No Escape

White-washed Wilson and Bell escape from their comedic trappings and lend remarkable credibility to their terrified characters.  Another anecdote about Americans in trouble, manages to maintain tension amidst realistic turmoil, at least until Brosnan pierces the fabric of film’s reality and ruins the tone with his smarmy action hero conspirator.

Creed

Coogler embraces source material with arms wide open and delivers drama that could go toe to toe with its cinematic senior. Jordan’s unstoppable acting train has left the station and he trades emotional blows with still-alive Stallone. Reboot reveals that Black or white, Pandora’s boxing is filled color of money.

The Nice Guys

Black’s colorful caper evokes feel of Boogie and pace of Bang Bang without the heart, wit, or sex appeal of either. Crowe and Gosling spread their wings in a farce that finally lets them both have fun. Inherently over-complex plot proves to be Shane’s vice, and bucks audience before finale.