John Wick: Chapter 2

John acquires less cute but more durable dog and sets out to Wick some more ass. Though the plot is far from bullet-proof, the action has enough adrenaline for three matrices combined and an entertaining array of unCommon opponents including ironically deaf Sheiber make for a compelling two-hour stunt reel.

Spun

Ultra-grungy predecessor to Gaga music videos features wide array of stars playing over-the-top caricatures.  Stylistic elements occasionally feel motivated and disguise weak story with moderate success.  Rourke and Murphy’s roles are tragic considering real life issues, but Schwartzman satisfies leading man requirements.  Feels like a pre-pubescent Tarantino emulating Oliver Stone.

Vanishing on 7th Street

Clever premise for another philosophical endeavor from machinist Anderson. Opening is brilliantly crafted, but the scares quickly become redundant flickers. Falls apart in the second act and gets darker still in the third as the subtext is stated overtly, and the universe logic changes. Ends in A&E’s walking horse shot.

The Lincoln Lawyer

A film of firsts. Macy plays something other than a loser. McConaughey and Philipe deliver spectacular performances. Both keep shirts on. Non-Grisham lawyer movie is riveting and suspenseful. Very nearly perfect crime thriller with a stellar supporting cast. See if McConaughey and Lucas face-to-face doesn’t look like a mirror image.

Gamer

Neveldine and Taylor crank out this poorly plotted ‘Running Man’ ripoff overflowing with glitchy editing and arbitrary breast shots. Butler is decent but Sedgwick is weak, even compared to Lohman, Luda, and Leguizamo. Michael C. Hall is film’s saving grace, but still, Leonidas vs. Dexter & Terry Crews? Game Over.