It Came From Letterboxd (2/15/2018)

Look, I know I haven't been posting enough lately. So, here's something to tide you over until I get my Black Panther review out.

STALKER

Tarkovsky’s 2001. Elegiacally atmospheric arthouse filmmaking at its finest with captivating dialogue and an intriguing universe in which this cryptic tome unfolds. Rarely have I seen a film with such a distinct vision and confidence in creating a geniunely otherworldly experience. Certainly not what I’d call accessible to mainstream audiences; but, for those with the patience and will to see it through, there are plenty of unique wonders to marvel at and contemplate.
[RATING: 4 1/2 out of 5]

THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX

Man, I really don’t get the bum rap this picture is getting. For my money, The Cloverfield Paradox is a pretty riveting B-movie. Solid acting, excellent production design, some great musical work from Bear McCreary and a fun take on some well-worn space horror territory. It’s not on the level that 10 Cloverfield Lane was operating on; but, it’s an enjoyable bit of entertainment on its own dubious merits. Check it out!
[RATING: 3 1/2 out of 5]

CAT PEOPLE

It’s interesting how this came out the same year as The Thing and White Dog (in that it mirrors both distinguishing factors about those films). For the former, it’s a remake that casts aside any notion of repeating the original in favor of being a signature work from a unique filmmaker. For the latter, it works better as a social parable more than it does as a genre piece. Even if I wish I liked this more, Cat People is still a good film with solid acting, careful direction and some interesting ideas about primal desires and humanity. Plus, that Bowie song just kills.
[RATING: 3 out of 5]

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

Well, call this a mighty pleasant surprise! Plenty of solid action, sharp writing, and charming performances from a cast whose clearly having a blast with the material. Also, outside of the name, this is basically a stand-alone affair with no sequel-baiting whatsoever. Not bad for a nostalgia revival made by the guy who directed BAD TEACHER and was produced by Sony.
[RATING: 3 1/2 out of 5]

OCEAN'S ELEVEN (2001)

One of the all-time best examples of style being substance. Every frame has one job and each accomplishes it with ceaseless confidence: get in, get out and look good while doing it. The cast is game for anything, the music’s aces and it’s edited with only the sharpest precision. It’s about as close to perfect as movies get.
[RATING: 4 1/2 out of 5]