Civil War

Don’t watch it- to be brief! I saw this (on VOD) b/c I loved writer/director Alex Garland’s earlier movie- Ex Machina. Woo boy, it this a (disappointing) departure! The dialogue (aside from one tense/interesting scene) is predictable, the characters (played by Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, etc.) have V little development, and there is almost no plot. The setting is a dystopian future, though NOT too far from our present. Garland is a Brit, so perhaps doesn’t have the broadest view of the US and its politics; I think he was given TOO much freedom w/ this movie.

Inside Out 2

This is a good time for ALL ages; I think kids who are 10+ would understand the story (centered on the changes that become when we enter our teens). I went to see this sequel w/ a handful of gal pals (incl. a therapist/former social worker) at Alamo Drafthouse (Arlington). We saw a LOT of parents w/ elementary school age kids. Some of my friend’s clients related to it, so she was eager to see it also. There are a few new voice talents, incl. Maya Hawke (who plays Anxiety).

A Quiet Place: Day One

I went to see this at my local theater during 2nd wk it was out. I’m a fan of the 1st movie in this cinematic universe; the 2nd one wasn’t V memorable. Here, we see that Lupita N’yongo is FAB (as some of y’all already know); this sequel will also make you appreciate (British up-and-comer) Joseph Quinn. The actor (who burst onto the scene in Stranger Things) is having quite the year; he’ll be seen as an emperor in Gladiator II and is currently filming Marvel’s Fantastic Four. There is NOT much dialogue after the 1st act, BUT the actors do a LOT w/ their eyes and facial expressions. Also, cat owners will be pleased by the (fine) feline acting!

Twisters

Do you like Glen Powell and/or (another British up-and-comer) Daisy Edgar-Jones? Were you a fan of the (original) movie- Twister– and enjoy SFX? Then, I recommend this movie to you. Otherwise, I don’t think you’ll care too much. Most of the characters (many who are fresh faces) are drawn w/ a broad brush. Some commented that Anthony Ramos’ hairstyle and (toned down) charisma didn’t work for them, though they liked his previous work. The new Superman actor, David Corenswet, plays a one-note character. The directing (by Lee Isaac Chung) is quite good; this will put the (indie) Korean-American veteran director in the mainstream.