Thor (2011) Review
The MCU mythological foundation. The 8 reflects honest evaluation of the film that gave the MCU its mythological foundation and the entry that Kenneth Branagh directed with sustained Shakespearean theatrical attention.
Filming Location: Los Angeles (Page 7)
CaliforniaIron Man 3 (2013) Review
Shane Black's buddy-comedy direction, Downey's strongest character work, and the Mandarin twist Marvel spent eight years correcting. The 5 reflects honest evaluation of the Phase Two opening film and one of the more divisive entries in the MCU's first decade.
CaliforniaIron Man 2 (2010) Review
Robert Downey Jr.'s strongest moments buried under franchise machinery. Black Widow's intro, War Machine's recasting, and Whiplash wasted.
CaliforniaCaptain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) Review
The Russo brothers' 1970s political thriller in superhero clothing. Robert Redford, Chris Evans, and the MCU's peak film.
CaliforniaCaptain America: The First Avenger (2011) Review
The 1940s adventure that built the franchise's moral foundation. The 9 reflects honest evaluation of the most disciplined origin film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the entry that gave the franchise its moral center.
CaliforniaThe Avengers (2012) Review
Joss Whedon's ensemble breakthrough, Tom Hiddleston's Loki, and the film that proved interconnected superhero cinema could function at scale. The 8.5 reflects honest evaluation of the film that proved interconnected superhero cinema could function at scale and the entry that…
CaliforniaFast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) Review
Sean Penn as Spicoli, Cameron Crowe's undercover research, Amy Heckerling's first feature. The 9 reflects what those viewings have confirmed: the film is the founding document of the modern American teen comedy and one of the most influential teen films…
CaliforniaDie Hard (1988) Review
Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman as god-tier Hans Gruber, and one perfect Christmas Eve at Nakatomi Plaza. The rating is not negotiable.
CaliforniaDie Hard 2 (1990) Review
Renny Harlin takes McClane to Dulles Airport on Christmas Eve for the twistiest entry in the franchise. The 8 reflects what the rewatch test has confirmed: the film is genuinely twisty, the action sequences land, the Christmas-Eve airport setting works,…
CaliforniaLive Free or Die Hard (2007) Review
The film is held back from a 9.5 or 10 by the studio's decision to cut the theatrical release to PG-13 and by the inevitable franchise-fatigue cost of being the fourth entry. Olyphant's Thomas Gabriel is the franchise's third great…
CaliforniaHome Alone 2 (1992) Review
Tim Curry at the Plaza, the Pigeon Lady, and the rare sequel that surpasses a very good original. It is the rare sequel that is better than a very good original.
CaliforniaFired Up! (2009) Review
The cheerleading comedy filmed at the LA Arboretum. is funnier than its critical reception, with chemistry between leads carrying the film.