Robin and Marian (1976) - An elegantly executed tale of an elder Hood and Maid Marian. Connery and Hepburn bring it, but ultimately can’t say this is anything special. B-
Creed II (2018) - Manages to keep a consistent tone with it’s immediate predecessor while avoiding the disparate and ridiculous tone of its other predecessor (Rocky IV) even while the continuing Drago storyline. I very much appreciate that fact, and I’m a fan of what they were trying to here with Donnie’s character, and with Viktor Drago (and their parallels), even if their conflict never really congeals beyond the surface level. The climax is exciting as always, but I’m not entirely sure Donnie’s resolution is earned. Still, it’s great to have a blockbuster franchise that’s isn’t in the action/adventure/sci-fi genre and is really just small character drama. B
Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) - Venturing into the interwebs is a clever idea for the series, though I must admit it does open a can of worms. The film essentially just uses it as a backdrop, which is good and bad - on the one hand the internet is an incredibly annoying place so it’s good that they don’t go too heavy with references, on the other hand setting a film in the internet almost seems to require some sort of commentary or insight on what it’s like to be online, and this film doesn’t seem to provide one other than “the internet sure is crazy and fun!” Yeah, I know, it’s a kid’s movie, and an enjoyable enough one at that. B-
Castle in the Sky (1986) - Another exciting adventure from Miyazaki, I really enjoy the depth he brings the worlds and cultures he creates. This one’s good bit of humor and whimsy but at the same time a surprisingly epic story at it’s center. B+
Being There (1979) - Don’t know what took me so long to watch this but glad I finally did. A premise that could easily turn into some cringeworthy dreck where we’re laughing at someone we shouldn’t be laughing at, but here Chance/Chauncey (Sellers) is treated very decently and empathetically. The joke is always on everyone else. Instant classic for me. A
Roma (2018) - An absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful film. Slice of life styles pieces are not often my favorite, but this one downright undeniable. From start to finish we are in Cleo’s world, and we feel everything she feels. Stellar work by all involved. A
Madeline’s Madeline (2018) - I always feel like the best films adopt a style that fits their protagonist’s personalities. That is certainly the case here, as we get Madeline’s frenetic, disconnected, and confused world through her eyes. The final third is invigorating, even if I feel the turn is a little sharp. B+
Private Life (2018) - A very solid dramedy that explores a potentially tricky subject with both humanity and wit. Quality performances abound. B