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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week!

Pitch Perfect 3
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, and Hailee Steinfeld
Synopsis: In the fall of 2012 a little movie about college acapella singers was released. It was the kind of movie that could have gone under the radar, but instead it exploded because of great characters, great songs, and a hardcore fan base that was thrilled with what they saw. That led to a sequel in the summer of 2015 and now, two and a half years later, the core cast is back for one last go-around. Predictably this film wasn't incredibly reviewed, but it's not the kind of movie that's made for critics. It's made for fans, and if you were a fan of the first two films, you'll likely be pretty pleased with this final installment. It puts the focus back on the core ladies — including a bigger part for Camp than in the sequel. And it's about them growing up and finding their place in the world. There's other slapstick antics and a singing competition, but it all comes together in a charming 93 minute piece of nostalgia and fun. The music is great and I've always been a fan of Kendrick, particularly in the role. She seems so natural as Becca, and it really makes the most of her talent. She also has great rapport with Wilson, who is also great in this role, and the rest. These movies are a lot of fun, and that's often why we go to the movies. It's not particularly deep, but it was never meant to be. This feels like a fun cap to this story.
Rating: PG-13 for crude and sexual content, language and some action.
Verdict: Three our of Four.

The Greatest Showman
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Michelle Williams, and Rebecca Ferguson
Synopsis: This musical extravaganza arrives just in time for the holidays. It tells the story of P.T. Barnum, and how he created his famed circus show. This was a labor of love for Jackman, who spent years getting the film made. And his love for the character and the world, and his passion for the material comes through in his performance. There are some beautiful musical numbers in this piece, too, and the look of the film is quite strong. Director Michael Gracey does a great job of putting the movie together, and of getting the most out of his talented cast. The story is interesting (even if it does take some liberties with Barnum's history), and it all comes together in a satisfying package, especially for those who enjoy musicals and big showpieces. The story is sometimes a little thin and light on details, but there are still some beautiful moments and some big ideas tackled in this piece. In fact, one of the most poignant songs — "The Is Me" — is the one nominated for a Golden Globe, and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least one original musical number nominated for the Academy Awards, too. This, also, was a film that wasn't strongly reviewed with all critics, but I enjoyed it and I thought it achieved its aims. It's also a fun film for groups during this holiday season.
Rating: PG for thematic elements including a brawl.
Verdict: Three stars out of Four.

The Shape of Water
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, and Octavia Spencer
Synopsis: This is one of the best reviewed and most anticipated films of the year. And for good reason. The cinematic style here is beautiful. Some of the shots crafted by Guillermo del Toro are breathtaking and the colors and performances are beautiful. So, too, is the core of this story. A mute woman who is seeking a place of acceptance in the world, spending her nights working as a lowly janitor at a secret government facility, where she meets and finds connection with a creature misunderstood by those in power. She seeks to free him, to protect him, to do right by the one person in the world who seems to see her as she would like to be seen. There's power and beauty in that story, and it's what drew me to be so excited to see the film. And it delivers on that in many ways. But I will add there there are things del Toro does with this story that I wasn't expecting. This is an overly sexualized story and there's some subplots picked up at times that don't really seem to serve a solid purpose in the end. To me, those diminished my excitement and enjoyment of this narrative a bit. Still, it's impossible not to be moved by the filmmaking here and the love of craft. If nothing else, del Toro is a fantastic visual stylist, and one who elicits remarkable performances from his cast, even though in heavy make up. Jones, a frequently collaborator with del Toro, is fantastic as the creature. He has suck expressive movements and looks that convey a wealth of emotion despite no dialogue. Perhaps better is Hawkins, who has to carry this film while not being able to deliver and spoken dialogue. She does a beautiful job and will likely be a Best Actress nominee with the Academy. In fact, I'd expect "The Shape of Water" to be in line for a number of awards and nominations. And I liked this movie. I was taken with the basic story and the beauty of the craft, but as with many del Toro features I wish he'd told the story in a slightly more restrained way.
Rating: R for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence and language.
Verdict: Four stars out of Four.