The Dead Don't Die (2019)

 

The peaceful town of Centerville finds itself battling a zombie horde as the dead start rising from their graves. 

Zombie (and doomsday) comedy is meant as a satire to present-day U.S.A., which works only intermittently, but it entertains with a lot of wit, Murray's and Driver's deadpan and a lot of amusing cameos.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

 

Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.

Competently produced and highly entertaining continuation of the Star Wars saga, again proof that the recent productions are superior to the previous trilogies concerning characters and character development, - and diversity; Daisy Ridley's Rey is arguably the series' most agreeable hero.

On rewatching:  Although visually stunning in some sequences, this episode is in fact more generic and less entertaining on a second watch.

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The surviving members of the resistance face the First Order once again, and the legendary conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its peak bringing the Skywalker saga to its end.

This final Star Wars episode  has a heavy load wrapping the whole saga up in feature length and unfortunately packs too much in to make this a thoroughly enjoyable sci-fi adventure; however, along its convoluted way, there are lots of sets of breathtaking visual appeal.

Marriage Story (2019)

A marriage breaking up and a family staying together.

Excellent and realistic separation drama analyzes the back and forth of a divorce and emphasizes how the legal procedure actually boosts and preys on the split; superb cast throughout, but Laura Dern is absolutely amazing.

The Report (2019)

Idealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones, tasked by his boss to lead an investigation into the CIA's post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program, uncovers shocking secrets.

Well-told and sober account of the investigation into one the darkest chapters of American history is gripping and suspenseful; the excellent cast helps.

Logan Lucky (2017)

Two brothers attempt to pull off a heist during a NASCAR race in North Carolina.

As to be expected by this director, this movie is well executed with a good script and a prime ensemble of actors, has humor and some suspense, but who needs yet another heist movie? 

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Ron Stallworth, an African American police officer from Colorado Springs, CO, successfully manages to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan branch with the help of a Jewish surrogate who eventually becomes its leader. Based on actual events.

This well-made satire is quite entertaining, although not so much as caricature, since the abusrd premise, based on true events, is in itself already quite amusing; nonethless, it does have some considerable political bite.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.

Competently produced and highly entertaining continuation of the Star Wars saga, again proof that the recent productions are superior to the previous trilogies concerning characters and character development, - and diversity; Daisy Ridley's Rey is arguably the series' most agreeable hero.

Silence (2016)

 

 

In the 17th century, two Portuguese Jesuit priests travel to Japan in an attempt to locate their mentor, who is rumored to have committed apostasy, and to propagate Catholicism. 

 

Highly accomplished adaptation of  Shûsaku Endô's novel is visually stunning and has strong performances, although it simplifies the book's far more complex theological analysis; the closing scene is especially disappointing in which the director seems to make a point of his own.

Paterson (2016)

Paterson is a hardworking bus driver in Paterson, N.J., who follows the same routine every day and writes poems about his observations.

Quiet and reserved, this masterpiece depicts the everyday poetry of a simple life in tone and pictures just as perfect as its protagonist; Adam Driver delivers an admirable performance.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises as the First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.

Successful rejuvenation of the Star Wars saga marrying its original antics with a modern view and a great, likable cast of new young heroes.

Tracks (2013)

A young woman goes on a 1,700-mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with four camels and her faithful dog.

Well-made adventure movie with a supberb Mia Wasikowska in the lead role with some beautiful landscape photography unfortunately fails to show the actual hardships of such a journey.

Maltin***1/2: "Absorbing, eye-filling dramatization...What seems like a story of survival and perseverance also becomes a journey of self-discovery for the stubborn loner, who is played to perfection by Wasikowska. Deeply felt screenplay by Marion Nelson, with great cinematography by Mandy Walker. An eminently satisfying movie."