Avengers: Infinity War

Whoever thought this many marvelous heroes could run the Gauntlet must’ve been Infinitely Stoned. But they somehow succeeded, so here’s 25 words, cuz Oh Snap!

Thor: Ragnarok

What We Do in the Cosmos plays Thor for laughs, but slips into idiocracy for lengthy rags-to-rocks second act made entertaining by gladiatorial Goldmaster. Blanchett’s character lacks the complexity of her thorny performance. Psychedelic colors and Marvel’s first memorable music assist endless ad-lib in delaying end (of world and film).

Spotlight

All the Pope’s Men is a witty and well-paced look into the world of investigative journalism. Keaton and his birdlings masterfully match their real-world counterparts as they delve into emotional territory with appropriate tact and objectivity.  Though Mystic Zodiac is no mystery, it manages to hold viewers in incredible suspense.

Foxcatcher

Carrell carefully keeps his criminal from becoming caricature, while Tatum broods in the shadows.  A slow burn character study with an odd but not unsuccessful protagonist swap midway.  Miller cranks out another powerful true story, and though he doesn’t quite pin down the pacing, he certainly lasts out the match.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Hawkeye’s housewife and Widow’s green envy only distract from endless avenging.  Spader’s voice and Bettany’s vision add solid sci-fi elements while Johnson and Olsen just wish dey had zese powers when ze Godzilla attacked.  Satisfies audience expectations of another fun fight fest but Ultron’s age proves to be… very young.

Now You See Me

Leterrier tries transporting again with Ocean’s Prestige, an occasionally slick, mildly entertaining festival of irrational effects and grandiose camera moves.  Unfortunately, the plot points are too predictable and explanations too contrived for the arsenal of amusing performances to trick the audience with the illusion of intelligent scripting.  Now you won’t.