Sicario

Denis goes to un Estado Nuevo with morally ambiguous tale in which Benicio takes no bull but stealthily tunnels his way into leading role.  Characters seem childishly expressive, marking interesting contrast with secretive and adult world of the film.  Brilliantly understated cinematography bonds these prisoners to their colder northern cousin.

The Revenant

Leonine Leo struggles through universally hostile snowy subconscious while Tom hardly breaks a sweat even after a bear feasts on Cobb in Native Americanception.  Luscious florid cinematography and brutally gritty violence keep a surprisingly simple plot on its feet as it treks through merciless hours.  Beautiful malice shot like Malick.  

Furious Seven

The Rock rolls over as Statham transports his genre expertise into this Diesel-fueled joy ride.  A couple of Kurt commands send the team through several fun-filled video-game (and building) levels, but the slow-paced L.A. finale is even less arouse-y than Ronda’s brief ‘performance’.  Plus a fond farewell to Fast Walker.

St. Vincent

McCarthy plays it pleasantly straight while Watts fulfills her earlier Promises, but both take the backseat in this drunkenly driven Murray vehicle.  Cute premise and fascinating central character suffer from utterly unresolved obstacles.  Though endearing the finale is far from final and though amusing the film isn’t worth the Bill.

Get the Gringo

Gibson pays back AD with directing gig and creates a fun piece of escapist pulp.  Self-indulgent voiceover eventually gives way to excellent supporting characters with endearing chemistry.  Great cameos by Hank Schrader and Mr. Eastwood plus solid action sequences, witty banter, and clever diversions make Mexican Prison Break muy bueno.

Dark Skies

Troubled family hasn’t seen Signs.  Well executed scare gags almost make up for mediocre justification in a decently executed alien rendition of a supernatural thriller.  In case of audience confusion Simmons appears to summarize first two acts and predict the third.  Freaky climax is out of this world, but underwhelming.