Wow, only six movies opening this week. We must have done something right.
“Back to the Sea”: Ever wonder how “Finding Nemo” might have played if it had dropped the father-son story to spend all its time in the dentist’s fish tank? I hadn’t, either. But someone did, and the result is in theatres today. Andrew flushes it.
“The Grey“: Joe Carnahan reaches beyond his usual testosterone-and-popcorn sensibility for a survival thriller that hints at greatness — and features a terrific performance from Liam Neeson. It’s not exactly good, though.
“Man on a Ledge“: Hey, it is what it is. Which is a fairly silly heist movie involving a ledge, Sam Worthington’s forehead, Jamie Bell’s cheekbones, Genesis Rodriguez’ rack, and some of the most committed background acting I’ve ever seen.
“Monsieur Lazhar”: Attention Canadian media: There is no way in hell Philippe Falardeau’s drama about Montreal schoolchildren helped through a trauma by a kindly instructor will win that Oscar. (“A Separation” has it locked down.) Stop worrying about how AMPAS will treat this astute, moving work, and just tell people how good it is, like Rad does.
“One for the Money”: Susan suffered through Katherine Heigl’s adaptation of Janet Evanovich’s first Stephanie Plum adventure so I wouldn’t have to. I owe Susan a cookie.
“Tyrannosaur“: Paddy Considine makes his directorial debut with a proper slice of British misery, and he gets intense, committed performances from Peter Mullan, Olivia Colman and Eddie Marsan. It’s powerful, and it’s gruelling … but it’s kinda forced, too, if we’re being honest.
Well, there we are. Go see something, would you?