September 2018 Movie Reviews

Searching
4 1/2 stars
I was very impressed with Searching. Obviously some people might think the laptop screen format of the movie is a gimmick but I thought it was believable and used effectively. Much like the found footage style, this format has been used before, but not to this degree of detail and forethought. The movie does a wonderful job of building suspense, showing the viewer only what they need to know. There are a lot of twist and turns, including one that gave me goosebumps. John Cho is superb and I highly recommend you check out this low-key gem.

The Predator

3 stars

The Predator was... something? I actually had a good time with most the film and the band of down on your luck military veterans were very funny and had some great dialogue. But the movie takes a drastic turn where it goes from grounded sci-fi action into sort of a ridiculous B-movie. The predator franchise isn't known for it's strict realism, but the film sheds any logic in the second half. Characters stop acting in any normal way. Sterling K. Brown (who's always a delight) changes from determined scientist into a cartoony, evil super-villain. And Boyd Hollbrook definitely should be nominated for the worst father ever award with pretty much no regard for his son's safety. But, the action sequences are vivid and gory and it's probably not worse than Predator 2: Escape from LA or any of the Alien V. Predator movies, so it's fine? If you're a fan of the franchise or the creature design (which I am) than you'll probably have a good time as well.

And last thing, you don't have to put sequel bait in your movie, you can just end the story normally instead of trying to force the audience to demand another one. I think this was the least exciting tease since Independence Day: Resurgence, which didn't work out too well for them.

Blackkklansman

3 1/2 stars

An enjoyable story that's very loosely based on real-life events. They acting is excellent, and there are a few powerful and memorable moments such as the speech at the black student rally and Adam Driver talking about being Jewish. The movie is pretty clever with not too subtle references to the Trump administration and police brutality. However the epilogue at the end seemed superfluous. And the operation gets a little wacky to be believable towards the end. However with some standout scenes and performances, Blackkklansman is worth a watch.

Crazy Rich Asians

4 stars

I don't have too much to say about this one except that it's very sweet and funny. All the acting is solid, but I think Awkafina needs to be a star. Her comic timing and physicality is amazing.