Guillermo del Toro's Splash; Black Panther

Been seeing a lot more movies since I got my Moviepass, but two I definitely would have seen anyway are The Shape of Water and Black Panther.

First, The Shape of Water is richly deserving of all the awards buzz. While the plot at first seems like a gender-swapped remake of Splash, this is no feelgood romantic comedy. Del Toro has crafted another visually stunning and haunting dark fairytale that if not his best work is right near the top. Sally Hawkins and Doug Jones make a perfect couple and Michael Shannon plays a villain who's very easy to hate. Highly recommended, unless you are offended by inter-species sex (I know there are a few, judging by my screening).

As for Black Panther, what can I say that hasn't been said already? The movie is a phenomenon and the first Marvel film since, well maybe ever, that feels like a real movie that's actually about something other than spectacle and wisecracks. The cast is a delight, as is the colorful and definitely not grim visual style. A little violent for wee ones, maybe, but it's a superhero movie even for people who hate superheroes. Ryan Coogler was an inspired choice to bring this to the screen. Can't wait to see what he does next.