Nobody (2021) - 4/5

This movie is superficially a retread of the John Wick formula, but has enough going for it that it stands on its own. There’s a strong establishment of character and motive distinct from other films like John Wick and A History of Violence that it’s fun to watch both for different reasons. This film is more grounded and less stylized than John Wick, and plays the patient man’s violent breakout with more of a knowing wink to the audience. It’s a fun movie that knows it’s fun and doesn’t unnecessarily overcomplicate things.

Closest comparison: It’s like John Wick meets Home Alone.

Setting: Action
Plot: Action
Tone: Action

Mr. Right (2016) - 3/5

This movie is an adorable twist on the rom-com genre by mixing it with the assassin action genre. It adds in a healthy dose of macabre humor but never strays into darker territory than your average ‘90s action flick. Its biggest flaw is ignoring real-world consequences in favor of the main romantic plot, so mileage may vary. But Anna Kendrick and Sam Rockwell have great chemistry as the leads and completely carry an otherwise lackluster film.

Closest comparison: It’s like Hitch by way of Grosse Pointe Blank.

Setting: Hitman Action
Plot: Rom Com
Tone: Action Comedy

The Dead Don't Die - 3/5

This is a weird, slow movie that suffers from bland ad-lib dialogue. The first half is great: methodical setup, dry humor with measured delivery, and several interesting plot threads to investigate. Unfortunately, some of the plot threads go nowhere and the ones that do end not just strangely but often unsatisfactorily. Still, it kept me interested and chuckling for most of the runtime and although not all of the humor lands, much of it does for the zombie-movie-loving crowd.

Content warning: Gore

Closest comparison: This is a slow, strange homage to older B horror films like Night of the Living Dead and Plan 9 From Outer Space.

Setting: Zombies
Plot: Action Adventure
Tone: Dry Comedy