Somewhere in the Middle (2019)

You can have the best filmmaker and cast in the world, but if the script is lacking, you’re in a troublesome state. Such is the case with Gemini Man, a film full of tremendous artists.

Adam Sandler goes hard as an NBA scout in this male-heavy sports-drama.

A short hybrid film featuring everyone's favorite Disney characters.

Him is visually stunning—all concrete cathedrals and bone-rattling impact shots that look like a nightmare highlight reel. Marlon Wayans is magnetic as this legendary quarterback who's basically selling salvation with a smile that never quite reaches his eyes. But the story keeps running in circles: more tests, more cryptic pep talks, more ritualistic drills. The sports-as-religion metaphor beats you over the head when subtlety would've been more effective. The middle drags, and that finale chooses spectacle over substance. It's undeniably stylish, but left me cold. Also worth noting: despite the Monkeypaw connection, this isn't actually a Jordan Peele film—he didn't write or direct.

Despite the film’s efforts to reframe its heroine with modern complexity, a certain emotional distance lingers.

With a quirky outline, Project Hail Mary stays within the bounds of human language and imperial fantasy.