Ralph Breaks the Internet

Arcade world explodes outward, but moral message narrows for a cautionary tale about over-controlling friendships, in sharp contrast to the out of control online universe. Brilliant allusions to reality, a perfect peppering of product placements and an exemplary exploitation of Disney’s dynasty effectively fix up a wreck of a plot.

Justice League

Grouchy Avengers assemble to battle every Thor villain fused into one. They stage super-disappointing resurrection as a cheat-code against the infinity boxes that threaten to plunge the whole cinematic universe into a tonally mismatched mess irredeemable even by the combined work of every action composer or occasional Flashes of humor.

Wonder Woman

Wonder Gal’s nuanced naivety sustains an overlong story despite periodic poor pacing. Excellently executed film uses physical action as proxy for ideals resulting in an epic battle boasting comedy, moral weight, and a sprinkling of Snyder speed-ramps. DC deserves a Pat on the back for finally birthing a good film.