Sleight of Film

“You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.” —Eames

Today’s quick review: Inception. As an extractor, Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) breaks into people’s dreams to steal their secrets. Saito (Ken Watanabe), the head of an energy corporation, hires him to do the opposite: to plant a thought in the mind of his business rival (Cillian Murphy). Cobb assembles a talented team for the job and comes up with a plan that could work. But within the dream, the greatest threat comes from Cobb’s own subconscious.

Inception is a science fiction crime thriller written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Leonardo DiCaprio leads an all-star cast that includes Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, and Michael Caine. Inception takes place in a world where a machine makes it possible to enter another person’s dreams. What follows is a carefully orchestrated heist that plays out over multiple levels of the dreamscape.

Inception features an intricate and mind-bending plot. The mechanics of the dream are fascinating on their own, and the complications that arise during the heist force Cobb and his crew to improvise some truly clever solutions. The details of the story can be a lot to take in, especially during a first viewing. However, the payoff more than justifies the effort it takes to keep track of what is going on.

The emotional heart of the film is Cobb’s attempts to cope with the death of his wife. The deatils of her death are revealed gradually throughout the film, but the fallout has left him emotionally scarred, unable to control his subconscious, and legally barred from returning home to his children. The journey into his target’s mind also exposes Cobb’s unresolved issues, resulting in a powerful and deeply personal story beneath the heist.

The combination of the dream device and Cobb’s backstory allows Inception to explore a range of meaningful themes. The film delves into psychology and catharsis, the nature of reality, suicide and depression, guilt and remorse, and the intricacies of the creative process. The themes are worked into the film in organic ways, arising naturally from the plot and characters. The outcome is an emotionally fulfilling movie that has a lot to unpack.

Finally, Inception benefits from outstanding execution quality. The performances are excellent, especially from DiCaprio and Cotillard. The direction is artful and precise, with subtle visual details and recurring motifs that amplify the story. The script is nuanced, well-paced, and often poetic. The special effects are seamless, bringing the imaginative physics of the dream to life. And Hans Zimmer outdoes himself with a memorable score.

Inception’s one major caveat is what it is not. In spite of its premise, Inception is not a film about abusing the dreamscape for action or fantasy. The film does explore the mechanics of the dreamscape in detail, and there are some memorable action scenes along the way. But the action is secondary to the characters and story, not something that is pursued to the exclusion of all else. Viewers expecting pure spectacle may be disappointed.

Inception is a masterful movie that works at nearly every level. It represents the science fiction genre at its richest, using a simple conceit to tell a unique story that simultaneously stretches the imagination and sheds light on the human condition. Not everyone will appreciate what Inception has to offer, and its complex plot takes some getting used to. But its vision and its craftsmanship make it a modern classic that’s well worth watching.

For a science fiction drama of similar caliber from Christopher Nolan, check out Interstellar. For a more down-to-earth mystery from Nolan, try The Prestige. For a darker thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio, try Shutter Island. For a more surreal trip into the world of dreams, try Paprika. For a darker, more cartoonish trip into the mind, try The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

[8.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/). I give it an 8.5 for a brilliant premise and outstanding quality.

Today’s quick review: Tenet. A CIA agent (John David Washington) is recruited by a shadowy organization to help deal with a new threat: objects that travel backward through time, sent by someone in the future as part of a war on the past. The agent tracks the objects back to Sator (Kenneth Branagh), a Russian arms dealer. To get the answers he needs, the agent enlists the help of Sator’s wife Kat (Elizabeth Debicki), who wants to escape her husband.

Tenet is a sci-fi action thriller written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Tenet takes a seemingly simple idea—bullets that travel backward—and spins it into an intricate and mind-bending story. The protagonist finds himself in the middle of a where cause and effect are reversed, physics is turned on its head, and secrecy is his only weapon. Tenet’s ambitious story makes it an interesting watch, but not a very accessible one.

Tenet’s premise is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it opens up an entirely new space for the movie to explore. Tenet’s plot twists take full advantage of its time-twisting premise, turning the entire story into an elaborate puzzle. The action scenes are similarly perplexing, shaped by the presence of bullets firing in reverse, debris that reassembles itself, and assailants who already know how the situation is going to play out.

On the other hand, Tenet’s premise makes it incredibly hard to follow. The film provides enough exposition for the audience to piece together what is happening, but just barely. The action sequences are flashy, but they have a steep learning curve, relying on causal tricks that run counter to the audience’s intuitions. The comprehensibility problems are exacerbated by a story that moves quickly and only rarely stops to let the audience catch up.

Apart from its complexity, Tenet’s other main weakness is its limited emotional arc. Where other Nolan movies like Inception, Memento, and Interstellar are built around a powerful emotional payoff, Tenet has the somewhat weaker story of Kat trying to get away from her abusive husband. The protagonist himself is an emotionally neutral character, making the story more of an intellectual exercise than a personal journey.

Tenet holds promise for the right viewer. The premise manages to turn time travel on its head, while the elaborate action scenes are a nice complement to the puzzling plot. But Tenet’s virtues are hidden behind a dense wall of confusion, making it a hit-or-miss watch that depends heavily on how much effort the viewer is willing to expend. Give it a shot when you’re in the mood for a unique puzzle. Steer clear if you want a conventional thriller.

For a more accessible mind-bending science fiction thriller from the same director, try Inception. For a more restrained Christopher Nolan film that experiments with the concept of time, try Memento. For a sci-fi thriller with a similar flavor of time travel, try Looper. For a minimalistic sci-fi movie that tackles the mechanics of time travel in depth, try Primer.

[7.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6723592/). I give it a 7.5 for a fascinating story with a steep barrier to entry.

Today’s quick review: It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey (James Stewart) has led a selfless life, giving up his dreams to run the savings and loan for the people of Bedford Falls. His reward for his hard work has been a modest home that he shares with his loving wife Mary (Donna Reed) and their four children. But when disaster strikes on Christmas Eve, George receives help from Clarence (Henry Travers), an angel trying to earn his wings.

It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic drama about a good man driven to despair on Christmas Eve. James Stewart stars as George Bailey, whose compassion and determination have helped Bedford Falls immeasurably over the years, often at great personal cost. It’s a Wonderful Life charts the highs and lows of Bailey’s life, from the twists of fate that have kept him from the life he had planned to the consolations of friends and family.

It’s a Wonderful Life is a deeply human film with a mature perspective on life. George is not a saint. He makes mistakes, he is prone to frustration, and he has only barely managed to keep his father’s savings and loan open. Yet his reflexive generosity and his enthusiasm for the people around him make him a kind person and a compelling character. Through George’s character, the film captures the best of humanity and the sacrifice that entails.

Much of the enduring appeal of It’s a Wonderful Life comes from the way it tells its story. Beginning with George’s childhood, the film walks through his life step by step, giving the viewer time to invest in the residents of Bedford Falls. The drama is modest, personal, and all the more meaningful for it. By the time George faces his crisis, the stage is set for a powerful ending that remains one of the most iconic in the history of cinema.

It’s a Wonderful Life is a heartfelt classic with a moving story and characters that are full of life. Its tone may be too sentimental for some viewers, but its maturity gives it a much deeper appeal than the typical Christmas movie, capturing life’s disappointments along with its victories. Give It’s a Wonderful Life a shot when you are in the mood for an honest, uplifting drama that stands the test of time.

For a holiday classic in the same vein, try The Bishop’s Wife. For a classic story about a man given the chance to reexamine his life at Christmas, try one of the adaptations of A Christmas Carol. For a more tragic movie about the disappointments of life, try Penny Serenade. For the fictional biography of a selfish man, try Citizen Kane. For a classic comedy starring James Stewart with some of the same heart, try Harvey.

[8.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/). I give it an 8.0 to 8.5 for a beautiful, heartfelt story.

Today’s quick review: Transporter 2. As a favor to a friend, Frank Martin (Jason Statham) has been working as a chauffeur for Audrey Billings (Amber Valletta), her wealthy husband Jefferson (Matthew Modine), and their son Jack (Hunter Clary). But the job turns violent when Gianni Chellini (Alessandro Gassmann) kidnaps Jack and infects him with a deadly virus, planning to use him to kill his father’s powerful colleagues.

Transporter 2 is an action movie starring Jason Statham. Frank Martin, an elite driver with a background in special forces, takes on a criminal working for the drug cartels in order to save his client’s family. Like its predecessor, Transporter 2 gets the basics of the genre right. A capable lead, a crisp plot, and lots of over-the-top action make it a fun watch. Still, its shallow story and exaggerated nature won’t appeal to some viewers.

Once again, Jason Statham is the bedrock of the movie. Frank Martin hits a sweet spot between tough and altruistic, and Statham’s stunt work gives the fights some of the flash they need. However, Transporter 2 indulges in the usual conceits of the genre, sacrificing realism and originality in favor of thrills. The action scenes are improbable, the villains are cartoonish, and apart from Frank, none of the characters are very memorable.

How much you get out of Transporter 2 will depend on your taste in action movies. Fans of martial arts, flashy stunts, and invincible heroes will find the movie to be just what they are looking for. Viewers who prefer grounded stunts, realistic characters, or emotional depth may want to give it a pass.

For a more powerful action movie about a bodyguard protecting a child, try Man on Fire. For an action comedy with a similar premise, try Rush Hour. For a more outrageous action movie starring Jason Statham, try Crank.

[6.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388482/). I give it a 6.5 for solid action but little else.

“Who would want you this dead?” —Inspector Tarconi

Today’s quick review: The Transporter. Frank Martin (Jason Statham), an elite driver for hire, breaks his own rules when he opens the package he is delivering to his latest client (Matt Schulze). Inside he finds Lai (Shu Qi), a kidnapped woman caught up in a criminal operation. When Frank’s client turns on him for knowing too much, Frank is forced to fight back, protecting Lai and himself from the men sent to kill them.

The Transporter is an action movie starring Jason Statham. The movie represents the genre at its purest: a lone hero with military training, a premise that guarantees car chases, and a story that puts Frank on a collision course with an army of thugs. The Transporter excels at these fundamentals. Statham makes for a great lead, Frank Martin is an effective antihero, and the action covers a nice range of car chases, gunplay, and martial arts.

However, The Transporter does have a few rough edges. True to the genre, the plot is fairly thin, and the movie takes a long time to reveal exactly what Frank has gotten involved in. Lai works well enough as a comedic foil to Frank, as well as his moral compass, but their personal chemistry is lacking. The Transporter can also be a little clumsy as it moves from one stage of the plot to the next.

None of these flaws get in the way of The Transporter’s main appeal. Action fans will find it to be a fun popcorn watch, one with good fundamentals and just enough of its own identity. How it stacks up against the competition will come down to taste, but anyone in the mood for some light action should give The Transporter a shot.

For another action movie starring Jason Statham, try The Mechanic, Safe, or the Expendables trilogy. For one with Statham behind the wheel, try Death Race or the Fast & Furious franchise. For a sharper, more stylized action movie about a dangerous man pushed too far, try John Wick and its sequels. For another action movie about an uncharacteristic act of mercy by a criminal, try Hitman or Bangkok Dangerous.

[6.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293662/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for entertaining stunts and a strong lead.

Today’s quick review: No Way Out. Commander Tom Farrell (Kevin Costner) of Navel Intelligence gets a career-making opportunity when David Brice (Gene Hackman), the Secretary of Defense, appoints him to his staff. But things get complicated when Farrell starts dating Susan Atwell (Sean Young), Brice’s mistress. As Farrell tries to keep his relationship a secret, he’s drawn into a dangerous web of espionage and backroom politics.

No Way Out is a spy thriller about an intelligence officer caught between his powerful boss and the woman he loves. As secrets give way to scandal, Farrell must nagivate an ever-changing situation that could end up with him arrested or dead. No Way Out is a carefully constructed thriller with a promising setup and deliberate execution. Its solid fundamentals and consistent quality make it a worthy pick for any fans of the genre.

No Way Out’s strength lies in its plot. From its beginning as a simple love triangle, the story progresses one step at a time until Farrell is at the center of a full-blown cover-up. No Way Out has a knack for making these little steps matter. Each one is the result of some minor decision or coincidence, but taken together, they box Farrell in and force him to make a series of calculated gambles to stay ahead of Brice.

The result is a thriller with a clver setup and a steady sense of progression. No Way Out takes simple pieces and assembles them into an intricate whole, a modestly scoped story that makes good use of the tools at its disposal. Although it is less flashy than its action-packed brethren, No Way Out is a strong choice for anyone in the mood for it.

For a more active thriller involving a similar cover-up, try State of Play or Enemy of the State. For a similar cat-and-mouse game played within the walls of an intelligence agency, try Spy Game, Breach, or The Good Shepherd. For an assassination investigation with a similar setup and a morally questionable main character, try Snake Eyes. For a crime drama about a dangerous love triangle, try Internal Affairs.

[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093640/). I give it a 7.0 for strong fundamentals.

Today’s quick review: Superman: Man of Tomorrow. Clark Kent (Darren Criss), the last survivor of an alien world, was raised by his adoptive parents in Kansas. Now a young man living in Metropolis, Clark adopts the heroic persona of Superman and uses his powers to keep the city safe. But as his good deeds make headlines, Clark finds himself in the crosshairs of Lois Lane (Alexandra Daddario), a hotshot reporter looking for her next expose.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow is an animated superhero movie from DC Comics. Man of Tomorrow is a modern retelling of Superman’s origin story, following Clark Kent as he takes the first steps of his superhero career. This version of Clark is young, fallible, and something of an outsider. His attempts to find a place in the world give the movie a unique angle, one that plays up the character’ hope and determination rather than his indomitable strength.

The cost of these changes is that they throw the old dynamic out of balance. Clark is usually behind the curve, whether in his job at the Daily Planet or going up against foes like Lobo (Ryan Hurst) or Parasite (Brett Dalton) as Superman. To a certain extent, this leads to better drama, since Superman is more vulnerable and more reliant on others. But it also robs the character of some of his classic qualities, including his confidence and leadership.

In general, Man of Tomorrow accomplishes what it tries to do. The art style works well in motion and has a bright color palette, although the details of the character designs and setting are a little off. The action shows off characters like Martian Manhunter (Ike Amadi), Lex Luthor (Zachary Quinto), Lobo, and Parasite. And while the logic of the story breaks down in a few places, it’s a satisfying origin story that covers quite a bit of ground.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow holds a specific kind of appeal. Fans who want to see a fresh take on the character will enjoy it, thanks to its new themes, solid craftsmanship, and less invincible iteration of Clark. Fans of the established character may find that it changes too much, cobbling together a story from a grab bag of characters and playing down some of Clark’s best traits. Either way, Man of Tomorrow is worth a watch for anyone interested.

For a more dramatic retelling of Superman’s origins, try Man of Steel. For a more conventional telling of Superman’s origins and legacy, try The Death of Superman and Reign of the Supermen. For another animated adventure that touches on similar themes, try Superman: Unbound. For an alternate history of Superman, try Superman: Red Son.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11079116/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a new variation on a classic story.

Today’s quick review: The New Mutants. After her family dies, Dani Moonstar (Blu Hunt) is taken to a secluded hospital, where she learns that she is a mutant. Dr. Reyes (Alice Braga) helps her cope with her trauma and works to identify her powers. But in spite of Reyes’ treatment, Dani and the other patients (Maisie Williams, Charlie Heaton, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Henry Zaga) begin to experience strange visions based on their deepest fears.

The New Mutants is a superhero horror movie based on the Marvel comic. Set in the X-Men universe, the movie follows five teenage mutants as they work to control their powers and decipher the mystery of the hospital where they are being kept. The New Mutants sacrifices flashy action in favor of mature themes and a more personal story. It successfully carves out a new space in a crowded genre, but its safe execution leave something to be desired.

The New Mutants puts a darker spin on the superhero genre, showing the horrific consequences of uncontrolled superpowers and the psychological scars they leave. Dani and the other mutants are united by their trauma, each one the bearer of a heavy burden. The movie is at its best when it is delving into their issues and the way they cope with them, while their unexplained visions give the movie an edge of horror to it.

However, The New Mutants is not bold enough to capitalize on its strengths. The plot only has the essentials, with a linear progression and very few hints at a larger world. The characters are likable but aren’t given a full chance to shine. The horror is generally handled well, but it doesn’t go as far as purists may be accustomed to. In general, The New Mutants does a weak job of surprising the audience and exceeding their expectations.

The New Mutants is an experimental take on the superhero genre that is only partially successful. It dabbles with potent themes, works horror into the genre in interesting ways, and still manages to work in some enjoyable action scenes at key moments. But the movie lacks the confidence to carry its ideas farther, leaving it caught somewhere between the safety of a formula and the strange territory of its subject matter. Approach with caution.

For a superhero drama set in a mental institution, check out Glass. For a psychological thriller that dives deeper into its characters’ mental states, try The Machinist or Shutter Island.

[5.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4682266/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for interesting characters and an underdeveloped story.

Today’s quick review: Miracle on 34th Street. In need of a Santa Claus for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) hires Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), a kindly old man who claims to be the real thing. His performance is a success, and he befriends Doris and her daughter Susan (Natalie Wood), a skeptic of all things magical. But it isn’t long before controversy arises over whether Kringle is who he says he is.

Miracle on 34th Street is a classic Christmas movie about a man claiming to be Santa Claus. The story revolves around the question of whether Kringle is actually Santa or just delusional, a debate that grows to envelop all of New York City. At the center of it all are Doris and Susan, a mother and daughter who doubt Kringle’s story but are swayed by his extraordinary kindness. What follows is a well-crafted story with surprising depth.

The heart of the film is a pair of excellent performances by Edmund Gwenn and Natalie Wood. Gwenn fits the role of Kringle perfectly, capturing the warmth and generosity of Santa while still being believably human. His personal character serves as a much stronger foundation for his claims than the magic seen in modern Christmas movies. Meanwhile, Wood steals every scene she is in, delivering a sharp and charming performance.

Miracle on 34th Street also stands out for its insight into human nature. The question of whether Kringle is actually Santa Claus is secondary to the media firestorm the debate kicks off. Many of the supporting characters are motivated by self-interest rather than altruism, but the tide of public opinion pushes them to act on Kringle’s behalf. This makes the film a rare treat for those interested in the debate between cynicism and idealism.

Miracle on 34th Street earns its place as a holiday classic with outstanding performances and an original story. The film is sweet but not saccharine, idealistic without being naive, and magical without dipping into fantasy. Anyone with a taste for the classics should give it a try, as should anyone who enjoys stories about kindness and innocence. Cynical viewers may want to steer clear.

For another thoughtful take on the Christmas spirit and the nature of faith, check out The Bishop’s Wife. For a classic comedy about a kind, ambiguously delusional man, try Harvey. For a psychological drama with a similar premise, try K-PAX.

[7.9 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039628/). I give it a 8.0 for a charming story and enduring quality.

Today’s quick review: Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker), a brilliant inventor, loses everything when his jealous apprentice Gustafson (Keegan-Michael Key) steals his work and uses it to make a fortune. Years later, Jeronicus has fallen into debt and depression. But a ray of hope enters his life when his granddaughter Journey (Madalen Mills) comes to visit just before Christmas.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a family Christmas musical about a dejected inventor and his precocious granddaughter. Refusing to take no for an answer, Journey picks up her grandfather’s abandoned work and tries to rekindle his love for invention. Jingle Jangle has a colorful fantasy world, a crisp soundtrack, and an emotional arc with a lot of potential. However, an unfocused story and a lack of standout songs end up holding the movie back.

Jingle Jangle’s main problems are structural. The heart of the movie is the relationship between Jeronicus and his family, with Journey bridging the gap between him and his estranged daughter Jessica (Anika Noni Rose). But instead of focusing on this, the movie splits its time between Jeronicus’ debts, the schemes of his apprentice, and a magical robot that Journey gets working, leading to a jumbled story that can’t capitalize on its best ideas.

Jingle Jangle fares somewhat better with its music. The songs are passionate and forceful, with impressive group dancing and elaborate costumes and sets. Unfortunately, the songs are better individually than as part of a whole. Their lyrics are not specific enough to anchor them to the story, and the tunes are enjoyable but forgettable. Moreover, none of the musical styles match the flavor of whimsy the rest of the movie aspires to.

Give Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey a shot when you’re looking for a family-friendly musical with lots of fantasy. Jingle Jangle has the makings of a much more touching story than what it actually delivers, but for all of its faults, it’s still an enjoyable watch. If you’re willing to overlook its cluttered story, give it a shot. If you’re looking for a deeper story or more memorable music, look elsewhere.

For a Christmas fantasy adventure with similar plot elements, try The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two. For a richer Christmas story with some of the same themes, try Klaus. For a fantasy adventure that offers a fuller take on a similar conflict, try The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. For an animated sci-fi adventure about family and the joys of curiosity, try Meet the Robinsons.

[6.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7736496/). I give it the same for a promising setup with mixed execution.