BlackKklansman

Malcolm Y’s performance provides an interestingly stiff backboard against which to bounce this insane true story while Driver rides shotgun, Ren-dering an uncharacteristically complex character. Meanwhile I, Topher revisits 70s with almost amusingly amorality. Lee spikes the story with his typical stylization and political commentary, but both hit their marksSspectacularly.

War Machine

Brad’s performance is uncharacteristically the pitts as he claws for his caricature of a character and fails to bring home a win in this mess of a movie. Despite deployment of dozens of additional minor celebrities neither realism nor comedy nor empathy are brought to the people of the audience.

Too Big to Fail

The economy hurts Hurt in this unrelated direct sequel to Margin Call.  Almost documentary table-talk film remains more entertaining than Stone’s Wall Street: Puts you to Sleep, and maintains appropriate amount of neutrality.  Phenomenal supporting cast perfectly portray 12 angry rich men.  Overall, insightful and cautionary but not a game-changer.

Valentine's Day

Love, Atrociously. Cheesy forced variation of British rom-com masterpiece. Amusing cast of big name actors add some spice to poorly constructed ensemble disaster, but none of the interweaving pays off or says much of anything. Cooper and Roberts provide only truly compelling storylines, and culminating in sole redemption of film.

Predators

Good actors playing well-developed characters in a satisfying storyline make Predators the most satisfying of the series. Brody lends class to lead role but Fishburne overplays his brief appearance. Fodder for a sequel and a welcome one at that. Brought on-the-nose third act dialogue and an embarrassingly bad digital fireball.