Assassin's Creed

Mechanical story ensnares Fassbender and repeatedly thrusts him through a plot-hole where he must endure rigorous resistance training juggling nonsensical exposition and gratuitous action. Despite the best efforts of both backlight and backstory, it never elevates to art, and even Irons and Cotillard can’t imbue the story with Shakespearean gravitas.

Allied

Despite Zemeckis characteristic overindulgence in visual effects, Mr. Smith Goes to Europe is an old-fashioned, conventional tail of intrigue. Tragically mis-represented by commercial double-agents, the twists are spoiled and the plot consequently sabotaged. Pitt is predictably at home in glorious fashion and Cotillard keeps the emotions real despite all lies.

The Immigrant

Gray handles period in his usual somber shades. Cotillard polishes performance perfectly through stilted but compelling character arc opposite un-empathetic Phoenix and less than magical Renner.  On-the-nose dialogue disorder prevents emotional power from crossing over. Ultimately pays off with clever reveal and moral message even grayer than the skyline.

The Dark Knight Rises

Rises to challenge of tying in elements of both predecessors.  Nolan incepts outside cast, all of whom perform spectacularly.  Replaces technological faults of previous films with medical and logical gaps.  Geriatric batman’s recovery, Cathaway’s equipment, and strongman’s weak motivation lack conviction.  Regardless, powerful film.  Could have used a spinning top.

Contagion

Soderbergh Traffics in another terrifying global film. Sprawling story adequately accomplishes conveying scope of realistic doomsday scenario, but fails to see some it’s character studies through to completion. Strong performances with epidemic of Oscars are sometimes over-powered by look-at-me editing, and a pervasive score. Good Planet of the Apes tie-in.

Midnight in Paris

Wilson plays Woody well in Allen’s best and most accessible comedy to date. Midnight in Cairo features brilliant fantasy and an impressive array of modern stars perfectly portraying classic artists in funny but truthful ways. Allen did his research, and not just on sexual angst. Dissatisfying end elements and McAdams.

Inception

Another creative mental masterpiece from Nolan populated with talented cast of lesser-known actors. Revisits Memento themes and Delves into dense subject matter to pose deep philosophical and logical questions. Plot-holes and logic lapses are strangely unable to sink this intellectually stimulating puzzle, but does it connect emotionally? In your dreams.

Public Enemies

Bale and Depp waste their talent in least compelling gangster story ever. Cinematographer apparently wore shock collar so Mann could zap him if he accidentally framed shots properly. Capped off by misused digital effect far less enjoyable than a hole in the head. Title refers to producers of this monstrosity.

Nine

Segues poorly between compelling acting and flashy music videos. Fergie delivers fantastic performance prompting suspicions that everyone else acted down to make her look better. If Rob Marshall’s goal was to create a barely passable schizophrenic remake to mirror his character he succeeded admirably. Disproves math: 8 1/2 > 9.