Agora
Disappointing historical drama about Hypatia of Alexandria. Though historically pretty accurate, the dialogue is stilted and the science/philosophy discussions are completely lame, even embarrassing. Timely message about questioning and questioning and intolerance, but pretentious and sensationalized. Really too bad. *
RED
Surprisingly delightful spy movie about someone trying to kill former CIA operatives who are Retired but Extremely Dangerous. The plot is thin, but the casting was inspired, and everyone plays their parts perfectly. They even made most of the below-average dialogue acceptable. Really had a good time. **
Far Side of the Moon
Odd, self-indulgent French-Canadian film about a guy’s struggles to become himself. Found him very dislikable, even creepy, and since he was in every scene, not very enjoyable. Same guy acted two parts, directed, and wrote it. Could happily have missed it. *
Resident Evil: Afterlife
Maybe the worst of the series. A lot of slow-motion posing rather than combat, though everybody was buff and tough. Lame plot, if you can even call it that. One I wished I had missed. *
Machete
Absolutely entertaining and enjoyable grindhouse flick from Robert Rodriguez about an ex-Mexican cop who gets involved in cross-border corruption. Tone was perfect, cartoonish violence, female nudity, campy acting, and a hilarious climactic battle. Really had fun. **
The American
Kind of odd spy thriller without any thrills. Clooney plays a contract man who decides to get out because he falls in love with an unbelievably good-looking and sweet hooker. Almost embarrassing dialogue at times, and a very predictable ending. Disappointing. *
