I have always been a lover of musical theatrical productions. In Annette, Leos Carax directs a musical that is an auteur masterpiece. It is truly a spectacle to behold—a musical and cinematic experience like no other. It is breathtaking in its cinematography, and its beauty and plot will take viewers through a range of emotions.

Annette opened the Cannes Film Festival this year. It is about a stand-up comedian named Henry, played by Adam Driver, who falls for opera singer Anne, played by Marion Cotillard. They are in the public spotlight because of their high profile careers, and soon their daughter Annette comes along. The couple quickly realizes that there is something very unique about Annette, but her birth also drastically changes the chemistry between Henry and Anne. The dramatic changes in their lives are emphasized through song, and the director’s use of transitions between scenes.

Although Annette focuses on the many struggles between Henry and Anne, there was a still a light that shines throughout the film. The emotional impact of the film comes from the unpredictable problems that arise between the couple, shown first through the eyes of Henry and Anne, and then through Annette. Driver and Cotillard both deliver masterpiece performances in Annette, and it is a brilliant tearjerker.

Annette is truly a poetic achievement. At its core it is about soul-searching. It is an emotionally intriguing journey through the lives of a father, a mother, and their daughter, that will take your breath away. It is a journey for the ages. Four stars for Annette.

I was talking recently about Disney films with another cinema friend of mine. I had just seen Jungle Cruise and I was describing its visual grandeur, brilliant filmmaking and cinematographic environment. The film also has a plot that is inviting, but I said that for this Disney production it is the wonderful 3D effects that really makes the film invigorating.

Jungle Cruise is about travelers who are on a journey to find an ancient tree with healing powers. The guide for the trip is Frank Wolff, played by Dwayne Johnson, who has a mischievous side. The other main characters who take the big risk to join Wolff through uncharted territory are Dr. Lily Houghton, played by Emily Blunt, and her clumsy husband MacGregor, played by Jack Whitehall.

Jungle Cruise is of course based on the Disney theme park riverboat ride of the same name. For families who have taken their kid to Disneyland, the riverboat adventures of Jungle Cruise will create a connection that families will love. And Johnson and Blunt are fabulous in Jungle Cruise.

I love how Johnson plays his role. He doesn’t take situations seriously, and this causes some catastrophes, but his previous experiences help him to ultimately be successful. I also love how Blunt questions Johnson’s judgment, which is a recipe for a disaster in the beginning. But as the journey progresses there is less questioning of one another and many heartfelt moments follow. Johnson and Blunt just have wonderful chemistry that makes for a wild ride with many surprises.

Jungle Cruise was pure joy from start to finish. It was funny and the nature settings done in full and wondrous 3D is truly Disney at its best, providing many connecting moments for families and fans. Three and a half stars for Jungle Cruise.

Free Guy is a creative and fun comedy that fits Ryan Reynolds perfectly. Director Shawn Levy brings us a ride of laughs and twists, and Reynold’s humor drives those two elements. It is innovative and hilarious on many levels. Free Guy’s approach is similar to Deadpool (2016), but without the excessive swearing and weird innuendo. People of all ages will be able to connect with its humor and will have a good time.

In Free Guy, Reynolds is Guy, a bank teller that realizes he is an NPC (non-player character) in a video game that is open world. Guy takes his chances in the video-game world to live his virtual life to the fullest. He begins to find ways to level himself up to earn more in the video game. He faces challenges along the way that contain hilarious twists, as well as some glitches. And Reynolds is not the only great character in Free Guy. Jodie Comer plays Millie, who Guy has a crush on. Lil Rel Howery is Buddy, Guy’s colleague and best friend. Taika Waititi is Antoine, the game’s creator, who only wants big profits for the game. Everyone associated with Free Guy adds fun and humor to the film

Free Guy may seem a bit ridiculous at times, but it’s clever. I loved how the film connects elements that many gamers will know about. No spoilers here, though; the audience will have to find the elements for themselves. I also loved that Free Guy gives more than the audience expects. The film is full of surprises, and in those moments there’s no better fit than Ryan Reynolds.

I laughed often throughout Free Guy. Honestly, anything with Ryan Reynolds is a joy, and I know that this film will touch gamers and families alike with its entertaining humor. Three and a half stars for Free Guy.