What is on display here is a technocratic approach to filmmaking driven by a checklist of sights, events, and characters that a committee decided need to be on display.
J.J. Abrams' STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
Sure, I enjoyed seeing the old characters, but it’s the new ones I really enjoyed.
Zack Snyder's BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE
I think “sequels” to this film will have a hard time topping this one.
Guillermo del Toro's “CRIMSON PEAK”
What a fun gorgeous movie!
Peyton Reed's ANT-MAN
Another positive factor is the movie’s tone. Good versus evil is presented without excess cruelty or bloodshed.
Don Herzfeldt’s “WORLD OF TOMORROW”
Don’t let the stick figure animation fool you. This is one of the most sophisticated science-fiction films I’ve seen since Her and Ex Machina. And it’s only 17 minutes long.
Jemaine Clement & Taika Waititi's “WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS”
This movie wonderfully answers the burning question, what would happen if some really good comedy writers made a faux reality documentary about a group of 4 vampires living in the middle class suburbs of Wellington, New Zealand?
Alejandro González Iñárritu's THE REVENANT
I don’t think I’ll be submitting myself to this cinematic torture again. I guess I prefer my spirit to be uplifted, not crushed, even when the crushing is beautifully and artistically portrayed.
Amazon's THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE (Season 1)
Oddly enough, as much as this show twists history, I think you will appreciate it even more if you do know the details of the events that are being twisted.
Chris Rock's TOP FIVE
What propels the movie way beyond what might have been just another exploitation of over-privileged middle-aged angst is the movie’s tight focus on the relationship between Rock’s character and a sharp and attractive newspaper interview played by Rosario Dawson.
Angelina Jolie's UNBROKEN
What propels the story along are the twin realities that (a) this story is true and (b) Japanese prison camp conditions really were this horrific. Jolie’s almost documentary approach lets these things speak for themselves. You can’t help but be moved by the results. I certainly was.
Steven Soderbergh's SIDE EFFECTS
This tasty little thriller really packs a punch with frequent and unexpected twists and turns along the way. Jude Law and Rooney Mara star in an expertly crafted cat and mouse game that pits … well, explaining the story too much would spoil things.
Subhash Ghai's "KAANCHI"
Every now and then I find it enjoyable to see things done in bright colors and with well-drawn characters or personalities with motivations (good or bad) that are unmistakable.
Jaman Winan’s INK
Seeing INK reminded me of my guardian angel days as it explores the conflict between good and evil and the shadowy netherworld of dreams, nightmares, and overlapping timelines.
Ryan Coogler's CREED
CREED is easily one of the most enjoyable movies I’ve seen this year.
Matthew Vaughan’s KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
Check it out and prepare to crank up the sound; the bigger the screen the better. Be prepared to be amazed.
Kevin Costner's “OPEN RANGE”
This is a magnificent movie. It looks great, the acting is terrific, and it presents us with a classic confrontation between good and evil that culminates in a spectacular small—town all-guns-blazing gunfight.
Ron Howard's THE MISSING
If you need a “western” fix (as I do occasionally) this one might do the trick.
Ridley Scott's "THE MARTIAN"
All in all The Martian is enjoyable film that promotes science and exploration but on a human and recognizable scale in a way that any audience can enjoy.
Now Showing: My Personal Favorites from This Year’s Alexandria Film Festival
I was fortunate this year to serve on the Alexandria Film Festival’s volunteer Program Committee chaired by Irwin Singer.