Shot Caller

Felonious film Calls attention to silver lining of drunk driving, career opportunities in supportive communities with good shot at advancement. Establishes compelling suspense by gradually bridging two parallel performances, but despite frequent and enthusiastic shivvings, never quite bridges the gap between yuppie Lannister and spy kit mustache son of anarchy.

Wind River

Lesser Avengers reteam for snowcario’s purgatorial trek into tracking and treachery. A blizzard of tonal melancholy whips around Sheridan’s signature simplicity in a murder flick that falls victim to structural clunkiness and climactic coincidence. Native American actors deliver the finest performances in a film with no reservations about visual whitewashing.

Baby Driver

Edgar takes Wright turn into traffic and delivers schoolboy’s fantasy, a carfully constructed crime caper with high-octane action but remarkably little beneath the hood. The Foxx and the Hamm vary their bossy roles while cleverly constructed long-shots, impressive choreographic synchronicity and occasional genre subversions keep the mph high despite superficiality.

The Accountant

Jealous of Boston brother’s critical successes, Affleck assumes his Identities in Bad Bourne Hunting. The premise is a bit of a Reacher, but once the Wick is lit, this thriller burns steadily from start to finish. Contrived coincidences detract from complex plot, but capable cast make it all add up.