Next of Kin (56 words)

Awful movie. One of those “it’s Saturday and there’s nothing on” films. This is a classic rivalry story—the Chicago mob and Kentucky hillbillies. Starring a surprising number of well-known actors (Helen Hunt, Patrick Swayze, Liam Neeson, Ben Stiller (!)). Almost redeemed by the big fight scene featuring axes, bows and arrows, snakes and semi-automatic firearms.

Shooter (60 words)

The typical Conspiracy/Action movie—An individual becomes the target of a shadowy, powerful organization. He must fight against all odds (and waves of bad guys) to clear his name. Shooter never quite rises above the sum of it’s parts. There is no risk, no thrill; Wahlberg’s Bob Lee Swagger is a super-soldier and we know he will win.

Invincible (60 words)

A football movie for people who don’t like football. Not a true biopic; Invincible seemed a little light on some details (Papale’s wife and football career, for instance) and the story was laid out without much in the way of surprising turns, it was entertaining nonetheless. I even found myself getting anxious during the “big game” at the story’s climax.

Breach (53 words)

Based on the real life events, Breach gives a look at what may have happened behind-the-scenes of the “greatest security breach in US history.” I expected thrilling chase scenes and other spy movie mandatories. This film skips past the cliches and offers the director’s take on the motivations of Robert Hanssen.

Stardust (53 words)

I was on the fence about this film before seeing it. The premise seemed interesting but the trailers soured me. Forget the trailers. Stardust is a delightful movie. All the elements work perfectly together; the humor, the adventure, the love story. Sure to be a cult favorite, if not a box office one.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (60 words)

Like many others, my wife and I took in the latest Harry Potter film. I really enjoyed it, even as someone who has not read any of the books. The movie is smart, engaging and self-contained. Which is remarkable, I think, for a serialized story. This film and the previous one have made me quite anxious for the remaining two.