Too often, Albert Nobbs falls into melodramatic traps, yet two stellar (and Oscar-nominated) performances from Glenn Close and Janet McTeer light up the screen in such a way that one can’t help but recommend the film.
The humor of Wanderlust and hippie communes share a similar mantra: embrace it or get the heck out. Role Models director David Wain and comedian Ken Marino have written a genuinely funny movie, only one that’s kind of pasted together like a spontaneous collage of humorous characters and moments rather than strung together with any notion of a compelling story.
Although Christopher Plummer gives an Oscar-worthy performance, Mike Millis’ semi-autobiographical film Beginners is a snooze. The central love story is very ordinary, and the directorial style relies too much on being cute.
This Means War play like a bland remake/sequel to an entire genre, specifically, bad romantic comedies designed for an insidiously strategic strike on those deflated by another unfulfilling Valentine’s Day.
Although the action could be described as better and the visual depiction of the Ghost Rider improved and more fully realized, “Spirit of Vengeance” suffers from the same plot inanity as its predecessor, if not worse.
Little can be said about Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace that hasn’t already been echoed since its debut in 1999. Given all of the money and power at Lucas’ disposal, there is no question that the 3D conversion was meticulous. Yet it hardly stands out.
When the action ramps up, Safe House is at its best, providing ample energy, a plethora of gunplay and a number of gritty combat sequences. When pausing to forward the plot, spew exposition or focus on perfunctory romances, it grinds to a halt.
How you react to something completely unimaginable happening? Would you break down, become nihilistic, carry on as normal or believe in the strength of the human spirit? Perfect Sense aims to answer that question.
The Unauthorized Nicholas Sparks Movie could work as an alternate title for Michael Sucsy’s The Vow. The film doesn’t tackle any new ground or even begin to touch excellence, but it’s an enjoyable enough effort to get its point across despite the syrupy melodra.
It would be easy to watch the film and chastise it for lack of originality or being a slave to the cliches of ghost stories. For the less jaded, “Woman” is an entertaining, often atmospheric love letter to horror films like The Haunting or The Others.
