We got plenty of streaming options and a big new sci-fi film, and I have my take on all of them below. If you want to keep up with all my movie watching exploits, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

The Creator (Theaters)
Starring: John David Washington, Allison Janney, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, and Madeline Yuna Voles
Synopsis: We get an original sci-fi film here from Garreth Edwards and Chris Weitz, who previously teamed to give us Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. We loved the craft in Rogue One, but it was the characters and the story—and original story in an established world—that connected so strongly with audiences. Here, we see an alternate world where AI has risen in society. All is going well until a nuclear warhead is set off in Los Angeles. Now, the United States is waging war against AI, and their stronghold in Asia. They’ve developed a powerful new ship to help accomplish the goal, but AI and their creator—Nimata—are developing a weapon of their own. Joshua (Washington) was once embedded undercover searching for Nimata. During that time, he married Maya (Chan), and they were about to have a child. Then a raid went bad. Now, five years later, there is a rumor Maya is alive, and connected to this new AI weapon. Joshua joins the mission but ends up finding what looks like a small child (Voles). Convinced the young AI can lead him back to his wife, Joshua undertakes a side mission that changes his perception of AI, his life and the war. Washington is great in the lead role, and I enjoyed Voles in a tricky child role, too. Edwards the director provides some incredible style here. The rich design and the worlds were visually engaging. The story, at times, is also engaging. Edwards and Weitz teamed on the script and it’s a bit slow with some under-developed characters and world-building at times. But the heart of the story is the connection between Joshua, Maya and Alpha, the child AI. It works well enough to create a satisfying third act. This is a solid production and one worth seeing in theaters.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for violence, some bloody images and strong language.

Heist 88 (Paramount+/Showtime)
Starring: Courtney B. Vance and Keith David
Synopsis: This original film dropped on Paramount Friday and came to Showtime Sunday night. It features Vance as the lead in a film based on a true story. It’s set in the 1980s when the banking system relied on phone calls and codes to approve large international transfers. Vance plays a career thief looking at going back to prison. He hatches a plan using four young bank employees to make millions and escape to Switzerland first. This has the notes of a classic heist film, but it just doesn’t crackle. The performances are fine, but we don’t get a great explanation of the world or a lot of action to draw the audience in. It’s a short film, clocking in at 84 minutes, but it could have stook to be a bit longer and provide a bit more context, character and world building. As is, this feels a little flat.
Rating: NA

Reptile (Netflix)
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, and Alicia Silverstone
Synopsis: Del Toro plays a veteran detective here investigating the murder of a Real Estate Agent. Timberlake plays her smarmy husband while Silverstone plays Del Toro’s wife and confidant. The elements for a fun crime drama are here. The pieces are in place, but they just don’t add up to much. The case and the twists aren’t that compelling, and the film doesn’t make good enough use of its talented cast. I wanted to make more of a connection to the story and world. As is, the film is fine but unmemorable.
Rating: Rated R for language, violence and some nude images.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.