SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING.  Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his aunt under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark.  Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine-distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly  neighborhood Spider-Man - but  when the Vulture emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.  Lots of action and very humorous  at times.  I loved it.  Marvel Studios are doing an excellent job.  Not as good as Wonder Woman but worth a theater visit.  The action is better on the big screen.  I give it an eight.  Stars:  Tom Holland, Robert Downing, Jr., Marisa Tomei, and Michael Keaton.

BABY DRIVER

A talented, young getaway driver relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game.  When he meets the girl of his dreams, Baby sees a chance to ditch his criminal life and make a clean getaway.  After being coerced into working for a criminal, he must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love and freedom.  The movie does not lack action and the story is good.  Definitely a guy movie but I enjoyed it too.  I give it a strong 8.  Stars Ansel Elgort, Lily James, and Kevin Spacey.

THE BIG SICK

The Big Sick follows Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail who connects with grad student Emily after one of his standup sets.  What they thought would  be just a one-night stand, however, blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents.  When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, Kumail is forced to navigate the medical crisis with Emily's parents, while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.  Part drama and part comedy, this is a very touching film with the perspective of the struggle of those from another culture.  I give it a strong 8.  Stars Kumail Nanjani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter and Ray Romano.

i, DANIEL BLAKE

A carpenter for most of his life, Daniel Blake is forced to seek state welfare after suffering a heart attack at 59.  While trudging through an endless maze of red tape, he befriends a young single mother of two stuck in similar circumstances.  A Canne Film Festival winner, the reality of the circumstances  is overwhelming and hits home for many with a health crisis.  Not an action film but one with great acting.  I give it an eight.  Stars Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, and Briana Shann.

DEAN

Still grappling with his mother's death, New York City illustrator Dean impulsively takes a road trip to Los Angeles but stays on after meeting cute Nicky at a party.  Meanwhile, much to Dean's dismay, his dad is trying to move on by selling the family house.  Not a high action film more of a touchy feely one.  I give it a 5.  Stars Demetri Martin, Kevin Kline, and Mary Steenburgen.

WONDER WOMAN

WOW!!! One of the best movies of the year.  Be prepared to cheer.  Brenda Starr move over--I have a new heroine.  Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, Princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior.  Raised on a sheltered island paradise when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world.  Diana  leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat.  Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers and her true destiny.  So WWWI history is either rewritten or beefed up a little.  You have love a good imagination.  I give it a solid 9.  Stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Robin Wright.

GIFTED

Frank Adler is a single man raising a child prodigy--his spirited young niece Mary in a coastal town in Florida.  Frank's plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-old's mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank's formidable mother Evelyn whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary.  Mary will steal your heart and add in good looking uncle Frank and you have a winner.  I give it an eight.  Stars Chris Evans, McKenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan and Octavia Spencer.