Jerry & Marge Go Large

A gentle tale that, because of that very nature, stands out like a sore thumb in today’s entertainment landscape. In this instance, that’s a good thing. In the hands of lesser talents, this flick would come across as a Hallmark Channel movie, with all the blandness and insipid character that implies, but thanks to note-perfect performances by leads Cranston and Bening, the tale rises above potential mundanity and achieves a simple, elegant and entertaining expression of honest people catching a break—by making one for themselves, no less. I don’t know if that idea has much veracity in today’s world—or at any other point in history, for that matter—but in this film it works, and you can just relax and enjoy the ride. Go ahead and play the odds—it’s a safe bet you’ll like this payout.

Pitch Perfect

It is nigh on impossible to watch this movie without wearing a smile, or at least a bemused grin, on your face. The musical numbers are wildly entertaining...which is good, because really, that's about all there is to this flick. The storyline, such as it is, is only the most skeletal framework upon which to hang this series of singing set pieces, all of which feature impressive talent on the part of at least some of the cast members. Even where anyone might be lip-syncing, the dubbing is done so well that most viewers won't be able tell. What's interesting to note is that many of the musical selections date back to a time when most of the putative college students here, in a movie released in 2012, would not have been born yet. More evidence that kids of the '80s are dominating movie-making these days. So if you're of a certain age--I am--then this flick should have some appeal even if it's not entirely your thing. And, if all else fails, you get to spend two hours hanging around with Anna Kendrick--hardly difficult duty. PURRing isn't singing, but this film works well enough to make even the Bad Cat make a joyful noise.