Movies

Tar

Cate Blanchett is truly magnificent in this film.  I can’t say that I liked the movie, but she can (and does) hold the camera like few others.  This film doesn’t work without her.  

Regret watching? No

Would watch again? No

Would buy on DVD? No

Rating: Nice

Blue Beetle

Definitely enjoyable.  It treads familiar ground with the “young down-on-his-luck kid discovers new powers and learns a bit about himself at the same time” bit, but does it with some nice wrinkles.  The Latino take is nice, and while the family focus is a little heavy-handed, it’s still done with genuine heart.  Other notes:

• The grandma’s (Adriana Barraza) pushed a little too hard.  I get what they were going for, but it just crosses over the line from funny to eye-rolling.

• Xolo Mariduena is fine as Jaime Reyes, but he lacks the extra something that someone like Tom Holland brings to what’s essentially the same role.

• As love interests go, Bruna Marquezine is better than most.  She’s got an honest to god arc, and does more than just get into peril.

• George Lopez ain’t bad as the crazy uncle, but making him the tech wizard/guy in the chair is way too much of a stretch.

• Susan Sarandon’s wasted in this bland villain role.  Lump her in with Sigourney Weaver (Defenders) and Glenn Close (Guardians of the Galaxy) in the “generational actresses completely wasted in comic IPs” list.

• Harvey Guillen’s mistreated doctor subplot might have had a point in the original script, but it got truncated to the point of uselessness on screen.

I wouldn’t mind seeing more of this cast, but it also wouldn’t be the worst disappointment if we didn’t get a sequel.

Regret watching? No

Would watch again? Yes

Would buy on DVD? No

Rating: Nice