Incredibles 2

Kind of a weird mishmash of several films that explored the “virtues/vices of superheroes” theme—the Dark Knight movies and Watchmen immediately spring to mind—except in a kids’ version. (Some of the MCU movies cover the question as well, but they’re really already for kids.) Unlike those antecedents, this one plays it mostly for chuckles, and draws its conclusions in a largely facile fashion—nothing dark and brooding here. Ultimately, the product is enjoyable and fun, if lightweight and not particularly impactful. Incredible? Not really. Watchable? Certainly.

The Firm

In which we learn that lawyers are sleazy. Sorry, sport—that’s old news. I’ve never read a John Grisham novel; never seemed like my cup of tea. So I had to overcome some preconceptions to appreciate this flick, and I’d have to say the effort mostly succeeded. As always, it helps to have Tom Cruise working towards that goal; he brings his usual solid performance here as young, on the verge of being compromised lawyer Mitchell, though here he plays it without his usual level of hyper-confidence. Even without his normal level of self-assurance, Cruise gives the audience a protagonist to root for. Our lead is ably assisted in this effort by a host of familiar faces in supporting roles, with Jane Tripplehorn not the least among that secondary cast as Mitch’s suffering but ultimately involved and active wife. The plot is intricate, though not so much so that it trips on itself, and there’s just enough action to relieve any slow spots in the proceedings. No doubt the references to various workings of the law are accurate and relevant to the story, though perhaps that’s the least important aspect of the production. I’m going to say that overall, this is a good, entertaining and satisfying flick—I’d just prefer not to have to swear to that under oath. Your witness, counselor.

The Piano

More like "The Pian-Ho." Even setting aside the storyline's ugliness, there's way too much pretentiousness and self-awareness in the direction. Practically every shot screams "this is deep and significant" in an overly obvious way. None of the characters are particularly sympathetic either. An award-winning mess that, in these eyes, hits all the wrong notes.

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Homer for the masses...and I don't mean Simpson. Well-crafted retelling of the old tale, with some great music and good performances by Messrs. Clooney, Turturro and Nelson.

A Life Less Ordinary

Almost awful, and unnecessary.