Don’t blame me for reviewing a Christmas movie before Thanksgiving. Blame Hollywood.

I think this film would have been a more successful product if the creators either committed to fictionalizing the events, or to removing every ounce of Hollywood schmaltz. “Our Brand is Crisis” is most potent when it’s mean, and it’s just never mean enough.

A shame. A pity. An intriguing, relevant, lady-led period piece…that leaves me feeling underwhelmed.

Much like Tom Hiddleston’s butt, this movie was nice but not nearly as impressive as I’d hoped it would be.

You ever notice that certain movies are shot specifically with awards season in mind?

See guys, this is what happens when you make a science fiction story that’s not post-apocalyptic or dystopian. Doesn’t it feel nice? Don’t you feel good?

It’s nice every once in a while to see a film that gives you exactly what you’re expecting. That’s what I got with “The Intern”: an uncomplicated, sweet film that has nothing whatsoever to say.

“Sicario” is a slow burn, the type of film to plop you in with no context and force you to examine details to find your footing. Luckily, the details are the best part of the film.

I am fascinated by M. Night Shyamalan’s career. Once a critical darling, and then ten years later one of the most hated directors in Hollywood, his name is now mud. The marketing campaigns for his last two films have tried their hardest to hide his involvement. He is in one of the worst positions you can possibly be in as a working director—nobody believes a movie can be good if it has his name on it, even though he has proven in the past to be both popular and a smart storyteller.

Shyamalan’s done something with “The Visit” that nobody bothers to do much anymore. As carefully as he can, as seriously as he can, he tells a simple, well-made story. In that respect, “The Visit” is one of the best films I’ve seen from him in years.