Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
[7] The sequel is more of the same, but that's not always a bad thing. There's enough talent in front of and behind the cameras in the Lethal Weapon movies to warrant at least one or two entertaining sequels. The…
Batman Begins (2005)
[7] Christopher Nolan successfully reboots the Batman franchise by taking a cue from Bryan Singer (X-Men), who showed the world how much better a comic book movie could be by taking its subject matter seriously. While the approach works for…
The Dark Knight (2008)
[8] Without the burden of exposition, Christopher Nolan (Insomnia, Inception) molds his Batman sequel into a compelling crime drama that probes deep into the frightening psyches of Bob Kane's characters. No Batman movie, or comic book movie for that matter,…
Justice League (2017)
[7] SPOILER REVIEW: Technically, there are spoilers in this review. But if you look at the movie's credits, you shouldn't be surprised by them. Although we'll probably never really know for sure, it looks to me like Joss Whedon saved…
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
[7] After a mediocre beginning and a truly shitty-ass sequel, Marvel has made the wise decision of scrapping the Thor character as originally conceived and giving him a personality make-over. And that's why it feels like Thor has been possessed by…
This Means War (2012)
[7] Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, and Reese Witherspoon star in this McG-directed comedy-action flick about two CIA guys who find themselves competing for the same woman's affections. The script is born of stale formula, but the plot is kept out…
Superman II (1981)
1981 Theatrical Version [7] 2006 Richard Donner Cut [7] Three space criminals clad in shiny black suits come to Earth and force Superman into a confrontation, just as he's decided to give up his powers for a normal relationship with Lois…
Terminator: Salvation (2009)
[6] Terminator: Salvation is passable summer entertainment held together by a sliver of thematic sci-fi integrity and a strong supporting performance by Sam Worthington (Avatar). Why Christian Bale opted into this movie is beyond me -- it's a thankless role.…
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
[5] Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson star in this tepid action/comedy that feels too inspired by buddy flicks like Lethal Weapon and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang for its own good. Reynolds plays a down-and-out bodyguard hired to protect an…
The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
[7] A woman with amnesia begins discovering her past as a deadly assassin in this high-octane action flick from director Renny Harlin. The Long Kiss Goodnight is good hokey fun at a frantic pace. Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson…