West Side Story (1961)

I've seen this at least 4 times (probably more) -- it was one of those films like Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that, when it was on TV, the whole family gathered for it. On ad breaks, we'd spring up and dance our way to the kitchen for drinks or to the bathroom. Magic.

My guess is that it's been more than 25 years since I've seen this, but it really holds up especially in comparison to the 2021 remake. The dance fights seem inspired rather than silly and I had tears streaming by the end, which the remake didn't come near to generating.

A

Boston Strangler (2023)

When the Boston Strangler was at large in the early '60s, reporter Loretta McLaughlin dug in and connected dots that police hadn't. Before the age of computers and regular information-sharing between jurisdictions, this was no small feat. Joining forces with a second female reporter, Jean Cole, they were able to make strides in the case that finally led to arrest.

Though the story is, of course, extremely interesting, the telling is pretty flat. There were also several times that I thought "yeah, right." That said, it's still interesting and worth a watch in a Mad Men/can-you-believe-the-sexism-was-this-overt way.

B-

Kodachrome (2018)

A record producer on the brink of losing his job agrees to accompany his estranged photographer father on a roadtrip in exchange for an arranged sit-down with a band about to break big. The destination is Parsons, KS, home of the last lab to process Kodachrome film -- and nearing the end of its dye supply. Also along for the ride is Dad's beautiful and down-to-earth nurse.

So, it's just what you think it's going to be: arguments, bonding, romance, closure. It's fine but exactly like a thousand other movies.

C+

Longest Third Date (2023)

Matt and Khani meet on an app, have a couple of good dates, and decide to take advantage of cheap air fares for their third outing. They head for a weekend in Costa Rica and then get stuck there when COVID shuts down the world. It's a stranger-than-fiction tale only possible due to Matt's whole life being documented for his vlog.

I wound up rooting for this couple as though I was watching a reality dating show. Each of them come off as the type of person who rolls with the punches: they're patient with each other through each disappointment and do their best to keep things upbeat. In short, I was charmed by everything except Matt's man bun; I'm with Khani on that one.

B

The Railway Man (2014)

Eric, a middle-aged British man, is still suffering from his time as a prisoner of war. In effective flashback, we get to know the younger Eric and witness his bravery in coming forward to take the sole blame for a contraband radio receiver. When he discovers decades later that his torturer is still alive, he feels driven to make the trip to confront him.

This based on fact story was truly affecting. I was blown away by the long arm of pain -- how it can persist through decades -- as well as the power of honest confession and true forgiveness. The truth that we are all human and often on the wrong side of things (especially when it comes to nationalism and religion) is highlighted to great effect here. It's a thoughtfully-made and hopeful film.

B

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Hanks plays Otto, a crabby "get off my lawn" widower who's missing his wife as intensely as the rest of the world annoys him. But life -- in the form of his neighbors -- won't leave him in peace.

I'm fairly certain that I'd normally consider this charming or, at worst, inoffensive. But, since I read wonderful novel on which this is based and saw the original nearly perfect Swedish film, it was impossible to enjoy this unnecessary and subpar adaptation. 

Also, I know Hanks is a national treasure yada yada, but he can't pull off curmudgeonly. Just like the young daughters of the new neighbors, we the audience can see right through his act.

C+

But I'm a Cheerleader (2000)

A high school cheerleader's family and friends stage an intervention to send her to gay rehab. All of the other people in the conversion camp are, of course, super gay while the headmistress is super strict. It's got a totally '80s vibe but a late '90s subject and it combines to a big pile of meh. Nothing's as funny as the script seems to think it is -- especially the over-the-top effeminate mincing.

There was definitely potential in the subject but the execution lets it way down.

C-

Lawless (2012)

The Bondurant brothers are bootleggers with the cops in their pocket. One's the stoic brains, one's a monosyllabic enforcer, and the youngest is trying to prove himself. When a new special deputy is assigned to the area, the brothers' lives get quite a bit harder.

It's an ugly story in need of more moments of joy (and no, the young love storyline isn't enough). Guy Pearce as the deputy is one of those gleefully sadistic characters that don't actually exist while the brothers don't put a toe outside of their prescribed character sketches. Just boring as hell.

D+