Cafe Society

Eisenberg’s Allen is predictably on point in a bland revisionist autobiography augmented by woody narration of its author. Amusing characters and quasi-Shakespearian setup fray and unwind instead of tying up neatly. Perhaps Allen is a Coen father, as this feels like a subpar Serious Man meets a bored Barton Fink.

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice

Useless Wayne cleverly finds fault in Man of Steel’s failings, so after some batmanipulation from Mark Jokerburg and a franchise Flash-forward, he does the 300 workout and borrows Bridges’ Iron Man suit. Fortunately, Martha Martha Martha brings the Justice Bunch together. Wonder-Why-I’m-Here Woman arrives in time for ludicrous laser-light show.

The Double

Two Eisenbergs are not better than one in this dull Dostoyevsky depiction.  Feels like a stage-play directed by Gilliam’s corpse and populated by un-empathetic caricatures of uninteresting people.  Ayoade achieves a singular vision. Unfortunately, it isn’t one worth seeing.  Perhaps film was intended as the double for its impressive Enemy.

Now You See Me

Leterrier tries transporting again with Ocean’s Prestige, an occasionally slick, mildly entertaining festival of irrational effects and grandiose camera moves.  Unfortunately, the plot points are too predictable and explanations too contrived for the arsenal of amusing performances to trick the audience with the illusion of intelligent scripting.  Now you won’t.

The Village

Underrated middle-act in Shyamalan’s predictably twisty career.  Well acted by an all-star cast and cleverly conceived.  Film is greatly hurt by clunkiness of the reveal and several forced lines of explanation thereafter.  Though his performance is great, Brody’s senseless (story-wise) character drags plausibility of film into pit spiked with silliness.

Adventureland

Mismarketed teen angst drama isn’t superbad, but satisfies somewhat.  Uncertain Eisenberg (in another 'land') leads Stewart halfway up ladder of decent acting, but she lets go to play with hair.  Reynolds seems out of place as the seven year student in this subdued Animal Park, but SNL leads support well.