This movie is a time-bending psychological thriller that plays out more like modern Shakespeare than any of its contemporaries. It blends mystery, romance, and thriller in a nice overall package, but is too strange to have the staying power it could have. The film goes in more for character drama than rational explanation by the end, which is fun but nothing more.
Closest comparison: It’s like Wuthering Heights by way of Wolf (1994).
Setting: Drama
Plot: Sci-Fi
Tone: Mystery
This is the definitive version of Shakespeare’s play, brought to life by the inimitable Kenneth Branagh. If you already like The Bard you’ll love it, but even those unfamiliar with his works may find themselves enjoying the antiquated dialogue and some historical aspects of the plot. Then ending, though, features an abrupt change of tone which is a strange directoral choice.
Closest comparison: It’s Shakespeare by Kenneth Branagh. What more do you want?
Setting: War
Plot: Political
Tone: Stage Play
It’s kind of dumb, but it’s a lot of fun. It follows in the steps of Ant-Man, where it keeps to its own rules for the main storyline but abandons them when it wants to make a joke. That being said the jokes land, for the most part, and it’s flashily cinematic in all the usual places. Instead of having a boring, predictable plot it changes up the formula by keeping the audience guessing which of the myriad tropes they’re going to fall into. This is the least weird and most stylish of the Men In Black franchise, and the second best one of the lot because of it.
Closest comparison: Thor and Valkyrie in a buddy cop movie with aliens.
Setting: Weird Sci-Fi
Plot: Buddy Cop
Tone: Comedy
One of the most overlooked and underrated Disney films, Treasure Planet was ahead of its time. The blend of a computer generated world with hand drawn characters is a neat style, though some have said they don’t enjoy it, and allows for sweeping shots and beautiful world creation. It’s a great adaptation of the source material, translated into a space steampunk world. And the Goo Goo Dolls soundtrack is the perfect veneer to finish it off.
Closest comparison: Titan A.E. via Disney
Setting: Sci-fi
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Family
