Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

A climax that is somewhat anticlimactic. That’s not really a pan; this film is nowhere near the disaster it could have been. But it does come across, ultimately, as something not quite. The action is good, in some sequences great, and the characters live up to the legacy that they’re trying to fulfill. The story is fine, if a bit predictable, while the writing is mid-grade; you get the sense throughout the movie that the dialogue misses some opportunities to be really clever (or, dare I say it, whip-smart). But all in all, this ends up being an acceptable, entertaining, and to a certain extent even surprisingly poignant way to wrap up one of filmdom's greatest adventures. The tale of the man who swashbuckled through history is now history itself. Sounds about right.

Ford v Ferrari

Kind of like a mid-sized sedan manufactured back in the '90s: decent, lots of reliable parts, but never quite able to shift into high gear. The story is inherently interesting, told through vivid characters--not to mention numerous sports movie cliches--with a good cast and impeccable scene and art direction, but the problems never really go away. Damon is fine as Carroll Shelby, but Bale's work as Ken Miles ranges from pitch perfect (in his tone and presence) to distracting (his accent is largely unintelligible). Plus, the film's climax is not really a win (which would have been predictable) or a loss (which would have been provocative) but basically a tie--which hardly heightens the drama. Like most American cars these days, this model is good, but could have been better.

The Wolverine

Another X-Men movie? Yes, and (surprise!) it’s a good one. There are lessons to be learned here: the cast, except for Jackman, is all unknowns (at least to an American movie viewer), the setting in Japan comes across as intriguing (instead of yet another well-worn string of action sequences in the all-too-familiar settings of this land), and a set of as yet unknown writers and filmmakers got a shot at telling their own story (one that still dovetails well with the already established canon). In other words, make it different and original, and even a series movie can seem fresh and exciting. Like this one. Give it a look.

3:10 To Yuma

For all the shooting and other assorted noise, this powerful film is subtle and nuanced--almost philosophical--when it counts. Wonderful performances by Crowe and Bale as polar opposite characters--on different poles, separated by the entire globe, yet still on the same planet--lay the foundation for the story's stunning climax. Not to be missed.

Walk The Line

The credits say the co-stars are Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon; the real co-stars are Johnny Cash and his demons. That pair made for a compelling story, and combined with some excellent work from the actors, splendid musical performances, and a well-crafted presentation, the whole bundle makes for an exceptional and entertaining (if lengthy) movie.

Cop Land

Yes, there really is such a thing as a good Sylvester Stallone movie (at least since the original Rocky).