Moonrise Kingdom

Well, it's official. I don't get Wes Anderson movies. They're bizzarre and uncomfortable and only occasionally funny. "Moonrise Kingdom" is no exception. While I can certainly appreciate a film that's willing to challenge convention, this latest offering from the director is weird to a fault. The dialogue is cerebral and dry and makes the characters difficult to embrace. Occasionally the awkwardness produces a laugh or two but it's mostly just...awkward. The film even tries to tug at your heart strings at its conclusion but fails to do so because the filmmakers have made it hard to care about any of the characters in the slightest. If this kind of comedy is your cup of tea, more power to you. It just doesn't resonate with me.

Bryce **

BANGERANG SCORE: **

Wreck-it Ralph

"Wreck-it Ralph" is one of the most frustrating films to come along in a while. For starters, the premise is absolutely fantastic. Taking us inside the secret world of video game characters after the kids leave the arcade is a completely fresh take on the "Toy Story" concept. The first half of this film is a riot, filled to the brim with creativity and some legitimately funny gags. The second half is a different story. The narrative turns to a "Candyland" style arcade game that centers around an obnoxious little girl (voiced by the insufferable Sarah Silverman). If that was one stop in the story it would've been fine, but most of the movie ends up taking place in that world and changes the film from a video game movie to a candy movie. There is a lot to love about this film, which makes the direction the story ultimately takes all the more disappointing.

Bryce **1/2
Chase ***
Landon **1/2
Logan **1/2

BANGERANG SCORE: **1/2

Lincoln

Steven Spielberg attempts to tackle the last few months of the life of one of the most beloved historical figures in US history in "Lincoln". He succeeds beautifully. Spielberg and his team bring those pivotal last months to the big screen with a powerful sense of authenticity and depth. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers one of the most incredible performances in recent memory as the title character and is the cornerstone of this film. Upon leaving the theater you feel as though you just spent a few hours with Lincoln himself. It's a performance for the ages in every way. Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field also give terrific performances in supporting roles and round out a truly stellar cast. The narrative can be a bit plodding at times and Spielberg lays the sap on a little thick in a couple of moments, but those are minor complaints. This is the best film of the year thus far and shouldn't be missed by anyone.

Bryce ***1/2
Chase ***1/2
Landon ***1/2
Logan ****

BANGERANG SCORE: ***1/2