Voyagers (2021)

 

A crew of astronauts on a multi-generational mission descend into paranoia and madness, not knowing what is real or not.

Well-made, with a good cast and appropriate special effects and some suspense in the finale, this is not much more than a Lord of the Flies variation in outer space.

Ready Player One (2018)

When the creator of a virtual reality called the OASIS dies, he makes a posthumous challenge to all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune and control of his world.

Solid, lively sci-fi action drama is exciting, but is so overladen with pop cultural references, trivia and original ideas that it mars a lot of the entertainment it wants to offer.

 

Mud (2012)

Two young boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the vigilantes that are on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.

Slow-paced and subtle melodrama of juvenile awakening, all made in good taste with a competent cast, but the two teenage leads are the true stars of the movie.

Maltin***1/2: "Beguiling, fablelike film...Unusual film moves at a leisurely pace, as it should, with sensitive performances from the kids and grown-ups alike."