American Ultra - 2/5

This movie is a good example of what happens when a thriller gets bogged down with exposition. The tension loses its snap, the action is too little and too spaced out to be a main draw, and the unsubstantive characters make the main plot twist equally uninteresting. It has a good idea at the base of it, which makes it all the more disappointing when the delivery is botched.

Closest comparison: It’s like Pineapple Express by way of the Borne Identity.

Setting: Rural Drama
Plot: Secret Agent
Tone: Tragedy

Delirium (movie, 2018) - 3/5

The basic idea behind this movie is what happens if someone is on house arrest in a haunted house. Those familiar with other Blumhouse productions will not be surprised to find it does a lot with a low budget. Topher Grace is great as the main character questioning his sanity and the script is smart enough to make him forthright, a trait lesser films eschew just to drive the plot. A few movie clichés at important story points bring down the rest of the film, which could have been great but ends up being only pretty good.

Closest comparison: It’s like Saw by way of The Haunting of Hill House.

Setting: Haunted House
Plot: Psychological Thriller
Tone: Horror

Ocean's Eleven (2001) - 4/5

This is a classic and for good reason. It’s one of the most fun heist films out there and it keeps the action snappy by pairing it with an incredible soundtrack. And it boasts some classic lines like “gaudy monstrosity” that rank right up there with other all-time greats like “you were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off”. That being said, it has its flaws. Julia Robert’s character arc is rushed and even thought the heist itself is witty there are aspects that don’t make sense upon close inspection. None of that is enough to keep this from being one of the most fun heist movies ever put to film.

Closest comparison: It’s the casino heist movie by which all others are measured.

Setting: Heist
Plot: Heist
Tone: Comedy