Frankenweenie

I hate to be the one to have to say this, but this movie lacked a certain spark. The film had some nice touches--the Japanese kid and Gamera reference, for instance--but with a filmmaker as accomplished as Tim Burton involved, nice touches are the least you can expect. One interesting element was the undercurrent about the failure of U.S. society to appreciate and develop science and scientists, but it was little more than a couple of throwaway comments. I guess kids will enjoy it, but even then, I’m not so sure (they might not get why this film is in black and white, for instance; old references are lost on the young). Otherwise, it probably depends on how much you dig Burton and his oeuvre. Your call.

Crimes and Misdemeanors

Woody Allen's well-crafted story comes with a light touch, but ultimately hits like a haymaker. The subtle descent of Martin Landau's compromised ophthalmologist into further and further depths makes for riveting viewing, and while the secondary storyline--Allen and Alan Alda vie for the same woman--is less compelling, each tale reaches the same ending in a fascinating climax. Brief philosophical discussions, both bloodless and vibrant, and some crafty symbolism tie the whole thing together in a resolution that is surprising and provocative (and sadly, probably true). The film's impact comes not just in that resolution, but even past that ending, when you're thinking about it a day or two later. A powerful film.

The Majestic

There are deep wells of pain beneath this seemingly genial movie. Not just in its presentation of America's history of betraying its principles, nor the recognition of the cost in sorrow that war can wreak on those who survive, but also in the simple nostalgia (in the word's truest sense: an ache for home and the past) over how different we are from the nation that once was. This is a tough call; not everyone will respond to its vision and presentation, but I think those who do will find it worthwhile.