Don’t Think Twice 1:32 R 8/10

Director Mike Birbiglia’s new film is his attempt to shine a light on the backstage culture of improv comedy. The film revolves around an improv group who has a member casted onto a comedy show meant to be a Saturday Night Live type sketch show.
After the member of the group leaves, jealousy begins to tear the group apart. The film gives a very insightful look into the psychology of a comedy group. The film is not just an exceptional comedy, but a great look into the backstage workings of the comedy industry.

Swiss Army Man 1:37 R 9/10

“Swiss Army Man” used a ridiculous idea and some crude humor to make one of the year’s most thought-provoking films. The film, at its surface, is about a man named Hank who is stranded on a desert island and finds a magical cadaver named Manny that he uses to help him get back to society.
Manny has no knowledge of the world, so Hank has to describe to him why he wants to re-enter society and ends up having second thoughts. The film asks some interesting questions that get the audience thinking about our society as a whole.

The Nice Guys 1:56 R 9/10

Writer director Shane Black’s new film, “The Nice Guys” stars Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy and Ryan Gosling as Holland March, two private detectives living in L.A. in 1977.
The relationship between March and Healy forms a large chunk of both the clever dialogue and the character development– both of which elevate the story.
Beneath the humor and suspense of the story, however, is a layer of social commentary that could easily be overshadowed by the rest of the film. This self-awareness gives the movie a slightly darker tone than originally hinted at.
“The Nice Guys” is a perfect example of a movie that entertains in multiple ways.

The Lobster 1:59 R 9.5/10

“The Lobster” is a fascinating movie full of contradictions, and it’s one of the best movies of the summer.
The film follows David, played by Colin Farrell, checking into a hotel for singles. The parameters of the hotel, and by extension the film, are laid out almost immediately. Singles get 45 days to find a mate, and if they are unable to do so, they are turned into an animal of their choosing.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos does a great job of sticking to this concept, as does the whole cast. Lea Seydoux, Rachel Weisz, and Farrell are all standouts, playing their parts completely straight.
“The Lobster” is a scathing satire with great performances and writing which combine to form one of the most intriguing comedies in years.