Mockingjay: Part 1

Expository non-plot hardly whistles by as the capital pays the bird to remain flightless in the hopes of raking in more Pan-Emerican dollars.  Meanwhile the rebels leak a host of nude photos to raise public awareness, while Gale gets stormier, Peeta gets thinner, and Julianne regrets not making better contacts.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Apparently the game-makers caught and fired whoever did the Shakicam to part 1, because this sequel is well choreographed and crisply shot.  With deeper character development, larger cast, and imaximum number of digital tricks, the only thing extinguishing this fire’s sure victory is a twisty spoiler of a ship-sized plothole.

The Hunger Games

Battle Royale: America Edition bourne edits around the gore to market violence to teens.  Clever modifications make for solid adaptation of cerebral action novel to screen.  Technology is a bit forced, as is love story with utterly emotionless baby Thor.  Jones, Harrelson, Tucci, Banks and Kravitz add fantastic fifth elements.

Horrible Bosses

Two Jasons enjoy a sunny Day in Philadelphia alongside crazy Cruise-esque performances from three veteran talents. Arbitrary antics and quick dialogue feel like a happy Hangover, as does the meandering and somewhat senseless plot. Funny film but leaves viewer wanting a little more nymphoniac Anistons, Killer Kevins and Cokehead Colins.

The Italian Job (2003)

Original remake that abandons subtlety of original in favor of explosive action but maintains sexy iconic mini-cooper chase. A tremendous cast of A-listers Ocean Eleven their way through a clever heist. Audiences may have trouble accepting Norton as a bad guy, or anyone other than Jude Law as Michael Caine.

Reign Over Me

Sandler delivers an incredible portrayal of grief and distress. Cheadle is good but can’t compare to Sandler and Burrows as they step far outside their comfort zones. One of the only films without a number in its title (93, 25) to handle this subject matter appropriately. Sandler should stay serious.