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The best science fiction stories manage to portray things that are clearly not real with a surprising amount of realism. "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" pulls off this tricky task by showing us what a world could soon look like if the power of AI goes unchecked. The film is both funny and unsettling, often in the same scenes, as it follows a rag-tag bunch of seemingly ordinary people recruited by Sam Rockwell's delightfully manic resistance leader to avert a dystopian future where humans are subjugated by machines. The not-so-hidden joke in the film is that in many ways our present world is much like that fearful future. This film is cleverly made, thought-provoking, and a lot of fun.

A very fun, clever film that makes you laugh and hits you in the feelings like any good Deadpool movie does. It would help to have watched the previous Deadpool movies, Logan, and the Loki series on Disney+ to understand the plot. But even without these resources, it would be hard NOT to enjoy this film. The user's ratings are high, which shows that most viewers are overwhelmingly satisfied with this team-up. The critics, of course, are more mixed, because many of them are looking for something different than what this movie delivers. But Deadpool & Wolverine does deliver excitement, laughs, and moves the Marvel Cinematic Universe along in a good direction for the first time in what seems like a long time.

Furiosa is a film that stays true to its predecessors while still taking the franchise in new directions. The idea of telling the story of Furiosa, one of the most interesting and impressive female action heroes, was a stroke of genius by George Miller. Casting Anya Taylor-Joy as the lead was another wise choice, as she grabbed this role by the throat and made it her own. Chris Helmsworth plays a despicable dandy, which can be distracting at times but generally works. The action scenes are breath-taking, and it is wonderful to see the background to what became an excellent film in its own right--Fury Road.

"My Bat Mitzvah" is a cute, compelling look at life as a Jewish middle school girl. It feels real and respectful as the teen movie for the 2020s. Jealousy, self-consciousness, FOMO, etc. are just some of the themes as 13-year old Stacy tries and repeatedly fails to do the right thing by her family, friends, and religion. The Sandler daughters are very good actors, Adam is great in a supporting Dad role, and the story speaks to viewers of all ages.

The Dial of Destiny is a fun adventure that adheres close to the Indiana Jones formula from years past. The character development is stronger in this film than in previous installments, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge makes an excellent turn as Jones' non-romantic sidekick. This franchise has always succeeded in delighting audiences with thrills and plots that are not meant to be taken too seriously. It's a great summer film, and I for one hope that Waller-Bridge comes back to take over from Ford in future films.

One of the most enjoyable movies in recent memory. Top Gun Maverick pays appropriate homage to the first film while managing to bridge the 40-year gap with style. Exciting, moving, **** has everything a person would want from a movie.

Marvel Pictures really jumped the shark with "Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness." Although the special effects are often stunning,the story is weak and frequently devolves into baffling weirdness. Repeatedly throughout the movie, it seems like the writers and director opted for making the unconventional choice to move the story along. The film expends more energy trying to "wow" the audience with visuals than it does in telling a story that grabs us and makes sense. This is truly one of the more disappointing Marvel movies.

Matrix Resurrections was much than I expected, and I was dubious about adding a fourth film to the franchise. But the story picks up in an ingenious way where the third film ended. Several previous characters reappear, albeit some in new forms. A few new characters are deftly added to the mix. The latest (last?) film honors the previous ones, while advancing the story line in new and effective ways. Highly recommended!

Equal parts humorous and action-packed, Black Widow delivers a highly entertaining glimpse into Natasha Romanov's childhood and coming of age as a superhero that likes to work alone. The actors portraying the entire Romanov family provide us with some of the best acting in the Marvel Universe.

One of the best things about Hobbs & Shaw is that it doesn't really seem like a "Fast & Furious" film. There are fast vehicles driven furiously, yes, but there is more humor and better acting than what I've seen in the other movies. A scaled-down cast also helps, plus the delightful addition of Vanessa Kirby in a strong action role. It feels like Johnson and Statham put their own marks on this film, and it is better because of it.

Good Boys is a cute and funny film about three sixth-grade best friends caught between the pressures to grow up and a desire to stay young. There are several very funny parts, including some where one can only wince at the boys' evident discomfort. The trailer probably gives too many jokes away. And there are scenes where one must suspend disbelief. All in all, it is an enjoyable film for adults and older teens.

Exciting movie with a strong female lead. Interesting commentaries on war and female empowerment. It's no wonder that the fanboys are trying to sink it's ratings. Brie Larson adds strength and humor to one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel universe. As always, it's best to listen to the professional critics. Let the disgruntled fanboys wallow in their insecurity and misogyny.

The sequel is different in tone from the original, but equally satisfying. The story is a little darker, as it deals with loss in a particularly personal way. But it is visually stunning, amusing, and moving throughout. The story relies very much on the first film, so one might be a little confused without seeing these films in order.

Maleficent offers a novel and satisfying take on the Sleeping Beauty story. The updates are appropriate and highlight the importance of female relationships and the corrupting influence of power and ambition. The humor is light and the visuals are impressive. I would not recommend the 3D version, however, as the action is often too fast to get much out of the format.