Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang and Christian Slater
Directed by: Walter Hill
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 31 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

As a movie fan in the 1980s I was a huge fan of both Sylvester Stallone and director Walter Hill. Sly was kicking ass over and over, from the various “Rocky” and “Rambo” films to “Night Hawks” and “Tango and Cash.” And Hill, coming off “The Warriors,” was creating such gems as “The Long Riders,” “Southern Comfort” and, of course, “48 Hours.” It’s taken the two of them three decades to finally work together and I’m happy to say that the resulting film doesn’t disappoint.

Jimmy (Stallone) and Louis (Jon Seda) are hit men. Their current assignment finds them visiting a man in his hotel room. The deed is done but a witness is left behind…a woman who Jimmy discovers in the shower but doesn’t kill. Asked if the woman could identify him Jimmy replies, “she won’t.” Later that night both men, while waiting for their payment, are attacked and Louis is killed. Needless to say, Jimmy isn’t happy. He not only has to find the man who killed Louis but he still wants his money! And he’s not a patient man.

Two weeks ago the enjoyable return of 66 year old Arnold Schwarzenegger was deemed a failure because it didn’t have a big weekend at the box office. And that may happen this weekend for Stallone, also 66. Which is a shame because, 35 years after the fact, he still has the screen presence that caused Roger Ebert to compare him to Marlon Brando after the release of “Rocky.” In “Bullet to the Head” he becomes partners with Washington D.C. detective Taylor Kwon (Sung Kang, probably best known for his work in several of the past “Fast and Furious” films). Their relationship is typical good cop/bad cop (or in this case good cop/bad hit man) and it’s their exchanges that give the film a sense of humor. Jimmy isn’t fond of Kwon’s Asian heritage and prefers to call him Odd Job (not to be outdone, another character calls Kwon Kato) and Kwon marvels at how stuck in the 20th Century Jimmy is. However, when the time comes, both men excel at dispatching the bad guys, with each action scene a testament to the talent of director Hill.

The supporting cast also does well, including Slater and “Lost’s” Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as the resident bad guys of New Orleans. Credit also Sarah Shahi as Jimmy’s tattooed daughter and the screen’s most recent Conan the Barbarian, Jason Momoa, as the baddest dude Sly has tangled with in a long time. Also credit Momoa for taking a character that begins very one dimensional and giving him some life. And also give a round of applause to the visual effects department. “Bullet to the Head” isn’t just a clever name…the film has a pretty hefty death count with the bullets pretty much hitting everywhere!

Starring: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton and Peter Stormare
Directed by: Tommy Workola
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 28 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Of course, like me, you remember the story of Hansel and Gretel. Two kids lost in the forest find a house made of candy, go inside and eventually kill the witch that hoped to eat them. The End. Or so you thought. Apparently there’s a little bit more to the story.

Gorily rendered in pretty impressive 3-D, “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” gives the old fairy tale a pretty bold spin. Seems the tykes weren’t lost…they were abandoned in the woods by their dad, hoping to hide a family secret. Of course, after they got a taste of the excitement and celebrity that comes with shoving a witch in the over and burning her to death, the two grow up to become, to be blunt, bounty hunters. Their journeys take them to a small town where several children have turned up missing. Even the crudely drawn likenesses attached to milk bottles haven’t produced a clue. When H and G show up they come across a mob, led by the local sheriff (Stormare in, after last week’s “The Last Stand,” his second consecutive over the top performance) intent on burning a young woman (Pihla Viitala) accused of being a witch. Before someone can determine if she weighs the same as a duck (or is made of wood) Hansel steps in and declares her too beautiful to be a witch and she is set free. Later that night a group of non-professional witch hunters are attacked by Muriel (Famke Jensen), a kind of super-witch with some deep and dark plans for the missing children. But Hansel and Gretel have other plans. Let the carnage begin!

Full of exploding heads and set in that weird movie land where the people still ride horses, light their homes with candles and possess automatic weapons, “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” is best summed up in one word: Fun. At least that’s the way I took it. Both Renner and Arterton give tongue in cheek performances, which are always the best in films like this. Take these parts too seriously and you get hooted off the screen. Take them too casually and people want their money back. Here the laughs are earned, the effects are strong and both actors can be assured of working again.

Visually the film is well put together. The 3-D is utilized to its fullest potential and the special effects are well rendered. The script has some witty moments as well as a few holes. Due to having to eat so much candy as a child Hansel has apparently become the world’s first diabetic. He informs us that he needs to give himself a shot every couple of hours or he will die. Then he proceeds to go a couple days without it. Maybe he’s Type 2? On a positive side, I can see this movie spawning a great drinking game once it comes out on DVD – everyone takes a drink when they hear the word witch! See, I told you it was fun!

Director: Justin Benson, Aaron Scott Moorhead
Cast: Peter Cilella, Vinny Curran, Kurt David Anderson, Emily Montague, Skyler Meacham, Zahn McClarnon
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
Rating: Not Rated
Run time: 93 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I was drawn to this film since it looks like a nice blend of dark humor with horror. I have to admit I am still not sure if I liked this film or not. I know that it wasn’t terrible since I was drawn to the screen and interested at least. Actors Vinny Curran and Peter Cilella did a fantastic job, since literally this is a character piece. The film takes place in an isolated cabin and it is all them and them dealing with their own personal demons. Is this film horror? Well not really. It has certain aspects of it but it never really pays off. I would really put it in the psychological thriller genre.

“Resolution” is the story about two friends. One of them is a junkie that is swatting alone in an isolated cabin. His friend arrives and chains him to the wall and forces him to quite cold turkey.  Both of them start finding out that they might not be alone when they find that someone is filming them.  They start finding out more about where they are staying and realizes that their might be mysterious forces.  So not only are the two dealing with their personal demons, they could also be dealing with the unknown.

The film feels a little bit like found footage but isn’t really. Since the film is very low budget, I think that they are able to still deliver an interesting project. The script was very original and had a lot of good aspects but missing the big payoff. I would have liked to see a bit the horror aspects of this film developed out more. Is it worth seeing? I would say watch the trailer and see what you think from there. The poster is aiming to look like “The Evil Dead”, if you go in expecting that you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a real character driven indie with some creepy aspects then you might enjoy it.

Starring: Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins and Maggie Smith
Directed by: Dustin Hoffman
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 38 mins
The Weinstein Company

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In this day and age when actors jump behind the camera at the drop of the hat it’s almost shocking to see that it took Dustin Hoffman 50 years to try his hand at directing (I don’t count the few days he spent on the film “Straight Time” before turning the project over to a more seasoned director). But those five decades of studying have truly paid off with Hoffman’ debut film, “Quartet.”

In the English countryside sits a beautiful retirement home with a special clientele. Everyone living under the roof is a classical musician. Of course, there is a class system in place. Among the unwritten rules – the tables in the dining room with a window view are reserved for vocalists…no clarinet players need apply! Every year, on October 10, the residents put on a gala benefit to raise money for the home, honoring Giuseppe Verdi. This year’s selection will be from “Rigoletto.” But when a new resident arrives, old wounds are opened, new friendships are made and the old showbiz adage that “the show must go on” is never more evident.

Packed wall to wall with a who’s who of some of Britain’s finest actors, “Quartet” is, in the simplest terms, a solidly told story. Based on the play of the same name by Ronald Harwood, who also wrote the screenplay, “Quartet” is a film that doesn’t rely on special effects or gimmicks. Just acting. That being said it’s probably no surprise that Dustin Hoffman is the director…that’s his acting philosophy in a nutshell. Courtenay, probably best remembered for his Oscar nominated work in “The Dresser,” is Reg, a former opera singer now taken to giving visiting school children lectures on his craft. Wilfred (Billy Connolly) spends his days flirting with the younger female members of the staff while sneaking the occasional nip or two. Cissy (Collins) is friendly to everyone she meets but sadly is falling into a state of recurring forgetfulness. These three are looking for a fourth to sing with them when the home receives a new arrival – the very diva-ish Jean Horton (Smith). So talented was Jean in her day that, when she arrives at the home, she is greeted with a loud ovation from the other residents. But then the fun starts. Jean insists on playing the diva, expecting the rules to be bent for her. She also happens to be Reg’s ex wife, a situation that makes things just a bit uncomfortable. This gets even more complicated when the other three want her to sing with them.

The film is quiet and personal, as are others based on Harwood’s work (“The Dresser,” “Taking Sides”) and that trait is enforced by Hoffman’s straightforward and unforced direction. Let’s hope it doesn’t take him another 50 years before he attempts his sophomore effort!

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Johnny Knoxville, Forest Whitaker and Luis Guzman
Directed by: Jee-woon Kim
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 47 mins
Lionsgate

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

There must be something in the water in California. In 1967, actor Ronald Reagan began the first of two terms as Governor. In 2003, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger did the same. But the similarities don’t end there. Both were succeeded in office by Jerry Brown (ironically, Reagan succeeded Jerry Brown’s father). After leaving office both went on to be President. OK, just kidding there, though I’m sure it’s only the fact that, because he was born in Austria, Schwarzenegger is constitutionally prohibited from running for the office. No, now that the politics are over Schwarzenegger is back in the movie game. And he picked a good one right out of the chute.

Las Vegas. As a state trooper sits parked on the dark desert road outside of town he is startled by the roar of an engine outside. He sees nothing in the dark except his radar gun screen, flashing 197. Angered he radios in to complain about the Air Force flying their jets low to the ground. Down the highway, in the little border town of Sommerton, the local high school football team is heading out for a trip to the state championships, as is most of the town. Staying behind is Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger), a former Los Angeles drug cop who left the city behind years ago. With most of the townsfolk away for the weekend, Ray envisions an easy weekend, turning over the care of the town to his three deputies. But fate has other ideas.

Smoothly directed and featuring characters that rise above being one dimensional, “The Last Stand” could be an old episode of “Gunsmoke,” with its theme of the law versus the bad guys. Ray is Matt Dillon while his three well meaning but inexperienced deputies (Guzman, Zach Gilford and Jaimie Alexander) are Festus. Sommerton is Dodge City and drug cartel leader Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega) is the bad guy. And what a bad guy he is. No fewer than a dozen members of law enforcement are killed when Cortez escapes federal custody, aided in his escape by a Corvette ZR-1, a car so fast that, when an attempt is made to pursue it the police are told it’s faster than their helicopter. A fast car always equals car chases and director Kim does not disappoint. In fact, all of the extreme action scenes staged by Kim are quite impressive. His camera continually moves, putting the viewer in the car and taking them along for the ride.

Cast wise it appears that Schwarzenegger still knows how to hit his mark. Now 66, the Austrian Oak has lost a step or two and isn’t afraid to acknowledge it. It’s also great to see Forest Whitaker in a role worthy of his talent. As the head of the FBI team tracking Cortez, he gets to chew a little scenery for once. Peter Stormare is in full crazy-guy mode (think of his role in “Fargo”). I’ve been a fan of Luis Guzman’s since the late 1980s so it’s always great to see him on screen. Speaking of a crazy guy, Johnny Knoxville rounds out the cast as the local goof with one hell of a gun collection.

Starring: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton and Jason Clarke
Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours 37 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The last time director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal teamed up they created a little film called “The Hurt Locker,” a movie that went on to not only win the Best Picture Academy Award but Oscars for both Boal and Bigelow, making her the first women in history to win the directing Oscar. Pretty hard act to follow I’d say. But the duo pull it off with the gripping story about the hunt and capture of Osama bin Laden, “Zero Dark Thirty.”

Tuesday, September 11, 2001. A day that will forever change not only the United States but the world. We are reminded of the horrors of that day and then are transported to a military installation on the other side of the world. There, a local man is being interrogated by Dan (Clarke) one of America’s best at what he does. “If you lie to me…I hurt you.” This sentence is repeated over and over. And it best be heeded. If not, things can get a little rough. Enter Maya (Chastain), a CIA operative who has been sent along to help in the capture of bin Laden (often referred to as UBL). Maya seems a little squeamish at some of Dan’s techniques but doesn’t question them. The search for freedom isn’t always pretty.

A thrilling piece of filmmaking that takes a little too long to get into gear, “Zero Dark Thirty” is a film that is going to inspire debate for years to come. Named after soldier jargon for the middle of the night (though when I was in the Army we called it “O-dark-30), “Zero Dark Thirty” is neither a whiny apology for torture nor a flag waving chant of “U.S.A….U.S.A.” It’s actually a film about perseverance and sticking to your guns. Maya, who faces an uphill battle daily as a woman in a perceived “mans” environment, must constantly fight to have her opinions heard. Chastain is excellent here. She gives Maya the innocence that is the audience…seeing things on screen for the first time. Maya flinches when a prisoner is water boarded but she also understands that some things are necessary. But when strength is needed Chastain summons it. As she sits in on a top level meeting where bin Laden’s compound is being discussed she is pointed out to C.I.A. director Leon Panetta (James Gandolfini) who questions why she is in the room. “I’m the mother-f***** that found this place, sir,” she replies. Like Chastain the cast is strong, especially Clarke and Kyle Chandler, who plays one of her superiors.

The script and direction are straight forward but the film drags in its first hour, as the audience is given a lengthy introduction to the events that lead up to the staging of the raid on bin Laden’s compound. But once there, the action reflected back to the audience courtesy of night vision goggles, the heart-rate begins to ramp up. The last 45 minutes will have you on the edge of your seat as a group of Navy Seals infiltrate the compound, knowing that the slightest mistake will put them at the mercy of the nearby townspeople. A former journalist, Boal surely has an ear for “soldier-speak.” He also has a sense of humor. When told that the man the C.I.A. is searching for is old, thin, tall and using a cane Maya asks, “who the hell are we looking for…Gandolf?”

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Directed by: John Luessenhop
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Dan Yeager, Tremaine Neverson, Tania Raymonde, Thom Barry, Paul Rae
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Running time: 92 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I first saw 1974’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, I believe I wasn’t able to sleep for weeks. Leatherface is overall one of my favorite horror icons. He has changed so much over the years within the various sequels, remakes and prequels – some for the better and some not. “Texas Chainsaw 3D” is a direct sequel to the original 1974 film and literally picks up in the same day after the original’s events. I was especially excited about this creative twist to this franchise but unfortunately the thrill of keeping this sequel with the same feel of the first wares off quick. Still though, I can’t say that I didn’t have fun watching this film.  It is not perfect but the 3D effects are sharp and really add a lot to the film. Also for those that need a refresher on the original, there is quick recap of the original film’s keys scenes in the opening credits.

If you are a fan of the franchise, then you will be excited for the fact that this film brings back actors from past films in the franchise. Bill Moseley who played Chop Top Sawyer in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”, came back to portray Drayton “The Cook” Sawyer (taking over for the late Jim Siedow). Marilyn Burns who played Sally Hardesty in the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, returns as a character named Verna. John Dugan who played Grandpa in the 1974 film comes back to reprise his role. Lastly, Gunnar Hansen who portrayed Leatherface in the 1974 film also has a brief cameo. Brief is the key word for all of this though. I was extremely excited about this but was left thinking…”That was all?”. You barely don’t even get a glimpse of John Dugan as Grandpa, blink and you miss it. Overall, I still like the ode but wish it was incorporated a little more.

The story picks up after hours of first film with an angry mob going after the house of the Sawyer family to get revenge after the confession of the young girl Sally that escaped. The mob ends up burning the house and the family, supposedly killing every last member – or so they thought. The story picks up years later where a girl named Heather (who has the hardest time not showing off her stomach and very tiny waist) finds out that she has a grandmother that she never knew and has inherited the family house. After realizing that her life has been a lie and she was the only one who escaped the night of the massacre. [Note: the original took place in 1974 and this is suppose to place about 20 years later but ends up being present day with iPhone’s etc., so I think there is an issue with the timeline]. The girl and her friends take a road trip to check out the house. Of course they find that they are not alone in this house and the reign of the Sawyer family is far from over.

Now back to the 3D! Since the film was heavily marketed for its use of 3D, I was excited to experience the horror in this format. There are a lot of in-your-face chainsaw scenes, which are a lot of fun and expected. The best though (which I am not going to divulge) involves a skin mask. If you see this film then 3D is definitely the way to go. The film was also very gory, in parts. Is it bad that I wanted more though? Maybe we are just too desensitized since 1974, don’t get me wrong though since the film definitely rocks in the gore department. In fact, it had to be re-cut before release, since it originally received an NC-17 rating. So hopefully we will get an unrated Blu-ray (boo-ya!). Of course I have a feeling that we have seen the last of Leatherface and the Sawyer family.

Starring: Matt Damon, John Krasinski and Frances McDormand
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 46 mins
Focus Features

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Small-town America isn’t what it used to be. With farms shutting down and the big stores coming in the thing most people end up with is the land under their feet. But what if someone told you they would like to pay you thousands of dollars for the chance to find natural gas? Would you be willing to let others foot the cost if something went wrong?

Co-written by stars Damon and Krasinski, “Promised Land” takes us to a small Pennsylvania town that has attracted the interest of the Global Corporation. How small? The sign on the local convenience store offers GUNS – GROCERIES – GUITARS – GAS. In that order. Two company representatives, Steve (Damon) and Sue (McDormand) are assigned the job of visiting the local land owners and negotiating deals to allow Global to “frack” their land – dig miles down into the shale and extract the plentiful natural gas. Opposing this operation is a local teacher (the still amazing at 87 Hal Holbrook, treading into Oscar territory again) and a new face in town, Dustin (Krasinski), an environmentalist who’s not all he claims to be. The opponents are given three weeks to sell their story before the town votes. In that time, stories will be told and secrets will be revealed.

Though a little heavy handed at times (Dustin, out to save the town, is given the last name “Noble”), Damon and Krasinski have crafted a very well thought out tale, one that comes across as “Local Hero” meets “Erin Brockovich.” As the company hot-shot Damon is solid, giving a small town sensibility to his character. Krasinski also does a fine job, but there is something about his character that makes you think he’s not as genuine as he seems. Rosemarie DeWitt does well as a local teacher both men are trying to “recruit.” The townsfolk are portrayed as genuine people…not rubes who jump at the sight of a shiny quarter. They are all put through their paces by director Van Sant, who continues to prove that, when he concentrates on characters, he is a fine storyteller. The onscreen story is aided by the almost subtle score of Danny Elfman.

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Starring: Naomi Watts, Tom Holland and Ewan McGregor
Directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 54 mins
Summit Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Can it really only be eight years ago this past week when the world changed? On December 26, 2004 a tsunami hit Southeast Asia like a bulldozer, destroying everything in its way. The tragedy was briefly highlighted a couple of years ago in Clint Eastwood’s film “Hereafter,” where one of the characters is caught up in the after effects. But Eastwood didn’t even begin to touch on the horror and devastation that affected those involved and which is featured in “The Impossible.”

Henry (McGregor) and Maria (Watts) are a professional family living in Japan and taking their three young sons on a Christmas holiday visit to Thailand. While lounging one day by the pool they hear a rushing sound coming towards them and, before they can react, soon find themselves under the control of millions of gallons of water. Maria and the oldest boy, Lucas (Holland) are dragged miles away on a roller coaster ride of water and debris. Maria is badly hurt and she and Lucas are found by a small community of locals who treat their wounds and get them to the nearest hospital. Yet, without any word about Henry and the younger boys the waiting for help becomes agony.

An emotional wringer that will leave you exhausted at the end, “The Impossible” is buoyed by a pair of performances certain to be remembered this coming awards season. Watts is outstanding in a role that doesn’t make way for vanity. Her Maria gets her share of bruises and bumps – which can happen when you’re being swept down a flooded street only to be stopped suddenly by a car that happens to float in front of you. Yet despite all of the pain her motherly instinct wills her to stay alive for her family. Holland, who just turned 16, is equally strong in his feature film debut. A young theater star in England, where he played the title role of “Billy Elliot” for almost two years, Holland easily gives the year’s best breakout performance. Still a boy but having to harvest the strength of an adult, Lucas carries the emotions of the audience with him. We cry when he cries…cheer when he cheers.

Visually the film is also a revelation. Director Bayona, whose previous feature work consisted of the supernatural film “The Orphanage,” takes the viewer inside the carnage and devastation. It’s not an enjoyable trip but it is necessary if you hope to exit clean at the end of the film.

Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann and Jason Siegel
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours 14 mins
Universal

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Back in 2007 audiences embraced an ace comedy called “Knocked Up.” And while most of the laughs came from the main plot (one night stand results in pregnancy – hilarity ensues) more than a few came from a look at a married couple with kids of their own. With “This is 40” that couple moves up to top billing.

Pete (Rudd) and Debbie (Mann) seem to have it all. A beautiful home, two great daughters and businesses they both enjoy. But something is about to happen that threatens to shake up their world. This year they are both turning 40. At least Pete is. Debbie maintains she’s still 38, which can be pretty unsettling when your medical records are usually filed by your date of birth. While Pete embraces the milestone Debbie shuns it, even going as far as to scold Pete for taking Viagra. She doesn’t see it as an enhancement for him but as a crutch, as if he doesn’t find her attractive anymore and needs a little help to rise to the occasion. Thus begins a series of events that most of us would call by one word: LIFE.

Like most films from the mind of Judd Apatow, “This is 40” is a mix of raunchy humor and heartfelt emotion, the beauty of which is that often a single scene contains both parts of the equation. Both Pete and Debbie have their quirks. Debbie is a stealth smoker while Pete has a weakness for cupcakes. Both have problems with their respective fathers, men well advanced in age yet involved in new marriages and squires of young children. Things begin to go south when it’s discovered that both spouse’s businesses are losing money, either through bad karma (Pete manages an independent record company whose latest signee, Graham Parker, hasn’t sold a significant album since the late 1970s.

With a little more “adult” then usually found in an Apatow “adult” comedy, the film is carried from start to finish by the cast. Rudd plays another variation of his most familiar character, the quiet and mild mannered, “what me worry” male lead, which is a role he does well. Mann, who is married to Apatow, continues to grow as an actress, mixing humor and drama well here. The family is completed by the addition of Apatow and Mann’s daughters, Maude and Iris, who acquit themselves well in supporting roles. As Pete’s money mooching father Larry, Albert Brooks makes himself endearing while John Lithgow also shines as Debbie’s often-absent pop Oliver.

The script, also by Apatow, has it’s funny moments but some of the lines seem like retreads from earlier films. When a reporter asks Graham Parker how his new album is different from his others the musician replies, “It’s not.” Same with the script here. Still there are enough laughs to carry you through some of the repetitive scenes and a great cameo by Melissa McCarthy that almost makes up for all of them.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike and Richard Jenkins
Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 10 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I apologize in advance if these first paragraphs seem “preachy.” But I feel strong enough about what I’m going to write that I must include it. Sometimes things in life tragically coincide with things in Hollywood, with Hollywood always getting the blame for exploiting a tragedy. On July 22, 1991, the world first learned of the horrible crimes committed by Jeffrey Dahmer. Less than two weeks later the movie “Body Parts” opened. Even though the film had nothing to do with Dahmer just the title put Hollywood in a bad light. On June 17, 1994 O.J. Simpson led police on a slow-speed chase prior to being arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife. At the same time, “The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,” a film in which Simpson co-starred, was opening in discount houses. Again, an outcry that a studio was trying to capitalize on a tragedy. If you have any knowledge of film history you know that both the original “Spider-man” and the comedy “Zoolander” were edited to remove images of the World Trade Center just after September 11, 2001. Even this past summer’s “Dark Knight Rises” was put in a negative light after a late night screening was interrupted by a man with a gun.

Which brings us to “Jack Reacher.” This past week we were all horrified when 26 people, including 20 children, were senselessly killed at their elementary school. The film deals with an investigator looking into the case of a sniper that kills five people. As the film begins we see the sniper looking through his scope, pausing momentarily on a young woman holding hands with a child and then the child. The audience at the screening I attended gave a collected gasp. “We don’t need this,” one of my fellow critics said to me. The sniper takes his crosshairs off of the child to continue his search for his victims. But that moment brought the audience back into reality, ironically in the one place people go to escape it. Again, it’s just a movie but I felt you deserved a heads up.

And now on with the review:

In the city of Pittsburgh a white van slowly makes its way into a parking garage overlooking the riverfront. A man gets out, rifle in hand, and begins to search across the river for a target. Five shots later he is gone. Armed with evidence found at the scene the police close in on the home of James Barr (Joseph Sikora). When he is interrogated he refuses to talk, instead scribbling on a yellow legal pad “GET JACK REACHER.”

A tightly woven thriller with an undertone of comedy, “Jack Reacher” is a smart mystery with enough twists and turns that you may get dizzy following them. Written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who won an Oscar for his script for “The Usual Suspects,” the film’s premise is that things are not always what they seem. Catching word of the crime, Reacher (Cruise) shows up at police headquarters and is introduced to Barr’s attorney, Helen Rodin (Pike). Helen is hoping to keep Barr from being sentenced to death if convicted and needs help because when the district attorney (Jenkins) goes after the death penalty he seems to always get it. Oh, and he’s also Helen’s father. Helen convinces Jack to help her and soon we meet an assortment of goons and idiots, all working for a mysterious man known as The Zec (Werner Herzog). As Jack solves one puzzle he finds himself thrust in the middle of another, all the time trying to convince himself that Barr really is guilty. The stakes keep getting bigger and bigger as both Jack and Helen begin to question the loyalty of those around them.

Tom Cruise turned 50 this year and it’s almost hard to imagine that he’s been a star for almost 30 of those years. Cruise is one of those rare actors that really can play ANYTHING. Be it a high school boy looking for some weekend fun, an ace pilot in the U.S. Navy or a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran, he has always found a way to inhabit his characters. When he’s on screen you don’t see TOM CRUISE, you see Joel Goodsen, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and Ron Kovic. He does the same thing here, inhabiting Jack Reacher and making him three dimensional. He is assisted by a fine supporting cast that includes, besides Pike, Jenkins and Herzog, David Owelolo, Jai Courtney and Cruise’s old buddy, the great Robert Duvall who, at age 81, continues to amaze.

This is McQuarrie’s second directorial effort and his first in more than a decade. He does manage to keep the story on track, even finding time for a pretty intense street race between some serious muscle and Reacher. And I’m sure Tom Cruise would like me to tell you that he’s up to date when it comes to dealing with the bad guys hand to hand.

Starring: Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen
Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 35 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

If you don’t count the two “Focker” films, in which she has a supporting role, Barbra Streisand hasn’t starred in a movie since 1996’s “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” Too bad she chose “The Guilt Trip” to end her hiatus.

Andy (Rogen) is an inventor. A scientist by day he has developed an all natural cleaner, gotten FDA approval, and is now about to embark on a cross country trip to peddle his product to various retailers. Before he begins his journey, however, he pays a visit to his mother, Joyce (Streisand). When Joyce confesses a family secret to Andy he decides to ask her along on the road trip. Reluctantly she agrees. And the adventure begins.

Mildly funny in parts (and those parts are so few and far between that I could name them all), “The Guilt Trip” is a step by step formulaic movie…Hollywood 101. You take two people, as different as different can be, put them in the same place and stand back and see what happens. Here it’s almost nothing. As Andy and his mom traverse the country we get a mixed salad of mini-plots, one for each city. Bad weather in Memphis gives us a chance to drop in on Andy’s old girlfriend, now happily married and with child. Texas gives Streisand a chance to eat a five pound steak in order to get a free meal. Earlier on she conveniently has a purse full of coupons, including one for a rental car. Stereotypical character number one – the Jewish mother is always out to save money. As someone who actually has a Jewish mother I can assure you my step-father may disagree. Oh well, at least they cast a real Jewish mother. Stereotypical character number two – the nerdy, schlubby son. Again, if you’re going to cast a schlub you can’t go wrong with Rogen. If the script was better suited to either one’s strengths I may have laughed more.

Even at a little over an hour and a half the film feels padded but it doesn’t really get going until it’s half way through, which is a waste of Streisand, always a gifted comedienne. I hope if she makes us wait another 16 years the film is truly worth the wait!

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Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 40 mins
Universal

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

EPIC! That is the word that jumped into my mind less than a minute into “Les Misérables.” Just the opening shot of prison constable Javert (Crowe) looking down on his charge of prisoners gave me a chill that would last for almost three hours. As I write this in early December I feel safe in declaring it the best film of the year!

Based on the musical that took the world by storm, “Les Misérables” is the story of two men, both on missions, both looking to serve God in their own way. The first is Javert, in charge of the men serving hard labor. Among his charges is prisoner 24601, also known as Jean Valjean (Jackman). He has served 19 years at hard labor for the crime of stealing a loaf of bread to feed his hungry nephew. Today he is being paroled, but his freedom will not be long. He must now consign himself to the Navy. Deciding to break parole he stumbles out into the cold night only to be taken in by a kindly Bishop, who gives him food and a bed. But the criminal in Valjean still exists and he makes off with most of the church’s silver. Caught by the police he is brought back to the Bishop, who informs the police that he did, in fact, give him the silver. Shamed by his actions Valjean swears to dedicate his life to God.

Eight years later we meet Mr. Madeleine, a wealthy factory owner and Mayor of a small town. His factory employs many young women, one of them the beautiful Fantine (Hathaway), who is working to support her daughter. The other women are jealous of her virtuous ways and encourage the randy shop foreman to harass her. When she refuses his advances she is fired and though she pleads with Mr. Madeleine it is no use. Destitute and with no one seemingly in her corner she slowly dissolves into a horrible life…selling anything she can, be it her hair, her teeth or her virtue to support her daughter. As this story is unfolding a new visitor comes to town, police inspector Javert. He finds Mr. Madeleine’s face most familiar. Could it be prisoner 24601?

As someone that was lucky enough to see “Les Miz” during its original Broadway run I can attest to all fans that director Tom Hooper and company have created a masterpiece of a production here. From the contrasting colors of the dreary towns and the brightness of the flags flown in protest to the across the board outstanding performances, “Les Misérables” will surely take its place among the greatest musical adaptations ever made.

Both leads give award worthy performances. If you have any knowledge of popular culture then you already know Jackman can sing but how many of you knew Russell Crowe could carry a tune? To be honest I did because he fronts his own band (30 Odd Foot of Grunts). Both play men with similar a similar fate and destiny, knowing that without the other their lives are empty. Javert lives only to capture Valjean, while Valjean lives only to keep one step ahead. As the doomed Fantine Hathaway gives a heartbreaking performance. Go ahead and put her name down in pen on your Oscar ballot this year. She is brilliant. Also lending their voices to the story are Amanda Seyfried as Cosette (Fantine’s daughter, now grown up), Samantha Barks as Eponine and Eddie Redmayne as Marius, the young man both girls love. Also around to lighten the mood are Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as Mr. and Mrs. Thenardier, proprietors of the worse hotel in town. And how great is it to see Colm Wilkinson, the original London and Broadway stage Jean Valjean, duet with Jackman as the kindly Bishop?

Director Hooper has managed to take the stage bound musical and open it up for the big screen, yet still making the performances intimate. This is done mostly by filming the actors in close up as they sing. Also, in a brilliant move, all of the singing was recorded “live.” With piano tracks playing in an earpiece (the fully orchestrated score was later added in post production) the actors performed as if on stage. This caused the actors to not only act but sing at the same time, giving an emotional lift that may not have been achieved had they been lip-synching. The production values are outstanding and I look for the film to clean up in the various technical categories come Academy Award time.

Starring: Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage and Ian McKellen
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 49 mins
New Line Cinema

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Sometimes we build up our expectations, often to the point that we can never be satisfied. Francis Ford Coppola has made some film masterpieces but they are often compared, unfairly, to “The Godfather.” Michael Jackson’s “BAD” is a great album. But it’s no “Thriller.” After “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy Peter Jackson could have said “sorry, no more Tolkien stories for me.” But he’s back with the first of three films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” Is it “The Lord of the Rings?” No. But you already knew that.

Taking place about 60 years before the adventures chronicled in “The Lord of the Rings” films, the story begins with an elderly Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm) writing in a notebook. He is recounting his younger days for other Hobbits to learn from. The story is one of adventure, dwarves and a certain creature who goes by the name Gollum. What follows is a jaw-dropping visual carnival courtesy of Peter Jackson and company!

Full of everything from giant spiders to goblins, from Orcs to a giant dragon, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is a two hour-plus adventure into a world never seen before. The tale finds young Bilbo (Freeman) being visited by the great Wizard, Gandalf (McKellen) and thirteen Dwarves, led by the great warrior, Thorin (Armitage). Along the way they come across virtually every creature that Jackson and the people at WETA could devise. And this is the drawback of the film. It is almost TOO crowded with strange and exotic creatures. Like “King Kong” before it, it seems like Jackson decided if it can be made let’s put it on film.

The film is also shot in a process that’s is explained as such: normally film goes through a projector at the rate of 24 frames through the gate per second. Jackson has filmed “The Hobbit” at the rate of 48 frames per second, which gives the film an incredible clarity that is actually off putting for the first 20 minutes or so. However, once you get used to it the images are quite breathtaking, especially during the battle sequences.

There are two more films planned to tell the story of “The Hobbit.” Will they be better than “The Lord of the Rings?” Probably not. But if they’re anything like “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” that should be just fine.

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Directed by: Marshall Lewy
Starring: Robert Carlyle, Alexia Rasmussen, Kathleen Wilhoite, A Martinez, Michael Des Barres, Danny Masterson
Distributed by Strand Releasing
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 94 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I came across this film since I was asked to interview Robert Carlyle. Read our interview here! I have been a fan of his work dating back to “Trainspotting”. He is one of the best character actors in the business, as he completely transforms himself throughout each role. Currently he is playing Rumpelstiltskin in the TV series “Once Upon a Time” and that just backs up my comment if you have seen the show. Carlyle completely emerges himself in the role of  Lachlan MacAldonich and easily delivers his best performance to date. If you are looking for a great character drama to sum up the year, then look no further than “California Solo”.

The film follows Lachlan (Robert Carlyle), who is a ex-Britpop rocker that is now working in a farm in Los Angeles. After he gets into a run-in with the law for driving drunk, he faces the treat of deportation. Lachlan has to not only fight to stay in the US but also confront his inner demons that he has been avoiding. We get to see many different aspects of Lachlan as his enters this journey and battles his biggest fears.

What does get me a little upset about this film is that all the hard work will probably not get the respect it deserves. With the theaters crowded with possible award deserving films, the indie gem “California Solo” might get lost in the shuffle. Out of all the performance, I have seen this year, I believe that Carlyle deserves to be recognized for this performance. The man even sing a tune in the song, which only adds to the honesty and rawness of the film.  Director Marshall Lewy also delivers a side of California that you never usually see.  I really enjoyed watching this film through his vision and I will be following to see what he does next very closing. “California Solo” is in theaters now, so if you can track this down be sure not to miss it and spread the word!