The Disaster Artist

Directing himself as one of the worst directors ever, one of the most underwhelming directors of the decade directs one of the best films of the year. There was plenty of Room to outdo the source material, and the Francos filled it magnificently. No need to tear this one apart.

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.

The Kids are All Right

Too long since someone cast A-nette and reeled in a great bunch of performances. Alice holds her own with Moore and Ruffalo as she adventures through 'family torn asunder-land.' Ruffalo’s feathers are ruffled by the film's failure to address his storyline adequately, but otherwise far better than just all right.