The Grey

Liam’s less tropical Lost, with all men, harsh conditions, and wolves intent on kidnapping his survival family.  Builds suspense and backstory of supporting characters without using stock footage poem that Neeson needs.  Digital After Tomorrow wolves drive everyone over endless edges, to an end that’s far from black and white.

Underworld: Awakening

Vampire: Resurrection is funderwhelming return to preresequeled universe of Twilight Matrix.  Goes in weird direction right off the bat, and Speedily sets up the mystery of a Man who never pays off.  Odd guest appearances and black and white plot points limit flick, but at least they got Beckinsale back.

The Rum Diary

Depp’s return to’ Thompson and I’ lacks Withnail’s wit or Fearful Loathing pacing.  Eckhart, Jenkins, and Ribisi’s characters are enjoyable distractions from unsatisfactory island vacation, but even they can’t fill Captain Jack’s empty bottle/diary of rum.  Disenchanting story, dissatisfying dialogue, and an ultimately disappointing story fail like a drunken newspaper.

Stop-Loss

What could have been a tragic tale is undermined by Phillippe’s inability to master Texan accent.  Ryan’s Elvis Wayne is an unsympathetic lead as he maneuvers through a relevant and morally debatable issue.  BFFs Gordon-Levitt and plays-himself Tatum provide most compelling story, but suffer from LSD, Lack of Screen-time Disorder.

Spun

Ultra-grungy predecessor to Gaga music videos features wide array of stars playing over-the-top caricatures.  Stylistic elements occasionally feel motivated and disguise weak story with moderate success.  Rourke and Murphy’s roles are tragic considering real life issues, but Schwartzman satisfies leading man requirements.  Feels like a pre-pubescent Tarantino emulating Oliver Stone.

The Conspirator

Redford’s post-Lincoln pic drowns its talent in the overly theatrical lighting, stagy direction, and tedious dialogue of a historical reenactment, and thus assassinates chances at cinematic success.  McAvoy’s underwhelming lead strives valiantly to accomplish nothing resulting in the most frustrating courtroom scenes ever filmed.  Plenty of potential seems suspiciously unrealized.