Labor Day - C+

Rated PG-13, 111 minutes

"Labor Day" an odd, slow movie with an alluring Winslet

Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet

"Labor Day" is an odd movie, in an unusual, peach pie sort of way. The new film from Jason Reitman ("Up in the Air," "Juno") and based on Joyce Maynard's novel of the same name is a flawed, awkwardly handled story of a dual coming-of-age-story. The story is familiar and slow though its lead actress is alluring. Kate Winslet is Adele, a depressed and emotionally shaky single mother to 13-year old Henry (newcomer Gattlin Griffith, very good here). Adele and Henry's lives are changed when a fugitive named Frank (Josh Brolin) enters their lives on Labor Day weekend, providing attention to the lonely, love-starved pair. Unconventional for sure, slow and peppered with a few lovely moments "Labor Day" is awkwardly staged, which may be due to the misdirection. Reitman, a gifted filmmaker who generally takes on quirky dramedies such as "Juno," seis an unlikely fit for Maynard's serious novel and while he brings out some of the peculiarities and humor of the story he can't get a good handle on the unusual material. It's unfortunate due to a strong cast, and Winslet gives one of her most fully-realized performances as the depressed mother who finds just what she needs in Frank; it's her change from shaky wallflower to butterfly that is one of the main reasons to see the film, in addition to that pie. She, Griffith and Brolin all work off each other nicely even through the movie's more familiar conventions. On the downside, its slowish (i.e. boring) tone and sluggish plotting is problematic, a little too uneven and peppered with too many unnecessary flashbacks, as well as Reitman's script, which becomes less brave and more predictable in the last act. "Labor Day" is a slow movie packed with flaws and a lovely performance from Winslet, with that delectable peach pie the most memorable thing from the film.

Wes's Grade: C+

That Awkward Moment - C

Rated R, 94 minutes

Bawdy "That Awkward Moment" provides little relationship insight, but still sporadic fun

Zac Efron

When in doubt, go raunchy. If it can work for Channing Tatum or James Franco, it can work for just about anyone. The ingratiating new romantic comedy "That Awkward Moment" is heartthrob Zac Efron's turn to be a little dirty; the raunchy undertone is unoriginal and is really nothing new, but it's so charming you may not mind. After their friend Mikey's ("Fruitvale Station's" Michael B. Jordan) break-up, Jason (Efron) and Daniel ("The Spectacular Now's" Miles Teller) promise to stay single with him. However, they both end up falling in love and have to avoid facing their promise. Directed and written by first-timer Tom Gormican, "That Awkward Moment" could've easily been called "Let's Have Sex" due to the number of times they jump in the sack, it's bawdy fun, with a calculated premise that's thinner than Nic Cage's hairline. This is supposed to be Efron's film, and as likably bland as he is, everyone around him is better, which may or may not come as a surprise. Jordan (slumming it a little after his stellar turn in last year's "Fruitvale Station") is the most heartfelt, while Teller, reminding of a younger "Swingers" (and much less annoying) version of Vince Vaughn, has the most memorable lines. As the ladies in their lives, Imogen Poots and Mackenzie Davis steal scenes from their men with such effortless ease, a case could be made for them to have their own movie too. Sure, down the stretch, especially in the last act and in the climax, "That Awkward Moment" is as awkward and predictable as its title, and you have a feeling of where it will end up before it gets there. Yet the charming, talented cast help blend the funny and tender moments for a serviceable rom com that should especially appeal to the young set. One of Efron's better efforts, it's worth seeing for the lovely Imogen Poots and the often hilarious Miles Teller.

Wes's Grade: C

The Square - A-

Unrated, 104 minutes

"The Square" a riveting documentary on Eqyptian unrest

One of the images captured in the Oscar-nominated documentary "The Square"

The compelling documentary "The Square" was first released in the fall of 2013, but since then it has garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary. The complex but inviting documentary is a powerful look at a revolution still occurring in Eqypt and is still worth a look (find it on You Tube or Netflix) before the Academy awards on March 2. Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Jehame Noujaim, "The Square" is the inspirational story of young people claiming their rights, struggling through multiple forces: from a brutal army dictatorship willing to crush protesters with military tanks, to a corrupt Muslim Brotherhood using mosques to manipulate voters.  In particular, its focus takes place between the winter of 2011, when crowds of protesters gathered in Tahrir Square demanding the removal of President Hosni Mubarak, to the summer of 2013, when the army ousted his successor, Mohamed Morsi, and began a violent campaign against his followers in the Muslim Brotherhood. Noujaim's relevant immediacy is what makes this documentary so riveting, even if you don't fully understand the events taking place. It's also a bittersweet look at those with hope that things will change and go their way (but essentially do not), taking them back to square one. Worthwhile and satisfying but oftentimes dense and heavy handed, I wouldn't be surprised if this walks away with the Oscar for Best Documentary, though it will be hard to beat the ladies from "Twenty Feet From Stardom."

Wes's Grade: A-

I, Frankenstein - D

Rated PG-13, 100 minutes

"I, Frankenstein" a mildly entertaining mess of a movie

Aaron Eckhart

Generally, when movies don't screen in advance, that's a troubling sign, add in a January release date and you have a recipe for a terrible film. "I, Frankenstein" comes close: it's a hot mess of a movie, a little all over the place, but is peppered with some fun visuals and entertaining, fast-paced moments. Based on the graphic novel by Kevin Grevioux (who also plays the Michael Clarke Duncan-lookalike head of security for the bad guy in the movie), it's set in a dystopic present where vigilant gargoyles and ferocious demons rage in a battle for ultimate power, Adam Frankenstein (Aaron Eckhart) finds himself caught in the middle as both sides race to discover the secret to his immortality. Directed and written by Stuart Beattie ("G.I. Rise of Cobra"), "I, Frankenstein" reinvents the famed monster as a Van Helsing-style, muscled up, faded jeans-wearing demon booty kicker, and while that isn't necessarily a bad idea, a decent story (honestly, I didn't know what was really going on most of the time) would've helped to go with the mostly serviceable but overused special effects. Less of the CG and more of the always fun Bill Nighy, who plays another terrific bad guy and isn't onscreen near enough but is still the most memorable part of the movie, would've helped tremendously. The blandish Eckhart, known to most as playing a secondary character in one of Nolan's Christopher Nolan "Dark Knight" series, seems overwhelmed by it all, though he shows skill in kicking some serious demon booty. "I, Frankenstein" is a borderline awful, mildly enjoyable (in a cultish sort of way) but chaotic and muddled movie that will appeal mostly to the fan boy set, who may appreciate this sort of thing the most.

Wes's Grade: D

Gimme Shelter - C

Rated PG-13, 105 minutes

Vanessa Hudgens

Hope, good performances abound in blandly inspirational "Gimme Shelter"

I will tell you right away the new film "Gimme Shelter" has nothing to do with the 1960s song of the same name by famed rock group The Rolling Stones, though that song would've certainly given this film more edge. Though not an overtly religious or political film, the bland inspirational messages of "Gimme Shelter" doesn't do the real story behind the movie true justice. Based on the true story of Kathy DiFiore (played here by the wonderful Ann Dowd from "Compliance") that centers on 16-year-old Agnes "Apple" Bailey (Vanessa Hudgens), "Gimme Shelter" uncovers the struggle for survival and the hope of redemption through the harsh realities of life on the streets. Directed, produced and written by documentary filmmaker Ron Krauss in his feature film debut, "Gimme Shelter" is a well-acted, affecting drama that lacks true grit and emotion,  though the actors certainly do try. And though the film provide a thin veil for pro-lifers, whatever your feelings on the subject, DiFiore's story is an honorable one that's worth telling, even if there are numerous, numerous stories similar to Apple's that could've also been told. Hudgens grounds the film well in a believable, strong turn that's certainly against type for the "High School Musical" actress, and she's almost unrecognizable here as the scared, young pregnant girl. She ably supported by Rosario Dawson, also unrecognizable, as well as Brendan Fraser (very wide-eyed here) and James Earl Jones as a priest. It sheds little light on the subject, though DiFiore's story needed a better script and direction from Krauss to make it a more powerful, fully realized story.  Though largely unmemorable, "Gimme Shelter" is worth seeing especially for teenagers and for Hudgens' strong performance as Apple.

Wes's Grade: C 

Devil's Due - C-

Rated R, 89 minutes

"Devil's Due"

Unoriginal "Devil's Due" just plods rather than scares

The new horror film "Devil's Due" is essentially "Rosemary's Baby" done as "Paranormal Activity" lost-footage style. On that note, you've seen this done better and much scarier.  After a mysterious, lost night on their honeymoon, a newlywed couple (Zach Gilford, Allison Miller) finds themselves dealing with an earlier-than-planned pregnancy. While recording everything for posterity, the husband begins to notice odd behavior in his wife that they initially write off to nerves, but, as the months pass, it becomes evident that the dark changes to her body and mind have a much more sinister origin. Co-directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett with a screenplay by Lindsay Devlin, "Devil's Due" has a handful of chilling moments, but the thin premise and the overdone lost-footage style make this a bit of a bore. It's unfocused direction and script have too much of the mundane and less of the genuine scares, which really don't come until the ending. Classics such as "The Omen," "The Exorcist" and "Rosemary's Baby" were far more chilling than "Devil's Due" so you'll be better off just renting one of those than wasting your time with this plodding horror film.

Wes's Grade: C-

Ride Along - D

Rated PG-13, 100 minutes

Kevin Hart and Ice Cube

Don't go on this loud, dumb "Ride Along"

The dreadful new comedy "Ride Along" only proves what a junky movie month January can be. It also proves that regardless of what studios put out, people will pay to see it. Peppered with a few genuinely funny moments, this scattershot, thin comedy will mostly annoy you. A fast-talking, jumpy security guard Ben (Kevin Hart) joins his potential brother-in-law James (Ice Cube), an APD cop/detective, on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta in order to prove himself worthy of marrying Angela (Tika Sumpter), James' sister. Directed by Tim Story, who helmed the hit 2012 film "Think Like a Man," this inane, predictable and often mean-spirited buddy-buddy cop movie relies too heavily on the schtick of Hart, whose big mouth and pratfalls grow tiresome from the opening scenes of the movie. Much like in the recent, equally awful comedy "Grudge Match," this demonstrates that Hart, with wild antics and a penchant for screaming his lines, is vastly overrated and best taken in small (no pun intended) doses. Ice Cube, meanwhile, seems content with being stepping back and being his usually grouchy self, while the lackluster script manages to waste a gorgeous actress like Sumpter, of TV's "The Haves and Have Nots." The last act becomes more energetic with a needless subplot involving gangsters along with the always entertaining Laurence Fishburne in a delightfully evil role that is the film's most inspired bit of casting. Forgettable and silly (not to mention most of the things that Hart's character, a civilian, does is illegal), you'll have to wait for "Ride Along's" best scene involving an exploding grill over the end credits. Don't think is going away easily, either. A sequel has already been greenlit.

Wes's Grade: D

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - C+

Rated PG-13, 105 minutes

Chris Pine and Kevin Costner

Latest Jack Ryan film "Shadow Recruit" is entertaining fluff

The latest Jack Ryan spy film "Shadow Recruit" has big shoes to fill, considering that the Tom Clancy character has been played by Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck. "Shadow Recruit," which isn't an adaptation of a Clancy novel but is an original story, is a mediocre, tame effort, though it's filled with some nice action set pieces. The film follows a young Jack (Chris Pine) as he uncovers a Russian terrorist plot under the guardianship of his handler, Harper (Kevin Costner), that could impact the world financial markets. Directed by and co-starring Kenneth Branagh as the central Russian villain, it lacks the intensity and complexity that Clancy could've provided, not to mention some bad dialogue (particularly from a badly miscast Costner), banal plotting and a preposterous roll-your-eyes climax. Pine, who is a solid James Kirk in the new "Star Trek" reboot, is unfortunately the blandest of all the actors who have played Ryan, though director Branagh tries hard to give the film some energy with a few serviceable action set pieces not to mention having the lovely Keira Knightley as the love interest, but none of this can hide the fact that Pine is just a boring actor. Also, Branagh himself, a sturdy character actor and director, is the film's weakest character and one of the most recent milquetoast villains of recent memory. Overall, "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit," with a decent cast and some entertaining moments, is a piece of fluff and mostly forgettable in the long run. While it isn't terrible, I don't see the relaunch of this popular movie franchise having much success unless they return to Clancy's source material.

Wes's Grade: C+

The Nut Job - B-

Rated PG, 86 minutes

Charming "The Nut Job" is familiar, nutty fun

Surly the squirrel

The new animated film "The Nut Job" is, well, nutty, but in a good way. Energetically voiced and animated, the story is heartwarmingly predictable. Set in fictional Oakton, a mischievous purple squirrel named Surly (Will Arnett) is banished from the park to the city by Raccoon (Liam Neeson). With the help of his rat friend Buddy, Surly plans a nut-store heist of outrageous proportions, yet find themselves in a complicated adventure to help (or maybe not) the park. If "The Nut Job"  A co-Canadian-South Korean production, it's directed and co-written by Peter Lepeniotis and based on Lepeniotis' animated short "Surly Squirrel." "The Nut Job" is suitably wacky, over-the-top and utterly charming by a well-known cast who seem to have fun, particularly Arnett, Brendan Fraser (slightly annoying but that's the point, I think), Maya Rudolph (I loved her the best as a slobbering dog), Neeson and even Katherine Heigl, with her best film role in years, given she's not onscreen. The CG animation is crisp and colorful and does the job serviceably, even if it's not nearly on par with anything Disney/Pixar produces. The young set will get the most out of "The Nut Job," and they'll easily overlook the predictable, overly sentimental story, particularly its climax, but overall this is serviceable winter-time entertainment for the kiddoes and some nutty adults too.

Wes's Grade: B-

Oscar Nominees

The Nominees for the 86th Annual Academy Awards

http://oscar.go.com/nominees

My Oscar Predictions

It's hard to believe it's that time of year again, but here are my predictions for the 86th Annual Academy Awards, or Oscars. The nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 16th for the March 2nd telecast on ABC.

Here are my predictions for the top 6 categories, subject to change.

Best Picture

Gravity
12 Years a Slave
American Hustle
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nebraska
Captain Phillips
Saving Mr. Banks
Her
Dallas Buyers Club

Possibilities:

Inside Llewyn Davis, Blue Jasmine,  Lee Daniels' The Butler, Philomena, August: Osage County

Director

Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
David O. Russell, American Hustle
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips

Possibilities:

Woody Allen, Joel & Ethan Coen, Spike Jonze, Martin Scorsese, Lee Daniels

Best Actor

Chiwetel Eijofor, 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street

Possibilities:

Robert Redford, Christian Bale, Joaquin Phoenix, Forest Whitaker

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock, Gravity
Judi Dench, Philomena
Emma Thompson, Saving Mr. Banks
Amy Adams, American Hustle

Possibilities:

Meryl Streep, Brie Larson, Kate Winslet, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Best Supporting Actor

Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Daniel Bruh, Rush
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle

Possibilities:

James Gandolfini, Jonah Hill, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hanks

Best Supporting Actress

Lupita N'yongo - 12 Years a Slave
Jennifer Lawrence - American Hustle
June Squibb - Nebraska
Julia Roberts - August: Osage County
Oprah Winfrey - Lee Daniels' The Butler

Possibilities:

Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Jennifer Garner, Margo Martindale

Lone Survivor - B

Rated R, 121 minutes

Riveting, intense "Lone Survivor" tells the wrenching story of Navy SEALS

Mark Wahlberg

The powerful new military film "Lone Survivor," based on the true story of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell (played by Mark Wahlberg), is a brutal film to experience and watch yet one that will stay with you after the theater lights come up. Lutrell (Wahlberg) and his fellow Navy Seals (Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster and Emile Hirsch), SEAL Team 10, are dispatched to kill a dangerous, notorious Taliban leader in Afghanistan in a mission known as Operation Red Wings, but they are ambushed and only Luttrell lives to tell the story. Directed with an intense realism by Peter Berg ("The Kingdom") and written by Berg, based on Luttrell account of the events in his book "Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10," it's a wrenching, absorbing film that's memorable for the memorable, believable action scenes, handled with skill by Berg. Bloody, extremely violent and sad, "Survivor" is a tale that isn't for everyone, and while Luttrell is certainly a hero for his actions, some may be unable the graphic violence and bloodshed. The film's first act is a bit slow, followed by the ambush scene, and then the extremely difficult final act as Luttrell is truly the lone survivor from this botched operation. All the men, Wahlberg, Kitsch, Hirsch and especially Foster, deliver strong performances in a film that's already been rightfully garnering acclaim. If enjoy war films and don't mind the blood and intensity, then "Lone Survivor" is a must-see to honor these fallen heroes.

Wes's Grade: B

The Legend of Hercules - D

Rated PG-13, 99 minutes

This empty 3D version of Hercules makes for a dull "Legend"

Kellan Lutz as Hercules

The movie gods have not smiled down on the latest version of one of their own, "The Legend of Hercules," a handsomely mounted but feeble film with little to offer by eye candy, which may be enough for some. After Hercules (Kellan Lutz), demigod son of Zeus, is betrayed by his royal step-father (Scott Adkins), he must battle his way back from exile and slavery to depose the king. Directed and co-written by Renny Harlin, who became famous with "Die Hard 2" and "Cliffhanger" and has done little of value since then, and starring one of the handsome bit played from "Twilight," the bland but buffed bu Lutz, it dumbs down the Greek gods considerably with an overload of action, special effects and a ridiculously muddled story even for something like this. Lutz is likable and the pacing and action sequences are decent, but there's little to offer, which comes as no surprise that a shiny piece of Hollywood junk is released at this time of year. You've seen this done before and much better, even the recent versions of "Clash of the Titans," by no means a classic, was far more watchable than this. If you want some eye candy and little else, then "The Legend of Hercules" is certainly up your alley, but otherwise this is a Red Box rental.

Wes's Grade: D

Her - B+

Rated R, 119 minutes

Joaquin Phoenix

Intriguing, affecting "Her" a truly modern romantic comedy

Part romantic comedy, part drama, and a small infusion of science-fiction, the new movie "Her" is an oddly soulful, well-acted take on contemporary romance. Directed, written and produced by Spike Jonze ("Being John Malkovich") it's one of the more original, satisfying films of the year. Set in Los Angeles in the near future, the movie tells the story of a withdrawn, depressed writer named Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with his computer's highly advanced operating system (voiced by Scarlet Johansson). Sweet, funny and unconventional, with "Her" director and writer Jonze has created a touching, often fascinating but somewhat one-sided tribute to modern romance. In Jonze's handsome, crisp portrait, romance occurs between human and machine, though both may become increasingly frustrated by the limitations that each face, and can the machine, as advanced as it may be, truly and sincerely love you back? We probably know the answer to that, but it's often fun to watch, and Jonze's futuristic touches can be intriguing (with phones and computers interacting seamlessly) and odd (why do all the men wear such oddly retro fitting i.e. high waisted slacks?).  However, the casting in "Her" is close to perfect and it helps the film work beautifully, with the sci-fi oddness of it all taking a back seat to the relationships. Phoenix gives another of his slightly off-kilter but charming perfromances, while the breathy Johannson is just as touching in a voice-only role. Amy Adams shines once again in a supporting role as one of Theodore's long-standing friends with issues of her own, Chris Pratt ("Parks and Recreation") is also ingratiating as one of Theodore's co-workers, while Jonze himself gets in some funny lines as a foul-mouthed, pint-sized alien in one of Theodore's cool 3D games (also a nice touch). "Her" is an unconventional romance for sure, and it all ends in a bittersweet but poignant way. It's premise is borderline thin, as if it knows its own limitations, with little place to go, particularly in its last act, but Phoenix and Johannson's voice have good chemistry throughout and that more or less carries the film. Expect more accolades to come for this different but entertaining film. Definitely worth a look.

Wes's Grade: B+

August: Osage County- B+

Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep

Rated R, 119 minutes

Dark, funny "August: Osage County" brilliantly mines family dysfunction

The superbly acted, poignant dark dramedy "August: Osage County" is filled with many hilarious yet disturbing moments of family dysfunction. Those moments may make you cringe but you'll never look away in the talky but rarely dull movie based on Tracy Letts' Pulitzer Prize-winning 2007 stage play of the same name. Barbara (Julia Roberts), Ivey (Julianne Nicholson) and Karen (Juliette Lewis) are all brought home to Osage County, Oklahoma when their father Beverly, an award-winning poet (Sam Shepard) mysteriously dies, leaving them to pick up the pieces with their unstable, drug-addicted mother Violet (Meryl Streep) and her loud-mouth sister Mattie Fay (Margo Martindale). The funny, entertaining but downbeat "August: Osage County" is memorably brought to life by director John Wells ("The West Wing") and Letts, who also pens the screenplay and a large, stellar A-list cast. The winning performances from all involved, particularly Roberts and Streep, who go at it full force and will likely be (once again) nominated for their powerful performances. Streep is most sublime here as the addicted woman who is a terrible mother yet loves her children through the extensive amount of cruelty and meanness she shows; Roberts, as the strongest older daughter Barbara, is essentially playing a younger version of Violet trying to forge a different path from her mother's, also gives one of her best performances to date. Watch for Dermot Mulroney, Ewan McGregor, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Cooper and Misty Upham who round out the talented cast and all of whom get in a good scene or two. Problematic is that none of the characters are exactly redeemable, except for Cooper's, and some of the bickering goes on too long, though it's admittedly fun to watch (particularly the scene in which Roberts literally tackles Streep to the floor fighting for pills). "August: Osage County" is memorable for the superb performances and yes it's definitely recommended, but it's certainly not a feel-good movie.

Wes's Grade:  B+

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones - B-

Rated R, 84 minutes

Unoriginal but tense "Marked Ones" serves up more found footage-style scares

Watch out for these people lurking in the basement!

The first "Paranormal Activity" film kicked off the found footage-style of horror film in 2009, though none has matched the scares or originality of that film. The latest outing, the fifth and a latino-flavored spinoff of sorts, continues the scares and while it's nothing new, there are a few healthy jumps that should please the fans of this film series. This outing is set in June 2012 in Oxnard, California. After a woman in their apartment complex mysteriously dies, Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) and Hector (Jorge Diaz) go to investigate. They discover items associated with black magic rituals, even some missing tapes, and things start getting very strange after Jesse discovers a weird bite on his arm. Directed and written by Christopher B. Landon, "Little House on the Prairie" star Michael Landon's son, this is Landon's first outing as director in this series after having written three of the other "Paranormal" sequels, it continues to mine more scares, and admittedly there are a few creepy ones scattered throughout the film. The most memorable ones include one with a well-known toy and another that literally shatters a whole room; yet, what's most sublime (and predictable) about the "Paranormal" movies is how they can serve up the scares so cheaply and quickly, peppered with a few nifty special effects and an unknown cast, coming to a very intense climax that ties the rest of the films together and opens up yet another chapter. On the downside, the found footage-style grew tiresome after the first film, so you will have enjoy these scares amidst all the usual camera shakes. "Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones" is really for die-hard fans of this series and those who enjoy a few scares with their movie, and on that note it will likely be another big hit. For the rest of us, we're moving on to something new.

Wes's Grade: B-