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.

Chappaquiddick (2017)

Depicting Ted Kennedy's involvement in the fatal 1969 car accident that claims the life of a young campaign strategist, Mary Jo Kopechne.

This movie's slickly made with excellent performances, but such a sober, unexcited depiction of the events, it doesn't reveal more than the facts already known.

Pet Sematary (2019)

Dr. Louis Creed and his wife, Rachel, relocate from Boston to rural Maine with their two young children, and soon they discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home.

The script takes gracious liberties with Stephen King's original story; the result is definitely no improvement and rather a tired, cliche-ridden horror flick.

Mudbound (2017)

Two men return home from World War II to work on a farm in rural Mississippi, where they struggle to deal with racism and adjusting to life after war.

Excellent period drama with a great ensemble and grandiose cinematography is intense, gripping and  at times heart-wrenching, especially in its depiction of everyday racism.

Everest (2015)

The story of New Zealand's Robert "Rob" Edwin Hall, who on May 10, 1996, together with Scott Fischer, teamed up on a joint expedition to ascend Mount Everest.

Detailed rendtion of a major mountaineering tragedy is extraordinarily well produced with some breathtaking cinematography; large cast succeed in making the dramacredible.

Terminator Genisys (2015)

When John Connor, leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline.

Despite Schwarzenegger's reappearance in the series this entry is merely a well produced, but uninspiring sci-fi adventurer; like its plot, a dead-end detour to the main timeline.

Lawless (2012)

In Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a trio of bootlegging brothers are threatened by a new special deputy and other authorities angling for a cut of their profits.

Intense, well-staged and well-cast crime drama, has atmosphere, but is somewhat slow-paced.

Maltin**: "Vividly atmospheric period piece, filmed in Georgia, has fine actors, flavor to spare, and spurts of extreme violence, but Nick Cave's screenplay leaves some characters undeveloped (like Oldman, who vanishes after two scenes) and others merely improbable (Chastain, as a wordly Chicago woman who seeks refuge - in rural Virginia). Watchable throughout, but bears no scrutiny whatsoever."

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

In the wake of a disaster that changed the world, the growing and genetically evolving apes find themselves at a critical point with the human race.

Accurate continuation of the sage with great set pieces and effects, but the story drags along without suspense till the predictable finale finally gets started.

On second viewing: still agree with my first impression; though quite entertaining after all. 

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."