Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: American Ultra. Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg), a drug-addled grocery store clerk, lives in West Virginia with his girlfriend Phoebe (Kristen Stewart). Unaware that he is the product of a shuttered CIA program, Mike gets a rude awakening when Victoria Lasseter (Connie Britton), the former head of the program, activates his latent training to save him from killers sent by her successor Adrian Yates (Topher Grace).

American Ultra is a violent action comedy about a dimwitted man who becomes the target of a CIA cover-up. Even more confused than usual, Mike races to get out of town with Phoebe in town before Laugher (Walter Goggins) and Yates’ other killers can eliminate him. American Ultra mashes up gory action, drug-fueled philosophy, and an oddly touching love story to spin a niche but enjoyable yarn.

American Ultra gets a lot of its power from its characters. Mike is an irresponsible slacker plagued with memory issues and panic attacks, but he is redeemed by his fundamentally good nature and his love for Phoebe. No matter what happens to him, he never loses his sense of wide-eyed innocence. Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart make for a natural couple, and their connection with each other makes Mike and Phoebe worth rooting for.

American Ultra supplements their story with stylized action, courtesy of Mike’s assassin training, and a hefty dose of chaos. Between Yates’ botched cover-up and Mike’s questionable decisions, what should have been a quiet mission instead turns the town into a war zone. The scale of the story is still modest, limited to Mike and Phoebe’s attempts to leave town, but the destruction and the mayhem make it an entertaining watch.

American Ultra is not for everyone, but it is a hidden gem for the right viewer. Anyone with a high tolerance for violence, drug use, and dark humor will find it to be an interesting and occasionally touching watch, even if it doesn’t reach as far as other movies. Sensitive viewers and anyone looking for a polished, sensible story should look elsewhere.

For a more serious action thriller about a man with hidden training, check out The Bourne Identity. For a straightforward teen action thriller with a similar premise, check out Abducted. For another black comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg, try The Art of Self-Defense. For a more satirical comedy about a government attempt to create supersoldiers through the power of mind-altering drugs, try The Men Who Stare at Goats.

[6.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3316948/). I give it a 6.5 for unexpected charm.

Today’s quick review: Cool Money. Bobby Comfort (James Marsters), a robber just released from prison, tries to work a normal job to support his wife Stephanie (Robin Brule) and their daughter. But Bobby falls back into his old ways when his partner Doc (Wayne Robson) introduces him to Sammy Nola (John Cassini). Together, the three men plan a series of brazen hotel robberies that could net them millions or earn them a lifetime in prison.

Cool Money is a crime movie about a small-time criminal who makes it big by stealing from luxury hotels in New York City. The movie follows Bobby, Sammy, and Doc as they carry out their jobs and try to stay ahead of the police. Cool Money relies on Bobby’s charisma, non-violent robberies, and the question of when to quit for most of its entertainment value. Unfortunately, mediocre characters and a flat plot keep it from shining.

Cool Money aims to be charming, and it is partially successful. James Marsters is a good fit for the part, and the low-pressure tactics the robbers use give a comfortable quality to the whole endeavor. However, the movie struggles to find a hook. The character drama is never that compelling, the robberies are fairly basic, and there is never a strong sense of progression. The result is a crime movie with nice ideas but little to back them up.

Give Cool Money a shot when you are in the mood for something light and relatively inconsequential. There are any number of crime comedies that pull off a similar story with sharper humor and more flair, but Cool Money does a decent job with what it has to work with. Still, critical viewers will be better off trying one of the more ambitious crime movies whose stories have a better payoff.

For another crime movie about a gang of small-time thieves setting out to steal millions, try Plastic. For a darker crime drama about a criminal trying to balance a family life with his career ambitions, try Thief. For a light heist of similar caliber, try The Heist, starring Pierce Brosnan. For a funnier, more elaborate, and more charming heist movie, check out Ocean’s Eleven.

[5.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435719/). I give it a 6.0 for a somewhat charming story without much heft.

Today’s quick review: Blackhat. When a cyber attack takes down a power plant in China, Captain Chen Dawai (Leehom Wang) of the PLA recruits his sister Lien (Tang Wei) and his college roommate Hathaway (Chris Hemsworth), a convicted American hacker, to track down the criminal responsible. Following a trail of digital clues, the trio travels around the world to catch up with the hacker and prevent him from walking away with millions of stolen dollars.

Blackhat is an action movie and cyber thriller directed by Michael Mann. The story serves up a blend of conventional action and digital forensics, making for a solid thriller with a couple of good twists. The seriousness with which the movie treats its subject matter is a point in its favor, as is its willingness to throw hard setbacks at its characters. However, a slew of minor flaws keeps it from capitalizing on its strengths.

Blackhat tries too hard to be dramatic, which ends up costing it in other ways. Instead of concentrating its drama on the moments that matter, the movie tries to inject everything with tension, even its more mundane moments. This slows the pacing to a crawl and keeps the characters from having a chance to breathe. As such, the audience has no reason to invest in the character themselves, only the investigation they are a part of.

Blackhat is a decent pick when you are in the mood for a thriller, but its awkward pacing, lackluster character work, and overly dramatic presentation style keep it from flowing the way the best thrillers do. Those willing to put up with its foibles will find that it’s an unusually sober take on the cyber thriller genre, albeit one peppered with action. But thanks to its flaws, casual viewers will want to approach with caution.

For a more colorful crime movie about an ex-hacker getting back in the game, try Swordfish. For a lighter crime movie about digital crime, try Sneakers. For an action thriller with something of a similar flavor, try The Peacemaker. For a globe-trotting action thriller with a more sympathetic protagonist, try The Bourne Identity.

[5.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2717822/). I give it a 6.0 for a solid plot let down by an overly dramatic style.

Today’s quick review: My Name Is Thomas. Thomas (Terence Hill), an old man on a pilgrimage to the Spanish desert, breaks his own rule and picks up a hitchhiker: Lucia (Veronica Bitto), a young woman on her way to Barcelona to visit her aunt. As the two travel by motorcycle across Spain, they connect with each other and share their perspectives on life. But it isn’t long before Lucia’s health issues threaten to cut the trip short.

My Name Is Thomas is an Italian drama about a pensive old man and a troubled young woman who find common ground. The movie aims to be a bittersweet reflection on life, religion, and dying. The minimalistic story gives Thomas and Lucia plenty of time together, and their conflicting personalities are the backbone of the movie. However, poor fundamentals undermine the movie’s efforts, making it a dry and somewhat confusing watch.

My Name Is Thomas never lays the groundwork it needs to make its story work, beginning with its title character. Thomas is framed as a modern-day cowboy, an aging but capable man with a keen sense of honor. But although his character comes across just fine, his personal circumstances do not. The audience is left wondering who he is, why he is going to the desert, and what the book he takes with him is supposed to mean.

The same confusion applies to the story as a whole. There is no hook to reel the audience in and no target for the story to aim for. Instead, My Name Is Thomas meanders without purpose. Lucia causes trouble for Thomas in a series of forgettable incidents, and the two engage in philosophical conversations that are not properly grounded in the story. Topping it all off is some heavy-handed symbolism that adds little to the movie.

My Name Is Thomas falls short of the goals it sets for itself. Its characters have potential but never do anything of note. Its story works as a vehicle for introspection, but it doesn’t have anything meaningful to say. And while it sets up one or two emotional moments later on, they rely on the audience forming a connection with characters they never truly understand. As such, My Name Is Thomas will be a miss for most viewers.

For a dramatic comedy about a man who connects with a mentally troubled hitchhiker, try Arthur Newman. For a more poignant drama about the process of dying, try Seven Pounds or I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. For a more iconic role for Terence Hill, try My Name Is Nobody.

[5.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6292090/). I give it a 4.5 for poorly framed drama.

Today’s quick review: Croupier. Struggling to make ends meet, Jack Manfred (Clive Owen) shelves the novel he is writing and takes a job as a dealer at a casino, where his technical skill and professional demeanor make him an excellent employee. But the nightlife soon drives a wedge between Jack and his girlfriend Marion (Gina McKee), a problem compounded when he meets Jani (Alex Kingston), an alluring gambler who needs his help.

Croupier is a crime drama about a detached writer who takes a job at a casino. Observing the gamblers, getting to know his fellow dealers, and losing himself in the spin of the roulette wheel, Jack gradually morphs into a different person. Croupier is an introspective movie about gambling, the creative process, and one man’s transformation. Interesting ideas and capable acting are hurt by an aimless plot with a mediocre resolution.

What sets Croupier apart is the way it peeks inside Jack’s head. He is not a gambler, but he is every bit as addicted to the game as the customers he serves. The atmosphere of the casino encourages him to take risks with his job and his relationship, all while he observes the changes and uses them for his writing. Jack has a very particular set of values that make him interesting to watch, and Clive Owen’s performance grounds the character nicely.

Croupier has a few issues with its story that will diminish some viewers’ enjoyment. The plot meanders without a clear destination in mind, focusing on Jack’s mental state as he deals with a series of loosely related incidents. This results in stagnant stretches where there is little progression to be had, and the movie tends to break them up with arbitrary developments that create loose ends later on.

How much you get out of Croupier will depend on your taste in storytelling. Those interested in character-focused stories with literary stylings and the apparent randomness of real life will get the most out of the movie. Viewers who prefer tighter plotting and full character arcs may find that the story never quite clicks.

For a darker, more surreal drama about a writer forced to choose between his artistic ideals and a paycheck, check out Barton Fink. For another story about a frustrated writer who turns to other means to achieve success, try The Words. For a drama that explores the temptations of gambling from the other side of the table, check out The Gambler, Rounders, or The Hustler.

[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0159382/). I give it a 6.5 for sound character work with debatable story decisions.

Today’s quick review: Runner Runner. Richie Furst (Justin Timberlake), a Princeton graduate student, earns the offer of a lifetime when he impresses Ivan Block (Ben Affleck), the owner of an online gambling site. Moving to Costa Rica, Richie rakes in the cash as he helps Ivan run the business. But the job turns out to be too good to be true when Richie learns that Ivan will bribe, blackmail, and threaten to get what he wants.

Runner Runner is a crime thriller about a bright young man who gets pulled into a lucrative, semi-legal online gambling operation. What begins as the job of his dreams soon turns into a nightmare as Ivan shows his true colors. Runner Runner features a promising setup that sees Richie trapped every way he turns. However, weak character work and a couple of casting misses keep the movie from living up to its potential.

One of the key issues with Runner Runner is that Justin Timberlake is a poor fit for his role. Instead of a sympathetic protagonist with bold dreams and a sharp mind, Richie comes across as greedy, arrogant, and short-sighted. In the context of another story, Timberlake’s performance would work just fine, but as it stands, it keeps the audience from sympathizing with him.

Runner Runner fares somewhat better with its plot. The setup takes one or two too many steps, but once Richie settles in under Ivan, the movie gets down to business. The tension mounts are Richie gets boxed in by local authorities, a rough FBI agent (Anthony Mackie), and Ivan’s scheming. To the movie’s credit, it gives Richie the chance to strike back. But loose plot work and a weak supporting cast keep the story from every really shining.

Give Runner Runner a shot when you are in the mood for a thriller about a man who’s in over his head. The basics of the plot are enough to make the movie a decent watch, but the cast never quite clicks, making it hard to engage with the story. As such, Runner Runner is outclassed by a number of similar movies, and more critical viewers will want to steer clear.

For a movie about a college student trying to turn a profit off gambling, try 21. For another crime thriller about a smart young man who gets in over his head, try Paranoia. For a drama about a talented gambler drawn in by a shady mentor, try Two for the Money. For a story about a stock broker lured by the siren call of money, try Wall Street.

[5.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2364841/). I give it a 6.0 for a decent plot held back by a weak lead.

Today’s quick review: Paranoia. Adam Cassidy (Liam Hemsworth), a junior employee at a tech company, gets caught between a rock and a hard place when Nicolas Wyatt (Gary Oldman), the head of the company, blackmails him into spying on Jock Goddard (Harrison Ford), his biggest rival. Adam infiltrates Jock’s company and uses his connection to Emma Jennings (Amber Heard) to steal information, only to hit a snag when he tries to deliver it to Wyatt.

Paranoia is a crime thriller about corporate espionage. Liam Hemsworth stars as Adam, an ambitious engineer whose mistake puts him at the mercy of his cutthroat boss. Paranoia aims to be a slick thriller about a bright but misguided young man who gets caught between two of the leaders in his field. The movie’s promising setup and talented cast are undermined by a script that is not as clever as it tries to be.

Paranoia has a hard time making Adam into a character worth following. Liam Hemsworth does a decent job with the role, but Adam shows little of the brilliance that he is supposed to have. He is consistently behind the curve, walks into obvious traps, and rarely takes the initiative. The same goes for the other characters: serviceable acting let down by character decisions that are not as cunning as the movie pretends.

The final product is a light and reasonably enjoyable thriller that suffers from weak characters and a couple of glaring plot holes. Viewers who are just looking for a bit of entertainment will find that Paranoia gets the job done. But the movie never realizes its potential, and what should be a battle of wits between three technological geniuses instead devolves into a linear story that never does anything unexpected.

For a corporate drama about an ambitious executive sparring with an unscrupulous mentor, check out Wall Street. For a crime thriller about a man caught in a similar predicament thanks to his misuse of a mind-altering drug, try Limitless. For a crime comedy about a young man caught between two feuding crime kingpins, try Lucky Number Slevin. For another thriller that peeks inside a tech company, try The Circle.

[5.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1413495/). I give it a 6.0 for a decent plot that’s not as clever as its premise requires.

“Give me the keys or I shoot the kid.” —Joe

Today’s quick review: The Last Boy Scout. Joe Hallenbeck (Bruce Willis), a washed-up private eye, teams up with Jimmy Dix (Damon Wayans), a disgraced football star, to figure out who killed Cory (Halle Berry), the dancer Jimmy was dating. Following the clues the police won’t, Joe and Jimmy uncover a blackmail scheme involving Shelly Marcone (Noble Willingham), the owner of the LA Stallions, and Senator Calvin Baynard (Chelcie Ross).

The Last Boy Scout is a crime drama with comedy elements starring Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans. The murder of a woman brings together two different men: a detective with a checkered past and a fraying marriage, and an ex-football player facing demons of his own. In between bickering with each other, dodging murderers, and evading the suspicion of the cops, Joe and Jimmy begin to unravel a dangerous conspiracy.

The Last Boy Scout benefits from a solid story and a well-matched pair of leads. The plot fits comfortably in with other private investigations, an initial crime that blossoms into something bigger. The movie gets most of its character from Joe and Jimmy. The men are a litle hard to warm up to, but once they hit their stride, their easy banter and unconventional approach to crime fighting make everything click.

The main caveat for The Last Boy Scout is that it does a mediocre job of mixing its darker elements with its comedy. Joe and Jimmy crack jokes like they are in a pure action romp, but the content of the story is serious and the encounters can be fairly violent. The heroes also skew rougher than they need to. Both men have deep personal problems, and their abrasive personalities take a long time to get used to.

The end result is an interesting and fairly rewarding watch, but only for viewers who can take the darker side of the story along with the comedy. The Last Boy Scout is not as calibrated as well as the best movies in its genre, but solid fundamentals when it comes to its plot and good chemistry between Willis and Wayans make it worth trying.

For a snappier crime comedy with a similar setup from the same writer, try The Nice Guys. For another Los Angeles-based investigation with a dash of comedy, try Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. For a more action-oriented buddy cop movie from the same writer, try Lethal Weapon.

[7.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102266/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for an enjoyable investigation with slight tonal issues.

Today’s quick review: Hardball. Thousands of dollars in debt as a result of his gambling addiction, Conor O’Neill (Keanu Reeves) takes a job coaching an inner city baseball team. In spite of his reluctance, he ends up making a connection with Andre (Bryan C. Hearne), Jefferson (Julian Griffith), and the other boys. But when the chance comes to get back into gambling, Conor much choose between a shot at riches and the team he’s come to love.

Hardball is a sports drama about a selfish, reckless man who inadvertently becomes a mentor to a group of inner city boys. As unreliable as Conor is, he still manages to be one of the most positive influences the kids have, and the baseball team becomes a source of joy in their lives. Hardball is a natural mix of personal growth for Conor, an underdog story for the team, and a snapshot of the violence and uncertainty the boys have to grow up with.

Hardball does the basics right. Conor’s growth is as halting as it is believable. Initially motivated solely by the money, his basic human decency is enough to make him take care of the kids and invest in their future. At the same time, his gambling addiction and his own scars threaten to undermine his progress.

As for the kids, Hardball captures the difficulties of growing up in a poor, crime-ridden neighborhood. Baseball is a lifeline for the team, and the movie does a good job of conveying that they are friendly, talented boys being bent out of shape by the environment they are in. Finally, the baseball itself is a breath of fresh air. The stakes are low but very personal, and the play is much more believable than the typical underdog story.

Still, Hardball comes across as formulaic. Conor works well as the main character, but he does nothing to stand out from a long line of characters with similar flaws. The major beats of the story are predictable, even if some of the details are harder to anticipate. And while Conor’s team stands out a little more due to the boisterous personalities of the kids, they are still defined by their role in the story rather than the other way around.

Give Hardball a shot when you are in the mood for a drama about redemption, teamwork, and personal growth. The serious tone of the story will not suit every viewer, and the story is a little too formulaic to stand out. But solid craftsmanship, likable characters, and a couple of emotional moments make it a worthwhile pick for anyone interested.

For a more comprehensive look into the world of sports gambling, try Two for the Money. For a darker story about a man with a gambling addiction, try Uncut Gems. For a drama about a man who changes his ways to support a child, try Hard Surfaces.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0180734/). I give it a 6.5 for basic but effective drama.

Today’s quick review: The Guilty. Joe Baylor (Jake Gyllenhaal), a disgraced LAPD officer, has been serving as a 911 operator pending an investigation into his misconduct. But his apathy for the job evaporates when he receives a call from Emily (Riley Keough), a woman who has been kidnapped by her ex-husband Henry (Peter Sarsgaard). Realizing he is Emily’s only hope, Joe moves heaven and earth to help the police find her before it is too late.

The Guilty is a minimalistic crime thriller that takes place at a 911 call center in Los Angeles. Equipped with only a phone and a computer, Joe tries to track a call he received from a kidnapped woman. Along the way, he pieces together the events of the kidnapping, uncovers a history of domestic abuse, and grapples with his own demons. Strong acting from Jake Gyllenhaal and a surprisingly engaging plot make The Guilty a worthwhile pick.

The Guilty uses its premise well. Joe and the audience are stuck at one end of a phone line, with no way to intervene directly or even see what is going on. Joe can only talk, listen, and ask others to act on his behalf. The tension of this setup makes up for the lack of onscreen action, and the limited information Joe receives makes the twists hit all the harder.

Naturally, The Guilty relies on Jake Gyllenhaal to carry it. His acting is up to the task. Joe Baylor starts off as impulsive, rude, and abrasive. His hotheaded personality gives him the drive to make a difference in Emily’s case, going beyond his duties as a 911 operator. But at the same time, it is an impediment to actually getting her the help she needs. Seeing Joe overcome his own worst tendencies is one of the movie’s main rewards.

The Guilty is a strong choice for anyone willing to venture off the beaten path. The lack of onscreen action makes it less accessible than other crime thrillers, but the unique format of the story, Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance, and a couple of sharp twists along the way give it an appeal of its own. Not everyone will want what The Guilty has to offer, but fans of Gyllenhaal and those interested in the setup should give it a shot.

For a minimalistic drama with more personal stakes that takes place over the phone, check out Locke. For a darker and less restricted crime thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal, try Nightcrawler. For a crime drama starring Gyllenhaal as a more responsible LAPD cop, try End of Watch. For an action-packed thriller about a man on a phone call with a kidnapping victim, try Cellular.

[6.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9421570/). I give it a 7.0 for solid execution of an original premise.