Horrible Bosses 2 - C

Rated R, 108 minutes
Wes's Grade: C

Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jason Bateman

Slack, dumb "Horrible Bosses 2" not as fun as the first one

If it were my employee, I'd have to let go of the forgettable comedy sequel "Horrible Bosses 2" for being a slacker.  Mildly enjoyable but lackluster, it's what you expect: overly crude, contrived and only sporadically fun; it's not as near as original as the darkly fun 2011 film and unlike that film, this outing grows tiresome after awhile. After Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day), and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) decide to launch their own business, savvy entrepeneurs Burt Hanson (Christoph Waltz) and his son Rex (Chris Pine), appear to take them down. With no other viable option in sight, the trio decide to kidnap Rex in order to put up a ransom to take back their business. The lazy and predictable "Horrible Bosses 2," directed by "That's My Boy's" Sean Anders and co-written by Anders and John Morris, "Horrible Bosses 2" has its charming leads but a plot so silly and contrived, it's hard to buy in this time. It's also not as fun, given that some of the best parts of the first movie are given little to do this time out: Kevin Spacey only cameos and Jennifer Aniston and Jamie Foxx are criminally underused, and I wanted to see more of them, especially Foxx, who steals all his scenes here as their lowlife partner, MF (I will only use his initials here). "Star Trek's" Pine, along with Oscar-winner Waltz, who is blandly miscast here, don't have the comedic chops and are much more milquetoast than the trio of bosses from the first film, though they're very game physically. Day and Sudeikis, both smart comedians, are so annoyingly dumb in this one that it doesn't really make sense (I happen to enjoy both of them, though Day can be shrill at times), while Bateman seems confused and Waltz a little befuddled. The opening sequence was best, then it goes downhill after that, from there the film has only a handful of genuinely funny moments, one of them a funny sex scene with Aniston and Bateman shown on security cameras. You tend to know the mark of an unfunny film when the funniest part is the outtakes over the end credits, which is the case with "Horrible Bosses 2."  Skip this one and rent the original instead.

The Penguins of Madagascar - B

Rated PG, 92 minutes
Wes's Grade: B

Frenetic and colorfully busy, these "Penguins of Madagascar" make for a fun time

Super spy teams aren't born...they're hatched, quite literally. The energetic new animated movie "The Penguins of Madagascar," a spinoff from the "Madagascar" movie shows that spies come in all forms, even those that fly. Thin and entertaining, some of the humor will sail by the young ones, but they'll still get a kick out of it. The movie uncovers the secrets of the most hilarious covert birds in the global espionage biz: Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), Rico (Conrad Vernon) and Private (Christopher Knights). They're joining forces with a smooth undercover organization, The North Wind, led a handsome gray wolf called Agent Classified (Benedict Cumberbatch). Together, they must stop the villainous Dave/Dr. Brine (John Malkovich) from destroying the world as we know it. Co-directed by Simon J. Smith ("Bee Movie") and Eric Darnell, who helped write and direct the "Madagascar" movies (along with the voice of the Skipper, McGrath), the bright and colorful "The Penguins of Madagascar" from Dreamworks Animation, the Penguins who stole scenes from those movies finally get their own big screen adventure, and it doesn't disappoint, though at the times it's a little dizzying and busy, particularly in the ultra fast-paced climax. These penguins prove that looks can be deceiving - they're cute, cuddly and quite cunning too - and they're all well-voiced by the McGrath and relative unknowns Miller, Vernon and Knights. They're joined by the always fun Malkovich, who makes for a terrific villain, and the ubiquitous Cumberbatch as their coy ally, along with the familiar Ken Jeong, whose voice you can easily spot in a crowd. The hijinks are colorfully and often creatively staged, though they get a tad redundant by the end, helped by some creative dialogue that puts a fun spin on celebrity names (the kids won't get it but their parents may), not to mention some overused cheese dibs, which have nearly as much screen time as the penguins. Pleasant, predictable and enjoyable, "The Penguins of Madagascar" is a fun diversion about penguins this Turkey Day.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 - C+

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss

Rated PG-13, 125 minutes
Wes's Grade: C+

Sluggishly entertaining "Mockingjay" the weakest of the "HG" movie series

The third time isn't always the charm. I had heard that the third entry in the "Hunger Games" literary trilogy, "Mockingjay," was the weakest of the three, which befalls the film series in a form similar to "Return of the Jedi" or "Star Trek III." More like "The Hunger Rebellion," this entry is slower, less action-packed and with an entirely different tone and scope than the previous chapters. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) wakes up to find herself in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of District 13 President Coin (Julianne Moore, well-cast here) and the advice of her trusted mentor Plutarch (the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) and friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. Directed by Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer and director of "Catching Fire"), "Mockingjay - Part 1" is a modestly entertaining but disappointing chapter in the "Hunger Games" film saga, though Lawrence (who also briefly sings in the film and has a decent voice) still grounds the film well with Katniss' vulnerability and toughness. The first two films, especially the second film, were action-packed, with the games sequences the chief highlight; this film has little of that excitement or romance: rebellion never seemed so dull and unsatisfying, seemingly a lackluster attempt to stretch out this series even further. This one is a totally different landscape and one that fans of the book series will most appreciate, though "Mockingjay" has some good points too. It's peppered with some entertaining, memorable moments, mostly provided by an underused supporting cast, including a sly Hoffman (who the film is dedicated to) and some holdovers from previous films, including Elizabeth Banks, sans most of her outrageous costumes and makeup yet still stealing scenes as Effie, along with Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland as Haymitch and President Snow, respectively. I also enjoyed the warm addition of Moore as District 13's President, who helps empower Katniss to new heights in the rebellion as well as some the insights the film has into using media to get the masses to buy into the rebellion (such as filming integral parts of it). As for the romance angle, there isn't much: Hutcherson's Peeta gets minimal screen time in this installment, so fans expecting some intimate action, I will say (without providing any spoilers), that it doesn't happen here, and even the other romantic interest, Gale (Hemsworth), doesn't do much either. After two solid outings, "Mockingjay" loses its footing a little and while it's not terrible, it's certainly a weaker effort, with less heart and excitement of the first two. Fans will enjoy it most, the rest of us will wait until the final installment next year at this time.

Dumb and Dumber To - C

Rated PG-13, 110 minutes
Wes's Grade: C

There isn't much to the likable "Dumb and Dumber To" but you'll laugh anyway

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels

OK, I admit it. I found myself giggling more than I care to admit at the likable, mindless comedy "Dumb and Dumber To," the Farrelly Brothers' sequel to their twenty-year old blockbuster comedy "Dumb and Dumber," which took lowbrow comedy to a new high (or low however you want to look at it), even for them. "Dumb and Dumber To" continues the crude silliness, and while the talented leads still pack some charm, there isn't much to it. Twenty years after their last adventure, and after Lloyd reveals his long-lasting prank, good-hearted, yet dimwitted best friends, Harry Dunne (Emmy-winner Jeff Daniels) and Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) head out in search for Harry's long lost daughter Penny (Rachel Melvin), and Lloyd is in love again (with Harry's Daughter). Written and directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, "Dumb and Dumber To" is enjoyable fun as it continues the hijinks of charming buffoon Harry and Lloyd, though overall it's a thin effort at a sequel, even for a crude comedy such as this. For the record, those that enjoyed the first one will enjoy this one too, but even fans will admit that this one isn't as good; the crass idiocy of the first one was what made that one memorable (and one fans can recite by heart - at a recent screening there was a contest to see who could complete the "Dumb and Dumber" line and there was at least one person in the audience who could), this one not as much. It starts off modestly well but the Farrelly's weak script goes nowhere and goes on much too long for a comedy like this, with some stretches that are hit and miss (Mama June's cameo falls flat). Still, Carrey and Daniels remain a fun pairing and they do their best to make you laugh, and often they succeed, whether it's driving a zamboni or a hearse down the highway, annoying Rob Riggle or ogling Kathleen Turner - yes that Kathleen Turner - whose voluptuousness is well-placed here - it's those little off-kilter touches that seem to have the most effect, and Carrey in particular remains a brilliant physical comedian. "Dumb and Dumber To" is a likable, middling effort that's not bad per se (at least not as bad as you might think), but still not as funny as the first film.

The Theory of Everything - B+

Rated PG-13, 123 minutes
Wes's Grade: B+

Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking

Fascinating "Theory of Everything" tells the remarkable story of Stephen Hawking

Everyone on the planet probably knows who renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking is, but you may not know who British actor Eddie Redmayne is (he has been in such movies as "My Week With Marilyn" and "Les Miserables." You will after seeing the compelling, uplifting new drama "The Theory of Everything," which features a remarkable, breakthrough turn from Redmayne as the famous scientist. "Theory" is the story of Hawking (Redmayne), and Cambridge student Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones), with whom he would fall deeply in love with and marry. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of - time. Directed by Oscar-winner James Marsh ("Man on Wire") and written by Andrew McCarten based on Jane Wilde Hawking's non-fiction novel "Traveling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen," "The Theory of Everything" is an entertaining, superbly acted biography of Hawking as well as a touching love story. Redmayne's transformative, tour-de-force turn is this year's Daniel Day Lewis or Matthew McConaughey, and he is the front-runner for Best Actor. Redmayne is effective at capturing some of Hawking's subtleties, from when he was first diagnosed as he continues to morph into the famous scientist we know today. The last act, when Hawking loses his voice and speaks through a computer (that's Hawking's real computerized voice for the film), Redmayne must use his body to convey emotion, and does so magnificently, most memorably in a moving scene when he and Jane must part ways after many years of marriage. As wonderful as Redmayne is, as his long-suffering, incredibly courageous wife who stuck by his side, Jones also shines in an Oscar-worthy performance, especially in the final act. "The Theory of Everything" isn't without its flaws: as with any bio movies, it's not expansive, overlooking many details of Hawking's life, and it retains a cheerful, upbeat tone even after Hawking's seemingly fateful diagnosis, lacking a dark, hard-hitting edge to it. Still, "The Theory of Everything" is a poignant tribute to Hawking, and a moving love story, even after Stephen and Jane grow apart. It's also worth a look for two Oscar-worthy performances from Redmayne and Jones. Put this one on your must-see list.

Beyond the Lights - C+

Rated PG-13, 102 minutes

Wes’s Grade: C+

Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Nate Parker

In spite of an appealing cast, what’s “Beyond the Lights” is pretty dull, bland

The new romantic drama “Beyond the Lights” isn’t as much fun as a VHI “Behind the Music” special, though the appealing leads and strong supporting cast do their best to make it work. Overstuffed with way too many ballads (just about every scene transition has a different one) and a predictable romance, “Beyond the Lights” is a slick but dull affair. Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw from “Belle”) is the music world's latest superstar. But not all is what it seems, and the pressures of fame have Noni on the edge - until she meets Kaz Nicol (Nate Parker of “Red Tails”), a young cop and aspiring politician who's been assigned to her detail. Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall fast and hard, despite the protests of those around them who see more potential in their careers than their love. Directed and written by Gina Prince-Blythewood, the talented director and writer behind “Love and Basketball” and “The Secret Life of Bees,” the mildly entertaining but contrived romantic drama “Beyond the Lights” is a chick flick with a capital “C” unsurprisingly appealing mainly to women. The lovely, vastly talented Mbatha-Raw, an intriguing actress from the affecting, underrated “Belle” earlier this year continues to emerge as one of cinema’s most talented young actresses, and she rises above the stale conventions of the material. The highlight is her stirring version of R&B legend Nina Simone’s “Blackbird” in the last act, which is far better than most of the ballads that fill the film. She and Parker make for a handsome pairing, but the sluggish plotting and the banal dialogue don’t help things, though it’s always nice to see the warm Danny Glover as Kaz’s father and the ice queen herself, Minnie Driver, memorably chewing through scenery as Noni’s wicked stage mother, who seemingly has the best intentions for her. The film moves so slowly that by the time Parker conveniently removes his shirt to help Mbatha-Raw, you'll be rolling your eyes through the yawns. “Beyond the Lights” is a mostly lackluster, well-worn and pretty stale romance, though the lovely, talented Mbatha-Raw is definitely someone to watch.

Rosewater - B-

Rated R, 103 minutes
Wes's Grade: B-

"Rosewater" is Stewart's compelling but flawed political drama

Most people know comedian Jon Stewart from his satirical, Emmy-award winning TV show "The Daily Show" but his new movie "Rosewater" is far from a laughing matter. Based on a true story of a journalist imprisoned in Iran, it's a compelling, well-acted but slow-moving tale that probably would've been more effective with a more skilled director. In 2009, London-based Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari (Gael García Bernal) was detained in Iran for 118 days because of an interview he gave regarding the country's presidential election. Bahari was arrested and accused of being a spy and spent four months at Evin Prison being brutally interrogated. Bahari was usually blindfolded when being interrogated, and the sole distinguishing feature of his interrogator was that the interrogator smelled of rosewater. Directed and written by Stewart in his feature film debut behind the camera and based on Bahari's best-selling account of the story, "Then They Came for Me," "Rosewater" is a serviceably handled, intriguing political drama peppered with a few stirring moments and a nice performance from Bernal as Bahari, though under someone like Paul Greengrass or Kathryn Bigelow, it would've been much better. It lacks the edge and brutality of "Midnight Express" or the political scope of "Zero Dark Thirty" and the second act in particular doesn't really do much, but overall it's a decent effort, with a couple of memorable supporting turns from Danish actor Kim Bodnia as his interrogator and Oscar-nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo as his long-suffering mother. "Rosewater" shows that Stewart, who's always been comfortable in front of the camera on the small screen, is fairly adept behind the scenes of a big screen effort, though a handful of nice but unnecessary touches show his novice as a feature film director (case in point: the brief exposition doesn't really need to unfold in pictures on the frames of store fronts). "Rosewater" has a certain attachment to its story that will naturally draw you in, even if Stewart's somewhat bland execution doesn't always do so, and on that note it needs more power and emotion. "Rosewater" is a good, entertaining film though it may have limited appeal to Stewart's fan base and/or news junkies who follow this type of thing.