All the Money in the World

Reshoots cost less than ransoms after Spacey getties the boot. Compound scandals aside, All the Money is nothing World-shattering, with straightforward storyline and clichéd hero straight from the espionage Wahl of fame. Plummer’s hastily rendered performance stands out in a sluggish film but it’s Williams who pays off the most.

Beginners

Plummer and McGregor’s noses are perfectly cast as father and son in ambling epitome of indie flicks. The movie doesn’t really go anywhere or focus on anything, but it does so in an entertaining and endearing way. Plummer locks lips and therefore awards and Laurent re-appears alongside inglorious nice people.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Swedish film (virtually identical shots, character appearance, and pacing) plus Social Reznor score and Finchermatography equals still a great, if very familiar movie. Craig manages to separate this more bookish investigator from the bonds of his repertoire, and Rooney’s Noomi is powerful but very derivative. A difficult but excellent re-watch.

9

Mini Oogie Boogie accidentally restarts sentinel and instigates a second Matrix, which is never a good thing. Even the best visual look poorly rendered and the story drifts from interesting to ludicrous as it attempts to make a point. Culminates in silly soul saving scene that dooms Earth and film.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Gill.I.Am makes mess of things again, this time aided by Ledger’s death. Radical rewrite renders movie incomprehensible but justifies involvement of every sexiest man alive. Law, Farrell, and Depp all emulating Ledger spectacularly can’t cover up perplexing plot or hopeless mini-me. Instead of watching, view poster and imagine the rest.