Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Saccharin spy sequel ropes in repeat viewers with self-indulgent circle-jerk of artificially enhanced action choreography.  Despite tonally consistent attempts to render disbelief weightless, the stellar assembly of stars to this shallow but shiny show is more difficult to fathom than the robodogs, Elton’s John Wick, or Firth’s ludicrously close shave.

Belle

Beautifully shot film with powerful performances is hampered by stodgy aristocracy and heavy-handed dialog.  Gugu makes men go gaga as she wages war on a society almost as racist as it is sexist.  Overly on the nose casting and utterly impotent finale speech leave audience feeling like neglected old maid.

The Theory of Everything

Redmayne stands out as he sits down in A Beautiful Imitation of My Left Foot while an understated ensemble provide almost as much support as the real life characters they portray.  Effectively presents the contents of Hawking’s complex mind, while probing deep into the moral ambiguities of human hearts.  Crunch!

War Horse

Saving Private Stallion is long and meandering and while a few beats fall flat, plenty of others hit intended emotional chord.  Great effects and brilliant horse-action carry audience on a ride through all facets of European World War II.  Shameless stabs at heartstrings hit all-time high in orange silhouette finale.