The summer season is upon us and, despite the lack of J.R.R. Tolkienadaptations, it’s all magic and monsters moving forward. For this
weekend, at least. Between the magician cons, straight up cons, Euro
spies, underground terrorist cells, underground plastic surgeons, lethal
mutant creatures, and potentially nonlethal aliens, there’s no shortage
of horror or illusion — as well as a few horrifically illusioned
characters and plots — filling the theaters. (Curiously enough, despite
all the trickery, there’s nothing opening in 3D, go figure.) Which
tales of deception and mysterious beasts will be catching your eye? Let
us know in the comments below!
“After Earth.” Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Starring Will Smith and Jaden Smith. Our review: “Without much
dialogue, Shyamalan captures not necessarily an adventurous spirit (‘After
Earth’ tends towards the boring end of the spectrum more often than not), but
the idea of restless exploration…It would be an intoxicating idea had
Shyamalan either committed towards [Jaden Smith’s character] Kitai finding a passionate enjoyment of
these exploits (poor Jaden doesn’t once smile during this film) or found a way
to embrace the plot elements that drag this sedentary film from act to act.” Metacritic: 32 Rotten Tomatoes: 13% The Playlist: C
“Now You See Me.” Directed by Louis Leterrier. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, Melanie Laurent, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman. Our review: “It’s interesting to note that unlike many summer movies this year, this
is one that doesn’t lean on heavy CGI, superheroes or explosions
(indeed, the only ‘action sequence’ here is a car chase). And
Leterrier’s film is a reminder that sometimes a good yarn can do enough
heavy lifting on its own to provide thrills. Whether or not the illusion
pays off will be up to you, but the trick itself may be intriguing
enough.” MC: 51 RT: 42% PL: B-
and screenwriter Chris Galletta are in perfect unison
on this film, harmonizing to create what feels like a fresh comic voice.
Often indies fall into a pattern of deadpan post-Wes Anderson
quirk, but this film firmly carves out its own identity. The duo have
created a world that’s fantastic but grounded in authentic emotions
(aided in no small part by gorgeous cinematography by Ross Riege).
Vogt-Roberts said he wanted to make a comedy that was beautiful and
dark and also funny; we’d say he succeeded wildly.” MC: 57 RT: 78% PL:
B+
polish, as a filmmaker, Batmanglij is still at the head of the class of
up-and-coming directors. It’s great seeing him able to paint on a larger
canvas here and provide Marling an opportunity to turn in another
beguiling performance. ‘The East’ is definitely a movie that’s going to
divide people but it’ll be a conversation worth having.” MC: 71 RT: 76% PL: B-
is in need of more films that don’t just involve James Bond, ‘Shadow
Dancer’ is another efficient, intelligent entry. With a conclusion that
arrives as an open-ended gut punch, you’re not just left lingering with
unanswered questions, but the sensation that James Marsh has delivered
something truly special.” MC: 72 RT: 85% PL: B
Mary’ simply reveals itself as a film with little on its mind, content to scare
rubberneckers into contemplating the backstory of the more outlandish body
manipulation jobs they’ve seen in public. A documentary would have sufficed.” MC: 45 RT: 60% PL: C-
“The Wall.” Directed by Julian Polsler. Starring Martina Gedeck, Karlheinz Hackl, Ulrike Beimpold, and Wolfgang Maria Bauer. Our review: “An elegiac new film that can’t seem to get out of its
own way in an attempt to tell its own story, to the point where it feels like
two distinctly different warring sensibilities at play.” MC: 59 RT: 67% PL: B-
“Triumph Of The Wall.” Directed by Bill Stone.
Constructing a wall is a slow and monotonous endeavor; making it the
center of a documentary doesn’t change this fact. MC: no score yet RT:
no score yet
“I Do.” Directed by Glenn Gaylord. Starring Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Alicia Witt, Maurice Compte, and David W. Ross. A relationship dramedy with sluggish pacing, ill-defined characters, and a highly contrived storyline. MC: 23 RT: no score yet
“La Camioneta.” Directed by Mark Kendall. Our review: ” ‘La Camioneta’ is at once an insightful documentary and a poignant
allegory. A novel and topical story draws viewers in; the illumination
of very honest, human issues residing within will keep them in their
seats.” MC: 70 RT: no score yet PL: B+
“Hannah Arendt” opened Wednesday. Directed by Margarethe von Trotta. Starring Barbara Sukowa, Axel Milberg, Janet McTeer, and Julia Jentsch.
An engaging, well-acted period drama that centers on the titular
writer-professor-philosopher’s controversial coverage of the 1961 trial
of Adolf Eichmann. MC: 66 RT: 100%
