Iron Man 3

Just got out of Iron Man 3. It was awful. There may have been a couple of scenes or moments that were legitimately enjoyable. The rest was nothing but a cheesy carnival. It was like a really poor Disney movie. It was a cartoon. Way over the top with stupid stuff. Written, conceived and designed for idiots. Grade: C.

Oblivion

Saw Oblivion. Had to read Wikipedia to fully understand the ending. Not sure how to take the film. For every two scenes or moments that I enjoyed, there were two that lacked fulfillment. Didn't really draw the feeling of profit. Part of it is that Cruise can leave one with a goofy feeling when the actor is being serious. So much of his films seem to be about him being the lone hero in the story. It all seems like one ego trip after another. I mean, it works sometimes. But this time, there's too much of him – it's irritating. Grade: B.

42

Just saw 42. Pretty Good. Grade: A. Some of the scenes of Robinson's abuse remind me of things not too dissimilar from what has occurred during the Obama presidency. That is, how a certain segment of America – the backward segment – had such difficulty and frustration with the idea of a black president. Although the venting of that frustration expresses itself in a 21st century American style rather than a 20th century, the core problem – the psychosis, if you will – is quite similar. And I don't mean rational criticisms of policy, mind you. I don't mean intelligent criticism at all. I mean, you know, “that other element.” And note how some of the same people involved in that sentiment shift over as the movie progresses. Almost as if one who is scared something finally sees that the concern has no mooring in reality.

Silver Linings Playbook

Saw Silver Linings Playbook. De Niro was very good. I didn't like the lead male actor though: I've always hated his films. I thought the movie pretty decent. Grade: B+.

Zero Dark Thirty

Saw Zero Dark 30. It was well done. Grade: A.