Currently in Theaters:
Iron Man 3: (B-) Mostly fun, mostly funny comic box extravaganza is also instantly forgotten.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist: (C-) Inept topical political thriller has a few interesting ideas but goes nowhere and solidifies Mira Nair's downward slide as a director.
Mud (A-) A ripping good yarn from Jeff Nichols features great performances and an effective melding of Southern Gothic, Neo-Noir and coming-of-age. Deserves to become a word-of-mouth hit and should be remembered come Oscar time.
Oblivion (C+) Stunning visuals and a strong first half are wasted in a sci-fi story that becomes too derivative and hokey as it moves along. Tom Cruise is lifeless in the lead role, but his leading ladies make a compelling pair.
42 (B+) Brian Helgeland's wholesome-as-Ma's-meatloaf biopic is also not shy about the racism it displays and that Jackie Robinson overcame. Great character acting, nice attention to period detail and a good history lesson make this a film everyone should see despite its cliches.
The Place Beyond the Pines (A-) Derek Cianfrance’s generational mini-epic Upstate New York melodrama features a stellar cast and compelling character arcs - an early contender for a spot as one of the year’s best films.
To the Wonder (A-) Terrence Malick's meditation on loneliness and the beauty that can be found in the empty spaces of modern every-day life is a rewarding experience for those willing to let the images and symphony of his vision wash over you. Others will find it insufferable. Ben Affleck is miscast, Rachel McAdams is beautiful, Javier Bardem is perfect, and Olga Kurylenko is a revelation.
