BRICK MANSIONS (R)
Relativity Media
RUSS
The late Paul Walker stars as an undercover cop who takes on corruption in dystopian future Detroit in the action flick, “Brick Mansions.” Rapper RZA plays a drug kingpin holding a nuclear device and demanding a ransom.
SHAWN
“Brick Mansions” is the perfect example of a well executed popcorn movie. Everything about it is improbable but it’s so much fun to watch.
RUSS
The plot is boilerplate and the dialogue is absurd. But for action fans, the movie delivers. There are car chases, excessive of gunplay and plenty of hand-to-hand, Hong Kong-style combat. If mindless action and first rate stunt work is all you demand, then you’ll feel right at home in “Brick Mansions.”
SHAWN
The action is first-rate. And although the plot leaves much to be desired the adrenaline the film delivers is euphoria.
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
THE RAILWAY MAN (R)
The Weinstein Company
RUSS
Oscar winners Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman star in the respectable big screen adaptation of the engrossing true story, “The Railway Man.” Adapted from Eric Lomax’s autobiography, it’s about a British officer who suffered trauma at the hands of Japanese captors during WWII.
SHAWN
“The Railway Man” is compelling and thought provoking. It’s sophisticated adult cinema that’s thoroughly acted by Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman. But why it had been better?
RUSS
The source material is so compelling that it’s a shame that the movie is so sluggishly paced and ponderous. It builds to an effective emotional payoff, but the journey to it is a bit too listless. It should have been a runaway hit, but “The Railway Man” never builds up a full head of steam.
SHAWN
Yeah, great story. Fantastic performances but this old school movie never quite clicks. Hey mom are you listening?
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
THE OTHER WOMAN
20th Century Fox
SHAWN
Alright Russ you didn’t screen but let me be the first to tell you that “The Other Woman” is hilarious. It’s actually funnier than “Bridesmaids.” Why? We’ll the tone is so delightfully playful it’s ridiculous. There is nothing funny about a habitual cheater but the fresh perspective provided by Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and newcomer Kate Upton is darn near genius. And Diaz and Mann are hysterical together. You won’t just laugh. You’ll laugh!
RUSS: Did not screen
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
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