As a film, “Cloud Atlas” is as ambitious as any you’ll ever see. Thoughtful, meticulously detailed, and full of memorable cast-against-type performances, it’s also dauntingly long and frustratingly difficult to follow.
Director Ben Affleck’s “Argo” is masterful – it’s a riveting work of film that completely immerses you in the tensions of a particular time and place in world history through recreations of iconic images and memorable performances from an all-star cast.
Unlike its predecessor, “Taken 2” is unable to overcome its numerous cliches, leaps of logic, and inherent silliness, despite the best efforts of the still super-cool Liam Neeson and his particular set of skills.
Bruce Willis might have top billing in the credits, but it’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt who carries “Looper”, an innovative, character-driven sci-fi thriller that’s easily the best non-superhero entry in the genre this year so far.
The moments that make “End of Watch” most effective aren’t the car chases, the fights, or the gun battles, although those are all done well. It’s the easy chemistry between its charismatic leads, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, which makes what they face day to day and the danger they encounter all the more immediate and intense.
Thanks to an excellent cast and a script that gives equal, honest weight to the whole range of emotions and scenarios that people might imagine when they think about high school reunions, “10 Years” is engrossing, enjoyable, and at all times genuine.
Don’t just dismiss it as a girls-night-out comedy: “For a Good Time, Call …” has plenty of heart and raunchy laughs to make both genders happy, and believe it or not, there’s a little wish fulfillment in there for guys, too.
