Top Gun: Maverick is this year’s most popular movie. It tells a relatively simple story well, bursting with visual and aural excitement. First of this year’s “popcorn movies” and worth every kernel. (4*)
Elvis (4.5*) In a dazzling production full of sights and sounds, Baz Luhrmann paints the tragic story of a man who struggled to get back to his cultural roots.
A German production, All Quiet on the Western Front re-adapts the 1928 novel of the same name, adding some distinctive scenes and commentary to the story of a young German man, and his friends, thrust onto the “Western Front” to fight the French in the final months of World War I. Accompanied by some stunning cinematography, dominating sound and music, and visceral visual effects, the film reaches new heights in presenting the horror of war. It also adds another, very important message about how events are felt differently depending on where you stand on the social ladder.
(4 Stars) For those of us who like our heroes simple, with tense, sustained, action.
(3.5 Stars) Many good things here, but, in the end, not real memorable.
(4 Stars) An important film that explores the world of sound.
(4.5 Stars) Interesting and Creative approach to some very abstract questions. Excellent film.
(3.5 Stars) A movie Of Hollywood, By Hollywood, and, most importantly, FOR Hollywood!
(3.5 Stars) Visually stunning and terrific sound. But not up to Kubrick standards!
(4 Stars) Rousing entertainment placing the viewer right behind the wheel at 200 mph.
(4.5 Stars) Difficult to watch, especially right now. But perhaps necessary.
(3 Stars) Another tale of Neil Armstrong’s life and walk on the moon. Won the Visual Effects Oscar.
(3.5 Stars) In yet another remake, Lady Gaga shows she can act better than Bradley Cooper can sing. Its OK if you’re into sappy romances.
(4.5 Stars) Rami Malek delivers a terrific performance as Freddie Mercury in an excellent film I liked better than the professional critics.
(4 Stars) A visually and aurally stunning action movie with a tightly constructed plot line that you can actually follow.
(5 Stars) Probably the best movie of the year and a great example of excellence in all dimensions. A must-see film.
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.