Belle

Beautifully shot film with powerful performances is hampered by stodgy aristocracy and heavy-handed dialog.  Gugu makes men go gaga as she wages war on a society almost as racist as it is sexist.  Overly on the nose casting and utterly impotent finale speech leave audience feeling like neglected old maid.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Amazing effects, fantastic character development and plotting, and an alarming degree of respect for source material genetically engineer one of the best prequels ever. Familiar turf for all actors involved. Henderson re-unites with Harry. Malfoy stays douchy. Green Goblin relearns the dangers of modern science, and King Kong goes ape.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I

A half-satisfying half-movie featuring veritable cameos from the costars of its predecessors. Accurate collection of scene re-enactments strung together by semblance of plot and endless apparations. Hermione’s hotness completely skews the book’s character and Ron Weasley goes Sam Gamgee. Nearly naked aging teens with lack of Hogwarts distinguish this half-film.