Mr. Brooks (2007)

A well-respected businessman is sometimes controlled by his murder and mayhem-loving alter ego.

Satirical in intent, this serial killer tale packs far too many subplots into the mix making it implausible in any direction you choose to understand it: at least, William Hurt is obviously enjoying his part as the cynical alter ego.

Maltin**1/2: "Interesting ingredients, but a lumpy stew; sometimes laughably absurd."

Hidden Figures (2016)

The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.

Well-meant, likeable vindication of the female African-American's participation in NASA is professionally staged with an excellent cast, but is disappointing in its bending the singular success stories into white savior tales.

The Company Men (2010)

Three men try to survive a round of corporate downsizing at a major company - and that affects them, their families, and their communities.

Bleak and obviously accurate view of Amarican corporate capitalism and its effects on those who work therin - well-paced, atmospheric film with a good ensemble.

Maltin***: "Empathetic slice of modern American life...while it may not score an emotional bull's-eye, it still has something valid to say about self-worth and self-respect."

The Highwaymen (2019)

A pair of Texas Rangers come out of retirement to catch the infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.

Nicely produced cops chasing Bonnie & Clyde movie with a tinge of nostalgia does the right thing and sets its focus on Harrelson's and Costner's interplay.

The Bodyguard (1992)

A former Secret Service agent takes on the job of bodyguard to a pop singer, whose lifestyle is most unlike a President's.

Pure schlock solely construed as a showcase for its two stars, who are indeed the only ingredient that makes this movie watchable.

Halliwell (no star): "Predictable mix of song, romance and action  that found surprising favour at the box-office."

Maltin**1/2: "Overblown dual-star vehicle makes no sense, but has many crowd-pleasing ingredients - as well as moments of high kitsch. Solid debut for Houston..."

The Untouchables (1987)

Federal Agent Eliot Ness sets out to stop Al Capone; because of rampant corruption, he assembles a small, hand-picked team.

Streamlined entertainment without any depth; quite enjoyable for ist sheer professionalism in all departments.

Halliwell**: "The long-running TV show is given a new polish in this showy, violent gangster picture, which seemed to please all classes."

Maltin****: "High-energy entertainment that packs a wallop...Fluidly (and flamboyantly) filmed, with powerhouse performances by Connery..., and De Niro, as a grandiose Al Capone. Climactic shoot-out, with echoes of POTEMKIN, will have you on the edge of your seat!"

Swing Vote (2008)

In a remarkable turn-of-events, the result of the presidential election comes down to one man's vote.

Surprisingly entertaining and humorous satire with a good cast, and Madeline Carroll is the true star of the movie.

Maltin***: "Sharp, funny, relevant comedy...Genuinely Capraesque movie has a terrific cast that makes the most of the screenplay..."

Hidden Figures (2017)

A team of African-American women provide NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program's first successful space missions.

Man of Steel (2013)

Clark Kent, one of the last of an extinguished race disguised as an unremarkable human, is forced to reveal his identity when Earth is invaded by an army of survivors who threaten to bring the planet to the brink of destruction.

Good variation of the Superman saga thrills with great production and effects and a nicely assembled cast; alas, the final duel gives the term 'collateral damage' a whole new dimension.

Maltin**1/2: "...never quite soars, despite a promising start...the second half of the movie, a nonstop demolition derby that resembles a loud, raucous TRANSFORMERS movie and leaves its characters on the back burner. A good cast, led by the finely chiseled Cavill, can only do so much with this material."

The Man Who Saved the World (2014)

The actions of Stanislav Petrov, a retired Soviet military officer, prevented the start of a worldwide nuclear war and the devastation of much of the Earth.

Competent docu-drama that centers its attention to Stanislav Petrov's life and personality, intense and very touching in certain moments.

Message in a Bottle (1999)

A woman discovers a tragic love letter in a bottle on a beach, and is determined to track down its author.

Unrestrained tearjerker on the verge of parody, not for the squeamish.

Halliwell (no star): "Soporific and soft-centred romantic drama that is yet another nail in the coffin of Costner's career."

Maltin**1/2: "Sappy, old-fahioned romance...Too long, too slow, but enjoyable escapism if you buy into it, with Wright Penn nicely cast against type, and Newman in fine form as Costner's starchy father."