The Devil Wears Prada - 5/5

This movie is simultaneously a gorgeous symphony of style and a scathing critique of the fashion world, but instead of being limited to one industry its searing witticisms are broadly applicable. The acting is top tier, and there is subtlety conveyed in every line that adds depth and complexity to the characters and plot. Despite its brightly colorful cinematography the world it presents is gray, with every character’s motivations a mix of selfish and altruistic, though the excellent script keeps things clear for the audience. The total effect is a fairly standard setup with exceptional execution every step of the way.

Closest comparison: It’s like Goodfellas in the trappings of Sex And The City.

Setting: Self-actualization
Plot: Fish out of water
Tone: Comedy Drama

The Wolfman (2010) - 4/5

This is easily one of the best gothic horror movies to come out in the last twenty years. Sir Anthony Hopkins’ presence would dominate the screen if it weren’t for the outstandingly high caliber performances from Benicio Del Toro and Emily Blunt to match. Dark cinematography is used to gorgeous effect not only to create a palpable atmosphere but also to cleverly mask some of the dodgier moments of CGI. Despite their best efforts, the scene at the end relies too heavily on technology that wasn’t quite there. Still, if you like the theme, the throwback to old monster movies, or even just the rich landscape of nineteenth century England populated by interesting characters, then you owe it to yourself to give this one a watch.

Content warning: gore

Closest comparison: It’s an update to an old classic that improves upon the original.

Setting: Drama/Horror
Plot: Horror
Tone: Suspense

Looper - 4/5

Even though there are some logical holes that can be poked in the time-travel explanation used in this movie, it maintains the rules it sets up in the beginning. Of course a few plot contrivances are needed in a story like this, but it’s so well told that they’re easy to forgive. Lots of fun action and a hauntingly impressive scene illustrating the time-travel rules in this story, there’s certainly a lot to like here. Good performances really sell the world Rian Johnson created without needing a lot of heavy-handed exposition. For a more mature, action-oriented take on a Back to the Future version of time travel, look no further.

Closest Comparison: It’s Brick (2005) by way of Back to the Future

Setting: Action
Plot: Sci-fi
Tone: Action

Mary Poppins Returns - 4/5

Tasked with the impossible, this movie does quite well. No one can recreate Julie Andrews’ iconic performance, but Emily Blunt does a great job as the character. There’s singing and dancing, as one might expect, and it follows the beats of the original movie in a way that is more comforting than distracting. Still, it finds plenty of new things to do. They go into a cartoon world again, but this time it’s a ceramic bowl. There are villainous bankers again, but this time with more tie-ins with the children. They even manage to have tear-jerking song that far surpasses the heartfelt “Feed The Birds”. If you like the original, definitely give this one a watch.

Closest Comparison: It’s an updated Mary Poppins with a new coat of paint.

A Quiet Place - 5/5

This is one of the easiest ratings I've ever given. This movie is on par with the best of Hitchcock, Shayamalan, or Stephen King. The sound editing easily deserves an Oscar, and John Krasinski is amazing both as an actor and director. All the performances are deep and heartfelt, making the tension that much greater. The tension never really lets up for the duration, which would normally be a detriment but in this movie it's perfect. Very scary, very good, definitely worth watching if you like that kind of thing.

Sicario - 4/5

Denis Villeneuve (the director) has a tendency to just let his movies trail off, which I don't particularly appreciate but which works better in this film than in his others. The acting is precise, the cinematography as always is beautiful, and the tense traffic jam scene is fantastic. While the story is engaging I find myself wanting more of a take-away than this film provides, especially with the themes it deals with. Some of the characters' motifcations were more said than acted, which I would have liked to have seen done better. All in all, though, I understand why this was so well received initially, and I recommend it to people who like modern police thrillers (and can handle seeing some cut-up bodies).