Bumblebee

Actors: Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., John Ortiz, Jason Drucker, Pamela Adlon

Rating: 8 out of 10, I’ve seen all the Transformers movies understanding going in what was in store. In that regard this movie surprised me because it had a little bit of depth and a lot of heart which is due in large part, if not entirely because of the luminous presence of Hailee Steinfeld. She plays a plucky teenager who finds a broken down VW bug which turns out to be the venerable Bumblebee of Transformers lore (I guess at this point there is lore). Her feelings for the huge robot may be a touch over the top but Steinfeld makes you care which is a true rarity in this Hasbro inflicted universe. John Cena is around to play the befuddled military type in some true typecasting but the rest of the supporting cast is invisible for the most part. I blame Steinfeld. A nice, family appropriate escape.

MVP: Steinfeld as the plucky Charlie, once again dominating

Aquaman

Actors: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman

Rating: 9 out of 10, The DC universe may have finally found the charismatic male superhero they’ve been searching for in Jason Mamoa who carries this immense movie with ease. His readily apparent physical presence is softened with a true comedic touch as DC finally stops taking itself so seriously. There are probably too many subplots as the main plot delves into the internecine politics of sub-surface civilizations and shoe horns in Black Manta which would have made more sense for a sequel. Oh, and when did sharks learn to growl? There are a lot more important questions left for the viewer but all in all this was a great, very entertaining ride as Amber Heard displayed real chemistry with Mamoa. There were almost too many stars as Nicole Kidman teamed up with one of those pesky Star Wars clones as Aquaman’s parents and his younger brother is portrayed by the older Patrick Wilson. It all, somehow, works and credit should go to the director for keeping the tone light and mobile through the long running time.

MVP: Mamoa as the title character is funny, imposing and perfect