The Grand Budapest Hotel: surprising

At the risk of an oversimplification, if you’ve seen one Wes Anderson flick, you’ve seen them all.   They are a little darker (thematically), muted (visually), and off-center (societally).  And while all of this is as it should be in The Grand Budapest Hotel, the film itself was not what I was expecting.  Though a straight forward tale of greed, love, and loyalty, as told through the eyes of a bellboy, the lengths to which the characters followed those ends were not.  Defamed “heroes”  and psychopaths running a mock in what looked like the Swiss Alps was a  bit too much for me.  This was definitely more fantastic than insightful, as the characters became obvious caricatures rather than the subtler versions I had grown accustomed to.  That said, I found the film appropriately intriguing and the story fresh (in a throwback kind of way)—though not my favorite Wes Anderson film (in full disclosure, it’s Moonrise Kingdom).

Verdict: A nice night-in option on a rainy day (Netflix it) 

Cirque du Soliel-- worlds away: comically impressive

Having never seen a Cirque du Soliel show and having not set foot inside a circus in over 15 years, I was amazed.  The talent involved in the shows are athletes worthy of "Ninja Warrior" (which has had Olympians not make the physical cut) with supreme grace.  It was seriously some of the best stunts ever: great feats of strength and illusions to create beautiful 3-D scenes.  However, there was a bit too much artistic liberty with the themes and motifs (I missed a lot of what was happening).  It was this fantastic experience that nearly nullified the need to see any of the actual Vegas shows that it featured.
Verdict: rent it for a family night (discount)

Jack Reacher: empty fun

So, regardless of my personal feelings for Tom Cruise, it is undeniable that he is a pretty good actor. He makes decent movie decisions but always delivers an outstanding performance; it was nice to be reminded of that. Jack Reacher is a well-done film about a bad-ass cop solving a really hard case.  It's like Die Hard, but less improbable/ extravagent.  It is unfortunate that it comes at a bad time, on the heels of the Newtown incident, as it's about solving a senseless and random shooting.  Though you really don't get why this nomadic hermit is as good as he is or as involved as he is, you learn to appreciate his presence and style in the investigation.  Though violent, it's not excessively graphic so that you can still enjoy the victory in getting the bad guy.
Verdict: Catch the matinee (discount) 

Flight: light & dark

The opening scene of the film said it all: the type of person we would watch struggle for clarity of mind and conscience.  The problem was that he is not really pitiable.  In fact, he is downright unlikable.  This is a confounding story of an incredible act of heroism made by a nonredeemable man.  Rarely do I enjoy addiction stories but this one was better than average.  While that doesn't make this one of my favorite movies of 2012, it was an enjoyable experience.  It helped that the acting was incredible; nearly every role was superbly executed.  The characters are somewhat understandable, the story is decent, but the people (even John Goodman) make that world go round.
Verdict: only if you really like Denzel, go now (rent it)

Perks of Being a Wallflower: a little extra

Though I have gotten a lot better, I am definitely not one for reading.  So, the fact that this was a book for over a decade before becoming a film is almost of no consequence. I walked in, blind, hoping to see an uplifting coming-of-age story to put me in a good mood.  Note: that is a terrible expectation of this film.  It delves much deeper into the issues of the ever reserved and proper Charlie, as we go through his freshman year of high school with him.  Picture the Breakfast Club meets Girl Interrupted.  While the darker tone gives it a grittier and more realistic feel (and frankly makes it better), it was far more than I bargained for and completely overwhelming.  In short, it had a great cast  (props to Ms. Emma Watson) and was very well done.
Verdict: Only if you know what you're doing (worth it)

The Amazing Spiderman: authentically done

So, I'm not one for comics, but when the reboot for Spiderman was announced and the love interest was not Ms Mary Jane Watson, I had to do my research.  What could be so different to require a new female lead?!  Apparently, Toby McGuire's version was all sorts of historically incorrect.  Garfield was a far more awkward Peter Parker than I was expecting, but the story itself was more authentic and followed the comic closer.  While I am still far more excited for the third installation of the Batman/Nolan series, I was not terribly disappointed in this movie.  Only slightly... well I was severely disappointed in the 3D effects and the gratuitous flying scenes.
Verdict: See it in 2D and at 4 pm on a Tuesday (Discount)

Think Like a Man: surprisingly better

Unfortunately, with a crap ton of supporting evidence, I had essentially written off the predominantly black comedy.  From the cross-dressing to the one-dimensional characters and stereotypically-acted script, an all black cast typically entertained me but yet made me feel that I had to apologize for its existence.  This film, however, broke the mold to come up with a relevant way to discuss the topic of African-American dating.  Though it wraps up with a cheesy happy ending and contains every prominent black star (music and acting) under the age of 30, it was one of the best ensemble romantic comedies I've seen since Love Actually came out.
Verdict: Worth the fanfare (Go for it!) 

We Bought a Zoo: touchingly corny

Similar to the Descendants, it's the story of a man trying to re-define his life and his family with the loss of his wife.  However, without the critical acclaim... and some tigers. And no infidelity. But add in Scarlett Johansson.  So, in summary, nothing like it.  In fact, I found this story to be more engaging than the subtle Descendants.  While it is a bit over-the-top on the sap factor, the discovery on how to connect and how to cope with a loss made this an enjoyable film (and the use of cute baby animals).
Verdict: A holiday picker-upper (Matinee)

Mission Impossible IV: entertaining throwback

The franchise, having started phenomenally strong, had waned in its later sequels.  To the point where I lost count of which one we were on (let alone what happened in II and the overlooked III). For those looking to re-experience the glory days of the original series, you are in for a treat.  Not only bringing back opt-in missions (saying the tagline “should you choose to accept”), but also with its traditional-style jokes.   Of course, it is chocked full of physically impossible scenes that take you on a world tour from Dubai to Mumbai.  All in all, it was a great joyride where the supporting actors (big ups to Renner and Pegg) only enhance Cruise’s antics.

Verdict:  It’s cool enough(matinee)

Friends with Benefits: I'm unsure

I didn't love it. But I didn't hate it. Somewhere between tolerated and liked.  It flirted with the traditional plots of any good rom-com (someone falls in love and it feels unrequited), though it took a more earnest approach to how that relationship evolves and matures.  To be fair, I have had many debates with friends about how it was the triumphant movie over No Strings Attached (I apparently am in the minority thinking FWB lost).

Tree of Life: artistically liberal

It was a lot to handle.  Characters are used like props in the background, rather than the focus of the scene like I'm used to.  It definitely took me off-guard as I sat through a 20 minute interlude (1/3 of the way into it) of natural photos and scenery set to an opera.  I was never quite sure what I was watching, or what I was learning about... but it was definitive that the piece had a viewpoint.  Yeah, piece rather than film.  It was like watching an installation on the beauty of nature in the M.I.A. (Mpls Institute of Art for those less familiar with the place).  However you classify it, it is not for those who are easily unnerved by the unexpected (there were dinosaurs) or those who expect to see much of Sean Penn or Brad Pitt.
Verdict: uh... yeah, I got nothing (Matinee?!)

Arthur: Honestly charming

It was like Elf except instead of being imported from the North Pole to NYC around Christmas time, Arthur is imported from Britain and trapped inside a Marvel-themed party.  Though he is a full-fledged drunk with severe family issues, he has surprisingly good manners/morals for a ridiculously spoiled rich kid.  Even without knowing the value of a dollar and constantly distracting himself with thoughtless entertainment (he has a floating bed and a fleet of vehicles from cartoons, including the Batmobile), his idealistic view on love was touching and you can’t help but root for him to win.

Verdict: If you fancy, though you could do without (Discount)

Source Code: Confoundingly entertaining

The trailer for this film left much to be desired… there’s a special mission that allows a Captain to replay a crucial 8 minute scenario that, if solved, would save some people.  Don’t know who, don’t know how, and don’t know why he was chosen.  Apparently, neither does he, and so we learn what’s going on at the same time the officer does...  so you’re engaged in discovering the puzzle while you watch.  Similar to a Jason Bourne experience, swapping secret intelligence with sci-fi technology, we start with a fit of amnesia and uncover something no one was expecting.  While I’m still a bit puzzled as to what actually happened, they get points for trying a new storyline.

Verdict: worth your time… not necessarily your money (at your convenience)

Wasteland: literally artistic

Trash is pretty much gross; it smells, leaks, and can only bud on itself; it’s total waste.  But someone’s got to manage it; and this is their story.  This documentary sheds an artistic light on the lives of the people who mine the world’s largest landfill to find the few recyclable materials to sell off.  Just like the roles they play in Rio, artist Vik Muniz takes their lives and recycles them into works of art.  The story of how is truly moving and a great view into how art adds value, and showcases some awe-inspiring pieces.  Though, it really did made me squeamish seeing that much trash. It was like the Alps of trash…

Verdict: You'll appreciate it even if you only kind of like art (Discount)

Tangled: Appropriately charming

Sometimes, you just need watch something that makes you feel all warm on the inside. This film didn't exactly hit the spot, but it was close. It was a cute fairy tale that wasn't overly sappy or juvenile... it was very fitting. While the plot is really predictable (as it should be), the way it's told is refreshed and entertaining. This is a win on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a small child to entrance, but it's not too shabby without one either.
Verdict: Worth $5 (See for a discount)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Necessary means…

To what better be the most awesome ending on screen ever! The first installment of the seventh movie is exactly what most first installments are: set-up. The set-up for what’s to come. The necessary evil. It’s just unfortunate that it had to come right before the anticipated, and action-packed conclusion of the Harry Potter Saga. So, if you’re into the HP series, this is an unavoidable waste of two hours (a lot of aimless wandering—but there is about 45 min of intermittent action). But I guess it’s better than reading the couple hundred pages it covers.
Verdict: Don’t see it in IMAX (see for a discount)

Unstoppable: Unexpectedly fun

Trains have never been more exciting. The film uses the train as the antagonist, pushing our two unwilling heroes close in an effort to save some piece of PA I’ve never heard of. There is a slow build from everyday life at the depot to the extraordinary feat of chasing down an out-of-control train. You think it would be fairly straight forward, but there are a few times were the crazy locomotive outwits the people. Though some stuff does blow up in the pursuit, the thrill of the chase is what keeps the viewer interested throughout the movie.
Verdict: Catch the matinee (see for a discount)