#VicksFlicks Terse Twitter Reviews- Vol. 16

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JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

3 out of 5 stars

Never judge a movie by its previews. Not sure if it can officially be called a sequel, but this unchallenging yet fun adventure is surprisingly entertaining w/ vintage video game finesse. The inviting cast is having a blast playing against type, but Jack Black is king of this jungle by playing a self-absorbed teenage girl perhaps too well.

 THE BREADWINNER

3.5 out of 5 stars

As one of the best animated movies of the year, this story of hardship & heartache involving a young Afghan girl in search of her father brings a harsh reality that we wish didn’t exist. The animation is sublime, & while flashy & imaginative, it doesn’t make its message of female empowerment any less effective or courageous.

 THELMA

3.5 out of 5 stars

Part love story, part supernatural thriller, this unique film’s beauty is within its sneaky mysteries. Director Trier’s approach of keeping us entirely enthralled is by staying quietly haunting even while each event becomes more & more startling. Harboe is incredible as Thelma, a teenage girl growing up while desperately trying to contain something that’s inevitably going to be unleashed.

MOLLY’S GAME

3.5 out of 5 stars

Sorkin plays his hand just right in his directorial debut w/ this savvy,sharp, snappy film that propels past being just about poker. Elba puts in a solid performance, but Chastain is an absolute ace & stuns as silver-tongued, brassy Bloom.

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

3.5 out of 5 stars

As a P.T. Barnum biopic, you don’t get too close to seeing behind the curtain; however, as an original musical, it dazzles w/ rousing singing & dancing,bursting to life w/ magical musical numbers & sensational songs you won’t soon forget. Jackman’s obvious passion to entertain is contagious, & if anyone knows about being a showman, it’s him.

 EL CAMINO CHRISTMAS

1.5 out of 5 stars

Tim Allen is a foul-mouthed drunk in this clumsy Christmas movie that won’t make your holiday more cheerful. It’s a half-witted hostage story w/ daddy issues that never gains traction or executes enthusiasm.

 THE SHAPE OF WATER

4.5 out of 5 stars

A beautifully bizarre love story that could only come from the genius of Guillermo del Toro. Dazzling w/ romance, enchantment, & danger, it’s a far-out fairytale that will sweep you away w/ enormous ease. Without hardly saying a word, Hawkins is extraordinary, & Jenkins, Shannon & Spencer make a spectacular supporting cast.

 FERDINAND

3 out of 5 stars

A cute & cuddly animated movie that’s family-friendly while never going into unexpected territory. Cena is the perfect fit for the flower-fascinated bull who has the size to squash anything, but only seeks to soothe. It’s harmless w/ its heart in the right place, & McKinnon as a calming goat is just plain funny.

 BRIGHT

2.5 out of 5 stars

The combo of a screwy sci-fi actioner & a cut-rate cop drama doesn’t quite light you up w/ excitement. Smith & Edgerton are glimmers of hope in to something more fruitful & fun; but, in a world where there’s police corruption, orc racism & a magic wand, director Ayers isn’t as gutsy as he has been in the past.

VOYEUR

3 out of 5 stars

A bizarre showing of a journalist & his subject that does laps around being curiously compelling w/o going the full distance. Talese & Foos form an unlikely friendship, but get more than they bargained for once the story shifts, rising their already wild encounters of trying to figure each other out to new heights.

PITCH PERFECT 3

1.5 out of 5 stars

This Pitch is need of a bitch slap. While the first two brought terrific tunes & laughs,this one is barely a movie at all. For such a talented cast, their stage presence has gone stale, & attempting to mix genres is just god-awful. The Bellas’ curtain call brings closure in the worst way by having their singing franchise forget who they are when it counts the most.

DARKEST HOUR

3.5 out of 5 stars

Gary Oldman’s incredibly intoxicating performance as Churchill will undoubtedly be remembered more so than the film itself. In Wright’s sleek historical drama, Oldman’s portrayal is perfection, & while the politics are predictable, the course in which Churchill charms while snarling as the British Bulldog in defying most by never surrendering is worth every minute.

DOWNSIZING

3 out of 5 stars

For a story about being small, it has some big ideas; regrettably, not all of them are fully realized in Payne’s surreal sci-fi satire. There’s a clash of brilliance & blandness,  though the ambition & visual magnificence doesn’t go unnoticed. Damon is the perfect every man looking for any kind of fulfillment, & Chau is a treasure as a fighter for the forgotten w/ a huge heart & infinite spunk.

 ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD

2.5 out of 5 stars

A compelling true story that doesn’t quite translate the same on screen.This kidnapping thriller lasts too long,spending quite a bit of its time being uninvolved & far from urgent. The controversy added some excitement, but the movie can barely deliver any on its own. It’s only when Plummer & Williams grace us w/ their presence that this tale truly comes alive.

“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter@SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.

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