It’s that time again. Time to catch up on recent movie viewing. Think of it as your mini-guide to what’s hot and what’s not among recent films.

The Greatest Showman

I will admit it… I am a fan of musicals. I get that for some folks the thought is like fingernails on a chalkboard – for me, it’s just good fun. The Greatest Showman was that – fun. No, there wasn’t anything life-changing. It wasn’t a story to end all stories. It wasn’t the best acting ever. It wasn’t even the greatest music in the history of musical. It was just fun. And you know what? Fun is good enough.

RATING 7 out of 10

All the Money in the World

All the Money in the World was a harrowing tale. Not because you spend the time really all that worried about the kidnapped grandchild of J. Paul Getty. Instead, it was a harrowing look at the selfishness and inhuman treatment of Getty toward his relatives. His singular pursuit of money over relations was a sad tale.

RATING 8 out of 10

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

I will probably make some enemies when I announce that I thought the first Jumanji film was stupid. This one was stupid too – but it was fun. Kevin Hart, Jack Black and even Dwayne Johnson were laugh-out-loud funny. Don’t go expecting anything other than a silly, action-packed, laugh-a-minute jaunt and you won’t be disappointed.

RATING 7 out of 10

Downsizing

I was looking forward to this one since first seeing the previews. You may remember I went to see Suburbicon. It turns out that this one was just as bad as that – okay, not quite as bad… but certainty not that great. A film that had great promise turned into a weak political message.

RATING 5 out of 10

Father Figures

I like it when a film doesn’t try to be anything more than it really is. Father Figures fits that description. It purported to be a slapstick comedy about two funny guys searching for their father… and the hilarity ensued. No, it isn’t the best comedy of all time, but a cute way to spend some time laughing with a great cast.

RATING 7 out of 10

Just Getting Started

Yet another film that set out to be a cute comedy and delivered just that. Sure, there a few moments when it felt like they were working too hard. There were times when I left the storyline and spent time thinking that the cast was simply cashing in on their name and mailing in a performance.

RATING 5 out of 10

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Yes, I have saved the best for last. Three Billboards is a heck of a good show. Sam Rockwell shows he is a great actor as he turns in one of his best performances. Don’t even get me started on Frances McDormand. She simply rocks. Even Woody Harrelson brought his best to this film. This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a while.

RATING 9 out of 10

by Chris Doelle