Richard. Leach

With a storyline of Auntie Mame meets Brokeback Mountain, Uncle Frank hit me like a ton of emotional bricks. The characters are very well developed and there are some superb performances. I'd give it four stars for the film itself but awarding it a fifth star for playing me like a piano. Its going to take me a while to forget Uncle Frank. If I ever do.

The Hate U Give is unadulterated story telling free at it's best. There are no big name stars, CGI or a soaring soundtrack but there are still moments of gripping suspense, pathos and light-heartedness created by the sheer talent of the actors (and director). It felt like I was experiencing an elaborate stage production with little distance between me and the cast. I expected to see only a particular point of view being delivered but I was surprised by how even handed the film actually is.

Typically, I'm a fan of Spike Lee but not a fan of his films. Da 5 Bloods, however, is a masterfully woven drama. The scenic "Vietnamese" (I'm betting Hawaii mostly) cinematography is lush and true to tropical life. Delroy Lindo's performance is almost too big and too for this particular project but he e rest of the cast to deliver their best as well.