Written by: Kevin Berge

It's about that time of year where a million movies are released that most people never even see until a few make it out with awards recognition. While it's not quite Oscar season, the summer brings a lot more fascinating independent films to enjoy.

While Endgame will remain the king of 2019's box office, its quality will be challenged by many far lower level hits around this time in the year. I am still looking out for a film that truly blows me away, but there's plenty of time for it to come.

This article will focus on four 2019 movies now in theaters: the musical biopic Rocketman, the female-led youth rebellion film Booksmart, the dramatic look into abusive relationships Souvenir, and the historical drama All Is True. No spoilers will be discussed.

Written by: Kevin Berge

Quick Take: Dark Phoenix feels eerily similar in its failures to the last iteration of the Dark Phoenix story, X-Men: The Last Stand. It disappoints with its characters, misses the point of its own story, and ultimately devolves into a mindless climax that comes off as a hasty rewrite.

Written by: Kevin Berge

Quick Take: Godzilla: King of the Monsters obscures its monster fights in shades of black and has limited character arcs, but the overall product is a satisfying ride. With a central human and monster story that pushes the action forward, it stands above many of the recent field of monster films.

Written by: Kevin Berge

Quick Take: Aladdin (2019) does not prove its need to exist, but it is charming and enjoyable with Will Smith and Naomi Scott adding just enough to make it worth seeing. It tries its best to be progressive and forward-thinking, but it mostly just rests on being fun enough.

Written by: Kevin Berge

Quick Take: Long Shot has the humor to match up to some of best romantic comedies while also taking a fresh perspective that is driven by more than a bit of political commentary. It manages to utilize its talented leads well and mostly avoid the typical gross-out humor that Seth Rogen is best known for.

Quick Take: Missing Link may not match up to the high bar that Laika has set with their recent animated films, but it is still a touching and engaging tale about shared difference that feels well suited to appeal to all ages groups.