First Man (2018)

 

 

A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969. 

 

Excellently produced and quite realistic rendition of the first moon landing is fully focused on Neil Armstrong and who he was, very successfully so, enhanced by Gosling's immersive performance, but somehow misses out on giving both the man and the mission any substantial meaning.

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.

Ant-Man (2015)

Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Nicely entertaining Marvel superhero drama well-made on a somewhat smaller scale than similar projects; it helps, and the star cast seem to be enjoying the fun.

Dark Places (2015)

Libby Day was only eight years old when her family was brutally murdered in their rural Kansas farmhouse. Almost thirty years later, she reluctantly agrees to revisit the crime and uncovers the wrenching truths that led up to that tragic night.

This crime mystery adds up too many pieces of the puzzle before putting them together, and the solution is too contrived to satisfy; however, Charlize Theron's performance is worth the watch.

The Good Lie (2014)

A group of Sudanese refugees given the chance to resettle in America arrive in Kansas City, Missouri, where their encounter with an employment agency counselor forever changes all of their lives.

Likable, touching and at times humorous refugee story wins authenticity with its cast of actual refugees, but is slightly flawed by some simplifications to an otherwise complex topic.