The Lovebirds

The Lovebirds have flown into something.

Leilani and Jibran were in love. Now their relationship is failing. It’s a tough conversation to have—and tougher when they come across a murder.

To avoid the police (and gather enough evidence to prove their innocence), they must do exactly what they’ve just realized they can’t: stick together. Their adventure is bumbling, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious.

The leads have nailed both dramatic and comedic timing. Smart writing gives us realistic worries and reactions, while effortlessly poking fun at tactics used in more outlandish crime-buster movies. It’s a fun time.

Troop Zero

Troop Zero is an embarrassment.

And Christmas is an outcast. This is partly because kids can be mean, and because Christmas pees her pants. But partly, it’s because she believes her deceased mom is up in the stars. Each night, she tunes in to the sky, waiting for a sign.

Maybe she’s found it. The winner of the local Birdie Scout competition will get to record a message for NASA to send into space. But first, Christmas needs to find herself a troop.

This movie means well—but it was written with a sledgehammer. Each scout is stranger than the next, with basically no character development in explanation. Their relationships are forced, and their rural Georgian community is whitewashed.

It tries desperately to create memorable moments, throwing out one-liners, slow-mo, and anything else that might stick. None of it does.

Jojo Rabbit

Jojo is a sweet little boy who loves his mom. He’s also a Nazi.

Or at least, he thinks he is. You see, Jojo is growing up in Germany during World War II. Nazi posters decorate his room, and Hitler is his imaginary friend. What else is a kid to do?

Attend Nazi youth camp, for starters. But there, it appears that Jojo may not be cut out for the Nazi life. His early-life crisis gets much worse when he learns his mom is hiding a Jewish girl from the authorities.

As Jojo grapples with these realities, he’s determined to get to the bottom of why Elsa and her fellow Jews are evil. In these sad, funny, and touching moments, the movie shines.

The context is horrific, and the movie tries hard to balance it out (even if it may overcompensate). In any case, with its goofy humor; its saturated and magnificent colors; its catchy and upbeat music, it seeks to remind us that even the worst pain is fleeting, and that there will always be beauty in this world.

Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back)

You’ll survive this movie, but may want your money back.

William is a sad (excuse for a) man. He can’t seem to do anything right—suicide included.

So, William hires an assassin. Leslie is a professional, and can make William’s death look like a suicide. Great idea. Unfortunately, William’s luck catches up with Leslie, again and again . . .

This movie often crosses the line into serious, though it always steps back. That’s to be expected from a work that looks for humor in dark situations. Even so, the dance feels inappropriate. There is little thoughtful discussion of William’s depression, and many of the jokes feel “too soon.”

The Farewell

Nai Nai is dying. Her family won’t tell her.

You see, this Chinese family believes that telling grandma would only worsen her condition. Instead, the family plans a wedding: Now Nai Nai will get to see all her loved ones together again one last time.

Billi flies over from New York City. She left her grandma when she was five, and is now an American who wears her emotions on her sleeve. She finds it difficult to keep up the charade.

It is in these difficult moments that the movie shines. It is somehow funny and beautiful, even as it explores the painful (and varied) emotions of each family member. Because of superb acting and writing, you’ll find it hard to say goodbye to The Farewell.

A Home with a View

In Hong Kong, a Home with a View is something special.

That’s why the Lo family makes sure to look out their window from time to time. Otherwise, they get no relief from their outrageously noisy, cramped, and expensive city. As Dad, a real estate broker, knows well, people can go crazy living in such conditions…

Indeed. This is a fun and interesting watch, if a bit on the dark side.

Stan & Ollie

Without a doubt, Stan and Ollie will make you smile.

Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy reached the height of fame in the 1930s. And for years afterward, this comedy duo continued creating and delighting—even as audiences dwindled. This movie follows the two on a tour meant to rekindle their popularity. We get to watch their (still) funny acts, as well as their creative method and off-stage relationship.

This may be the perfect family movie. It is light-hearted and pretty, even as it explores drama within the duo. The acting and chemistry between the leading men and their ladies is superb.

Vice

Though it’s a bit shifty, Vice has its virtues.

Perhaps best known as the former Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney has held senior positions in both government and business. This movie shows us how Cheney jockeyed for power, and more importantly, how he wielded it.

Vice hooks you in the beginning and never lets go—not because it’s great, but because it uses funky humor and editing to make sure you’re paying attention. The gimmicks aren’t necessary though. The man’s life is striking (and disturbing) enough to keep you watching.

Daddy's Home 2

Daddy’s Home 2 is a funny, goofy movie.

Dusty is a cool dad. He’s also remarried. So he splits raising his kids with dorky, but lovable Brad. This big, complicated family is finally settling in—until the grandpas visit for Christmas, that is.

Nonstop dialogue and slapstick make this a lively watch. It ain’t serious, and it ain’t bad.

The Favourite

The Favourite is a feast fit for a queen.

Abigail has fallen far from her position as a Lady in 17th Century England. Desperate, she seeks a job from her cousin Lady Marlborough—Queen Anne’s best friend and counselor. Outside the palace, England seeks to end its war with France. Inside, a war begins for the Queen’s affection.

This movie is gorgeous in every way. From beginning to end, it is thoughtful, stimulating, and bitingly funny.

Downsizing

Downsizing is a dramedy about being small. Its ideas are big.

Paul Safranek is humble to a fault, and so, he has regrets. Shrinking himself could be a fresh start though: His money would go farther, and his carbon footprint would disappear. The change might finally allow Paul to feel that his life has been worthwhile. That’s assuming it all goes as planned…

This movie has a manic vibe: It jumps from light-hearted to existential, from funny to depressing, without notice. This can be jarring. And, the movie is a bit long. Aside from all that, though, is a pretty story.

Ocean's Eight

Ocean’s Eight is an outfit of professional thieves. Each on her own possesses great skill, but to steal from what is arguably the most exclusive party on the planet, combined skills are needed.

This movie has a couple of twists, though they might not be enough to keep you from guessing the ending.

What We Do in the Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary about vampires.

Vampires usually live in castles. Not these few, who have decided to room together in Wellington, New Zealand. A film crew has been promised immunity to document the unusual flat, providing insight into the never-before-seen life of modern vampires. 

Endless clever jokes and special effects almost make up for a storyline that lacks a compelling crescendo.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Jumanji is great fun, equal parts adventure and humor.

A grab bag of teenagers is stuck in detention. Procrastination and peer pressure lead the group to play an old video game called Jumanji.

This uber-interactive video game may be too much for its players to handle. But learning about their characters' strengths and weaknesses may enlighten the teens about their own. 

Toc Toc

Toc Toc is a light-hearted comedy about people stuck in the waiting room.

Nothing is going right today. The therapist is running late. Appointments have been misscheduled. In a room filled with patients, there's little patience to go around. What's one to do?

As the story develops, some expert acting helps us share in the characters' emotional experience. Though there is a message to be taken away from it, this movie is by no means preachy.