Date: 7/15/18
Title: Skyscraper
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell, Chin Han, Byron Mann, McKenna Roberts, Roland Moller

If you go into Skyscraper expecting a bland, run-of-the-mill action film, then you won't be disappointed. The biggest sin of Skyscraper, is just that. There is nothing within the film, that elevates it to something you might find on TV scrolling through channels late at night. There's no hook to make anything standout. You would think the titular skyscraper itself would be that hook, but alas, this not the case. Dwayne Johnson and Neve Campbell, give sustainable performances. However, their characters are unfortunately too one-note to really put any investment in. In fact everyone is so one-note, you can smell the plot unfold in the first scene. Yes, Johnson is an amputee, but just that fact alone isn't enough for us to truly care about the character. That being said, there are some decent action set-pieces in here, which are enough to wet the appetite of action fans. Unfortunately, there's not much else. Skyscraper is a barely serviceable action film, to cool off from the summer heat. 

Date: 7/6/18
Title: Ant-Man and the Wasp
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Pena, Walton Goggins, Hannah-John Kamen, Michelle Pheiffer, Laurence Fishburne

Ant-Man and the Wasp isn't going to get points for sheer originality. However, it more than makes up for it with a fun, raucous, romp, up there with the best of the MCU. I love the first Ant-Man. It's still my second favorite Marvel film to date. Ant-Man and the Wasp, brings the same fun and fancy free energy that its predecessor did. The film is funny, action packed, and moves at brisk pace. In a way, it's perfect summer entertainment. Paul Rudd, returns to the titular role and he hasn't missed a beat. Joining him more closely this time, is Evangeline Lilly, who kicks ass as The Wasp. Michael Douglas, returns as well, and he does a fine job. The main problem with Ant-Man and the Wasp is once again, the villain. Marvel still can't seem to get those right. They've been making these films now for 10 years and while yes, Thanos, Loki, and Killmonger are fine, those odds are terrible. Still, despite the weak villain and a little bit of a slow start, Ant-Man and the Wasp is fantastic fun. It's able to rise above the shortcomings, with relentless fun.