Michael Ordoña

2 weeks ago | houstonchronicle.com | Michael Ordoña

Populated by the schlubs of the superhero world, “Thunderbolts*” is another step in the right direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it continues extricating itself from the mess of the Multiverse Saga. By bringing the conflict down to street level with questionable heroes and investing sincerely in characters and relationships, the final Phase V movie is one of the MCU’s recent highlights. The grubby heroes in question are all anti-heroes with complicated pasts.

1 month ago | sfchronicle.com | Michael Ordoña

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan bring out the best in each other. In their fourth project as writer-director and actor, they deliver another banger with the genre-blending, “elevated horror” entry, “Sinners.” For Coogler, it’s another smart, original take on genre, following his rich world-building in the sociopolitically infused superhero movie “Black Panther” and his reinvigoration of the “Rocky” boxing film franchise with “Creed.” “Sinners”: Horror. Starring Michael B.

1 month ago | houstonchronicle.com | Michael Ordoña

"The Amateur" expertly explores its premise, making it one of the better spy movies in years. The new Rami Malek-starrer has enough chase and fight sequences to qualify as an action movie (and a well-executed one, at that), but its true appeal is as a well-acted, cerebral thriller. Malek's character works a desk job in the CIA and, after his wife's murder, forces his way into the field to kill her killers despite his total lack of experience.

1 month ago | datebook.sfchronicle.com | Michael Ordoña

“The Amateur” expertly explores its premise, making it one of the better spy movies in years. The new Rami Malek-starrer has enough chase and fight sequences to qualify as an action movie (and a well-executed one, at that), but its true appeal is as a well-acted, cerebral thriller. Malek’s character works a desk job in the CIA and, after his wife’s murder, forces his way into the field to kill her killers despite his total lack of experience.

1 month ago | thewrap.com | Michael Ordoña

When Jack Black’s character enthuses, “First we mine! Then we craft! Let’s Minecraft!,” you are either pumping your imaginary pickaxe in the air or you are unmoving, blank-faced, in your chair. The makers of the video game-based “A Minecraft Movie” know their built-in audience and ruthlessly target them with fan service and slapstick galore. For the rest of us, it’s a by-the-numbers Hero’s Journey amid colorful digital backgrounds.