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?

The Way Back

Should be 'Long Way Back' as fair warning that this subdued epic will be an exhausting journey. Cast fill worn-down shoes of their characters well as they sneak out of prison in a break even less exciting and noticeable than this film’s release. Hybrid Schindler’s Limp and Lawrence of Siberia.