Eden (2024)

Based on actual events, a group of settlers (including a doctor writing his manifesto, a couple trying to start a family, and a Baroness with her harem) arrive at a remote locale in the Galápagos Islands circa 1929, where they are at once at each other's throats as they're forced to contend with harsh living conditions, scarcity of resources and lack of medical care. This is a harrowing survival drama at times, though it's filled with enough black humor to ensure your safe harbor. It's a movie that plumbs the depths of "love thy neighbor," but I hated it on principle. It's kind of a mess, though I guess that's the point.

3 wild boars out of 5

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR [2016]

The MCU kicks off Phase 3 with The Russo Brothers' Captain America: Civil War, which is basically the third (and best) Avengers movie yet.
Heavily inspired by Mark Millar's mini-series, the final part of the Cappy America/Bucky Barnes trilogy sees The Avengers' comradery turn sour when the United Nations wants complete control of the team of superheroes.
Kudos to the Russos for managing to keep the film a wild romp of a superhero smackdown but never sacrificing thoughtful subtext or a healthy helping of interesting character arcs.  It's also impressive at how well they manage to juggle such a large ensemble and never once leaving us feel as if we didn't get enough of one character and not the other.  A perfect example of how you can have your costumed characters duke it out something fierce, without getting ridiculously dark, while still keeping it smart and exciting.

4 Bluth stair-cars out of 5

RUSH [2013]

Every 6 or 7 years director Ron Howard comes out with a pretty decent flick, whereas most of the other stuff he pumps out is audience friendly drivel.
Based on the subject matter and Howard's name, I wasn't expecting to enjoy Rush as much as I did.
Propelled by some equally strong performances by Chris Hemsworth & Daniel Brühl as Formula 1 rivals James Hunt & Niki Lauda, the film is more a character piece rather than a sporty bio-drama.  With it's slick-pacing and exciting race sequences all of which are beautifully edited & shot, Rush is superbly crafted story that is riveting from beginning to end.

4 lung vacuums out of 5