Nightcrawler

Gyllenhaal slithers through the slimy streets of Los Angeles and despite the twisting turns of this strange story, there’s absolutely no arc for his sociopathic protagonist. Yet somehow he still manages to steal audience attention with insane precision.  Simultaneously an indictment and celebration of the amoral providers for society’s desires.

It Follows

Genius STDemon premise will follow film’s viewers forever.  Brilliantly non-following steadicam shots, surreal temporally ambiguous art design and spooky soundtrack make slow pacing even scarier.  Unfortunately, weak plotting catches up to filmmakers in alarmingly weak 3^rd act.  Still, spectacularly suspenseful story, far too deep to swim in the shallow end.

Sicario

Denis goes to un Estado Nuevo with morally ambiguous tale in which Benicio takes no bull but stealthily tunnels his way into leading role.  Characters seem childishly expressive, marking interesting contrast with secretive and adult world of the film.  Brilliantly understated cinematography bonds these prisoners to their colder northern cousin.

The Revenant

Leonine Leo struggles through universally hostile snowy subconscious while Tom hardly breaks a sweat even after a bear feasts on Cobb in Native Americanception.  Luscious florid cinematography and brutally gritty violence keep a surprisingly simple plot on its feet as it treks through merciless hours.  Beautiful malice shot like Malick.  

Furious Seven

The Rock rolls over as Statham transports his genre expertise into this Diesel-fueled joy ride.  A couple of Kurt commands send the team through several fun-filled video-game (and building) levels, but the slow-paced L.A. finale is even less arouse-y than Ronda’s brief ‘performance’.  Plus a fond farewell to Fast Walker.

St. Vincent

McCarthy plays it pleasantly straight while Watts fulfills her earlier Promises, but both take the backseat in this drunkenly driven Murray vehicle.  Cute premise and fascinating central character suffer from utterly unresolved obstacles.  Though endearing the finale is far from final and though amusing the film isn’t worth the Bill.