Movie Reviews: 'The Shape of Water' and 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' are exciting, lovable films

Lucasfilm

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017, directed by Rian Johnson. U.S.A., English, Color, 152 minutes) Grab your lightsaber and favorite droid because you'll be in for a good time with the latest "Star Wars" movie. After dishing out a lot of fan service in "The Force Awakens", the seventh episode in the "Star Wars" franchise, "The Last Jedi" really opens up its potential with a methodical film that gives us deeper characters and emotions than its lighter predecessor. Now that audiences have been reacquainted with old friends and have welcomed new ones, we can get into the meat of this new trilogy. The First Order continues to drive out the Resistance as Rey tries to lure Luke Sykwalker to help with the cause and Finn and Poe try to keep ahead of the Order's trailing forces.

This is an exemplary addition to the "Star Wars" franchise. It delved deeper into the motives that drive the characters into an ever-evolving battle between good and evil. We've seen this story happen over and over in the "Star Wars" movies but this was the first one I thought had a confidence in itself to allow it to be insightful while being just funny and charming enough to balance the mood. "The Last Jedi" was more exciting than its predecessor while at the same time preparing us for the next chapter that is sure to explode.

Rating: A-

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Fox Searchlight

The Shape of Water (2017, directed by Guillermo del Toro. U.S.A., English, Color, 123 minutes) "The Shape of Water" proves that for as dark and nightmarish some of his films can be, Guillermo Del Toro can be just as soft-hearted and delicate when handling love stories. This is a delicate Cold War-era set film about a mute cleaner named Elisa (Sally Hawkins) in a government lab who falls in love with a human-like amphibian creature that is wanted by the U.S. and the Russians. He is held captive in a tank and Elisa starts to communicate with and understand this weary creature. This connection between human and amphibian is so earnestly bizarre yet you don't question why it's happening: It feels real so you let it happen.

Love is love and the connection between two people, or otherwise, is strong for a reason. There's a freedom they have with each other that transcends everything else. The love between Elisa and the amphibian is so free you feel like you're floating in water with them, letting all of our worries drift away into the abyss and floating in spectacle until you're ready to re-engage with reality. "The Shape of Water" impresses with its acting, heartfelt story and gorgeous production values. It's a beautifully macabre love story that will make your heart melt while occasionally making you wince at the graphic moments.

Rating: A-