Hold the Dark

Saulnier holds onto chromatic themes as he slides into an even more existential premise. Highlights include brilliant, subdued performances and unpredictable plot, but both do little to add warmth to bizarrely distant and off-putting film. Splashes of violence deliver an impressive brutality that gives tension and drive to slower segments. 

13 Hours

Well-paced action thriller feels far shorter than its title implies. Brilliant performances and well executed action keep critics and insurgents at Bay and make for relatable characters in high stakes true story. Cleverly touches on larger political implications without being too heavy-handed. Suffers from occasionally confused lighting, cinematography, and government.

World War Z

Pitt channels Billy Ray Cyrus as he lures zombies into every remaining safe location on Earth.  Solid twists, CG moshpits, and strange cameos help and hurt the first two acts, but then Pitt crashes the pilot of Lost and finds his way far too quickly into a genre cliché finale.

Iron Man 3

Freaky scientist becomes bad Guy after upgrading from explosive plants to explosive people.  The one-size-fits-all super-suit gets passed around while Stark struggles with feelings of Ironic inadequacy following up Avengers.  Concludes with surprise Love Guru, a presidential piñata, an asbestos bra, and a Guy’s Flamer’s vs. Tony’s Toys Quidditch match.

Flight

Washington soars as he crashes and crashes as he soars in alarmingly and ironically sobering performance.  Passage of lengthy airtime is assisted by countless character actors in mini-bar sized and equally potent parts.  Smooth landing not quite managed following turbulent comedic transition into alcoholism sermon.  Pro-cocaine and anti-left wing (literally).

The Grey

Liam’s less tropical Lost, with all men, harsh conditions, and wolves intent on kidnapping his survival family.  Builds suspense and backstory of supporting characters without using stock footage poem that Neeson needs.  Digital After Tomorrow wolves drive everyone over endless edges, to an end that’s far from black and white.