Sunshine Cleaning (2008)

In order to raise the tuition to send her young son to private school, a mom starts an unusual business -- a biohazard removal/crime scene clean-up service -- with her unreliable sister.

Fairly entertaining, if not too exciting family comedy-drama solidly directed and especially watchable for the good ensemble of characters.

Maltin***: "Likable comedy-drama...The two stars are perfectly cast and aided by a handpicked ensemble."

The Great Buck Howard (2008)

A young man, much to the chagrin of his father, becomes the new assistant to an illusionist in decline.

Slightly entertaining tale is mainly watchable for Malkovich's smooth performance.

Maltin***: "Small but entertaining...is worth seeing for Malkovich's endearing and persuasive performance as a "mentalist"..."

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.

Great final act to the Planet of the Apes trilogy with the usual excellence in production and effects, this time showing obvious political allusions and an unabashed (and welcome) sympathy for the apes.

Captain Fantastic (2016)

In the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father devoted to raising his six kids with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the world, challenging his idea of what it means to be a parent.

Entertaining as well as thoughtful confrontation of live concepts works very well thanks to good direction and a lively ensemble; however, despite Mortensen's competent performance, the father's ideological metamorphosis is not quite comprehensible.