Tikhon Gilson

It is as intense as the bloody horror film The Sadness, but even more unsettling. The actors playing the severely wounded SEALs should be tied for best supporting actor. Their screams are heart-rending. This film covers the brutal volume of modern war, hitting you right in the sternum. This war was literally deafening.

Outstanding soundtrack and acting make this a good movie for those who may not like "werewolf" movies. Sticking strictly to practical effects, nobody completely transforms into a wolf; also, there's no reversing the transformation. It has nothing to do with the full moon either. It's the disease metaphor, nothing to do with the full moon. It's worth remembering that the Indians call the creature "man with the face of a wolf."

As Goth as it gets. Eggers excels at world-building. The makeup and prosthetic job on Orlok, I hasten to add, is perfect. He bears the scars of 500 years of unsuccessful assaults. Also, Skarsgard and Depp's acting puts them in Oscar contention.

Frankly, Cage's performance was underwhelming, all that makeup didn't help. The basic plot is "the devil made me do it " as Flip Wilson used to say. Creepy but not very original. Same reason my mom laughed all through Rosemary's Baby.

Like Godzilla Minus One, this movie uses a monster attack to throw characters together and have them form a relationship . A friendship this time, not a marriage. This movie ends sweetly, but not heroically.

If I said it's like Carpenter's the Thing minus all the blood, it would leave you in the dark. I'll just say it's about an ancient race of shapeshifters. The Irish forest is one of the chief antagonists. Great first effort by M Night Shyamalan's daughter. Good acting by all. Maybe ten minutes too long.

The cinematography alone should be up for an Oscar. Not many surprises for Mad Max fans, but Anya Taylor Joy should have her eyes insured. They dominate her face and any scene she's in. I've been a fan boy for her since The Witch.

This movie asks if intelligent apes and humans would be able to coexist. It doesn't answer the question but strongly hints that the answer would be no. The muscle power of apes, with human intelligence, is a strong temptation to enslave the humans. I gave it 4/5 stars only because of the dizzying CGI work. The character of the would-be King of All Apes is especially memorable. I also liked the ape clan that specialized in handling eagles.