Monster Hunter (2020) - 3/5

This movie is a fun action romp with a few glaring problems which, if overlooked, make for a very enjoyable experience. Initially it has military horror vibes in line with the directors previous films, but eventually it morphs into a love letter to the video games in its own excitable way. Ron Pearlman phones in his lines and there are several plot contrivances, but the action is excellent and the CGI vividly brings the monsters to life. Fans of the game will see a lot that they recognize, and in a few places won’t see some things they may expect. It’s one of the best video game adaptations, but that’s not a high bar.

Closest comparison: It’s like the action horror of Resident Evil (2002) that morphs into the action scenes from The Witcher.

Setting: Fantasy
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Horror, then Action

Terminator: Dark Fate - 3/5

There’s good news and bad news. The good news is this is the third best Terminator film to date. The bad news is it’s still pretty disposable. The action setpieces are big and iconic, the new terminator is well-conceived, and the returning combination of Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger is worth the price of admission alone. On the flipside, the acting is pretty bad in a few key places, the CGI is sometimes cringe-level rubbery, and the actions scenes each have several moments of dark lighting shaky cam that make them very hard to read. James Cameron’s presence is palpable, but it would have been a much better film if he’d directed it. If you’re a fan of the series this movie is a must-see, but beyond that it’s a pretty stock action flick.

Closest comparison: The Terminator franchise goes the route of The Fast and The Furious.

Setting: Sci-fi Action
Plot: Protect-the-girl Action
Tone: Sci-fi Action