Films I've seen of late (June '18)

#45 The Longest Day (1962)
A sweeping, epic retelling of one of the most important moments in modern history, The Longest Day covers the D-Day landings from almost every perspective which is quite a challenge. Still holds up well to this day, though, even in comparison to the the grittier Saving Private Ryan.
(9/10)

#46 Atomic Blonde (2017)
Charlize Theron is enigmatic and devastating as a cold war spy in this 80s-based thriller. Such nostalgic throwback films (with their mix tape soundtracks and overly-idealisitic portrayal of the period) are slightly wearing but this makes up for it with oodles of style and intrigue along with a great performance from James McAvoy.
(8/10)

#47 Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Lacking the overall sweep of The Longest Day (and failing to include any of the other allied nations), this is still one of the greatest war films ever made. From the gut-wrenching, harrowing opening sequence on Omaha beach to the nail-biting finale this is Spielberg at his storytelling best.
(10/10)

#48 Hop (2011)
Trying to do for Easter what Christmas movies do for Christmas, Hop is a fairly entertaining movie, despite completely ignoring the fundamental religious reason for the holiday and making up some elaborate rabbit-based backstory that feels remarkably like the mythos for Santa Claus. Even so, Russell Brand is likeable as the adolescent rabbit trying to find his place in the made-up fairytale chocolate distribution business.
(6.5/10)

#49 Dunkirk (2017)
Telling the story of the remarkable British withdrawl from continental Europe at the start of World War 2, Dunkirk is beautifully shot and makes it one of the best-looking war films at least. Its story structure is (no doubt intentionally) disorienting, but helps to masterfully build tension. Thankfully Christopher Nolan steers clear of an overly long running time and keeps things tight.
(8/10)