Black Panther (2018)

Rated: PG-13 - Runtime: 134 min
tesg's Rating: Three stars (out of four)

So we have a so-called 'third world" country in Africa called Wakonda which lives under old tribal and monarchy rule as far as the world knows, but secretly mines a metal that can be used for pretty much anything from curing wounds to holophones to copying Steak n Shake's chili recipe. Some think they should use it to better the world, some think they should use it to rule the world, and some outsiders want it for unscrupulous purposes.

There's a biblical-style mini war, a Fast & the Furious-style car chase, a Kill Bill-style fight in a club that is laid out exactly like O Ren Ishii's hangout, and the usual witty Marvel humor.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Rated: PG-13 - Runtime: 119 min
tesg's Rating: Three stars (out of four)

Well, it's dumb, but it's dumb in the best possible way.  Tons of fun and laughter in a way that reminded me of Sky High.  I can see why this has had the duration it's had at the box office.

The Shape of Water (2017)

Rated: R - Runtime: 123 min
tesg's Rating: Three stars (out of four)

I have a soft spot for Universal's classic "Creature from the Black Lagoon".  This movie is such a blatant ripoff tribute to that classic...I refer to it as "Amelie meets the Creature"...that I have to wonder if Universal pondered trademark infringement.


It's something way more than Creature, of course.  It's a visual and aural feast and a beautiful love story with characters that have far more depth.

Probably my second favorite del Toro feature behind "Hellboy II: The Golden Army".