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

The Invisible Man
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Synopsis: "The Invisible Man" isn't a new story. It's a story that's been told many times before, and like some of these old monster tales, the goal is always to find a way to make it relevant for a new audience. This is the same thing that Universal tried with the Tom Cruise version of "The Mummy" in 2017. And where that was something of an epic disaster at the Box Office and for those that had the misfortune of watching it, "The Invisible Man" goes another way. Writer/Director Leigh Whannell hasn't always been behind the camera, but he helped create the horror franchises "Saw" and "Insidious" as a writer. And now he's plying those talents to this classic tale, giving it a modern spin and drawing out another incredible performance from Moss, who anchors this film and elevates the material. What could have been a simple monster movie is a tense and epic ride thanks to the craft behind the scenes and on the screen. It's a horror movie that realizes the most terrifying monsters in our world are the ones that hide in plain sight, the abusers and evil people that seek to harm, oppress, and destroy those in their sphere. This film amps that up to the next level as Cecilia Kass (Moss) finally escapes her abusers. As she's trying to adjust to a new life, she learns Adrian (Jackson-Cohen) is dead. Trying to feel the freedom of that, she begins to be haunted by a presence she can't see but she can feel. When she suspects it's Adrian, actually alive and haunting her somehow, she's viewed as crazy. Can She prove the truth before it's too late? This is a film that works well and builds a lot of dramatic tension, which is great. It has several different interesting twists, and requires a lot of heavy lifting of its leading lady. And Moss is more than up to the challenge. She's the rare actress that can draw you into these stories of suffering in a new way, one of the things that makes her work on "The Handmaid's Tale" so powerful. It works here, too. This film has a satisfying arc and, potentially, opens a possible new spin if it was to get a follow up. And it brings back a classic story, gives it a modern twist, and delivers a satisfying experience.
Rating: R for some strong bloody violence, and language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Spencer Confidential
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Winston Duke, Alan Arkin,  Iliza Shlesinger, and Bokeem Woodbine
Synopsis: This new film is an original action adventure for Netflix. It comes from director Peter Berg and stars his frequent collaborator Wahlberg. It's a gritty tale set in Boston that provides plenty of action and, possibly, the potential for an ongoing franchise. It's based on the novels from Robert B. Parker and Ace Atkins, and follows a former Boston cop who is sent to prison for assault after turning on a commander he suspected was corrupt. After getting out, he teams with an up-and-coming fighter (Duke), his on-again-off-again girlfriend (Shlesinger) and his mentor (Arkin) to get to the bottom of the case. This pretty much goes as expected, and it's a modern take on an older set of stories that has been adapted in different ways (including a TV Series called "Spencer For Hire") over the years. Netflix has been moving to beef up its original offerings not only in terms of TV series but movies. This year saw them with two Best Picture nominees. And while this isn't a prestige offering, it makes sense in creating value in the service. This is a bankable director and a name actor with a strong supporting cast delivering the kind of satisfying action film you get in theaters from the comfort of your home. Is it great? No. Is it enjoyable for what it is? Absolutely. And that's a win for Netflix.
Rating: R for violence, language throughout and sexual content.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:
Friday, March 13: "I Still Believe," "The Hunt," "Bloodshot"
Friday, March 20: "A Quiet Place Part II"
Friday, March 27: "Mulan"