Black Widow

This felt like filler. Knowing that the title character already has an ultimate destiny kind of puts a damper on the proceedings from the start. Then there’s also the confusing backstory, seeming double crosses that really aren’t, and then preposterous finale which is overly convenient, not to mention vigorously defiant of both geography and physics … it’s all a not-quite-rich tapestry. Bottom line: it appears the MCU is sometimes deficient in IQ; at the very least, they outsmarted themselves with this piece. Not incompetent, at least not completely, but also not particularly necessary.

A History of Violence

An interestingly ambiguous movie. It takes a while for you to figure out what this movie is really about, and in this case that's a good thing. There's a couple of misdirections that are not overly complex nor too clever and self-conscious, which may be the best indication that this film has much deeper things on its mind. Once the story actually does shake down and the viewer realizes "This is what it is," you realize that you've been given a good dose of insight into the consequences of the thing, and that makes the ultimate ambiguity that much more effective. Definitely worth your time and consideration.

Robin Hood

The ghost of Errol Flynn hangs heavily over this movie. It would be bad enough trying to do a standard remake of the Merry Man's adventures; a re-imagination that changes the story in significant ways asks a lot of the audience. Not that this film is bad; there's much to recommend it, including a lot of authenticity and good performances by leads Crowe and Blanchett. But even so, you walk away feeling that something is missing here. A tough call--probably worth a look, but no guarantees.

One True Thing

There's that girl again; a young Renée Zellweger plays center stage, this time with veterans Meryl Streep and William Hurt giving very capable support. A bit of a tearjerker, but we won't hold that against it.

Lost in Space

Not truly awful--Gary Oldman is always good for a few nice moments--but not really necessary.