Spider-Man: Homecoming

Franchise moves forward by taking a step back. Cleverly regresses to high school roots while advancing past origin story restrictions. Perfectly integrates comedy, heart, and plenty of tie-ins to the MCU while standing strong as friendly neighborhood film. Technological plot-holes are easily patched by a webbing of nostalgia and innovation.

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.

Birdman

Black-Swan-man embraces gravity with style despite feather-ruffling from Norton’s Norton and stoned Stone.  Watts electrifies with return to Mulholland while Galifaeioukis galls by emerging from comedic ferns.  Inairitu’s mockery of editing and soundly designed sound design give wings to a film that seemed like a long shot and still does.

The Other Guys

Amusing buddy cop parody that flounders on story and runs every joke into the ground. Coasts on how stupid Wahlberg thinks everyone is, and Mendez helps with appropriately out of placeness. Plummets halfway through when focus shifts to story, but unlike Mace Windu and the Rock, the crash takes forever.

Toy Story 3

One of Pixar’s best and a satisfying follow-up to an overrated sequel. Phenomenal opening reintroduces characters and plays perfectly into emotional yet funny thrill ride. A few moments may be a bit too horrifying or emotionally disturbing for kids, but these instances are too perfect to omit. Es muy excelente.