Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: Unstoppable. Dean Cage (Wesley Snipes), an ex-black ops soldier struggling with PTSD, is forced to relive his darkest moments when Sullivan (Stuart Wilson) mistakes him for a federal agent and doses him with an experimental hallucinogen used in interrogations. Disoriented and vulnerable, Dean clashes with Sullivan’s men as Detective Amy Knight (Jacqueline Obradors), his closest friend, races to save him.

Unstoppable is an action thriller starring Wesley Snipes. In the wrong place at the wrong time, Dean Cage finds himself in the middle of Sullivan’s attempts to sell a stolen drug that could be the ultimate weapon. Unstoppable drags its protagonist through old memories and new hallucinations as he tries to piece together what’s happening to him. The movie never goes above and beyond, but it does make good use of its premise.

At its best, Unstoppable is a standard action thriller with a decent hook. The fight scenes are not exceptional, but Dean can move when he has to, and it is cathartic seeing him take down Sullivan’s men. The investigation involves phony ambulance drivers, phony FBI agents, unhelpful cops, and a stolen shipment of an experimental drug. Finally, Dean makes for a nicely scarred protagonist who must face old fears to defeat Sullivan.

For better or worse, Unstoppable sticks to the fundamentals. The plot is carefully scoped so as not to bring in too many characters or set pieces. The villains are generic, and their continual mistakes make them feel more like an inconvenience than a threat. The presentation does a good job of getting inside Dean’s head, but the camerawork can be too jumbled at times. In general, Unstoppable suffices but never excels.

Unstoppable is a fine pick for action fans. The opening is a little cluttered, but the movie finds itself as Dean gets dragged deeper into the drug’s delusions. The end result is not groundbreaking, but it should be enough for viewers who are just looking for some adrenaline. Steer clear if you are looking for an action movie with more original stunts or a more expansive plot.

For a much more stylized action thriller about a man dosed with a poison that causes him to behave erratically, try Crank. For another Wesley Snipes action thriller, try Art of War or Drop Zone. For a more measured action movie that deals with a veteran’s struggles, try First Blood.

[4.9 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349889/). I give it a 6.0 for decent action with few frills.

Today’s quick review: Drop Zone. U.S. Marshal Pete Nessip (Wesley Snipes) is transporting Earl Leedy (Michael Jeter), a convicted hacker, to another prison when Ty Moncrief (Gary Busey) stages a daring midair jailbreak, causing an explosion and parachuting out of the plane with Earl in tow. Not convinced that Earl died in the blast, Pete asks Jessie Crossman (Yancy Butler), an ace skydiver, to help him find the person responsible.

Drop Zone is an action thriller starring Wesley Snipes. When he superiors refuse to investigate the brazen crime he witnessed, a U.S. Marshal enters the world of skydiving in search of answers. Drop Zone features a solid setup for an action movie, but it takes a while to get going. After a few missteps coming out of the gate, it settles into a competent thriller with a unique gimmick.

Drop Zone fumbles some of the key elements of the action genre, beginning with its hero. Pete has no clear identity for the first half of the movie, getting stuck between an action hero and an ordinary man. Instead of establishing his skills, Drop Zone throws him loss after loss, even making him the butt of a few jokes. This would work fine in a more comedic movie, but with the serious tone it’s going for, Pete just looks inept.

Thankfully, Drop Zone straightens out as the plot gains speed. Pete grows a personality and gets to show off his fighting prowess. The skydiving moves from an uncomfortably drawn-out lead to a central component of the plot. And while Ty and his crew never become the villains the movie wants them to be—thanks to their unstable personalities and lackluster plan—they do pose enough of a threat to get the action moving again.

The result is an imperfect but ultimately satisfying action thriller. How much you get out of Drop Zone will depend on how well you like the genre and how patient you are willing to be with the movie’s flaws. Fans who are a little forgiving will appreciate it for its decent plot and skydiving action. However, fans who are more critical can do better without much effort.

For another action thriller about extreme sports, try Point Break or xXx. For a similar action thriller about the fallout of a midair robbery, try Cliffhanger. For an over-the-top action movie about a hijacked prison flight, try Con Air. For a more polished action thriller with Gary Busey as a traitorous hijacker, try Under Siege.

[5.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109676/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for a shaky start and a decent finish.

Today’s quick review: The Contractor. After an assassination job in London goes wrong, James Dial (Wesley Snipes), a contractor for the CIA, takes shelter in a safe house left by his dead partner. Hemmed in by the police and hunted by his former boss Jeremy Collins (Ralph Brown), Dial looks for a safe way to leave town. But to do so, he will need the help of Emily Day (Eliza Bennett), the trouble-making teenage girl who lives next door.

The Contractor is an action thriller starring Wesley Snipes. After a botched getaway, an American assassin resorts to desperate measures to get to safety. The Contractor features a decent premise for an action thriller but fails to execute on it. Minimal character development, a static plot, mediocre action scenes, and disorienting camerawork squander the movie’s potential, leaving it a weak pick for anyone but dedicated Snipes fans.

Nearly all of The Contractor’s issues stem from a lack of passion. Instead of taking the audience into Dial’s world of black ops and questionable morality, the movie opts for a superficial approach. Everything from Collins’ betrayal to Emily’s assistance is poorly motivated, and Snipes himself does not seem to be invested in his performance. Finally, what should be the selling point—the action—falls well short of the competition.

The end result will be a disappointing watch for anyone who goes in with high expectations. Wesley Snipes is far from his best, the characters and story are generic, and the story stagnates as Dial gets pinned down in a safe house with only Emily for company. Still, if you are looking for a formulaic action movie in a 2000s style, The Contractor will hold modest appeal. Just go into it expecting some weaknesses.

For a more entertaining action thriller starring Wesley Snipes, try Art of War. For a sci-fi action comedy that puts Snipes to better use, try Demolition Man. For a better friendship between a killer and a young girl, try The Professional or My Spy. For another action thriller about an assassin, try Killer Elite, The Mechanic, The Gunman, Assassination Games, Assassins, Polar, or John Wick.

[5.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0770806/). I give it the same for a generic story and mediocre action.

Today’s quick review: The Spy Who Dumped Me. Audrey Stockman (Mila Kunis) is shocked to discover that her ex-boyfriend Drew (Justin Theroux) was a CIA spy when his enemies come hunting for a trophy he left with her. Unsure of whom to trust, Audrey takes her best friend Morgan (Kate McKinnon) to Europe to deliver the trophy to Drew’s contact. But the mission hits a snag when they meet Sebastian (Sam Heughan), a man who says he works for MI-6.

The Spy Who Dumped Me is a spy action comedy with romantic elements. Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon star as a pair of best friends caught up in a web of intrigue they are totally unprepared for. Chaos, violence, and confusion follow them across Europe as they try to get Drew’s trophy into the right hands. The Spy Who Dumped Me features solid comedy and a likable pair of leads, but parts of its execution will not suit everyone.

The Spy Who Dumped Me gets farther with its humor than its loose style would suggest. The movie opens casually, with a half-baked premise and main characters who have little to set them apart. But every time the movie seems like it is losing steam, it slips in some joke or some plot twist that gives it new life. By the end, it has mastered a particular sort of chaos that only Audrey and Morgan’s close friendship can get them through.

As a result of this, The Spy Who Dumped Me can be very hit-or-miss. The plot never quite hangs together as well as it should, although the dangling threads are wrapped up eventually. The humor can be vulgar in places, making light of death and sex. And while Audrey and Morgan are characters the audience can have fun with, they are not especially deep.

Give The Spy Who Dumped Me a shot when you are in the mood for something loose and energetic. The movie has a knack for tossing Audery and Morgan into worse and worse ituations, and it finds new ways to be funny from start to finish. But its slapdash treatment of its plot and hit-or-miss humor mean that The Spy Who Dumped Me is not as safe a bet as some of its competition.

For another action comedy about a woman dragged into an adventure by a spy, try Knight and Day, Killers, or RED. For an action comedy with a trip across Europe, sharper action, and a similar sense of humor, try The Hitman’s Bodyguard. For a more romantic action comedy about a woman who falls for a killer, try Mr. Right.

[6.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6663582/). I give it a 6.5 for good humor with a mediocre story.

Today’s quick review: This Means War. CIA agents Tuck (Tom Hardy) and FDR (Chris Pine) are partners on the job and best friends off it. But their friendship is put to the test when they both fall for Lauren (Reese Witherspoon), a product tester who’s desperate to find a boyfriend. With neither man willing to back down, Tuck and FDR turn dating Lauren into a game and compete to see which one of them she will pick.

This Means War is a romantic action comedy about a love triangle involving a pair of spies. Lauren must choose between FDR, a dedicated womanizer, and Tuck, a sensitive man, but does not realize that both men are working for the CIA. This Means War features a strong cast, a decent setup, and a steady stream of petty comedy. However, in spite of the movie’s best efforts, it’s missing the spark that similar movies usually have.

This Means War runs on the rivalry between Tuck and FDR. Despite their compatability in the field, they let the competition get the better of them, using Agency resources to spy on Lauren in an attempt to win her over. Their one-upsmanship, Lauren’s reactions to their advances, and a dash of spy action are enough to carry the movie, making it a fine pick for anyone in the mood for something light.

But even with all of this, the movie never quite clicks. The actors do well enough individually but they never go beyond the lines they are given. The friendship between Tuck and FDR leads to fun patter but never feels heartfelt. The romance with Lauren is shakier, as the men’s antics get in the way of any real connection. And while the spy elements are enough to tack on some action, they never contribute all that much to the plot.

As a result, This Means War is a movie with missed potential. Fans of any of the leads will get something out of it, as will anyone who’s just looking for a light spy comedy. But This Means War is outclassed by similar movies that invest more effort into their characters and their relationships, leaving it a fun watch but one without a lot of substance.

For a more successful take on a similar premise, try Knight and Day. For a more explicit action comedy that blends the spy genre with romance, try The Spy Who Dumped Me. For a spy action comedy with better characters and sharper dialogue, try My Spy.

[6.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596350/). I give it a 6.5 for decent fundamentals with a few missteps.

Today’s quick review: Maid in Manhattan. Marisa Ventura (Jennifer Lopez), a maid working at a luxury hotel in Manhattan, does not know how to react when Chris Marshall (Ralph Fiennes), a candidate for Senate, mistakes her for one of the hotel guests. When Chris tries to turn their chance meeting into a relationship, Marisa is torn between coming clean to him and living out the kind of romance she never dreamed of.

Maid in Manhattan is a romance starring Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes. An overworked and unappreciated maid gets caught between her dreams, her job, and the truth when a New York politician falls in love with her. Maid in Manhattan features an unusual mixture of grounded drama and storybook romance. Facets of the story work well, but as a whole, the movie is missing the simple, uplifting appeal of other romances.

Maid in Manhattan’s greatest strength and greatest weakness is its ability to get into the life of Marisa Ventura. Marisa works a thankless job for rich guests who rarely treat her with respect while trying to raise Ty (Tyler Garcia Posey), her precocious son, on her own. The weight on her shoulders is tangible, and her relationship with Chris represents a ray of hope for her and a scandal that could cost her her job.

The consequence of all this is that it can be hard to get into the romance. Marisa’s problems quickly become the audience’s, and her relationship with Chris comes with so many strings attached that it’s hardly the storybook romance it looks like at first glance. As a result, Maid in Manhattan gets caught in between. It lacks the deep passion of a full-blown drama, but it’s missing the emotional lubricant that humor normally provides.

As such, Maid in Manhattan is a decent pick but not an outstanding one. Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes each do a fine job, and the story has some interesting tensions. But ultimately, it is not as emotionally fulfilling as other romances. Give it a shot if you are looking for something a little more down-to-earth, but skip it if you’re looking for easy laughs or an uncomplicated relationship.

For a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez, try Monster-in-Law or The Wedding Planner. For a science fiction thriller about a politician falling for a woman he’s not supposed to, check out The Adjustment Bureau. For a classic romantic comedy that cuts across class lines, try Sabrina. For a crime comedy about working-class women looking to make a score, try Mad Money.

[5.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252076/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for double-edged drama.

Today’s quick review: America’s Sweethearts. When the breakup of Hollywood’s leading couple—Eddie Thomas (John Cusack) and Gwen Harrison (Catherine Zeta-Jones)—threatens to tank their last film together, publicist Lee Phillips (Billy Crystal) tries to salvage the situation with a media blitz. He turns to Kiki (Julia Roberts), Gwen’s sister and personal assistant, to get Eddie and Gwen back together and give the press what they want.

America’s Sweethearts is a romantic comedy with an ensemble cast. Over the course of a weekend press event for Eddie and Gwen’s new film, Lee does everything in his power to fuel the rumors that the two are getting back together. Meanwhile, Kiki tries to keep Gwen stable while secretly pining for Eddie herself. The result is a charming and colorful comedy that spoofs the vanity and superficiality of show business.

America’s Sweethearts features a cast of fun characters. John Cusack and Catherine Zeta-Jones headline as Eddie, an unstable actor who fantasizes about taking revenge on his wife, and Gwen, a vapid actress who only cares about her career. Billy Crystal joins them as Lee, a publicist who plays on their egos to salvage an upcoming flop. Julia Roberts rounds out the main cast as Kiki, Gwen’s loyal assistant and the sole voice of reason.

America’s Sweethearts gets its humor from dropping these characters into a volatile situation. Lee’s smooth manipulations, Eddie and Gwen’s on-again off-again romance, and Kiki’s attempts to manage the crisis give the movie a sense of chaos that is consistently amusing. America’s Sweethearts also benefits from a talented supporting cast that includes Christopher Walken, Hank Azaria, Seth Green, Alan Arkin, and Stanley Tucci.

Give America’s Sweethearts a shot when you are in the mood for a madcap comedy that takes shots at the larger-than-life personalities of Hollywood. While the romance takes a back seat to the comedy, America’s Sweethearts manages to be a light romp with a satisfying story. Skip it if you are looking for a more grounded romance.

For a crime comedy set in Hollywood with an ensemble cast and a similar sense of humor, try Get Shorty. For an even more pointed spoof of Hollywood and its excesses, try Hail, Caesar!. For a romantic comedy starring Catherine Zeta-Jones that has a similar rhythm and a sharper script, try Intolerable Cruelty.

[5.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265029/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid humor and a strong cast.

“Let me get this straight. You don’t want to cheat on your girlfriend with your wife?” —Mr. Fitzpatrick

Today’s quick review: She’s the One. Mickey Fitzpatrick (Edward Burns), a cab driver looking for direction in life, gets more than he asked for when he meets Hope (Maxine Bahns) and marries her the next day. As the couple struggles to make their impulsive marriage work, Mickey’s brother Francis (Mike McGlone) grows distant from his wife Renee (Jennifer Aniston) while having an affair with Heather (Cameron Diaz), Mickey’s ex-fiance.

She’s the One is a romantic drama about the tangled love lives of two New York brothers. As Mickey tries to decide whether passion is enough to keep him with a near-total stranger, Francis follows his heart down a dangerous path. She’s the One specializes in romantic reflection, difficult situations, and honest character studies. Both its writing and its acting are solid, but its take on romance will not appeal to everyone.

She’s the One has a knack for realistic characters. Mickey, Francis, and their father (John Mahoney) are all flawed in interesting ways, and their shared history affects the way they interact with each other and the women in their lives. Opposite them, Hope, Renee, and Heather have different personalities and want different things from their men. Seeing the way the various conflicts play out is the main draw of the movie.

The downside is that She’s the One is much less passionate than other romances. Mickey’s connection with Hope largely happens offscreen, leaving the audience with the strained parts of their relationship. Francis’ relationships are tainted by his affair and his attempts to rationalize it. There are no grandiose gestures or playful flirting for the audience to latch onto, only a slow unraveling broken up by snatches of wry comedy.

How much you get out of She’s the One will depend heavily on your tastes. Those willing to follow the movie where it goes will find that it’s an interesting pick, a portrait of two men making questionable decisions and paying the consequences. But those who are looking for a more optimistic view of romance may want to give it a pass, as it has neither the sentimental tone nor the pure-hearted characters to appeal to an idealist.

For a dramatic comedy about the tangled relationships of a family of sisters, check out Hannah and Her Sisters. For another introspective drama about the collapse of a relationship, try Alex of Venice. For another movie with the same trio of leads, try The Brothers McMullen.

[6.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117628/). I give it a 6.5 for solid character work and a hit-or-miss story.

Today’s quick review: Just Like Heaven. David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) moves into a new apartment so he can drink away the pain of losing his wife. But as soon as he gets settled in, he starts seeing the spirit of the apartment’s previous resident: Elizabeth Masterson (Reese Witherspoon), a young doctor who was in a car crash. Stuck with each other for the time being, David begins looking into Elizabeth’s life so he can help her move on.

Just Like Heaven is a fantasy romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo. David, an isolated man suffering from deep emotional scars, and Elizabeth, a caring doctor who never found time for a life of their own, bond over the inexplicable fact that David can see her spirit. Well-matched leads, an interesting premise, and a well-balanced tone make Just Like Heaven a refreshing and enjoyable watch.

Just Like Heaven plays its cards just right. Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon have a natural chemistry that doesn’t need the usual crutches to make it work. Their connection emerges naturally as David learns about Elizabeth and her plight. The romantic angle almost becomes an afterthought, something so organic that it barely has to be stated. Their easy, subdued relationship is the foundation that makes the movie work.

Beyond that, Just Like Heaven does a few clever things with its premise. The sequence where David and Elizabeth get to know each other is fun. The mechanics of Elizabeth being a spirit open up some good opportunities for comedy. The supporting cast is a series of modest successes, making the world an entertaining one to spend time with. The plot also progresses well, building to an ending that has everything it needs.

Give Just Like Heaven a shot if you are a fan of romantic comedies or are just in the mood for something light. Not everyone will like what it has to offer, but it does belong to the fraction of the genre that’s more concerned with telling its own story than checking boxes. The result is a nicely scoped story with likable characters, a dash of comedy, and a plot that moves at its own pace. Worth a shot for those interested.

For another romance about a person who communicates with a spirit, try Ghost or Ghost Town. For another romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon, try Sweet Home Alabama. For one with Mark Ruffalo, try 13 Going on 30.

[6.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425123/). I give it a 7.0 for a sweet and well-judged story.

Today’s quick reivew: Palm Springs. Nyles (Andy Samberg) has spent an eternity living through the same day over and over again, a wedding where his girlfriend Misty (Meredith Hagner) is a bridesmaid. But his situation changes when he accidentally drags Sarah (Cristin Milioti), the sister of the bride, into the time loop with him. Trapped together, Nyles and Sarah try to find happiness in a world where nothing matters.

Palm Springs is a fantasy romantic comedy starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti. Stuck in the same time loop, Nyles and Sarah gradually grow to like each other as they look for new ways to spend their endless days. Palm Springs has a simple setup but uses it well. Colorful humor, a pair of well-matched leads, a devil-may-care attitude, and a low-pressure love story give the movie plenty of appeal without ever being too taxing.

Palm Springs does a skillful job of handling its tone. The premise could easily be horrific if played the wrong way, but the movie figures out how to address the darker parts of the setup without losing its sense of levity. Nyles and Sarah tackle their situation with playful humor and hedonism. Their antics are consistently fun to watch, while the movie slips in just enough character development for the audience to care.

Give Palm Springs a shot when you are in the mood for a quirky comedy with a dash of romance. The movie does have a slight barrier to entry thanks to its explitic humor and violent streak, but its tone remains light throughout, making it an enjoyable watch for anyone who doesn’t mind a few coarse moments.

For a much more heartfelt romantic comedy about a man caught in a time loop, check out Groundhog Day. For another Andy Samberg comedy, try Hot Rod or That’s My Boy. For a drier romantic comedy about a cynical couple attending a wedding, try Destination Wedding. For a sci-fi thriller about a time loop, try Edge of Tomorrow or ARQ. For a violent action comedy with a similar tone, try American Ultra.

[7.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9484998/). I give it a 7.0 for an interesting premise and well-judged humor.