Yo everyone, Sly did it!

In Creed, Stallone’s Rocky Balboa nostalgically reprises one of the most beloved characters in film history with a lasting and emotional portrayal. While still maintaining that “aw shucks” persona, our hero is bestowing upon young Adonis Johnson in a surprisingly elegant manner.

The Italian Stallion steps out of his pugilistic stereotype and into an intellectual role with self deprecating humor (the chicken scene) and fascinating corner speak; an evolution I was skeptical of and found to be the defining character arc of the film.

Creed (Johnson), attempting to chart his own path in his father’s profession, seeks out Rocky, a lost soul in his own way, for boxing acumen. A story line told many times, however not this well. His athleticism is unquestioned and the chemistry with Balboa is uncommonly good. Save for one thick, unnecessary moment backstage at a concert, Michael B. Jordan’s Creed is well acted.

The ending, evoking memories of Rocky I, was delightfully unexpected. The training and fight scenes were elegantly shot and perfectly timed. Creed goes toe-to-toe with the heavyweights of the Film Clas elite, scoring 4.5 out of 5 napkins, a near unanimous decision by the judges.

Room is balance. A balance achieved through imaginative storytelling. There are beautiful moments during despair and sad moments during supposed elation. It is this parity that keeps us so invested before and after the story’s fulcrum; the separation, escape and reunion of Ma and Jack. There is no parity during these minutes. It is as powerful as cinema can get.

While Larson and Tremblay were brilliant, it is the performance of Tom McCamus as Leo that is subtly heroic in this film. He is the first male to pay Jack any mind. Ma’s father (Macy) cannot acknowledge Jack because of the circumstances with which he came to be. The male police officer was even dismissive and condescending. Enter Leo, Ma’s stepdad, who simply shares a bowl of cereal with Jack and socially catapults him into this world.

The film is disturbing, no question. But the tinge of joy from parental love and childhood innocence wins. Larson’s is the best female performance of the year, by far. Jack can say goodnight to napkin 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as half napkin as this moving film gains 4.5 out of 5.

I’m not sure what I expected going into this picture but I did not think my initial assessment would be, “I was on the edge of my seat.” This brash statement had my theater going pals wondering if I was sitting in a smaller seat.

Although it might not be the next Bourne film, The Danish Girl is certainly poignant and emotional.

Eddie Redmayne steeps himself in the roles of Lili and Einar, flawlessly transforming into the person he believes himself to be. As Gerda, Vikander allows the audience to feel the swell of emotion crashing down upon her; especially as she begins to paint Lili and her struggling art career ascends. Her acceptance of Lili is gradual and guides us to the end of the film.

Redmayne is fantastic but I wanted the actual film to be better than it was, my initial proclamation notwithstanding. Although brilliant acting is a wonderful thing to watch, this artistic picture doesn’t quite venture into the Film Clas elite, doodling on 3.7 napkins out of 5.

I have never been pushed purposely toward sleep by a film till Brooklyn. Cue The Beastie Boys. Luckily I caught the matinee and made it through this stunningly emotionless two-hour lullaby.

And that is very disappointing as I love the woven history between New York and Ireland. But the movie isn’t about this. Nor is it beautiful. It isn’t humorous. It isn’t dramatic. The story reduces to a girl making a choice between two guys when her New York secret is discovered in Ireland. Yippee.

Ronan is uninspiring and bland. Thoughts of chutzpah and bravery for leaving Ireland are misguided as she has work, lodging, school and guidance waiting for her in Brooklyn; all set up by an adoring sister.

Predictable stories can be exciting and entertaining but not this one. I wasn’t rooting for the Italian-American plumber or the Irish gentleman to get the girl. I knew what was going to happen and I didn’t care and that is the problem with this film.

I know Nick Hornby is way better than this. Nevertheless, Brooklyn tumbles right down Park Slope with only 1.6 out of 5 napkins to break the fall.