Instant Family: The entire premise this is based on feels like it’s not entirely based in any factual possibility, and there certainly is a feeling of White Savior philosophy running through its’ veins, REGARDLESS – this is a sweet charming movie about adoption that has way more depth than being about Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne doing family shenanigans. ***1/2
Mortal Engines: I did not realize going in that this was a part of what has become known as the Young Adult genre. I now know that. And though I enjoyed The Hunger Games as much as anything, this was not that. Insane confusing premise, acting that ranges from cheesy funny to bad, and the most generic of generic plots. *
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Ahhhh so so good. Not just a fun story told in a dynamc way, but it really felt like watching something that tested the possibility of the… well, Spider-Verse. But Marvel Universe in general, I guess. Stacked voice cast too, from Mahershala Ali to John Mulaney. ****3/4
Welcome to Marwen: Robert Zemeckis, Steve Carell, late-December release… should’ve worked but didn’t, way too much time spent on the fantasy world and not giving care to the development of literally anybody in the movie, including Carell. There was charm here and there but overall disappointing. **
On the Basis of Sex: It’s so hard to take Armie Hammer seriously as the young hubby at RBG, but if the last court scene doesn’t make you both A) frustrated and B) hopeful for the future of the world, then I’m not sure you’re alive baby. Felicity Jones crushes it in a movie that by paying no heed all the accomplishments RBG achieved in her later life, manages to tribute to what she stands for in an uplifting way. A to-the-point biopic, but I think that was the point. ***3/4
