Now Playing — 2018 Rewind Edition

Holiday weekends are a great time to catch up on some movies. And that's what I did. We are less than a day from Academy Award nominations being announced, and now we're getting a chance to see some of the films competing. I checked out those and a few others. Here's my thoughts.

Den of Thieves
Starring: Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, 50 Cent, and O'Shea Jackson, Jr.
Synopsis: This was one of the hottest films of the early part of 2018, dominating the Box Office when it was released and besting projections. There's a simple reason for that—heist movies are insanely popular. I won't waste a lot of time diving into the plot here. Suffice to say this is a little grungier and more violent version of "Heat," as we follow a task force from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and a group of thieves. And it plays out pretty much as you'd expect. Butler plays the role of lead dog for the cops, and has issues at home stemming from his approach to his work, life, and raging temper. And Schreiber plays the leader of the cons, who runs a tight crew and has a vision that surpasses most of his peers. And it plays out mostly like you'd expect in the end, with a twist that I thought gave the story a bit of depth. It's not incredible, but it's a sturdy action film and I can see its appeal.
Rating: R for violence, language and some sexuality/nudity.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Eighth Grade
Starring: Elsie Fisher and Josh Hamilton
Synopsis: Being a teen is hard. I know you'll have trouble believing this, but I wasn't a popular and outgoing kid in middle and high school. In fact, I didn't enjoy the experience that much as I struggled with insecurity and finding my way. And I'm a guy. It's magnified by a lot more for girls, something that writer/director Bo Burnham captures that beautifully. And in Fisher, he finds a graceful lead who can convey just how rough it can be to grow up. Fisher was nominated for a Golden Globe and could well be in the Oscar race. In fact, I think she should be. Hamilton does a nice job as her father, too, and their scene together near the end is beautiful and heart-breaking. This is a tough movie to watch at times, especially because it makes you think back on those times. But that's the point. I also can't help but think it's the kind of film that teens need, too, to realize they aren't alone, they are enough, and they shouldn't give in to peer pressure. This was a beautiful little film.
Rating: R for language and some sexual material.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Once Upon a Deadpool
Starring: Fred Savage and Ryan Reynolds
Synopsis: Last summer, "Deadpool 2" in all its R-rated glory was a popular film. Then in December came a re-release, "Once Upon a Deadpool," which brought in Fred Savage for a few scenes ala "The Princess Bride" and re-cut the film as a PG-13 tale. It wasn't in theaters long, but it's out now on video. And this is a fun way to re-watch, and maybe a more palatable version for viewers who don't care for the R-rated language and violence. And the interactions with Savage added some fun, new jokes, as well as some different footage. This is a must see for those who are fans of "Deadpool."
Rating: PG-13
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

A Simple Favor
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding
Synopsis: This black comedy wasn't much of a hit at the Box Office when it debuted last September, and didn't get a long run despite its cast and pedigree. The film is based on the novel from Darcey Bell and came from director Paul Feig. It also serves as a fun showcase for Kendrick and Lively, who are great, and gives Golding a nice chance to show his acting chops in a follow up to "Crazy Rich Asians." There are some what will say this feels like it hews a little too close to "Gone Girl," and I think that's part of the point. But this is a black comedy, and it also turns in some unexpected ways. And that makes it quite a bit of fun. I thought Kendrick and Lively were great in these roles, and I really enjoyed the film. It's a shame more didn't see it, but maybe it will catch another life on DVD.
Rating: R for sexual content and language throughout, some graphic nude images, drug use and violence.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Tully
Starring: Charlize Theron, Ron Livingston, Mark Duplass, and Mackenzie Davis
Synopsis: Diablo Cody and Jason Reitman have formed a nice cinematic partnership over the years. "Juno" was a Best Picture nominee, and "Young Adult" was a showcase for Theron. So, too, is "Tully," which pairs writer, director and star again in a quirky tale of a mother of three who is struggling to get by. Her husband (Livingston) tries to be there for her, and her brother (Duplass) wants to hire her a night nanny. But she's resistant. When she finally gives in, said night nanny, Tully (Davis), turns out to be more than she expected. This film is also more than could be expected. This film came out in early May and drew strong reviews, and it earned Theron a Golden Globe nomination. She gives a great performance, one that might net her an Academy Award nomination. This was another movie that didn't draw big Box Office crowds, and it's certainly a little different than I expected, but I enjoyed it. I love Reitman's work, and hope he keeps making movies like this.
Rating: R for language and some sexuality/nudity.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.