I apologize that I haven't found time to review all the films I've seen over the summer. Life is crazy with 3 small children and therefore have very little time to myself.
I will do a short blurb on all the films I haven't touched on yet that were released during the summer.
JURASSIC WORLD
I saw this film twice: once when I was ill and once in IMAX 3D. The film is a true blockbuster, but never rose to the level that I wanted it to. Everyone gives great performances, but the script felt a bit dumbed down. However, it was very suspenseful in a Spielberg-type of way. And I can't fault the director: it was only his second film, and it's pretty great for an Indy director's second film. 3.5/5
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
This is the breakout film of the summer. It's the best directed of the year so far and probably the best action film since The Dark Knight. I can't recommend it to everyone, but I've seen it 3 times and every time is a bit of a rush. It's pure action storytelling. 4.5/5
FURIOUS 7
My brother-in-law and I have a long standing tradition where we attend the latest Fast & Furious film on its opening weekend. I differ from my critical colleagues in that I find these movies to be entertaining only in that they should be mocked. They are absurd and I can't help but laugh out loud at their absurdness. And this film gets even more absurd than the previous ones. 1/5
INSIDE OUT
This is my favorite film of the summer. I won't say it's better than Wreck-it Ralph or Toy Story 3, but it's such an amazingly complex little film. I had tears in my eyes more than once. It is a masterpiece. 5/5
ANT-MAN
Oddly enough, my initial viewing of this was more enjoyable than Avengers: Age of Ultron. Where Ultron felt bloated, Ant-Man had time to breathe. It's not a perfect film by any stretch. But it was very enjoyable. 4/5
PIXELS
Pixels is the worst film I've seen in a very long time. I wanted to like it so much, and I even laughed at a few parts. But, overall I was dumber for having watched it. If Michelle Monaghan hadn't been in it, I probably would have walked out and requested a refund. 0/5
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION
I had a great time at the theater when I saw Rogue Nation. It was funny and the action was pretty spectacular. However, I will say that it felt way more like an American James Bond film than a Mission Impossible one. Also, it's not as well directed as its predecessor. 3.5/5
FANTASTIC FOUR
I didn't despise this movie like many others did. I could definnitely see the studio's fingerprints all over it. Also, the first half of the movie felt like a pretty decent scifi flick, whereas the second half felt like a forced superhero film. There are ridiculous plot holes. 2.5/5
THE MAN FROM UNCLE
A very polished and un-Guy-Ritchie film. Superbly acted and well shot. Not only is it a period 60's spy thriller, it also feels like it was shot IN the 60's. Very recommended. 4.5/5
