True Grit

Coens become man-killers with first successful remake. Bridges and Steinfeld fill the shoes of their predecessors and Damon fills out Campbell’s comedically bad performance in a film that takes its subject matter more seriously than original. Pepper plays his namesake well though Brolin feels about as unenthusiastic as bookend segments.

Seven Pounds

Will Smith reteams with director, Gabriele Muccino, to create this melodramatic sequel, The Pursuit of Crappyness. Attempts to craft a suspenseful mystery but instead feels vague, plodding, and overly manipulative. Supporting stars in forcibly flawed roles outperform a constipated Smith, and an amorphous floating blob steals the show from everyone.