Better Late Than Never Vol. 2

There were more than a couple of films that came earlier this year and wasn't able to write on. Many are already available to purchase or rent. Here's the quick rundown:

Paddington 2  (A)

Christopher Robin isn't the only great movie about a talking bear. Like the former, Paddington 2 does something that is unheard of in the mainstream children's entertainment. A clean kid's movie with no pop culture references, or innuendos but maintains on being funny and engaging for all ages. All the characters are likable including the scene-stealing villain played by Hugh Grant. Why can't we have more movies like this? Because kids want to see fart jokes, gibberish talk and or some popular song amidst the embarrassing slapstick. It's a shame when Peter Rabbit earns more money at the box-office and films like this are forgotten. That is why we can't have nice things. Do yourself a favor and buy both the first and second Paddington movies and help yourself to a marmalade sandwich.

Pacific Rim: Uprising (B-)

Let's be honest,  we go to movies like these for one reason only. TO SEE GIANT ROBOTS BEAT THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF GIANT ALIENS. True, most of the characters aren't as memorable as the first film; many of which, including the script, go through the exact arc of Independence Day: Resurgence. Some of it works while the rest doesn't. Despite Guillermo Del Toro not in the director's chair Pacific Rim: Uprising still holds that Rock 'Em Sock 'Em entertainment that we come to expect. John Boyega proves he can handle a lead role in a sci-fi movie that isn't Star Wars and Scott Eastwood is finally given a better movie in his career. In terms of giant robot movies, Uprising is ten times better than any of the Transformer movies.

Paul: Apostle of Christ (C+)

I'm not expecting the next The Passion of the Christ though this movie at times seems to want to go that route but then backs out. Coincidentally, Jim Caviezel who was Jesus in that film plays Luke one of the writers of the Gospels in this movie. However, after watching movies like Noah, The Young Messiah and to an extent Risen, Paul: Apostle of Christ wasn't challenging or engaging as I hoped it would be. Regardless, the movie is a relatively harmless watch.

Tully (A-)

Going in Jason Reitman's latest comedy-drama, I thought I knew what kind of movie I would be watching but man was I wrong. This movie adds that needed depth that was lacking Ron Howard's Parenthood. Despite all the craziness, exhaustion, pain or any negative thing you want to say about motherhood, Tully still embraces that there is a beauty to all this and why its worth it in the end. Charlize Theron is astonishing as Marlo, a role that took a toll on her, illustrates the hardships of parenthood but still willing to moving forward. Despite one or two problematic elements, Tully still gets two thumbs up.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado (D+)

You don't need a dementor to suck the happiness out of you, just watch the first Sicario movie. The movie is shot well with a couple good action scenes but the entire film was so dark and depressing. The sequel is less depressing but unnecessary. It makes the right choice of making Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro the main characters but Sicario is not a film I had in mind to make a franchise. It has the same message that every cartel movie has of drugs are bad while showing lots of vulgarity, violence and drug use. All that was missing was sex. Skip these films and stick to Traffic, a much better movie that handles the subject and also stars Benicio del Toro in his Oscar-wining role.

God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness (C-)

The best thing I can say about God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness, is that it's the least terrible of the God's Not Dead trilogy. There are a few self-aware moments in which this installment seems to recognize the many flaws of this franchise from its sadistic portrayal of Christians and Atheists, and its forced notion of persecution. John Corbett is the best thing about this film playing David A.R. White's non-believing brother. Their scenes together are genuine whether sharing a moment or arguing with one another. The new character played by Mike Manning has one of the better and believable arcs, if only he had been the main lead. However, the movie is still guilty of being a Christian exploitation movie with a Christian being oppressed by non-believers in high positions of power in the most contrived manner. You want a good movie that presents Christian themes in a better light? Watch Silence, Hacksaw Ridge, The Conjuring or First Reformed.