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.

Inherent Vice

Source material is film’s inherent vice.  Phoenix stays lit as latter day Lebowski amidst a stellar cast of coked-up costars while Anderson’s brilliant long-shots mark the highlight of an overly long and convoluted mockery of narrative.  Rainbow pallet lightens the gravity of what may be the brightest noire ever made.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Gunn hits bulls-eye with this branch-in-cheek rendition of Star Wars: The Force Avenges.  Bautista finally flexes acting muscles while Cooper perfects Pesci impression, Diesel and Seldana go green and Pratt cements his star status.   Effects, humor and heart make up for misused collection of bit-players and deus ex galactica finale.

Savages

Stone relies heavily on voiceover reading clever book he adapts in attempt to reclaim the violent crime throne stolen by Tarantino in the 90s.  Johnson proves versatility while Kitsch laments loss of business and career.  Hayek and Benicio are both two insincere to be truly savage.  Fun, but nothing new.

Sin City

Rodriguez brings together outstanding cast and exemplary style in perfect screen adaptation of comic series. Sure, the cinematography and dialogue had all been pre-determined by co-director, Miller, but RR cuts it cleverly a delivers a beautiful hybrid. Uses voice-over to excess and seems a bit to arbitrary, but otherwise, spectacular.

21 Grams

Title refers to the amount of extra brain tissue needed to fully comprehend this film. Basically, take a shotgun to a good drama and treat the falling confetti as a shooting script. Seemingly random non-chronology proves intensely clever on second viewing. Brilliant performances from lead players solidify film’s emotional power.