Inkwell0121

Capturing all of the magic of Star Wars while updating it with modern lessons, The Force Awakens deftly shows that the Star Wars formula still has an amazing vitality to it and that all these ideas needed were the right steward to curate and arrange them. The new characters are charming, the old characters are comfortable, and the plot is incredibly timely without leaning too far into trying to have Something To Say. A fine film and one of the best entries in the franchise.

100 _88%

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - Rated 08 Oct 2019

A film committed to showing the ups and downs of a dysfunctional relationship, Eternal Sunshine does a better job than perhaps any other film I've seen at capturing the experience of romance as an adult -- how effervescent and compelling it can be, how it can go wrong, and how it can fall apart. In the hands of Gondry and his creative team, the movie is soft and sad and warm all simultaneously, creating a wise, gentle, powerful film about finding love and the impulse to do anything to keep it.

93 _50%

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) - Rated 08 Oct 2019

Bold, willing to take risks, and very well shot and performed, this film feels both like Star Wars and apart from it, showing us what the larger setting must be like for those who don't have the benefit of having the Jedi on their side. The ending, too, is pitch-perfect, and the third act is one of the best of the franchise if not the best. A fine film that's compellingly different from its brethren while being familiar enough to welcome viewers in.

95 _64%

The Blues Brothers (1980) - Rated 08 Oct 2019

Joy in flim form, Blues Brothers is jam-packed with laugh-out-loud and fist-pumping moments to the point that its considerable run-time feels breezy and effortless. The main thing holding it back is its treatment of the black musicians it features, who, while clearly given a place of honor, are also flattened to little else but their musical ability. Even that, however, is the only rain on this otherwise wonderful parade -- a must-watch.

75 _20%

Wonder Woman (2017) - Rated 08 Oct 2019

A movie that is somehow less than the sum of its parts, Wonder Woman features terrific performances from its leads, bold storytelling choices, and a feeling of raw optimism that even some of Marvel's films can't match. However, it all falls apart in the third act, and it would have sunk the film outright if the first two acts hadn't had as many great elements as they did. In the end, it has a lot going for it but could have used some more time in the oven.

100 _88%

Black Panther (2018) - Rated 08 Oct 2019

Beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, powerfully written, and perfectly choreographed, Black Panther is not just the definitive superhero film but is one of the highest bars to clear in action cinema. Simply put, a film that is everything that you would want it to be -- and more.

100 _88%

Your Name. (2016) - Rated 08 Oct 2019

Beautiful in every sense of the word, the characterization, plotting, dialog, animation, composition, and music are all virtually perfect. There's a reason why this is the second highest-grossing anime of all time, and it's because this is an example to which all other anime films might aspire.

85 _34%

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) - Rated 07 Oct 2019

With its masterful use of grit and sure hand with both the camera and the writing pen, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is a taut, enjoyably unpleasant film where all of the leads are uniquely terrible people who somehow still encourage the audience to cheer for them. The only downside is that, at times, the film is more concerned with long dialog sequences rather than moving the story forward, but that's easily forgiven. Altogether, a fine Western and compelling proto-crime drama.

94 _58%

The Princess Bride (1987) - Rated 07 Oct 2019

Infinitely quotable, joyously acted, and writing that pops like popcorn, The Princess Bride is pure fun. The only thing holding it back is, upon stepping back, Westley really does succeed so much more often than he reasonably ought, and there are jumps in characterization that fit the tone and pace of the film while sacrificing some verisimilitude. Altogether, though, those are nitpicks -- this is a very fun and funny movie with a great deal of heart, easily one of the best films of the 80's.

100 _88%

The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Rated 07 Oct 2019

A classic for a reason, the cinematography, acting, and writing are all a joy, radiating character and charm almost every single moment. The amount of craft and care put into every costume, every prop, and every set is wonderfully evident on the screen. Altogether, a classic of classics, deserving of its place in pop culture mythology.