Dog Days: This movie is basic as hell but director Ken Marino has enough comic sensibilities to give a basic movie some fun touches and WHO CARES IT’S ABOUT DOGGIES IT’S ABOUT DOGS IT IS HEARTWARMING. ***1/2
Searching: This is the movie where the story unfolds via either computer or cell phone screens and it’s really cool. It’s a good thriller on its own but the hook with everything being on screens is incredible to watch play out. ****
Mission: Impossible – Fallout: This series has still got legs, though I didn’t adore this like the last two. It’s still a blast, with more impressive set-pieces and Cruise being a charismatic sonofabitch. Sometimes the globe-trotting gets a little too trotting though. ***3/4
Venom: This movie is all over the god damn place. It’s OK – definitely not at the level of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but not as much of a drag as the DC Universe. But I dunno – whatever Tom Hardy is doing isn’t interesting to carry a first half that doesn’t Venom. And there’s all kinds of directions it takes that bring drama, jokes, and action, but those directions don’t necessarily mesh together into anything I actively liked. But it’s alright! And Jenny Slate should be in more stuff. ***1/4
A Simple Favor: Tremendous movie, a throwback to a classic well-plotted mystery with pretty colors and beautiful clothes. This thing is interesting and funny and all the leads bring the anxiety-inducing acting and comedic timing. Paul Feig has done a lot of broad comedies over the last few years and it was fun to see him try a more old school type of movie. It worked. ****1/2
