Side Effects (2013)

A young woman's world unravels when a drug prescribed by her psychiatrist has unexpected side effects.

A highly convoluted mystery with multiple twists somehow works with its excellent performances and intelligent direction.

On rewatching: Still good for a second viewing, well-made in all departments.

Maltin***: "Intriguing film noir-type story...with modern pharmaceutical twist keeps you guessing right to the end, although its characters are not especially fun to spend time with."

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? 

Side Effects (2013)

A young woman's world unravels when a drug prescribed by her psychiatrist has unexpected side effects.

A highly convoluted mystery with multiple twists some hows works with its excellent performances and intelligent direction.

Maltin***: "Intriguing film noir-type story...with modern pharmaceutical twist keeps you guessing right to the end, although its characters are not especially fun to spend time with."

Hail, Caesar! (2016)

A Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio's stars in line.

Tongue-in-cheek homage to 50s Hollywood is especially convincing in its meticulous recreation of film scenes of diverse genres; in fact, the settings are all excellent, but the story with several subplots doesn't quite thrill, and the humour is sparse.

The Eagle (2011)

In Roman-ruled Britain, a young Roman soldier endeavors to honor his father's memory by finding his lost legion's golden emblem.

Basically well-made historic action-adventure, but not particularly original; not suitable for educational purposes about history.

Maltin***: "Old-fashioned sword-and-sandal adventure...Characters are well developed, and the battles are nicely staged, against gorgeous Scottish scenery. Bell shines and Tatum at least looks the part. Director McDonald certainly understands the genre but injects a classic western bravado that gives the enterprise an air of freshness."

Jupiter Ascending (2015)

A young woman discovers her destiny as an heiress of intergalactic nobility and must fight to protect the inhabitants of Earth from an ancient and destructive industry.

Visually overabundant sci-fi fantasy that is a complete and thorougly risible mess in all other departments.

White House Down (2013)

While on a tour of the White House with his young daughter, a Capitol policeman springs into action to save his child and protect the president from a heavily armed group of paramilitary invaders.

From the director of Independence Day another piece of impossible and mindless mayhem, which again manages to be exciting and (I must admit) fun.

Maltin***: "Nutty and original, this action-filled popcorn movie is played "for real", then suddenly turns comedic; a moment later it asks you to invest in its characters and situations all over again. That it works is a testament to James Vanderbilt's clever screenplay, a top-notch cast, and director Emmerich, who keeps it all ontrack. Outlandish, inventive, and completely entertaining: a true guilty pleasure."