Unicorn Store (2017)

 

Unicorn Store (2017)

 

Brie Larson

Brie Larson

(ph: Kirk McKoy)

Bio:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brie_Larson

Free Fire (2016)

Set in Boston in 1978, a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two gangs turns into a shoot-out and a game of survival.

Basically one long drawn-out shoot-out is decently staged; combined with a colorful cast of characters it holds one's interest to the end. 

The Glass Castle (2017)

A young girl comes of age in a dysfunctional family of nonconformist nomads with a mother who's an eccentric artist and an alcoholic father who would stir the children's imagination with hope as a distraction to their poverty.

Adaptation of a bestselling memoir convinces due to solid direction and an excellent cast; Woody Harrelson is especially good as the free spirit domineering father.

The Gambler (2014)

Literature professor and gambler Jim Bennett's debt causes him to borrow money from his mother and a loan shark. Further complicating his situation, is his relationship with one of his students. Will Bennett risk his life for a second chance?

Although this thriller is more conceived as a character study than it's interested in suspense, and it has a good cast and is professionally directed, the gambler himself is a most disagreeable narcissist for whom hardly anyone can root for.

Don Jon (2013)

A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love.

For what it is well-made and with a good ensemble, the plot itself (and the main Character) are quite off-putting.
Maltin***: "Impressive feature-film debut for Gordon-Levitt as writer, director, and star, with winning performances from his well-chosen cast."

Room (2015)

A young boy is raised within the confines of a small shed.

Congenial adaptation of Emma Donoghue's novel successfully recreates the painful transition from a closed-in environment to the "outer space" with intelligent direction and an excellent cast.

Free Fire (2016)

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

A team of scientists explore an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong, and must fight to escape a primal Eden.

Nicely assembled monster movie with a big budget; as so often: the creatures steal the show.