Captain Marvel (2019)

Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. (IMDb)

Its CGI is just okay and it’s a little awkwardly scripted at times but its great humour, story, and lead sweep these concerns to the side. A truly surprising perspective shift along with a few Marvel-ous moments of self-actualization (see the tear-jerking “get back up” montage; “you guys have just been holding me back!”) are the highlights of a layered, emotional journey of discovery through past and present (with hints of the MCU future of course) with Carol and her enjoyably dry wit.

7.5/10 (Really Good)

– #7 of 21 in my ranked list of Marvel Cinematic Universe films

The Land of Steady Habits (2018)

Feeling trapped in the stifling, wealthy enclave of Westport, Connecticut, Anders Harris (Ben Mendelsohn) retires from his job in finance and leaves his wife (Edie Falco) in the hopes that it will renew his lust for life. (IMDb)

“I got a cigar burnt on my forehead [does that really get you your own hospital room, btw? I feel like not] so that totally makes up for all the shitty and inexplicable things I did and definitely warrants my redemption and slight smile to end the film.” NOT. Compelling enough content and characters, but it’s awkwardly written (so much contrived swearing) and very poorly edited (scenes are jarringly mushed together, and even the seams between different takes for a scene are noticeable).

5/10 (Poor)

 

Ready Player One (2018)

When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune. (IMDb)

The OASIS is fun (maybe more for others, but I’m glad to say I thoroughly enjoyed The Shining visitation), but it’s the back-and-forth dynamic between it and reality that’s really well done and makes for lots of entertaining action hi-jinks (see the fooling of Sorrento). In the end though, it wastes the potential of its characters (there should be a whole movie made about the tragic Halliday) as well as the deeper reality vs. entertainment theme underlying the sadly neglected dystopian setting.

7/10 (Good)

Slow West (2015)

A young Scottish man travels across America in pursuit of the woman he loves, attracting the attention of an outlaw who is willing to serve as a guide. (IMDb)

A tastefully simple and slow-paced Western adventure plot with just a dot of dramatic irony is accented by stunningly coloured cinematography, an earthy soundtrack, and unique camerawork (see the dead person stills at the end), and punctuated by a starkly violent final act. The ambling and artful script veers into vague melodrama a little too often (especially in its emotional climax) but with the film’s delicious aesthetic it creates a rich portrayal of melancholic frontier America.

7.5/10 (Really Good)