"Before I Fall"

If I had to describe this movie in one sentence, I'd call it "Groundhog Day for teens". But that would be oversimplifying it, and it's hardly a comedy. It's about one day in a young high school senior girl's life. She's part of a gang of cool girls who all go to a party where they have a fight with the weird, artsy girl. The kids end up in a car wreck and the narrator, played by Zoey Deutch ends up dying. As expected, she wakes up the next morning, obviously startled, and has to live the day over again. The film is a little on the sappy side, but I enjoyed it for the fine acting, especially Ms Deutch, and the moral of the story. It's a tad predictable, but not too preachy, and I thought it was worth watching.
3.5 suit of 5 stars

"Rememory"

It's billed as a sci-fi movie but it's more of a mystery. Actually, that doesn't describe it either. The film takes place in the near future where a scientist invents a machine designed to record ones memories. He plans on using it as a therapeutic tool to help patients deal with and confront suppressed memories. When he mysteriously dies, one of his former patients, played brilliantly by Peter Dinklage, investigates. While the film deals with the investigation, it ultimately focuses on emotional healing. And there's also a plot twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
4 out of 5 stars.

"3022"

As the title implies, this sleeper of a sci-fi film takes place in the year 3022. A crew on a ship in deep space awake to discover that the earth has been destroyed, and they're the last survivors of the human race. The small crew is slowly decimated. I know it probably sounds like a snooze fest, but trust me, it's not. The acting is absolutely riveting, the cinematography is great, and the writing is superb. After reflecting on this movie, I came to the conclusion that it could almost have been a stage play. If you're looking for a gripping drama, this one's a gem.
4 out of 5 stars

"The Lovebirds"

"A long days journey into a crazy night" is how I'd describe this movie. A couple, played by Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiari, witness a murder on their way to a dinner party. Then all hell breaks loose. They're pursued by the police and the murderer. It reminded me a little of "After Hours" in that, just when you think things can't get any crazier, they do. I though the dialogue was extremely well done and the two leads had incredible chemistry. They play of each other perfectly and you have to pay close attention to get all their funny comments. Often, they're speaking over each other and you're tempted to back up the movie and replay the scene. I hope the two work together on more films.
4 out of 5 stars

"The Wrong Missy"

I love the term "screwball comedy". And that the phrase that perfectly describes this movie. A quiet, super straight middle-age man goes on a blind date where he meets a totally out of control loon named Missy. She's obviously not the right woman for him. However, on a business trip he meets another Missy who seems to be his soulmate. They have so much in common it's uncanny. So on an corporate retreat to Hawaii, he inadvertently invites the wrong Missy to join him. Awkward moments doesn't even come close to describing the trip. It's so over the top it's ridiculous. Warning: lots of absolutely filthy language, so if that bothers you, take a pass. I found myself laughing out loud several times, which is unusual for me. Very funny film and one I think I'll have to watch again when I need a good pick-me-up.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"The Half of It"

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for intelligent, well-made teen movies. This one is another take on the Cyrano story. A sweet, but inarticulate jock is in love with a popular beauty queen. He gets the smartest kid in the school to write letters and texts to her. Trouble is, she falls in love with the same girl. No big surprises here--it's just an enjoyable hour and a half of superb acting and well written dialogue.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"Here Alone"

I guess it could loosely be called a zombie movie. It's more about survival after a virus hits the country and turns everyone into, okay, I guess, zombies. I found this movie super creepy, and I'm not usually a fan of these flicks. But I enjoyed it, especially considering the weird pandemic times we're currently living through. The lead, played by Lucy Walters, is out in the woods, trying to survive on her own. She had fled the city with her husband and young daughter, but they became infected and died. Eventually another couple runs into her, and the three work together to carry on. Obviously it's a grim tale of survival, but I thought Walters did a superb job. If I was out in the woods, I'd definitely want her on my side!
3.5 out of 5 stars