Dramedy

‘Sing Street’ is like snuggling a fuzzy blanket full of ‘80s nostalgia and boyhood fantasies about rock-n-roll domination.

The only thing that saves ‘A Hologram for the King’ from reaching disaster status is the luminous presence of Sarita Choudhury.

It’s hard to be mad at director Kris Swanberg’s leisurely stroll towards motherhood, but it’s also hard to recommend to those outside the target demographic. Observant, low-key, and, ultimately, benign, ‘Unexpected’ coasts by on goodwill and charm, when it could have tackled so much more.

Narcissistic entrepreneur Jake (Nick Kroll) has the world thoroughly in his grasp; his company’s next product launch is in days and he can smell the proverbial success everywhere around him. Jake fancies himself the next Steve Jobs-type king of industry, but the truth is he offers very little in the way of skill, expertise or even human decency. If this were an Oliver Stone film Jake would cash in despite his undeserved arrogance, but this isn’t one of those movies.

Big Eyes Written by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski Directed by Tim Burton USA, 2014 It’s difficult to imagine what Tim Burton was trying to accomplish with his latest effort, Big Eyes.  Tonally, it’s the most confounding movie of the year, pinging wildly between drama, surrealism and farce.  Even the actors seem confused, with each …

This Is Where I Leave You Written by Jonathan Tropper Directed by Shawn Levy USA, 2014   This Is Where I Leave You is an odd duck.  Its haphazard combination of broad sit-com humor and quirky indie earnestness leaves you feeling a bit punch-drunk.  On the other hand, a superb ensemble cast wrings just enough …