![THE NUN, gets into the habit of scaring viewers [REVIEW]](http://watchplayread.com/wp-content/themes/_patterns/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwatchplayread.com%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F1%2Ffiles%2F2018%2F09%2FTHE-NUN.jpg&q=90&w=60&h=55&zc=1 "THE NUN, gets into the habit of scaring viewers [REVIEW]")
![The Shape of Water is Brilliant and Beautiful [Review]](http://watchplayread.com/wp-content/themes/_patterns/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwatchplayread.com%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F1%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F12%2Fthe-shape-of-water-SOW_Embrace_1Sheet_27x40_Sepia_FIN2_ONLINE_4R_HalfSize210_rgb.jpg&q=90&w=60&h=55&zc=1 "The Shape of Water is Brilliant and Beautiful [Review]")
The Best of Me is a tedious romance trope
I am in no way shape or form the demographic for which this film is intended, so take what I say here with that weight. The core audience for this film will love it, and some may even love it while seeing it for what it is. The Best of Me is low romance fantasy. […]
Kill The Messenger was intriguing, complex, and a little dry.
Kill The Messenger was intriguing and compelling. Its basis in truth lends much to the story, grounding the film. It is apparent that while some events and characters may have been enhanced to improve the narrative for entertainment value, the extent of that exaggeration was reasonable and I did not feel the integrity of the […]
Dracula Untold lacks teeth
Dracula Untold was hit and miss at best, incoherent at worse. While there were entertaining parts, and a decent story the film was plagued with inconsistencies, careless makeup and effects, and substantial plot holes. Now given that, this is a Dracula movie, and what may be the initial entry in Universal’s Monsters franchise, it might […]
Gone Girl strikes a hair-raising minor chord
David Fincher’s latest film Gone Girl is magnificent for a surprising multitude of reasons. Days after watching I am still thinking about this movie, mulling over Fincher’s construction and portrayal of Gillian Flynn’s story. By the end of the film, I can see all the pieces, and where they fit, but for some reason I […]
The Equalizer is an enthusiastic rush of action
The Equalizer, which is an adaptation of the television series, is extremely well made, incredibly entertaining and satisfying, but light on meaning. This isn’t a bad thing, carrot cake is still good, satisfying, but it doesn’t count as eating vegetables. Much like that carrot cake, this film is highly satisfactory, and it contains just enough […]
Strangers is a moving short film
Strangers is a short film written and directed by independent filmmaker Joe McClean. Joe just showed this piece at the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival, I don’t know what the reaction was there, but mine was substantial. Clocking in at 10 minutes and 38 seconds there is not much time for a drawn out […]
The Maze Runner is a labyrinth of disappointment
I wish I could say The Maze Runner was a suspenseful and intriguing film that held me captivated until the very end, but I cannot. There are a few redeeming qualities, but not enough to make up the ground lost by sloppy direction and a bad script. The screenplay, based upon the novel The Maze […]
This Is Where I Leave You is as serious as it is funny
I love comedy, in a close second I love a good dramatic story. If you happen to combine those two elements, more often than not you end up with a confused mess that is neither funny nor profound. To my delight, This Is Where I Leave You is not a confused mess. It is a […]
Guardians of the Galaxy may be the most fun Marvel film yet
Guardians of the Galaxy has so much going for it that it is almost unfair to compare it to any of the other films in the Marvel cinematic universe. At least without noting that without the previous Marvel films built a framework, upon which the Star Lord danced. Of the Marvel films this is […]
Luc Besson’s Lucy is simply awesome
Lucy was so remarkably unexpected I was nearly speechless as I left the theatre. I have started paying such little attention to film advertisements that I completely missed who made this film. It is possible that the American marketing arm of Universal Pictures decided the name Luc Besson was not as big a draw as […]
Zach Braff’s Wish I Was Here is emotionally impressive
This is a story about finding the people you have become while you were busy trying to live the life you always imagined. It is a story about family, about fathers and sons, husbands and wives. Everyday life happens, and it can happen to you, or all around you, it can pass by, or sweep […]
And so it Goes is delightful and touching
Rob Reiner’s newest film is a refreshing return to a comedic films and a reminder that sometimes directors don’t evolve as much as we would like. While I found a great deal to enjoy in this film, I have doubts anyone much younger than myself would be able to say the same. This is most […]
Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue is surprising and enjoyable
The sequel to Planes, which is a spinoff of the Pixar Cars series, takes a turn away from competitive sport theme of its predecessor. This is what I found the most refreshing aspect of this film. The focus was moved away from competition, and instead on personal growth and helping others. In a big way, […]
Earth to Echo is charming for children
Earth to Echo is not a typical children’s science fiction movie. A unique perspective and presentation of a story comprised of multiple familiar elements. The all too familiar elements to the film are a significant weakness in an otherwise strong film. The similarities to films such as E.T., Super 8, Goonies, and Stand By Me […]
The Unbelievers is sincere, and unfortunately restrained
The Unbelievers is an amusing, mildly entertaining documentary, that is ultimately, and unfortunately, void of significant substance. As much as I liked the film, I didn’t take anything of value away from it. That may be because I am already an atheist, but I believe it would be similarly unfulfilling for a non-atheist, other than […]
