The Company Men (2010)

Three men try to survive a round of corporate downsizing at a major company - and that affects them, their families, and their communities.

Bleak and obviously accurate view of Amarican corporate capitalism and its effects on those who work therin - well-paced, atmospheric film with a good ensemble.

Maltin***: "Empathetic slice of modern American life...while it may not score an emotional bull's-eye, it still has something valid to say about self-worth and self-respect."

New acquisition: The Town (2010)

The Accountant (2016)

As a math savant uncooks the books for a new client, the Treasury Department closes in on his activities, and the body count starts to rise.

Obvious attempt to establish an autistic superhero works as a standard action thriller, but less so with its premise and the plotholes it creates, althoughBen Affleck is convincing in the title role.

State of Play (2009)

When a congressional aide is killed, a Washington D.C. journalist starts investigating the case involving the congressman, his old college friend.

Solid direction and good cast don't quite make this more than a standard conspiracy thriller; the twist ending disappointingly disavaows any political implications made before.

Maltin**1/2: "Engrossing, well-cast thriller is also a paean to the dying newspaper business - but drops the ball at the finale, which simply isn't satisfying."

Justice League (2017)

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.

Above-average superhero tohobohu entertains with good special effects, lots of action and, especially, a healthy amount of humour.

Argo (2012)

Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1979.

Well-crafted, entertaining political thriller with a good cast manages to mix tension and humour; however, the audacity of the true story seems more fascinating than what the movie actually offers.

Maltin***1/2: "Incredible true story...Affleck's sure-handed direction...manages to shift seamlessly from incredible tension in Iran and internecine politics in Washington, D.C., to the absurdity of the scheme in Hollywood. As the old pros in Movieland, Arkin and Goodman are hilarious, and every one of their punch lines scores a bull's-eye. Smart, enormously satisfying entertainment..."

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Fearing that the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the Man of Steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs.

Above-average superhero drama delivers the goods (mostly mayhem) and adds tension to the encounter of Batman and Superman plus some badly needed help from Wonder Woman, collateral damage included.

Gone Girl (2014)

With his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.

Produced with the usual excellence in all departments one would expect by the director, the highly complex and irreal, dreamlike story seems to have something to say about gender relations, but actually doesn't - and it outstays its welcome.

Hollywoodland (2006)

A detective examines the mysterious death of George Reeves, the star of the television series Adventures of Superman.

A highly interesting story is nicely made with good period details, but leaves the mystery unsatisfactorily unresolved; the excellent star cast makes this movie worth the watch.

Maltin***1/2: "Nuanced, well-written and -realized period piece, with Brody, Lane, Hoskins, and especially Affleck turning in flawless performances."

Smokin' Aces (2006)

When a Las Vegas performer-turned-snitch decides to turn state's evidence and testify against the mob, it seems that a whole lot of people would like to make sure he's no longer breathing.

A Tarantino wannabe thriller lacking his wit and plot consistency; overladen with characters and plot threads, indecisive in its tone and with a unexpected and unconvincing twist ending.

Maltin*1/2: "Good cast can't save this patchwork of farce, action, and drama...Keys is solid in her screen debut as one of the bounty hunters, but the story is a mess and director Carnahan seems to be in love with ludicrous, over-the-top violence."

Armageddon (1998)

After discovering that an asteroid the size of Texas is going to impact Earth in less than a month, N.A.S.A. recruits a misfit team of deep core drillers to save the planet.

A classic doomsday premise executed with a big budget is ruined by a silly plot and a chaotic ending.

On renewed viewing: a bit more entertaining, if you don't take to too seriously.

Halliwell (no star): "Loud and brainless action movie that was among the top box-office successes of 1998."

Maltin**: "Opens with a bang, and sets up an exciting (if improbable) story...After a while it becomes so routine, so predictable, and so redundant that all the fun is drained away."