Polar

Mikkelsen gets Mad when stylistically inferior superiors force him from clean to clichéd and the Dominos start falling predictably. Anti-hero’s chilly warmth and clever third act twist of Le Chiffre serve as sole selling points while jaunty jumps from gratuitous gore to intensive introspection make it hard to Buy Polar.

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Leaves of Grass

Two Eds are not better than one in this Coen Brothers wannabe complete with Tim Blake Nelson. Both Nortons characters are over the top while the plot can hardly stand up. A couple of amusing jokes can’t help but emerge from the hodge-podge of super-quirky dialogue, and equally crazy action.

James and the Giant Peach

Dreyfuss asked for a bigger boat but got a peach in this excellent adaptation of the beloved book. Burton’s striped fingers are evident in this children’s adventure and grotesque horror all Roald into one, especially during ocean encounter with Captain Jack Skellington. Moral: Don’t accept phosphorous pasta from Pete Postlethwaite.

Red

Intentionally quirky performances by venerated actors create necessary defining kitsch. Story is as vapid as Parker’s character and the otherwise well-shot fight scenes often degenerate into infinite ammo machine-gun fire. Basically an action party for Oscar winners and a film well worth watching when it reappears ad infinitum on TNT.

Poseidon

Most satisfactory remake since the original Adventure. Das Perfect Boot director navigates familiar waters and follows original plot loyally but redefines characters in creative and satisfactory way. Russell performs impressively and his death is almost as impressive as Fergie’s is enjoyable. Bit emotionally campy at points but otherwise fun film.

W.

Alarmingly objective and seemingly fair representation of recent controversial events. Brolin’s performance is incredibly compelling without becoming a caricature. Supporting cast are for the most part impeccable as well, thought Wright and Newton are a bit hard to accept. Objectivity hindered by amusing and unrealistic compilation conversations of so-called Bushisms.