Molly's Game

Sorkin had the nuts with Network, but his buy back isn’t such a hot hand. Chastised Chastain is exiled to Elba, and proceeds to read source material aloud, resulting in a lukewarm flop, a less than revolutionary turn, and a stagnant river. Entertaining but overlong, could have cashed out quicker.

Hidden Figures

Candy-coated historical fairytale about the time we solved racism. True story is fascinating and worth telling but it struggles to reach orbit while bearing the weight of trying to be so universally likeable. Everyone gets what they want and everyone learns a math lesson: Inhumanly flawless people = adversity overcome.

Man of Steel

It takes two Robin Hoods to raise him, but just a little journalistic know-how to identify him.  Oilrig jenga, 18-wheeler rubik’s cube… but saving the dog is too conspicuous?   Weird Crowe ex(machina)position.  Then two immortals fight, killing countless civilians, until one of them dodges the sequel by deciding to die.

Open Range

Dear Costner, just because Dances was four hours of awesome doesn’t mean you need to waste ninety minutes with glorious cloud shouts before transforming into an old fashioned western.  Predictable romance is saved by sensationally gritty showdown.  Half the film is vacuously open and then they reach the shooting range.