Nocturnal Animals

Tom afFords more time to source novel’s frame than to its story, but opts for the title of the latter, indicating narrative confusion that pervades this picturesque piece. Stellar performances from distractingly star-studded cast cut through the gray muddled night, but the structure fails to rise up the evolutionary ladder.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Hawkeye’s housewife and Widow’s green envy only distract from endless avenging.  Spader’s voice and Bettany’s vision add solid sci-fi elements while Johnson and Olsen just wish dey had zese powers when ze Godzilla attacked.  Satisfies audience expectations of another fun fight fest but Ultron’s age proves to be… very young.

Savages

Stone relies heavily on voiceover reading clever book he adapts in attempt to reclaim the violent crime throne stolen by Tarantino in the 90s.  Johnson proves versatility while Kitsch laments loss of business and career.  Hayek and Benicio are both two insincere to be truly savage.  Fun, but nothing new.

Kick-Ass

Watchmen’s Zombieland with matching angsty, redundant voiceover. Bright colors and cleverly Layer-Caked transitions add nice touch to poorly paced but generally enjoyable film. Nick Cage perfectly paired with best female superhero yet, and their violence is beautiful to behold. Features hallway fight to rival Oldboy but done by young girl.