New Movie Releases: Burn After Reading, Righteous Kill and More!

A surprisingly tepid first third of the film introduces the characters without many laughs or even very much insight, and the remainder of the running time plays out with only a few surprises and a fair amount of predictability. As a suspense thiller, there's not even much to get scared about, despite a overbearing score that beats the viewer over the head with "dun dun dun!" type pomposity. As a comedy, there aren't many guffaws or belly laughs, though Brad Pitt's dopey gymrat supporting character manages a few, as does Malkovich with some riffing as an arrogant loser on the outs with his wife. Recent Oscar winner Tilda Swinton is also on hand but has a hugely one-dimensional character to work with, so she's stuck with nothing redeemable or interesting to do. Most disappointing is George Clooney, because the audience comes in knowing that the Coens got stellar work from him in O Brother, Where Art Thou? While that film had him hamming it up to great effect, this role either suffers from poor direction or sub-par acting instincts, as Clooney underplays, then overacts, then gets subtle, and on and on in a manner that makes his character toughest to believe. It's no surprise that the one decent dramatic role goes to Frances McDormand, who has the most to do and delivers the best performance in a wildly uneven film.

In the end, it's not merely the weight of expectation after No Country For Old Men that sinks this film, but rather the feeling that the Coens have concocted something minor here when they're often capable of greatness. There's little laughter in the darkness, and the bleakness isn't redeemed. Approach with caution. --Tom Thornton
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

Righteous Kill
De Niro and Pacino are two brilliant actors, but neither have made a decent movie in years. Hopefully, that'll all change this weekend with the release of Righteous Kill, Jon Avnet's dramatic thriler about two New York detectives on the trail of a mysterious killer. Don't let us down, guys--and we won't call it a comeback. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

Proud American
As the title suggests, Proud American is a filmic tribute to America's kickassedness. Made up of several dramatized vignettes--slices of American life all reportedly inspired by actual events--the film is part spectacle, part drama, and all FREEDOM. Brought to you by Coke, Wal-Mart and Mastercard. For Real. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys
Once again, Tyler Perry brings us a comedy about love, family, and learning to get along. But this time, Kathy Bates is in it. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

The Women
A remake of George Cukor's 1930's comedic drama, The Women follows a wealthy New Yorker who finds friendship among a group of women after leaving her cheating husband. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]