2 Best Movies to Watch by Kim Baptiste

Staff & contributors
Hit Man is many things—a romance, neo-noir, comedy, and thriller. And though it sometimes feels like it doesn’t quite reach its full potential in all those areas, it’s hard not to be blown away by Powell’s Rolodex of characters and his palpable chemistry with Arjona. The story itself isn’t as sturdy as I hoped it would be, but it’s supported by a strong, funny script co-written by the ever-reliable Linklater (who I suspect is behind the deep existential ruminations) and Powell (who must’ve supplied the cache of modern jokes), ultimately making Hit Man a smart, funny, and deeply pleasurable watch.

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance

Actor: Adria Arjona, Anthony Michael Frederick, Austin Amelio, Bryant Carroll, Donna DuPlantier, Eleanor Threatt, Evan Holtzman, Glen Powell, Gralen Bryant Banks, Jo-Ann Robinson, Jordan Salloum, Julia Holt, Kate Adair, Kim Baptiste, Mike Markoff, Molly Bernard, Morgana Shaw, Retta, Richard Robichaux, Ritchie Montgomery, Roxy Rivera, Sanjay Rao, Sara Osi Scott, Stephanie Hong

Director: Richard Linklater

Rating: R

Produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Caddo Lake isn’t the most shocking thriller out there. It starts slow, suffers from low-budget CGI, and tends to be schmaltzy at times. But it is, overall, a strong and suspenseful film. Once it kicks into gear and finds its rhythm, it turns into something wholly arresting. The plot twists and turns, while the solid performances of Eliza Scanlen and Dylan O’Brien guide you through them. Its folksy setting adds to the mystical feeling the film is gunning for, too. Don’t expect all your questions to be answered by the end of the film, but be prepared to be taken aback by the eerie mystery of it all.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Actor: David Maldonado, Diana Hopper, Dylan O'Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Eric Lange, Kim Baptiste, Lance E. Nichols, Lauren Ambrose, Nina Leon, Sam Hennings

Director: Celine Held, Logan George

Rating: PG-13