A Ghost Story

Spoilers: Casper Affleck dies. Also: Kissing. Furniture removal. Backwards smoke. Cars. Hospital. Halloween costume. Light door. Walking. Pie. More pie. Watching. Kissing. Ghost next door. Music flashback. Leaving. Watching. Hispanic family. College philosophy. Demolition. Construction. Office building. Settlers. Arrows. Empty house. Back again. Piano payoff. Ghostception. Frame story. Fortune Cookie.

Manchester By the Sea

You Can Maybe Count On Me marks Kenneth’s Longer-than necessary return to brooding slice of life dramas. Other Affleck’s emotionally choked character finds its best justification yet, and though Williams, Hedges and self-titled Chandler provide competent support, other appearances ring flat and false. Over all a well told quasi-redemption story.

The Finest Hours

Half the Afflecks steer half a boat for half a movie before handing over the dramatic reigns to Foster and Pine who brave hellish high water to rescue a Disney ending. Solid performances, phenomenal effects, and wave after wave of tension make up for a boatload of clichés and predictability.