Top Gun: Maverick

Yeah. That’s cool. So when does the great movie begin? ... What? This is it? Come on, now. The idea that this flick deserves its "best movie ever" plaudits--if not ecstatic shrieks--is downright risible. This piece is enjoyable, for sure, but the reputation it has acquired since release seems to be largely the product of the affection audiences feel for the original film’s characters. One scene in this outing in particular cashes in that chip to great affect, and probably stands as the most authentic part of this entire experience. Beyond that, everything in this script is so obvious that even I could have written it. Mostly, this is an exercise in self-congratulation writ large--though one that is easy enough to watch, if you’re looking for big, loud, dumb entertainment and nothing more. There’s no shame in that--so long as everyone maintains perspective. Just fly level and straight and you’ll do fine with this one. Try to take it to Icarian heights--let alone the "danger zone"--and it will surely crash and burn.

The Missing

Half of a good movie. It's most interesting during the scenes between Tommy Lee Jones's "gone native" old man and his estranged rancher daughter, played by Cate Blanchett. That tense dynamic always keeps it interesting. Less successful are the scenes involving the missing daughter/granddaughter and her captors. Rather than add to the drama, the plain presentation of the captors and their evil leader actually detracts from the movie--it's much more intriguing when the girl just vanished into thin air. But it's not a total loss. Call it a toss up--watch if you have the time.

The Saint

It came and went with hardly a notice, but this flick deserved better. Val Kilmer brings a nice touch to the role of Simon Templar, and though the story ultimately gets a bit absurd--cold fusion, eh?--it still manages to entertain.