Rocketman (2019)

A musical fantasy about the story of Elton John's breakthrough years.

Well-made musical biography includes both the ups and downs of Elton John's career; the musical bits are good and the performances, especially Taron Egerton's, extraordinary.

Man on a Ledge (2012)

As a police psychologist works to talk down an ex-con who is threatening to jump from a Manhattan hotel rooftop, the biggest diamond heist ever committed is in motion.

Nicely made and fairly entertaining thriller loses credibility with its far-fetched plot.

Maltin**: "There are clever moments, but the plot gets progressively more ridiculous and eventually loses steam; the depiction of dirty cops and a ruthless business tycoon are pretty shopworn."

Jane Eyre (2011)

A mousy governess who softens the heart of her employer soon discovers that he's hiding a terrible secret.

Masterful adaptation of  Charlotte Brontë's classic novel is brilliant in all departments and manages to translate the complex relationship to the screen, highlighted by the perfect performances by Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender.

Maltin***: "Wasikowska is well cast...Exquisite but restrained interpretation rests largely on its talented leading lady's shoulders. Screenwriter Moira Buffini has juggled the chronology of the novel but retained its dramatic power."

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."