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

BlacKkKlansman
Starring: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Robert John Burke, Ryan Eggold, Jasper Pääkkönen, and Ashlie Atkinson
Synopsis: Spike Lee is a talented filmmaker who has never shied away from making bold political statements about our culture. In that sense, he's an ideal choice to direct "BlacKkKlansman," the true story of a black police officer in Colorado Springs in the 1970s who went undercover and helped infiltrate the local branch of the KKK. The story of Ron Stallworth, played in the film by Washington, is a fascinating one, and the stuff of a book and legend. The film takes quite a few liberties with the story, moving the time frame and changing characters around, but remains true to the idea. Washington is great in the lead role, and Driver is great as his partner, who ends up doing the in-person under cover part of the story. Also a bit of fun is Topher Grace in the role of David Duke. But the film wasn't as much fun as some of the previews make it look. There is some good humor, but it's a more serious film than some of the marketing makes it out to be. In addition, there's a shift at the end to draw a more firm parallel to contemporary events (though there are plenty of lines in the film meant to evoke our current political climate) that I thought diminished some of the efficacy of the film. That being said, I enjoyed the production and the film, which bears some of Lee's director trademarks but feels a little more restrained than some of his earlier films. The cast is great, and the bit of history is really interesting. On a personal note, one frustrating thing for me is that the film is about Colorado Springs, the city where I live, and it's quite obvious that the film wasn't made here. (In fact, it was shot in upstate New York.) While many might not notice, it was a little frustrating for those of us that live in the area to see a faux Colorado Springs on screen.
Rating: R for language throughout, including racial epithets, and for disturbing/violent material and some sexual references.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

The Meg
Starring: Jason Statham, Bingbing Li, Rainn Wilson, Cliff Curtis and Ruby Rose
Synopsis: I love shark movies. This isn't a surprise to those who know me. But it does mean sometimes I'm not exactly impartial. When I saw the first trailer for "The Meg," I knew I was bound to see it on opening weekend. Statham fighting a pre-historic shark, I'm in. And "The Meg" was a huge smash at the Box Office, shattering expectations and becoming one of the breakouts of summer. As well it should be. It is a big event film that is the kind of thing summer is made for. As for the story and the film itself, it's fine. It's what you expect. Many critics panned the film, which is fine, but you have to consider that this type of film isn't seeking to be high art. It's not "Jaws," and it lacks the depth of movies like "The Shallows." It wasn't as light-hearted as I expected, and feels a bit like it's trying to slide into that "Deep Blue Sea" type of range, but doesn't quite get there. But it is still a top end shark film, one with big spectacle and an interesting story and characters. Wilson is fun in a faux villain role, and Statham is great as an action lead. With these kind of films during the summer you're looking for fun and distraction, and this certainly provides that.
Rating: PG-13 for action/peril, bloody images and some language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:
Wednesday, August 15: "Crazy Rich Asians"
Friday, August 17: "Alpha," "Mile 22"
Friday, August 24: "The Happytime Murders"
Wednesday, August 29: "Operation Finale"
Friday, August 31: "The Little Stranger," "Kin," "Juliet, Naked"