Prisoners (2013)

Two girls are snatched off their neighborhood street and a slow-witted man is suspected briefly by the police but lengthily by the parents.

It was sadly predictable. Gary walked through the room about 30 minutes in and I said, out loud to him, “Got it. --Redacted-- did it and the suspect is --redacted--.” His reply was “what the heck are you talking about?” No matter, I just wanted it out there that it was obvious and derivative. And, yeah, my theory was right on the money.

Hugh Jackman did a great job of being non-Jackman-like, though.

C

Across the Universe (2007)

Definitely imperfect, but it had so many wonderful moments that I really didn't mind. The "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" number (vid below) was a standout and the male lead was simply made to break hearts. By the time it was over I was both teary-eyed and smiling.

B-

Into the Woods (2014)

A pretty great translation from stage to screen, though there were a couple of missteps. I think Johnny Depp just didn’t work as the wolf. The stage version has exposed genitalia on the wolf costume and I get that they were probably going more "family friendly" in this version, but taming the sexual innuendo between Red and the Wolf just made things weird. And I don’t understand the cutting of the second princes’ duet (vid below) as it would’ve served as a much-needed lighter moment in what ended up being a very heavy back half.

B

Interstellar (2014)

I found the film's vision of the future to be nicely done: it was both interesting and believable. No virus, aliens, or any kind of devastating event. It was just kind of what might happen if things keep going like they are... just worse.

But that's where the believability ended. The story gets bloated and ultimately very silly. Matt Damon's role certainly livened things up, though. I really thought he should've been honored with an Oscar nom.

C+

Rare Exports (2010)

A Finnish archaeological dig turns up the actual Father Christmas, but there was a dang good reason he was buried under a mountain...

It's an inventive horror movie, turning the modern concept of Santa Claus on its ear. Thing is, there's just not enough meat on its bones. Once we get that you should never sit a kid on this monster's lap, we're pretty much getting that message hammered home for the rest of the movie.

C+