A Simple Favor

Gone Bridesmaids pairs an odd couple of genres into a magnificently sexy if periodically problematic relationship. Blake goes deadly as she chews through scenery as a bitch perfect, bent on demonizing a delightfully mousy Kendrick. Pays diabolically clever homage to inspirations but diverges to drown in a messy third act.

The Accountant

Jealous of Boston brother’s critical successes, Affleck assumes his Identities in Bad Bourne Hunting. The premise is a bit of a Reacher, but once the Wick is lit, this thriller burns steadily from start to finish. Contrived coincidences detract from complex plot, but capable cast make it all add up.

Into the Woods

Like Streep’s appearance, odd musical fantasy venture oscillates between grotesque Sondheim quasi-horror and flowery Disney kids pic without ever settling on witch it actually wants to be.  Disquieting off-screen deaths and thinly veiled themes of pedophilia and adultery guide this movie into the dark woods between two potentially powerful demographics.

Cake

Aniston’s performance is the icing on this otherwise bland slice of life.  Upper-crust Crime and Punishment substitutes murder victim for Kendrick, who learns that what goes Up in the Air must come down.  Barazza adds bit of Babel, perhaps because her maid services were left to Jen in the settlement.

End of Watch

Pena and Gyllenhaal’s chemistry keeps the buddy cop film from hell alive despite poorly acted stereotype antagonists and an ill-conceived attempt at the illusion of found footage.  Big-time overkill on the training day style action scenes, and unsuccessful message pull this one over.  Emotional beats still pack a heavy punch.

50/50

Rogen deals with another unintentional growth in the tragicomedy, Knocked Down. JGL bares his soul and his head with carefully delivered performance in this devastating and hilarious film. Does the heart come from cast’s stunning performances or the fact that it’s the writer’s autobiography? After several MRIs, looks like 50/50.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

George Michael vs. Anne (Bland), Superman, and Human Torch in stylized masterpiece from Edgar ‘Shaun’ Wright. Cera gives depth to his usual character. Uses incredible stylization to compliment, not replace, content but periodically goes too far. Struggles to top opening fights and premature Evans introduction but still manages admirably. Epic!

Up in the Air

Reitman hybridizes his previous films into a flaccid pseudo-comedy that emulates American economy by being bleak and frustrating. Various celebs try to bail it out but cannot from the confines of their 30 second roles. Even Clooney runs out of fuel halfway and coasts on in a dissatisfying melancholy mess.