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).

Kong: Skull Island

Sam Jurassic says hold onto your buts. So… Fascinating fights between King Kurtz and apocalizards BUT vfx get crushed by videogame aesthetic. Stellar cast are assembled BUT their running faces are their best contributions to two-dimensional characters. Reilly’s Hopping mad loon is outstanding BUT emotional final scene doesn’t fit in.

Crimson Peak

Peak marks Del Toro’s all time low, sinking even deeper than its Pacific predecessor.  Hiddleston steals the show as he struggles between the chaste and the Chastain.  Meanwhile Mia navigates fifty shades of red with guidance by visually spectacular specters who do nothing for the narrative. A big bloody mess.