Short Term 12

Short Term 12

Cinedigm etc.

August 23, 2013

Drama

DVD
C-

Good acting but I didn't want to watch this story, written by director Destin Daniel Cretton, who gave us both Glass Castle (D) and Just Mercy (B+).

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Marvel Studios etc.

September 3, 2021

Action, Fantasy, Comedy
DVD
C

Although I'm not into superhero movies, I did relatively like the fantasy opening and the elements of contemporary comedy, as well as the overall look of what I saw.  I just didn't really care about the characters.  Destin Daniel Cretton directed and co-wrote, four years after Glass Castle (which I gave a D) and Just Mercy (which I gave a B+).

Just Mercy

Just Mercy

Warner Bros.

January 10, 2020

Historical Drama, Crime Drama

DVD
B+

It seems odd to say this about a movie about the death penalty and racism, but I found this beautiful, in the sense that it moved me, and not just to tears.  The supporting performances are all solid, especially Larson as support for Jordan's character, Bryan Stevenson, but even the actor playing the young white guard with a conscience.  Director Destin Daniel Cretton helped adapt the Stevenson memoir, a couple years after he adapted Glass Castle, which is much worse.

Glass Castle

Glass Castle

Lionsgate

August 11, 2017

Historical Drama

DVD
D

A dysfunctional family in the '60s through '80s, based on Jeannette Walls's book and life, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who co-wrote the screenplay.