190+ Long Reviews, 360+ Micro Reviews and Scores... and Coun

2024 (Rating)

• Dune II (A).  A worthy big-screen sequel to the first film, but the ending lands flat.
• Bob Marley: One Love (B-). A biopic that provides insight into the character and worldview of the iconic musician and popularizer of reggae and the Jamaican-born Rastafarian religious and political movement.
• Argylle (B+). A fun, fast-paced thriller that kept me engaged throughout with a satisfying twist in the final act
• Civil War (C+). Not much hope in this dark meditation on the trauma war creates for photo journalists
• Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (A-). Fast-paced action compliments this origin story of one of the more enduring characters from the Mad Max series
• Atlas (B-). A standard dystopian sci-fi action film featuring Jennifer Lopez in the leading role
• Rebel Ridge (A-). Good acting by the central characters support this solid action film based on a complex and very real legal doctrine
• The Union (B). Good acting by Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg save this standard spy thriller from sinking in tired and well-worn tropes
• Trigger Warning (C+). Jessica Alba can't carry this action film, which suffers from a poor screenplay, unimaginative plot, and low-budget production values
• Gladiator II (A-). Outstanding production values and Denzel Washington anchor this sequel to the first Gladiator movie despite a mediocre plot
• Am I Racist (documentary, not rated).  Anti-DEI mockumentary will satisfy the movements critics but not provide much more 
• Wicked: Part I (A-). Well-produced musical telling the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West targeted toward pre-teen and early teen girls
• Kraven (C+). A nearly nonstop string of action scenes knit together a simplistic and predictable plot
• Six Triple Eight (B+). an earnest and mildly inspiring depiction of the all Black female postal battalion overcoming racism and achieving excellence in World War II
• A Complete Unknown (A-).  Oscar worthy performances lift this biopic of Bob Dylan’s early days in folk music, but audiences still won’t learn much about the reclusive if iconic artist

2023 (Rating)

• Dungeons and Dragons (A- / B+). An unexpectedly smart and engaging movie with a story rooted in the interactive multiplayer game that started it all. 
• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (B).  A competent nod to the Indiana Jones franchise fans with no surprises, dated special effects, and predictable action sequences. 
• Jesus Revolution (A).  A provocative, well made narrative film that explores the foundations of contemporary Christian Church in universal values of love, compassion, and forgiveness. 
• John Wick 4 (A-). The John Wick series continues setting the standard for over the top action movies driven by layered main character and relentlessly focused plot. 
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (B+).  Yet another engaging romp through the universe with the standard characters, this time edition focusing on Rocket's dark background as an origin story.  
• Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1.  Everything one would expect in an MI movie - Tom Cruise, plot-drive action, car chases, sci fi threat, and thin story  Click for full review / analysis. 
• Mother (B-). (Netflix)  A credible if uninspired action movie vehicle for Jennifer Lopez as wayward spec ops who finds redemption in protecting her daughter. 
• Oppenheimer (A).  Another top flight drama delivered by Auteur filmmaker Christopher Nolan focused on the complex, controversial, enigmatic physicist who became known as the father of the atomic bomb. Click for full review / analysis.
• Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game (A-). An inventive and entertaining film about how an unassuming journalist and clandestine pinball wizard fought New York City Hall and won.  
• Plane (B-).  A standard action film with a predictable plot while serving as a worthy vehicle for Gerard Butler.
• Sound of Freedom (A).  Excellent filmmaking raises awareness about human trafficking without sacrificing art or story. Click for full review / analysis.
• True Spirit (B).  (Netflix) True Spirit is a sincere and heartfelt family film about the heroic solo sailing adventure of teenage sailor Jessica Watson. Click for full review / analysis. 

Movie reviews for films released in... 

• 2022, click here.
• 2021, click here.
• 2020, click here.
• 2019, click here.
• 2018 reviews click here.  
• For a complete movie review archive sorted by title click here. 

Generally, movies I have seen and intend to review are on this list, with links to longer reviews on line.  

If the movie does not not have a live link, I typically intend to review it - and have notes- but have not finalized it.  If you have a question about a specific movie, feel free to email me with a question at sam@srstaley.com or samuelrstaley@aol.com.   

In general, these web pages only include movies I score as a "B" or higher. These are movies that I recommend seeing to most, if not all, audiences.   "A" movies generally score very well across the board, regardless of genre. "B" movies tend to be movies that work well within certain genres but not others. "B" movies also tend to be stronger in some areas and uneven in their execution or story.  "C" movies are occasionally recommended, or reviewed, because I have found a strong, redeeming element despite what I saw as flaws in execution, production, performance, or story.   

Don't forget to check out my book Contemporary Film and Economics on this site as well as online. See why one film producer called it "subversively educational."