Predator: Killer of Killers

 

I have always wanted to see an AVP movie with no humans in it, and if we can dig into the animated realm, we may be closer to getting that.  What an exception piece this is, told in three sets throughout history as varied Predators hunt down killers then collect them for one big hunt. From the same team behind the incredible "Prey" and perhaps leading into the upcoming movie, this was so good. Brutal, violent, with varied Predators and their tech - what a great way to see what else we can do with this franchise.

9 out of 10

The Phoenician Scheme

 

A very Wes Anderson style Wes Anderson movie with several genuinely funny moments. Everyone in it understands the assignment, but none more so than Michael Cera.  I love the look of it and the layout.  Set design, as always in Wes Anderson movies, is exceptional, eye-catching, and beautiful.  Very entertaining. 

7 out of 10

Fountain of Youth

 

Certainly fun family action flick - nothing new, but well-executed and entertaining. Everyone involved seems to be having a great time, a couple of great action sequences, a likeable cast, impressive locations, and an engaging story!  

6 of 10

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

 

I enjoyed this so much more than the previous one!  Giant, super-smart, AI bad guy still causes me to tune out, but I loved the action sequences so much more in this one. The submarine sequence builds such tension, and that bi-plane business at the end was exceptional. What a fitting final entry and a credit to a dude who knows how to make movies for audiences that love movies. 

8 out 10

Thunderbolts*

Some of my favorite bits of the MCU are when the real villains are mental health struggles. This one really beautifully executes that concept. I sobbed through the third act - it is just such a fantastic reminder of the importance of figuring out how to process your depression and trauma and finding and leaning into your support system. Plus, great actions sequences and performances.  Bucky back on a motorcycle! David Harbour stealing scenes!  They are all great, but Florence Pugh's Yelena is absolutely wonderful and proves she can center an MCU piece and is ready to be the building block for their next phase. 

9 out of 10

The Accountant 2

 

Very similar to the Accountant 1 in that I was not expecting all that much and ended up absolutely delighted!  More Bernthal this time around and better used now that we know what he is capable of.  He and Affleck are great together in this fun little action shoot-em-up throwback. 

G20

 

A quick and fun little straightforward action flick. It does not really bring anything new to the genre, but executes the formula very well. Also - if this is the shift for Viola into her later-years action hero phase - I am here for it!

7 out of 10