Ad Astra

Writer/Producer/Director James Gray’s Ad Astra might better be titled Ad Nauseam.

Outer space is a lonely place and, despite Brad Pitt’s good looks, it doesn’t help us plod through 2.7+ billion miles with a script that doesn’t do a good job in explaining how a spacecraft near the planet Neptune is causing a “surge” that is endangering the entire solar system.  

And, there is little drama to cause me to really care about an astronaut with daddy issues.

I can only give Ad Astra a 3 out of 5.

Downton Abbey

Director Michael Engler’s Downton Abbey is an absolute treasure for fans of the TV show.

Producer/Writer Julian Fellows has created an excellent story and script that has come to life through both the superb Cinematography of Ben Smithard and Production Design of Donal Wood.

Then, there’s the excellent acting, literally from the entire cast, but most notably by Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton and Tuppence Middleton.

If you haven’t seen the TV version, you might not get the full power of the action, but should feel quite entertained.  However, those who have enjoyed the past programming can sit back and relish every moment.

I give Downton Abbey a 4.9 out of 5.

Angel Has Fallen

The end of summer needed a good thriller and Writer/Director Ric Roman Waugh’s  Angel Has Fallen fills the bill.

The film, again, proves that audience have better sense than jaded critics.  While Rotten Tomatoes gives this actioner 39%, viewers have given it 94%.

This reviewer concurs with the viewers.  

Gerard Butler brings his Secret Service Agent Mike Banning character to a fitting conclusion of the trilogy that included London Has Fallen and Olympus Has Fallen.

It doesn’t matter that some of the plot is telegraphed.  Waugh and Co-Writers Robert Marc Kamen and Matt Cook have provided nail-biting scenes that keep the audience members on the edge of their seats.

I give Angel Has Fallen a 4 out of 5.