Wonder

A fantastic film about staring adversity in the face staggers a bit beneath the weight of a convoluted structure. Solid supporting characters and impressive makeup make up for story setbacks, and Tremblay’s terrific performance brings home the gold, though casting decisions for the parents do leave me full of wonder.

August: Osage County

A-list episode of family feud is another solid stage-to-screen adaptation, with obligatory exterior additions to make it a movie.  Struggles a bit with pacing and a clunky ending.  Mulroney plays the only flat note, while Cumberbatch and Nicholson’s amazing performances are overshadowed by strung out Streep and raging, running-things Roberts.

Mirror Mirror

Tarsem’s lighter rendition of the fairy tale is goofy and quirky but lacking in charm.  Lane’s real life Timon, Collins’ non-Stewartness, and a band of actual little people are the highlights of a film which upon reflection is flashy but forgettable.  Tarsem makes a film even shorter lived than Immortals.

Valentine's Day

Love, Atrociously. Cheesy forced variation of British rom-com masterpiece. Amusing cast of big name actors add some spice to poorly constructed ensemble disaster, but none of the interweaving pays off or says much of anything. Cooper and Roberts provide only truly compelling storylines, and culminating in sole redemption of film.