* Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Rian Johnson, 2017): 3/5

Not interesting narratively, but cool use of red. I appreciated its funky, CGI-resistant, “guys-in-costumes-sitting-around-a-real-table” quality.

Lady Macbeth (William Oldroyd, 2017): 3/5

What if Jane Eyre didn’t take no shit?

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (Yorgos Lantimos, 2017): 4/5

The “talking as if you’re a polite alien” bit is just as funny here as in The Lobster. Very Kubrickian cinematography, plus Barry Keoghan offering my favorite supporting performance of the year as the friendly neighborhood psychopath.

Blade Runner 2049: 4.5/5

It Comes at Night (Trey Edward Shults, 2017): 2.5/5

We have met the enemy, and…get this...it’s us!!!!!

Brigsby Bear (Dave McKary, 2017): 3/5

If this movie was better, I would not reveal that (ok…spoiler) it’s the cross between Room and Be Kind, Rewind that everyone has been clamoring for (and not as good as either one.)

The Watch (Akiva Schaffer, 2012): 3/5

On February 25, 2012, neighborhood watch coordinator George Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin. Tragically, this caused 20th Century Fox to have to rename (from ”Neighborhood Watch”) and under-market this pretty funny Ben Stiller vehicle, released on July 27.

* Phantom Thread (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2017): 4.5/5

Beautiful and shaggy. As (almost) always, it’s a real pleasure to watch DDL.

Bright (David Ayer, 2017): 1.5/5

Anti-racism themed Netflix actioner is actually incredibly racist. Twist!

A Dark Song (Liam Gavin, 2017): 4/5

In this stealth remake of Stalker, a woman hires a self-doubting guide to perform an occult ritual that will grant her wish. Wonderfully unwholesome.

Good Time (The Safdie Brothers, 2017): 2.5/5

Dumb, sweaty characters wandering through amazing pretty/ugly slabs of red, green and yellow light.