12 Strong

Despite intense action sequences and heavy helping of familial empathy enhancers, Thorse Soldiers lacks emotional impact of Lone Survivor or suspense of Zero Dark Thirty. The story is straightforward though their path meanders, and character arcs fall unsatisfyingly in between. And the ‘bad Muslims’ educational cutaway feels preachy and unnecessary.

21 Jump Street

Hill cleverly spearheads re-imagining of once serious show into slapstick drama that actually has a few things to say.  Tatum finally finds a place for his charming doofus, while Larson, baby Franco and alarming Ice Cube provide solidly comedic supporting performances.  Action scenes are weak, but cameo blows minds, literally.