudes, custom built to fit Stallone and his alter ego, all in the service of raking up some cash. Sure, it's pretty energetic, but when the end titles rolled I found myself go, "Meh."

Grade: 4

Bricks, Steel, and Glass

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Judy

THE GIST: Now in the twilight of her career and with her prospects in America drying up, Judy Garland travels to London for a series of concerts. She's still beloved by her fans, but her lifelong addiction to drugs and alcohol follows her everywhere. Will she be able to triumph over her personal demons?

Through the years I've heard some of Judy Garland's recordings and watched some of her movies. I certainly like her powerful voice, but mostly it's her charisma that makes all her work worthwhile and unique.

Ultimately, her life story runs the gamut from the highest peaks of show biz success to the lowest depths of mental depression and substance abuse. Naturally, a film about her was not to be missed.

Judy is a good enough movie that ultimately doesn't really soar, other than for Renée Zellweger's performance, which ended up earning her a second Oscar.

The costumes, sets, and makeup are all great, and the script is well written.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you like or appreciate Judy Garland or old-Hollywood megastars, then definitely check out Judy. It's not fantastic, but it doesn't disappoint.

Grade: 7

Downtown Abbey

THE GIST: The King and Queen of England announce they'll be visiting Downtown Abbey. Initially, this is viewed as adding luster to the household, but when the Palace staff arrives and arrogantly takes over, many feathers are ruffled. An old argument between the Dowager Countess and the Queen's Lady-in-Waiting, who are related, also threatens to sour the occasion.

I never got to see this when it was a TV show, even though it always piqued my interest, so when a movie was announced I figured I'd watch it, even though obviously a ton of stuff had clearly happened through the many years it was on television.

Fortunately, the producers decided to run a short previously-on clip before the movie starts (it was also available online), in order to bring the newbies up to speed with the most important plot points.

I'm happy to report that, even being completely new to this world, Downtown Abbey was easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyable. The script is smart and sharp, the acting phenomenal, and the production values outstanding.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you watched the show I'm pretty sure you just cannot miss this, but rest assured that you'll enjoy it even if you know nothing about it going in. I certainly did.

Grade: 7

Gemini Man

THE GIST: An elite assassin working for a highly secretive US government agency decides to retire, only to find himself the target of an assassination attempt carried out by a very skilled and peculiarly looking guy.

I'm a fan of both Ang Lee's and Will Smith's work, so clearly Gemini Man was going to be on my list of films to watch. I wasn't expecting an awards magnet, just a fun action-thriller flick, and that's exactly what I got.

Clearly, one key aspect of the movie is its use of technology to de-age Mr. Smith and have him look 30 years younger onscreen, together with his current appearance. I have to say that the movie largely succeeds in making it look natural, unlike what we got in The Irishman.

THE BOTTOM LINE: I've read countless disparaging comments about David Benioff's script, but honestly I don't think it's that bad. There are layers of gamesmanship at work and a few twists as well. Is it a masterpiece? Not at all, but if you don't raise your expectations too high, you won't be disappointed, I think.

Grade: 6

Posed

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The Addams Family

THE GIST: Hounded by villagers in their current abode, the Addams Family moves to a dilapidated asylum on top of a mountain surrounded by a marsh, confident that no one will ever bother them there. A few years later, a real estate developer with no scruples sets her gaze on the area.

Animated movies have become commonplace at the multiplex, so it's inevitable to stumble upon a stinker every now and then. The Addams Family, the latest take on the famous oddball family, is just one such example.

All motion pictures, animated or not, require an inordinate amount of time and work to come to fruition. They also generally cost a lot, unless it's a small, independent, by the seat of your pants production.

One would think that with the years of work necessary to create an animated movie, whether by hand or digitally, someone would identify bare bones screenplays or general weaknesses, but that didn't happen here.

Frankly, I loved the beginning of the movie, because it sort of gave us an "origin story" for this well known family, but the whole plot with the cutthroat real estate lady is a bit thin. Also, the teenage daughter who rejects her mother's influence while gravitating towards goth Wednesday is just trite, and the rap influences in the score and songs -- certainly prompted to attract a more modern audience -- are ridiculous and make the Addams look and sound absurd, which is really something!

THE BOTTOM LINE: There are plenty of options to choose from nowadays if you need to entertain the little ones, and since even they might find this boring, just do yourself a favor and go with something else.

Grade: 4

The Borgias

I started watching the last season of this TV show wondering how it was all going to end.

From the beginning, the stakes are super high, because a long gestating plot to murder Pope Alexander VI has finally been put into motion.

His two remaining children, meanwhile, are getting more and more cunning at achieving their ends through the use of their last name and the power it wields.

Lots of things happen during this season, so many in fact that halfway through you wonder how they're all going to resolve. The simple answer is that they do not.

Evidently, the show was canceled long after the episodes were written and filmed, so you only really get a season finale, setting the stage for a following season that never came.

And that underscores my primary annoyance with television productions, which is that producers are very often unable to conclude their shows on their own terms. Lack of audience or finances often lead studios to cancel a show in between seasons, thereby leaving the fans forever guessing.

Occasionally, a show will get a shorter final season order (that happened with Treme ) or the producers are given the chance to make a wrap-up TV movie (like with Transparent), but more often than not, a show just ends and you're left with a bunch of plot lines that lead nowhere. That can be pretty frustrating.

Anyway, the show isn't bad and the acting is good; the historical recreations and attention to detail alone are worth the ride. Just don't expect any real conclusion.

Grade - Season 3: 7

Motherless Brooklyn

THE GIST: When his mentor and friend is killed by some thugs, a private investigator with Tourette's Syndrome sets out to uncover the truth and make those responsible pay for their crime.

Motherless Brooklyn is a whodunit in the guise of the noir procedurals of old, from the main setup to the cinematography to the camera work. If you like the genre, you shouldn't be disappointed.

Still, it's not going to linger in the mind like one of the classics. It's fairly well written, with nice twists, and very well acted, but it's not going to leave a mark.

Edward Norton plays the main character with his usual excellence. He also co-wrote and directed, so hats off to him, because he crafted a good movie.

THE BOTTOM LINE: This film might have suffered from comparisons to other similarly structured ones, like LA Confidential, but I enjoyed it on its own merits. I think it deserves a chance.

Grade: 7

The Glass Lamp

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Zombieland: Double Tap

THE GIST: The gang is still together after ten years, and now they camp in a deserted White House. Soon, boredom and loneliness push the youngest member back on the road to look for other people. The others seem to have no choice but to get on her tail.

Back in 2009, the original Zombieland reinvented the zombie genre and gave it a hellishly fun satirical bend. Zombieland: Double Tap assumes you are ready for seconds, and is here to oblige.

Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin reprise their roles and it's like they never stopped playing them.

Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson, and Thomas Middleditch all come in for some special guest fun, while Rosario Dawson looks like she might stick around if there ever is another sequel.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you enjoyed the first movie, chances are you'll like this one also, even though it doesn't cover much new territory. It's like going on a roller coaster: you have fun every time you ride it, even though you know exactly what is going to happen.

Grade: 6

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

THE GIST: Princess Aurora, queen of the fairy land, and Prince Phillip, heir to the neighboring kingdom's throne, are engaged to be married. Maleficent, Aurora's guardian, isn't thrilled with the news, but decides to accept the union for her daughter's sake. Phillip's mother, Ingrith, seems happy for her son, but is openly hostile to Maleficent, complicating matters. What's her angle?

I totally loved Maleficent; the first movie about this character was a total blast. When a sequel was announced I was very excited.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is a worthy follow up, even though some of the original's magic seems to be missing. The script gives us a bit more information about Maleficent and where she comes from, but even a face-off between Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer struggles to keep the movie from soaring.

Visual effects and costumes are fantastic, and the score is good.

THE BOTTOM LINE: While not as good as its predecessor, Mistress of Evil makes for a fun couple of hours in the company of this fascinating character.

Grade: 6

Rocketman

THE GIST: The story of legendary artist Elton John, from his uneasy childhood, when he discovers his musical talents, to the point in his career when he decides to sober up.

Rocketman is pretty successful in giving us an idea of what life must have been like for this very exuberant man. The screenplay covers a pretty large chunk of time, but still feels like the main milestones are analysed.

Taron Egerton does a wonderful job of portraying Elton: the endless energy, the shyness, the eagerness to succeed, the desire to be loved and the frustrations of his failures.

Just as good are Jamie Bell as his longtime business partner Bernie Taupin; Bryce Dallas Howard, as his unloving and resentful mother; and Richard Madsen, as the unscrupulous lover-cum-manager.

The recreation of Elton's famed costumes, shoes, and glasses are excellent, as is the makeup.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you're a fan of Elton's music or if you don't know it but are curious about his rise to stardom and what makes him the artist he is, then don't pass this up.

Grade: 8

Mystery Woman

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Black and Blue

THE GIST: When a rookie police officer inadvertently captures some corrupt cops commit murder execution-style on her body cam, she becomes the target of both any criminal out for revenge on any cop and the corrupt police who need to retrieve and destroy her camera before the footage is seen or leaked.

Naomie Harris leads Black and Blue with the fierce determination that her role requires and that by itself elevates the film.

She's flanked by Tyrese Gibson, who seems to have found his niche playing smart ass characters, in spite of a rather limited acting range, and Frank Grillo, who perfectly embodies the bad guy with zero scruples.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The movie is fairly well paced and though one might infer its conclusion, how it gets there might pleasantly surprise you.

Grade: 6

Countdown

THE GIST: A group of teenagers hear about a new app called Countdown that supposedly predicts how much time you have left to live and download it for fun. Then they start dying on cue.

Countdown is your typical popcorn movie with a light horror flavor that is ultimately quite harmless. That in a nutshell justifies my grade; well, that and the fact that there's nothing really out of the ordinary here that would boost the rating.

THE BOTTOM LINE: You know exactly what you're in for if you decide to watch this, so at least you won't be surprised when that's all you get.

Grade: 4

The Lighthouse

THE GIST: Two lighthouse keepers are dropped off on a remote island for a four-week stint at the local lighthouse. Wary of each other, their relationship wavers between friendly and downright hostile. When a rough, big storm delays the ferry meant to carry their replacements, their mental states, already vacillating, go in a tailspin.

Oh boy, so much to unpack... Let's start with the good: the acting (both Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe are really into character), the score (Mark Korven's music is eerie and perfectly suited), and the cinematography (the film is gorgeously shot in rich black-and-white tones).

That brings me to the bad, which is that The Lighthouse is simply dreadful; I actually dreaded sitting in the theater until the end credits started to roll. I simply couldn't believe how bad this film turned out to be.

For one, these men clearly had to be halfway crazy to begin with, because it's simply not plausible that a person would go insane in just four weeks, especially since it's not like they're being tortured or are kept in isolation in a jail cell. For all we know both men are accustomed to hard labor, so it's hard to accept that their minds succumb so quickly and thoroughly to madness.

The other thing that doesn't work is that I didn't really care about what happened to either of them. They were not very sympathetic to begin with, and they made no strides towards that state either.

THE BOTTOM LINE: When I first heard about a black-and-white movie with these two actors I imagined a small independent film that might turn out to be a gem. Instead I got a lump of coal. Skip it.

Grade: 2