alwayssummer

201213 A surprisingly good sequel, which I've watched a couple of times now. The food creatures amp up the cute to new levels and the whole cast of characters make important contributions to the plot (which is actually the moral, isn't it?). Flint flirts with anti-hero status as he struggles to see his childhood hero clearly, but it's relatable. The digs at the deeply narcissistic pseudo-inspirational leader land well.

70 _27%

Klaus (2019) - Rated 13 Dec 2020

201213 I'm having trouble deciding why this film works as well as it does. Jesper's growth is fairly linear. The plot is predictable. It does not challenge. Yet, there's some inspirational magic in this feel-good re-imagining of the origins of Santa. Novel idea for the Santa development will keep interest through the first viewing. Does Jesper draw us in as he accidentally turns himself from a spoiled brat into a generous human?

55 _14%

Bad Santa (2003) - Rated 13 Dec 2020

201213 55 This is a stale rating, but I need to rate more Christmas films. This disturbing story can still make me laugh inappropriately and redeems itself with a little Christmas magic. Thornton and Graham have good chemistry.

65 _23%

In Bruges (2008) - Rated 13 Dec 2020

201212 Watched because it's on so many Christmas lists. Not a Christmas movie. Still, a smart and thought provoking tale about crime, guilt, punishment, and forgiveness. Ray comes off as a none too bright, but ultimately sweet tough guy. His mentor, Ken makes a heroic act of forgiveness.

30 _8%

Batman Returns (1992) - Rated 13 Dec 2020

201212 The cast is a plus, but the pacing is slow and the character development seems tangential to the plot. Too long with too many plot lines and finally it got little bogged down. Catwoman is disappointing, portrayed as unstable, hysterical. Unpredictable for the wrong reasons. Not satisfying as a female lead.

15 _5%

A Christmas Story (1983) - Rated 12 Dec 2020

201212 As a transplant to Cleveland, I could never understand why everyone loved this movie so much. Memorably strange, but never enjoyable for me. After being forced to watch it countless times in school my goal will be to never watch it again.

81 _69%

Tokyo Godfathers (2003) - Rated 12 Dec 2020

201210 A story of human hearts breaking and healing centered around the desire to protect, love and be protected and loved. It sends a message of hope without being saccharine. Plot twists kept me guessing. I think it can be added to the Christmas canon.

79 _56%

Jack Reacher (2012) - Rated 11 Jan 2020

191219: Great pacing and development as a mystery, but the final fight scene drags and bores.

80 _63%

Ender's Game (2013) - Rated 11 Jan 2020

191220: Shockingly, they didn't ruin it. True enough to the book to make me enjoy the rehash. They also carry forward the book's flaws: one dimensional bad guys. All the joy of Ender's learning and growth is lost, though. There's just not enough run time to develop those themes.

91 _93%

Edge of Tomorrow (2014) - Rated 11 Jan 2020

192223: One of the few movies I've enjoyed watching over four times. There's just a perfect blend of comedy, sci-fi, action, and a little doomed romance.