Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

It's not funny. That's not a negative criticism; I suspect this movie isn't supposed to be funny. Hence, the way it was sold--every blurb on the box mentions laughing--did this film a disservice. If viewers went in expecting to be rolling in the aisles while watching this one, they were sure to be disappointed; if that was the filmmakers' intention, then this effort failed and the Bad Cat's PURR should be a MEOW, at best. But, in this viewer's mind, this movie is much more complex than that. It's filled with droll humor, sure; sometimes it's even gallows humor, if you're into that sort of thing. (I am.) But it also contains a serious, almost contemplative look at the occupation of Afghanistan, at the role of media and the people who work in that world, and even the big question, just what are you doing with your life? As such, it's pretty interesting stuff--a good watch that is smart, absorbing from the start, and ultimately a rewarding viewing experience. Oh, yeah, and Tina Fey demonstrates that she can carry a movie mostly by herself; she's in almost every scene here, it's very much her movie, and she scores big time in the role. Not bad work if you can get it--and a good way to spend a couple hours of your time.

The Ice Harvest

A run of the mill crime caper: the nervous partner; the crazier, cagier partner; the "perfect" crime; and how it all unwinds. All of this you've seen dozens of times before. This one brings its own unique touches of bad execution--Billy Bob Thornton's character, who seems more interesting than John Cusack's nervous shlub, disappears for long stretches of the story--to complement the standard issue cliches. It has its moments, as any professionally made movie will, but mostly it just leaves the viewer cold.

Friday Night Lights

There's a motto that always attaches to small town obsessions: "It's all they have." Indeed, but no one ever seems to raise the corollary observation: maybe it's all they are capable of having; or even, maybe it's all they deserve. That idea, though unexpressed, permeates this study of a Texas town's high school football team. The evidence lies throughout and is a part of this film's signature veracity. So, too, with the game footage, which is mostly spot on and extremely well done. But there are also way too many sports film cliches--plot revealed via announcers, the crazy sports parent, unbelievable on-field exploits--that tarnish the overall presentation. Yet again, the film still hits some strong emotional marks, given that, after all, these are just kids. A tough call; your taste for sports movies may be the deciding factor.

Intolerable Cruelty

Lightweight, but it achieves what it aims for. The strength here is the work of George Clooney, who really looks like he's enjoying himself. That enthusiasm will carry you through and give you a few laughs. If you go in with the right attitude, that should be enough.

Bad Santa

Of such stuff are a curmudgeon's dreams made. In a world where corporate radio stations start playing Christmas carols in mid-November--the better to distract people with schmaltz--we need more works like this. Special props to Billy Bob Thornton for giving a tour-de-force as the scuzzy Santa. It gets a demerit or two for wimping out a bit at the end; otherwise, this would be "Best Of All" material.

Bandits

It works. It's not something that will change the world, but you can find worse ways to pass the time. The story holds the attention, Billy Bob Thornton is typically excellent, Bruce Willis is in his best mode (when he doesn't try to do too much), and Cate Blanchett is funnier than you'd think.

Monster's Ball

One of the most melancholy movies I have ever watched. But that's not a pan, just the nature of the beast. Despite its heaviness, the story ultimately gets past all of its pain, anger, and sorrow to bring us somewhere near redemption. Not to be missed by any serious film watcher.

The Gift

A run-of-the-mill mystery thriller, with a little horror thrown in. Not as good as A Simple Plan, the other Sam Raimi-Billy Bob Thornton collaboration (in this case, B.B. merely wrote the thing). It does reaffirm my position that I will never move to the "deep" South.

A Simple Plan

Excellent cautionary tale about the dangers of getting too involved with dumbass rednecks.

Primary Colors

If only the real Clinton cared as much as Travolta's fictionalized version of him does in this flick. A mostly entertaining veiled look at the '92 campaign that can leave one feeling wistful for the promise that once was, and a little bitter over the disappointment that ultimately came.