Instant Family (2018)
Greyhound (2020)
F1 (2025)
Upgrade (2018)
The Boogeyman (2023)
Flora And Son (2023)
The Breaking Ice (2023)
Bat 21 (1988) ///
Instant Family (2018) Generously created and portrayed characters appealingly combine as initially ill-prepared Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne foster conflicted teen Isabela Merced as well as her young siblings Gustavo Quiroz and Julianna Gamiz. Despite missing raw confusion, life lessons evolve with winning emotion.
Greyhound (2020) Stripped down approach concentrates on mechanics of naval warfare and tense decision making as focused captain Tom Hanks is part of Allied convoy pursued by U-boats in North Atlantic. Denied personal heft through lack of character definition, action thrills maintain narrative grip through potent visuals and resilient effects.
F1 (2025) Glossy style indulges in speed and glamor of international motor racing, even as framework narrative of old pro Brad Pitt rescuing Javier Bardem's failing team relies on charismatic performers, including Kerry Condon's lively designer, rather than incisive drama. Aided by propulsive Hans Zimmer score, an enjoyable, giddy rush despite flagging length.
Upgrade (2018) Grungy near-future sci-fi sees practical Logan Marshall-Green's wife killed during attack while he's left paralyzed until tech billionaire offers chip implant that resets and improves body. Satiric thrills crisply realized as bloody vengeance reveals expected plot twists and leads to satisfyingly caustic conclusion.
The Boogeyman (2023) Suffused with murky, menacing atmosphere, flimsy story sees tortured stranger bring titular creature into Sophie Thatcher's home where it feeds on fear and family grief. Some suitably unsettling sequences and effective visuals, yet unable to build on potentially resonant themes.
Flora And Son (2023) Despite scratchy characters, rousingly sentimental tale features engagingly unrepentant Eve Hewson picking up online guitar lessons from disenchanted musician Joseph Gordon-Levitt while dealing with rebellious son and dismissive ex-husband. The healing and hopeful effect of creating music.
Ran Dong (The Breaking Ice) (2023) Meandering mood piece brings three young, lost souls to icy northern China where unstable Liu Haoran bonds with tour guide Zhou Dongyu, hiding from her past, and Qu Chuxiao, stifled by parochial life. Rigorous visuals highlight obvious symbolism amid embracing atmosphere.
Bat 21 (1988) Solid production keeps characters and action straightforward as Gene Hackman's helicopter is shot down in Vietnam War jungle and survival depends on communication with surveillance pilot Danny Glover. Driven by Christopher Young's evocative score, crisp pacing and visuals.
