Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman is really quite good. The superhero genre has gotten pretty worn out, but this movie feels fresh. This is loads brighter and happier and better than those other dark, brooding DC movies. I find myself watching a lot of those superhero movies and just not caring about the characters. But these characters are well developed, they're likable and interesting. Gal Gadot and Chris Pine have great chemistry. Admitted, the movie's special effects are kind of cheesy and weak. Whereas superhero movies tend to rely on special effects, this movie has plenty other merits.

The story and production design (and some nice lighting) recreate the WWI battlefront. Much like X-Men and the first Captain America, this movie steeps itself in history. History and quasi-mythology interact in an intriguing way here. They serve as the backdrop for some deeper themes than we're used to. And perhaps most refreshing of all, it stands alone as a singular movie. Yes, it's part of a franchise, but it doesn't just feel like it's building to another movie. It's not just advertising for a brand.  

Star Trek Beyond (2016)

It was not as mind-blowing as the two previous installments of the reboot, but this is still a very good effort. JJ Abrams can do no wrong. The writing was excellent. It was quite humorous (thanks to Simon Pegg) and also really complex. Being a student of international relations, I have been taking Theories of International Relations. And the plot of this film is essentially the classical debate between realism and liberalism. Of course, the Federation is an interplanetary institution meant to reduce conflict between planets. They are the liberals. That interplanetary organization (and the intricate leadership structure of each starship) is my favorite part of Star Trek. And Idris Elba is the realist. He believes that power is everything. The Federation doesn't work. What's more realist than that?  Spoiler alert: the liberal galactic order wins.

Hell or High Water (2016)

Hell or High Water is representative of a foreigner's perception of America. The British director David MacKenzie nails all the Texas stereotypes to the point of hilarity. I think the racism is meant to be funny, but there are some other observations that are accurate and ridiculous but probably not meant to make you laugh, like the ubiquity of firearms.  I really liked the screenplay. It starts at a bank robbery gone wrong. And slowly, the story unravels giving us insight into the process and motive behind the protagonists' actions. And it is actually very clever. Thinking back, I think they drop us hints along the way if you're astute enough to pick up on them. It is not just some heist film. There was some genuine thought to put into this story. And Chris Pine and Ben Foster execute their roles with care. There is also a good use of country music to move along the story. I don't really like country music, but it undeniably works in this context. Like I said, it's stereotypical Texas.

And the cast was there! Minus Jeff Bridges. But we saw Chris Pine, Captain Kirk himself! He was having a grand old time. And why shouldn't he? It's a fun movie.

Into the Woods (2014)

I thoroughly enjoyed Disney's adaptation of this Sondheim classic. The music and lyrics are so complex, and hauntingly beautiful.  My favorite is when the characters sing different lyrics and melodies simultaneously, the counterpoint that Sondheim is so good at.  His characters think out loud in natural rhythmic speech.  The opening sequence (Prologue) introducing all of the characters is masterful with each character passing on the infectious theme to the next.  An extravagant production design realistically recreates a dark and creepy wood.  Along with Colleen Atwood's Oscar-nominated costume design, the audience is transported to a fantasy world.

Meryl Streep finally broke her own rule of never playing a witch to join Into the Woods.  She has a much better platform to show off her singing chops than with ABBA's Mamma Mia.  Streep actually has a very good voice; case in point "Children Will Listen." Emily Blunt also has an excellent singing voice as the Baker's Wife.  They are emotional, comedic, and most of all musical.

The story has depth, an existentialist message that might go over the head of a Disney-aged audience, but the original musical is not intended for children.  There are themes of morality and parental relationships.  The story is cleverly told through a clever combination of classic fairy tales reimagined.  This is what makes a good musical: a clever idea, good music, good acting and a thought-provoking story.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

The latest installment in the Jack Ryan series features Chris Pine as the titular spy.  It appears that Pine is the go-to young actor for Hollywood reboots after two films playing Captain Kirk as well.  Quite frankly, Kirk is better.  Keira Knightley's performance is not her best work either.  A far cry from her much anticipated role in the upcoming Begin Again.  She did not seem very comfortable with the American accent.  Kenneth Branagh, on the other hand, nailed his accent and role as the Russian villain (just listen to how he says the word 'hotel').

The plot moves very quickly and as it unravels, it becomes a little ridiculous just how fast the questions are answered.  They go from having nothing to having all of the answers in three minutes.  However, I will give them points for one unusual plot point for a spy movie.  Jack Ryan works in finance and having taken a course this past semester on international macroeconomics, I was able to appreciate that the plot was advanced by Ryan entering the action after noticing financial inconsistencies.