Paddington

Escapes the dark jungle of mediocrity from which most animated animal movies hail, by maintaining an attitude of emotional empathy and brilliantly orchestrated visuals tucked under its hat. Despite maleroom and bathtub shenanigans, Kidman’s adult woman still feels a few notches too caricaturish, even for this almost unbearably endearing adventure.

Brooklyn

Saoirse drags her lonely bones to America as her accent finally goes home.  Despite an understated plot Emory certainly isn’t bored as he brandoes it again.  Walters stays seated and stands out as several other wizards immigrate into a story that is endearing and pleasantly simplistic but not spectacularly memorable.

Cloud Atlas

Ingeniously adapted rendition of seemingly un-filmable literary masterpiece.  Multiple-role casting adds fascinating if tonally confusing element despite occasional silliness of makeup.  Tri-directors and editor manage a miracle by fusing utterly disparate stories without clunkiness or ambiguity.  Voiceovers occasionally wax philosophic, but how can they not in a film about everything?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Happy Potter and the Octilogy ending battle. Final chapter is far-cry from blue-balled predecessor. Kill Voldemort vol. 2 leaves all the apparating behind and focuses instead on hurling digital fire back and forth. Brief stop by the Matrix weapons room precedes Aslan Potter saving the day. Then poof, aging spell.

The Young Victoria

The Duchess on casual Friday. Altogether average period piece, with mundane plot and decent performances to be Blunt. Distractions included occasionally dysfunctional Barry Lyndon-esque lighting and strange Scorsese-style anachronistic editorial flourishes. Also hurt by oddly punctuated title cards and pre-credits history textbook. Bettany and Strong are perfect for this, period.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Campy action, lame dialogue, and freaky aliens illustrate Lucas’ involvement in this incredible desecration of an iconic series. Shia the Beouf nicely compliments the worst performances of Blanchett, Hurt, and Ford’s careers. Digital ants, Shia of the Apes, and a moronic waterfall car chase add to this colossal Crystal Skullf**k.

Bridget Jones's Diary

Stereotypical chick flick in which neurotic girl must choose between Hugh Grant and Mr. Darcy, both playing themselves. Culminates in a series of clichés ranging from suitors fighting in street to lead running after missed love. On the bright side, Zellwegger’s weight is inversely proportionate to how tolerable she is.