JASON BOURNE
3.5 out of 5 stars
Damon is relentless in his return to the reliable action we crave. At the same time, it overpowers an undermining, less than rousing story that’s infrequent for this franchise. But adding the dazzling Vikander is a clever move & only helps ignore some of the sequel’s weaknesses.
INDIGNATION
4 out 5 stars
Sewn together by beautiful artistry & a mature, splendid performance by Lerman, this poignant story is about ideas that refuse to be trapped inside boundaries created by society. Most importantly, the film showcases the discovery of a love you will never shake off.
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
4 out of 5 stars
Mortensen is exceptional as a freewheeling dad who loses his wife & seeks closure for him & his family. Beautifully raw w/ unexpected moments, this eccentric film takes its own healing path towards absolution.
PETE’S DRAGON (2016)
3.5 out of 5 stars
This Disney reimagining is routine, but still soars w/ an excellent cast & a big heart. Elliott is a wonder & his friendship w/ Pete is sincerely sweet & empathetic. Lowery’s fanciful vision never outweighs his humanizing magic that all of us happily surrender to.
CAFE SOCIETY
2.5 out of 5 stars
Visually rich & vibrant, Allen captures the era fetchingly. Eisenberg is pitch perfect for this material, but the movie is not nearly as charming nor amusing as he is. It hastily goes from enchanting to stodgy.
WAR DOGS
3 out of 5 stars
Phillips’ flippant story has a harsh reality, but its untamed attitude & vicious humor relishes in the ridiculous. Hill’s laugh isn’t the only impressive part of his provoking, loose cannon performance while poor Teller is just along for the ride.
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS
4.5 out of 5 stars
Laika Studios & director Knight go soul-searching, formulating a kicky, courageous adventure powered by beautiful storytelling & spectacular animation. This stop-motion epic thrives off engaging characters, humor, & fantastical originality.
SUICIDE SQUAD
2.5 out of 5 stars
Being bad doesn’t seem as cool in this DCComics movie about the”worst of the worst” fighting for their freedom. Attitude & humor is ditched & replaced by cautiousness, frightened to be furious. Everyone plays nice except Davis & Robbie, two ladies bringing a twisted swagger to some repressed storytelling.
THE LITTLE PRINCE
4 out of 5 stars
The fresh, flourishing spirit lighting up this classic material w/ absolute radiance will enchant all ages. Animation in all of its splendor,this Netflix film lets imagination fly in a story about shattering conformity. It exquisitely embraces the memories of childhood & gripping life’s loves as tight as you can.
EAT THAT QUESTION
3 out of 5 stars
Frank Zappa is an acquired taste, but his oddball fertility & intelligence is mind blowing. His music & words were daggers to throw at society in order to wake this country up. This musical doc is made out of the rebellious spirit that his fans heavily adore.
SAUSAGE PARTY
3 out of 5 stars
89 minutes is too much for a severely raunchy animated movie about food; yet it’s inarguably unique in the most offensive way possible, allowing jokes to cut deep into the insanity of the world we live in.
GLEASON
4 out of 5 stars
Overwhelmingly emotional yet inspiring to its core, this sports doc tackles ALS’s deterioration of the mind,body & soul. As tearful as it is to watch the diseases’ toll on Gleason & his family, he rallies w/ perseverance in order to let his son see the man he is & the proud father he becomes.
HANDS OF STONE
3 out 5 Stars
An auspicious boxing movie w/ championship material, but lacking the knack to deliver a TKO. Fortunately, De Niro & Ramirez pack a mighty punch as a wise trainer & a fiery fighter in a film that throws the towel in too early.
BLOOD FATHER
3.5 out of 5 stars
Gibson hasn’t lost his humor nor talent as a hardened,grizzly ex-con who gets pulled back into his merciless ways for the survival of his estranged daughter. It’s a head-on, gritty actioner that stands out due to its badass lead.
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
3.5 out of 5 stars
Streep is fantastic as the delightfully delusional socialite who exists for music. A poignant dramedy about taking risks, even when humiliation awaits, in an attempt to live a fulfilling life. Grant’s devotion is a pleasing highlight.
DE PALMA
3.5 out of 5 stars
Holy mackerel! A master craftsman dissecting his craft, De Palma fascinates, especially when he makes his inventiveness sound so simple. A film nerd’s wet dream is what this simple, yet informative doc truly is.
Brandon Vick is the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter@SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork
