Nightcrawler - 4/5

This movie is a tense, slow burn thriller about a sort of decent into madness, though not nearly as precipitously as many of its peers. Its drama is nuanced and visceral, as is its social commentary which avoids sweeping clichés in favor of astute observations about the human condition. But because the story surrounds such an extreme personality the film avoids being preachy or overbearing in its messaging, settling into a niche that’s simultaneously ‘fascination of other’ and ‘familiar relatability’.

Closest comparison: It’s like Network by way of Joker (2019).

Setting: Corporate Drama
Plot: Descent into Madness
Tone: Suspense Thriller

Haywire (2011) - 3/5

This is big budget proof of concept that feels like an indie project. It’s fairly uneven from its acting to its pacing, but the parts that hit are really well done. The fight scenes feel like choreography, but that of a very high caliber, well executed and a thrill to watch. The framing for the “in medias res” plot structure is pretty contrived and while it’s used in many stories it unfortunately doesn’t work here. If you like good action and don’t mind an overused plot, this movie is definitely worth a watch.

Closest comparison: It’s like Mission: Impossible by way of The Bourne Identity.

Setting: Espionage
Plot: Thriller
Tone: Action

Navy Seals (1990) - 3/5

This is a solid ‘90s action movie that portrays the combat much more realistically than many of its contemporaries, though still very much a popcorn action flick. It’s focused on its ‘life of a seal team’ narrative and allows the winding events to play out in support of its story. There’s not much more to this movie beyond what you would expect, which is both its charm and its downfall.

Closest comparison: It’s like Act of Valor (2012) by way of Point Break (1991).

Setting: Stealth Mission
Plot: Geopolitical Thriller
Tone: ‘90s Action