Seven Psychopaths - B

Rated R, 109 minutes

 Bloody, entertaining “Seven Psychopaths” is absurd fun

Woody Harrelson

“Seven Psychopaths” is the dark new dramedy from Martin McDonaugh, who helmed the equally dark “In Bruges” a few years ago. Violent, uneven and often absurd, “Psychopaths” lives up to its name and then some, it’s well-acted and well-cast. Marty (Colin Farrell) is a struggling writer who dreams of finishing his screenplay, "Seven Psychopaths". Billy (Sam Rockwell) is Marty's best friend, an unemployed actor and part time dog thief, who wants to help Marty by any means necessary, particularly with a little focus and inspiration. Hans (Christopher Walken) is Billy's partner in crime. A religious man with a violent past. Charlie (Woody Harrelson) is the psycho  gangster whose beloved dog, Billy and Hans have just stolen. Charlie's unpredictable, extremely violent and wouldn't think twice about killing anyone or anything associated with the theft. Marty is going to get all the focus and inspiration he needs, just as long as he lives to tell the tale. McDonaugh’s tale of psychopathic excess is enjoyable but not for everyone. Think Tarantino on overkill: bloody violent with as much heady dialogue as blood. Walken, Rockwell and Harrelson are the standouts, with the always watchable Walken in great (but somewhat typecast) form. McDonaugh’s script and direction are solid but tend to veer all over the place, which can be said for the film too. Still, “Seven Psychopaths” is enjoyably violent and fun and please those who enjoy this type of thing.

 Wes’s Grade: B

Here Comes the Boom - B-

Rated PG, 105 minutes

Likable but lightweight “Here Comes the Boom”

Charice, Kevin James, Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler

I will say this about the likable new Kevin James comedy “Here Comes the Boom” and that it’s not “It’s My Boy” though it’s produced by Adam Sandler’s production company, Happy Madison. A pleasant mishmash of remarkably clean, good-spirited comedy, “Boom” is by no means a great film but it’s at least better than some (make that much) of the dreck that Sandler and company put out these days, including James’ awful “Zookeeper” from last year.  The premise is easy and predictable: James is Scott Voss, a high school biology teacher and former wrestler who goes into the mixed martial arts ring to raise money for his school’s music program and its leader (Henry Winkler), which are being cut by the school. Simplistic and fun, “Here Comes the Boom” derives its comedy from the portly James getting into the ring and getting beat up, all for a good cause.  A good message for sure, it seems far more mean spirited than it is, yet is actually a serviceable, good-natured film that keeps most of its gags above the belt, which is saying a lot for James and producer Sandler, who generally go very low brow (however, they’re currently making “Grown Ups 2” so this won’t last long). You know how it will turn out in the end, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a little fun along the way. Directed by Frank Coraci, who’s done some Sandler and James films, it’s nice seeing James supported by the good-natured Winkler, the lovely Salma Hayek, and the talented young singer Charice, whose singing is far better than her acting. Also featuring some current and former MMA/UFC stars, “Here Comes the Boom” is slight, jumbled and very calculated, but it’s an enjoyable film that will leave you with a big smile.

Wes’s Grade: B-

Argo - B+

Rated R, 120 minutes

Entertaining, intense thriller "Argo" finds Affleck in his element

John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Ben Affleck

If you like fact-based dramas, then you'll enjoy the immensely entertaining and the edge-of-your-seat intensity of "Argo," which is an account of an unlikely CIA operation to rescue a handful of Americans during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. Director and star Ben Affleck continues to impress with his skills behind the camera, though interestingly the chief flaws with the film have to do with his performance in the film. In 1979, during the Iranian Revolution, militants take over the U.S. embassy in Tehran and hold 52 Americans hostage. Six other Americans escape and hide in the Canadian ambassador's home. The Central Intelligence Agency and its specialist Tony Mendez (a shaggy-haired Affleck) put together a plan to help the six Americans escape Iran. "Argo" is an enjoyable, engaging and fascinating thriller; it lacks the complexity of a genuine spy thriller and it also changes much of the details to heavily focus on Mendez's side of what was really a joint U.S.-Canadian effort, but overall it's still a decent directorial effort from Affleck. The strong supporting cast, the tight script from Chris Terrio not to mention the authentic sets and 1970s clothes are all first-rate; Alan Arkin (in a composite role) provides comic relief as a Hollywood producer, but John Goodman (as Oscar-winning makeup artist John Chambers) and Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad") also deliver memorable turns as people who helped Mendez in the effort. Interestingly, Affleck both helps and hurts the film. Behind the scenes he is strongest, with serviceable direction and handling of the material, but in front of the camera, he is miscast, giving one of his weakest performances to date, hampering the film. Mendez is a strong character that deserves a stronger actor, and Affleck falters at giving any sense of courage or expertise. Otherwise, "Argo" comes together nicely, particularly in the intense finale, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Oscar noms for writing, Arkin, the clothes and the sets. Stay over for the credits to see the real characters and a nice voice over from former President Jimmy Carter (who thankfully portrays himself in news clips). "Argo," even with its flaws and penchant for taking dramatic license, is a well-done, entertaining effort and one of the first great films of the fall.

Wes's Grade: B+

Sinister - B

Rated R, 105 minutes

Creepy, entertaining "Sinister" strikes a familiar tone

Ethan Hawke in "Sinister"

Those looking for a few decent chills this Halloween season might enjoy the new horror thriller "Sinister," starring Ethan Hawke and a bunch of creepy kids. The demonic child routine has been mined cinematically many times before and the film falters some in its final act, but no doubt about it, these nasty young ones provide some tense moments. "Sinister" is about a washed-up true crime novelist (Hawke) looking for the next big story but who gets far more than he bargained for when he and his family move into an old house where a grisly crime occurred. He then discovers a box of old films that plunge he and his family into a supernatural nightmare that will always haunt them. "Sinister" is an above-average horror film that employs some conventional horror film elements (is it ever a good idea to get up and go into a dark room to check on that mysterious noise?) but is at its most terrifying when it relies on the unknown and setting the right mood. Directed and co-written by Scott Derrickson ("The Haunting of Emily Rose"), you'll see elements of many other horror films from "The Shining" to "The Ring" to "Paranormal Activity"; it combines traditional cinematography with some lost-footage sequences, which seem less gimmicky here than before and is one of the more chilling aspects of the film. Derrickson sets the hauntingly perfect atmosphere with shady lighting and a memorable score that alternates between pulsating electronica and some highly unusual sounds. On the downside, the backstory is a little murky and seems too summarized in a brief phone call near the end, making "Sinister's" last act seems rushed and out of place. Hawke anchors the film well, and he's paired well with British Shakespearean actress (go figure) Juliet Rylance, along with Clare Foley and Michael Hall D'Addario as the children who are more than just lovely faces. Watch closely for former politician and "Law & Order" actor Fred Thompson in a small part as a gruff, cranky sheriff. Those looking for a handful of scares will have a good time with the disturbing and disturbingly familiar "Sinister."

Wes's Grade: B

Pitch Perfect - B

Rated PG-13, 112 minutes

Enjoyable "Pitch Perfect" hits mostly fun notes

Anna Kendrick

The crowd-pleasing, boisterous comedy "Pitch Perfect" arrives in theaters this weekend, and it will please even those of us who can't carry a tune in public. The film is nothing new - it's essentially an a cappella "Glee" for the college set - but the charming cast and music will win you over. The ubiquitous Anna Kendrick ("End of Watch") is Becca, a talented but cynical, lonely girl into making music. As she struggles to fit in, she discovers the competitive world of college a cappella groups and finds herself in an all-girls a cappella group, some of whom like Chloe (Brittany Snow) and Aubrey (Anna Camp) are experienced, while others such as Amy (Rebel Wilson) are there to make friends. Pushed and challenged, the group will change more than she realizes. Predictable and slight, "Pitch Perfect" is still a pleasurable comic romp thanks to an engaging cast that includes Oscar-nominee Kendrick (who has a fine voice and does her own singing) and the biggest scene-stealer of the year in Wilson ("Bridesmaids" and the recent "Bachelorette," whose character calls herself "Fat Amy." While Wilson may be bigger than the other girls, she's a huge comic force and has an honest wit that helps her to essentially walk off with the movie, and most of these pixies she could likely carry on her back. The raunchy tone and "Glee"-esque plot is as old as the ages but the nice mash-up of tunes (the '80s tune "Don't You Forget (About Me)" is my favorite) and the cast is hard not to like. Speaking of which, Kendrick, playing the outsider here, is still cute as a button, and she grounds the film well. Even if you don't enjoy "Glee" (I'm not a big fan, sorry) or movie musicals, you'll still get a kick out of the winning, enjoyable "Pitch Perfect."

Wes's Grade: B

Taken 2 - C-

Rated PG-13, 91 minutes

Neeson's back in unoriginal, predictable "Taken 2"


Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson emerged as a smart, cool action hero a few years ago with the hit film “Taken,” about a man out to save his kidnapped daughter.  Neeson is still cool and smart, even if the sequel “Taken 2” is as unoriginal and lazy as its title. A year after the events in Paris, on a trip to Istanbul, Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) gets a surprise visit from his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace), and his ex-wife, Lenore (Famke Janssen). The happy reunion turns sour when Lenore is taken by people working for Murad Hoxha (Rade Šerbedžija), whose son was killed by Bryan in Paris and responsible for the kidnapping of numerous women. With Lenore held hostage and Kim on the run, Mills must utilize all his lethal skills to rescue them and eliminate any who are seeking revenge against him. An unnecessary sequel if there ever was one, “Taken 2” is predictable and far-fetched, peppered with a few entertaining moments provided by the rugged Neeson.  Produced by Luc Besson and directed by Oliver Megaton (“Columbiana”), it’s a lazy dumb setup that you know where it’s going and how it will end even within the first frame of the film. Neeson is by far the best thing about the film, who lends class to a film that is in great need of it. It also leaves it wide open for a “Taken 3,” but let’s hope they choose somewhere more exciting than Istanbul, which looks so drab here. “Taken 2” is a by-the-numbers thriller that should still please Neeson’s fans.

Wes's Grade: C-

Frankenweenie - B

Rated PG, 87 minutes

Uneven yet oddly clever, heartwarming "Frankenweenie" is a fun tale

Sparky

The new stop-motion animated "Frankenweenie" is a clever, heartwarming homage to "Frankenstein" and other horror films from director Tim Burton, and his odd, dark sense of humor serves him well here.  After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young New Holland resident Victor Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan) harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life-with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new "leash on life" can be monstrous. Burton and company are back again with the oddly charming, playful "Frankenweenie."  A remake of his 1984 live action short film of the same name, the black-and-white 3D film visually enriching and enjoyable, though its uneveness is felt in a very dark last act that might leave some younger ones a little frightened. The dark tone is reminiscent of his "James and the Giant Peach" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and while this film isn't as original, it's one of Burton's more accessible films, except for the edgier last act, which may be too frightening for younger kids (not to mention the death of animals, which can be traumatic) and features some truly scary (but fun) creatures. Well-voiced by newcomer Trahan, there's some veterans who are memorable too, including Martin Landau, Martin Short, Winona Ryder and especially Catherine O'Hara, who nearly steals the film with several colorful voices. Even with some of the edgier elements, "Frankenweenie" is a nice homage to "Frankenstein" and other horror films, including Dracula, Godzilla and even Gremlins and has an endearing (if not wildly unconventional) charm to it. "Frankenweenie" is essentially a sentimental tale about a boy and his dog, with a few odd, dark extras that Burton likes to throw at his audience. Amusing and entertaining, it's a tad intense for younger kids but everyone else should leave with a big smile.

Wes's Grade: B