The dh and I love going to the movies. Sure, we watch a ton on Netflix, but the whole experience is enhanced in an actual theater, and there’s nothing that beats an honest audience reaction. Recently we saw Guardians of the Galaxy, The Drop, and The Equalizer. Three distinct genres that left us with different reactions. I rate movies into three categories: B—I’d buy the DVD (a rare occasion), W—I’d rent it and/or Watch it again on Cable/TV, R—Research for a book (buy), and N—neh, wish we hadn’t spent the money.

Guardians of The Galaxy had us both grinning when we exited the cinema. Charming, fun, endearing, action-packed and-to an extent-suspenseful. The acting was superb, the animation and CG excellent, and the soundtrack awesome. I can utterly see why it’s being touted as the ‘new’ Star Wars, and why the lead actor, Chris Pratt, is being hailed as the ‘next’ Harrison Ford. This one’s a B for me.

The Drop had us riveted. You simply had to pay attention to every single, detail, and that’s a hint. Complex, fascinating, and psychologically intricate, we discussed the film at length over dinner afterwards. The male lead, Tom Hardy, played his eerie character brilliantly, and the  late (so sad, his untimely death) James Gandolfini—an incredible performance. That’s not to denigrate Noomi Rapace who did an  excellent job with the female lead. This one’s a W—I’d definitely see The Drop at least a couple more times.

I’m a Denzel Washington fan, and see most of his movies. The Equalizer kept us interested and the end clearly setup the sequel. Would I go see the sequel? No, but I’d watch the sequel on cable or Netflix. Would I watch The Equalizer again? Only if I couldn’t find anything else that vaguely interested me. But, I don’t regret spending the money on the film. I guess I need a new rating category, eh? Hmmm—how about I for Indifferent. The Equalizer is a solid I.

Did anyone see these movies? What’s your rating?

Merry Monday!

Cheers,

Jianne