AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

If all this picture did was introduce the Vision, it would earn a spot here. But it also gave us the twins, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, and Ultron. The return of virtually every major character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe guided by writer/director Joss Whedon. The Hulk versus Iron Man's Hulkbuster armor. The death of a major character. This is big summer filmmaking at its best. And I'm disappointed that Whedon won't be back for the next installment.

 

 

GOOD KILL

Probably the best picture I saw this summer. Andrew Niccol is in top form and Ethan Hawke is brilliant as a drone pilot fighting the war in Afghanistan from the safety of a base in Las Vegas. Easily the quietest war movie I've ever seen, but it's no less powerful.

 

 

ANT-MAN

As fun as superhero flicks get!  Wonderful cast led by Paul Rudd. Hank Pym's introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe played with gravitas by the legendary Michael Douglas. Evangeline Lily and Michael Pena steal every scene they are in.  Amazing special effects both for Ant-Man's shrinking powers and for making Douglas look like he did in 1989!  Director Peyton Reed really delivered something special.

 

 

THE GIFT

The surprise of the summer, a wonderful thriller written and directed by Joel Edgerton who also acts in the film. Brilliant performance by Jason Bateman. This story takes you down dark, unexpected paths. The less you know, the better.  

 

 

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

Despite the poor handling of the title character, this is spectacular action filmmaking anchored by an outstanding performance from Charlize Theron. Genius George Miller pulled out all the stops with this gritty road picture and delivers thrills along with brilliant visual storytelling.  

 

5 MORE FROM SUMMER 2015

 

JURASSIC WORLD

A great summer rollercoaster ride with fantastic set pieces. The introduction to the park through the boy's eyes is wonderful. Chris Pratt's relationship with the raptors is fascinating. Dinosaurs fighting dinosaurs! What more do I have to say?

 

 

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON

This one was a real surprise. It's no cookie cutter behind the music flick. This is a gritty, street telling of the ground breaking Rap group N.W.A. It's well cast and the story is engaging and well told. Loved the opening which could be the opening to any great crime flick. Bye, Felicia!

 

 

ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST

This one got lost this summer, but it's a solid thriller featuring a brilliant performance by Benicio Del Toro as drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.

 

 

TRAINWRECK

Flawed but quite funny, Amy Schumer proves to be an engaging leading lady who scores both laughs and tears as she falls in love with Bill Hader's Doctor character.  

 

 

SAN ANDREAS

This summer film full of destruction is surprisingly engaging due both to spectacular effects work and the performancea of Dwayne Johnson and Alexandra Daddario. Don't think too hard about it because it's really absurd, but it doesn't feel that way while you're watching it.