Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

For a film with World in the title, the second half is remarkably contained within Bayona’s Impossible Orphanage. Amazing effects manage to compliment cartoonish action to artificially stave off extinction of the franchise. Periodically leans on weaker clichés but then clever twists predictably rush in to rescue each massive moment.

The Silence of the Lambs

The definitive killer flick features not one, but two of the best villains ever. Hungry-brained Hopkins versus mousy-cute recruit Foster is a match worth watching. Made innovations in the art of deceptive editing, redefined the Oscar term ‘lead actor,’ and likely provided inspiration for Face-Off. Definitely put this lotion-picture on.

Heat

Father and son Corleone finally meet onscreen in the godfather of all bank heist films. Incredible cast and intricately woven multi-dimensional storyline raise the temperature far above that of a cops and robbers flick. 90s high point for every actor involved. Defined by cut coffee chat and intense city firefight.

Shutter Island

Scorsese finally proves that ‘no,’ he doesn’t only make good movies. Interesting continuity editing lets Dicaprio showcase ability to spontaneously change position of props, facial expressions, and entire body between camera angle cuts. Insanely flawed story reflects loyalty of film to source material. Decent film if zero thought is applied.