Brief Reviews of Recent Films

The Devil Inside - D-
Rated R, 80 minutes
This horror film is another in the vein of "Paranormal Activity": lost footage, supposedly a true, disturbing story with a shocking ending. This exorcism-based, super low-budget (shot for less than $1 million), no-name cast starrer is also super-jumpy, boring and utterly ridiculous. There are a handful of jumpy moments, especially near the end, and what starts out as a decent premise goes way over the top, even for something like this. Unsatisfying, at best. First major release of 2012 and already one of the worst of the year.

Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol- B+
Rated PG-13, 133 minutes
Tom Cruise and company are back in the fourth installment of the action series, which appears shaky on the surface given the third installment didn't do too well. But "Mission: Impossible: Ghose Protocol" surprises, and in a big way. Fast-paced, loads of stunning action set pieces (the one with Cruise hanging on the side of the building is the most memorable in years) there isn't a dull moment to be had. I still don't like Cruise, but this is a winner.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - A-
Rated R, 157 minutes
One of the year's best, this is the Americanized version of the Stieg Larsson best seller, and what a thrilling ride it is, starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara and directed by David Fincher. With stunning visuals and an intensity that matches the 2008 Swedish version, the subject matter isn't for everyone, not to mention the lengthy running time. But definitely worth a look for fans of the novel.

War Horse - A-
Rated PG-13, 140 minutes
Another great movie from one of the master's of cinema, Steven Spielberg. The story, based on a British play, involves a horse and his owner, a teenage boy, as they are both affected by World War I. This is old-school movie making at it's best, as the masterful direction by Spielberg channels John Ford and great performances from mostly an unknown cast. And take note, take plenty of tissues for the ending.

We Bought A Zoo - B
Rated PG, 123 minutes
"We Bought A Zoo" is a remarkable true story of a widower (played by Matt Damon) who uproots his family to buy and manage a run-down zoo. Directed by "Jerry Maguire's" Cameron Crowe, in his first film in several years, the film is both a sentimental and heartbreaking look and new beginnings. Crowe goes a little soft in the overlong movie, but Damon's charming performance carries the film well. And the animals are fun to watch too.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - C
Rated PG-13, 128 minutes
"A Game of Shadows" is the sequel to the 2009 blockbuster starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law as sleuth's Holmes and Watson, respectively. The first one, while not a classic, had some charming moments, but this stale effort is more of the same stuff, and grows tiresome until the finale, which is a decent action set piece. Wait for the DVD.

The Adventures of Tintin - B
Rated PG, 101 minutes
This is the other Steven Spielberg film, and it's an animated effort based on some 1930's Belgian comics. Colorful and fun, the animation and stop motion capture are astonishing, though you may be a bit worn out by the end. Busy, busy story and suitable for the family and the best animated film of 2011.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy - B
Rated R,  127 minutes
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy" is a decent spy thriller starring one of today's best actors, Gary Oldman, in a strong but minimalist turn as sleuth George Smiley, a part made famous by another great actor, Alec Guinness (otherwise known as Obi Won in "Star Wars") in the 1979 TV miniseries. The plot is thick, maybe too thick for some, and you have to stay on step with Smiley and company. Nice supporting turn from recent Oscar winner Colin Firth.