Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

For a film with World in the title, the second half is remarkably contained within Bayona’s Impossible Orphanage. Amazing effects manage to compliment cartoonish action to artificially stave off extinction of the franchise. Periodically leans on weaker clichés but then clever twists predictably rush in to rescue each massive moment.

Shot Caller

Felonious film Calls attention to silver lining of drunk driving, career opportunities in supportive communities with good shot at advancement. Establishes compelling suspense by gradually bridging two parallel performances, but despite frequent and enthusiastic shivvings, never quite bridges the gap between yuppie Lannister and spy kit mustache son of anarchy.

Brawl in Cell Block 99

Static wides give Vaughn a playground to portray a larger than life performance. Though his character may be shackled by circumstance and setting, the comedic titan breaks free of his typecast and embodies a brutal and believable brawler. Simple but unpredictable plot and perfect pacing keep this contained film compelling.

War Machine

Brad’s performance is uncharacteristically the pitts as he claws for his caricature of a character and fails to bring home a win in this mess of a movie. Despite deployment of dozens of additional minor celebrities neither realism nor comedy nor empathy are brought to the people of the audience.