Finding Dory

CG rollercoaster ride Weaves its way through the most ineptly maintained aquarium in history and a predictable plot that expends all of its emotional energy in the first big-eyed flashback. Ellen’s emphatic performance sustains long bouts out of water and ultimately makes for an enjoyable if underwhelming deep blue sequel.

A Most Violent Year

Chandor drapes gravity of All over Margin’s complexity and masterfully molds the gripping moodiness of Call is Lost.  It’s Wall Street meets Drive, if James Grey had directed it, and further cements Isaac and Chastain as two of the most serious actors working today.  Still, definitely a most deceptive title.

Drive

Winding Refn revs up for the gold after Bronson’s disappointing bronze. Gosling proves you can’t judge a notebook by its cover in a film that’s crazy and lovely but far from stupid. Brooks and Hellboy have their careers resurrected. Unbelievably beautiful and not because of Mulligan and the frozen strippers.