Big Hero 6

Yeah, it’s one of those movies where the principal characters are geniuses, but nobody knows how to pronounce “data.”  Make of that what you will. What was made of this story and script by the producers was a decent action flick, though one that—true to the legacy of actioners—doesn’t stand up to a lot of scrutiny. So definitely don’t overthink it. Most of what goes on here is entertaining enough, but it is curious in a number of ways. Why the made up, mashed up city? Probably because it was that way in the original book, but that doesn’t necessarily answer the question. Why did someone think that out-of-control tech would be a source of comedy? In fact, that’s getting less and less funny with each passing day. And, again, why is Disney so damn obsessed with dead parents? Ultimately, it all adds up to an enigmatic movie, one that’s enjoyable to some extent—certainly so in terms of the visuals, which are impressive all the way through, and in the character of Baymax, who is about the most endearing robot in all of cinema. But it's also a movie that leaves the viewer feeling that the final product could have been better. The patient survives, for sure, but maybe isn’t quite completely satisfied with his care.

Secretariat

This is standard issue, boilerplate Disney movie--little more than you would have seen on the "Wonderful World of Disney" TV program 40 years ago (right when Secretariat was about to go on his historic run). It veers wildly between charming and cartoonish, presents plenty of well-worn schmaltz and platitudes, and--one suspects--fudges not a little bit on the truth. That's not to say that there are no entertaining moments here; a very appealing cast elevates the proceedings by their presence, and insomuch as the film reminds you of the true glory of Big Red, it serves as a worthwhile memorial. But one suspects this could have been a great deal more than it is.

Space Cowboys

I guess it's OK if the geezers get to go for a ride once in a while. It's all very predictable, but Eastwood, Jones, Garner, and Sutherland deliver performances you expect from seasoned professionals. If you've got nothing else to do, you could sit down and watch this one and not feel like the time's been wasted.

The People vs. Larry Flynt

Between his passion for hemp and other assorted weirdnesses, it's sometimes easy to forget that Woody Harrelson is actually a pretty good actor. He shows his chops here as the sleazy but entertaining pornographer Flynt. It's less an homage to Flynt and more an exposé of how asinine his enemies were (including that idiot Jerry Falwell)--and presumably still are.