Solo

Set longer than long time ago, this space spectacle successfully stands alone. An appropriate amount of camp and coolness lend further fuel to a film that doles up the right ratio of references to revelations and, ‘trust’y tropes aside, manages to maintain tension despite obvious direction and less obvious directors.

In the Heart of the Sea

Thor and Poseidon wage war after curious cross-continental casting and bookish bookends preemptively waterlog white whale’s tale. Spiderman and scarecrow silently spectate the feud between master and commander while generally beautiful cinematography is periodically dragged under by excessive artificiality. A clever turn of phrase twists emotional ending away from expectations.

Rush

Howard ducks away from Da Vinci crap to deliver another great film.  Hunt/Lauda features distinctive vintage visuals, gripping races and the best casting and characterization of any true-story film.  Exhilarating action is welded onto stunning historical accuracy creating a vehicle that defies formula but flies through every turn with ease.