The Water Diviner - C+

Rated R, 111 minutes
Wes's Grade: C+

"The Water Diviner" a handsome but whitewashed look at World War I

I enjoy historical, fact-based dramas that have an entertaining mix of romance, drama and action. The new drama "The Water Diviner," directed by and starring Oscar-winner Russell Crowe strives for that and on some levels succeeds, but ultimately fails in overlooking some crucial facts about Turkey in World War I. Set in 1919 at the close of World War I, Australian farmer and water diviner (Russell Crowe) travels to Turkey after the Battle of Gallipoli to try and locate his three missing sons. The modestly entertaining "The Water Diviner" is an epic film that some may enjoy, at least for those who may not know their history. The slick, well-acted production (based on a novel of the same name) is handsomely filmed and scored, filled with a poignant, fictional story (ala "Saving Private Ryan") and peppered with some good action scenes that use a real battle, the Battle of Gallipoli, as the backdrop for which Crowe's widowed character goes to search for his sons. Crowe, who gives a strong performance here, has always been a stellar actor and can add competent director to the list, and he is striving for an "Out of Africa" Sydney Pollack-esque feel to it, and he would've succeeded with a better film had he not egregiously overlooked some important facts about the time period. Namely, the film overlooks the Armenian genocide, in which the Ottoman reign killed 1.5 million Armenians in World War I, providing a template for what Hitler would do later on; on that note, it's akin to making a film about Germany or Poland during World War II and not including anything about the plight of the Jews. Cinematic license is one thing, but not a single reference to this regrettable historical act borders on the shameful. Cinematically, that is a shame too, since Crowe's "The Water Diviner," a modestly entertaining and affecting story about reuniting family and finding new love, is a serviceable film otherwise. If you see it, I'd recommend also reading up on the historical time frame, to give you balance to history from a film that doesn't provide it.

Monkey Kingdom - B

Rated G, 82 minutes
Wes's Grade: B

"Monkey Kingdom" a predictable but enjoyable look at a family of monkeys in the jungle

Well, all I can say, is that Disney knows a good formula and sticks with it. Since 2007, in honor of Earth Day, Disneynature has produced a series of nature documentaries aimed at families at helping to promote nature, typically through the animal kingdom. This time out is the enjoyable, heartwarming "Monkey Kingdom" that tells the story of survival of a particular type of monkey in Sri Lanka, even if the slickly-produced documentary pulls absolutely no surprises. Maya is a toque macaque (a type of jungle monkey) whose world is changed when her son Kip becomes part of her extended family. When their home is overrun by a neighboring tribe of monkeys, the family has to find a new home. Maya uses her inherent smarts to lead them to new resources, but it develops that the entire group will have to cooperate in order to reclaim their original home, where Maya wishes to advance her son's future within her tribe. Directed and produced by Mark Linfield and Alistair Fothergill (who directed the first Disneynature release, "Earth") and narrated with amusing warmth by comedian Tina Fey, "Monkey Kingdom" is entertaining for the family and those who enjoy these "nature epics," though it seems to stick closely to the Disney formula. Lushly photographed using Sony F65 digital cameras, handsomely scored by acclaimed composer Harry Gregson-Williams and memorably told by Fey ("that's 15 pounds of hunky monkey" she says of Maya's suitor), "Monkey Kingdom" fits perfectly into the mini-niche that Disney has built with this documentaries, and the best part is they let the animals be the star of the show and tell their own story naturally. There's not a bad part per se, except that fact that have happy, predictable endings, with the animals ultimately reaching their destination(s), but not with out some challenges along the way (among them this time: a group of meanie, selfish monkeys in the "family" known as "the sisters"), allowing us to appreciate our journey and Earth's resources more. There's nothing wrong with that, though, with these films, it's all really expected, with absolutely no surprises. I enjoyed the adventure of Maya in the short, sweet and calculated "Monkey Kingdom" (and the baby monkeys are just too cute - there's no way you could hate them), even if you know exactly how it's going to turn out. Definitely for families and nature lovers.

Little Boy - D

Rated PG-13, 106 minutes
Wes's Grade: D

"Little Boy" an icky sweet mixture of history and faith

"Little Boy" is a big mess of a movie. The movie is an icky combination of faith, history and sentimentality, ringing false at every turn and wasting a terrific cast from a decent director. The movie is about a little boy (newcomer Jakob Salvati) who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad (Michael Rapaport) home from World War II alive and challenging those around him: his family (Emily Watson, David Henrie), his priest (Tom Wilkinson) and his doctor (Kevin James). Directed and co-written by Alejandro Gomez Monteverde ("Bella"), "Little Boy" is a forgettable piece of faith-based historical dreck that has a talented cast and a promising story that is drowned by the preachy tone and sentimentality of it all - in other words you (like me and many who have already seen it) won't buy a bit of what's being sold. Unlike other faith-based films, this one actually has a modest budget and some great actors: Watson, Wilkinson and Rapaport in particular have all done great work before, though neither of them may want to include it on their resume (as for James, the most recognizable name to many because of "The King of Queens" TV show and his awful Sandler movies, I'm unsure what he's even doing in this movie). Among the many things I had a hard time with, is how to correlate being picked on and being taken prisoner of war can relate to each other, and how a little boy and religion can relate to the atomic bomb. Some of the messages can be appreciated, especially its messages of inclusion and friendship, but it comes under a load of sentimentality, as it isn't necessary to pull on the heartstrings at every turn and then throw in a an unnecessary, redundant message about faith. As a believer myself, I can appreciate the message,  but dislike how the message is being portrayed. I wish for the sake of the filmmakers, and in this case a terrific cast, that they could find the right message and tone. The unfortunate mess that is "Little Boy" does not and should be skipped.

The Age of Adaline - C

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

Predictable and corny, "Adaline" is helped by its handsome leads

The corny but entertaining and touching new drama "The Age of Adaline" should be called "Ageless Adaline," starring the effervescent Blake Lively of "Traveling Pants" and "Gossip Girl" fame. And don't believe anyone who tells you it isn't a "chick flick" though admittedly it does have some crossover appeal to non-females; its premise clings to the notion of really holding on to 29 - forever. After miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Lively) rarely allows herself to get close to anyone who will learn her secret but a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion for life and romance. When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever. Directed by Lee Toland Krieger ("Celeste and Jesse Forever") and co-written by J. Mills Goodloe ("The Best of Me") and Salvador Paskowitz, the predictably engaging romance drama "The Age of Adaline" puts a slightly different spin on the romantic notions of growing old and happily ever after together, especially when one of you never seems to age. The lovely Lively and Huisman (he's a minor character from "Games of Thrones") make for a warm pairing, and their bland charm carries the movie through a very calculated last act. As a matter of fact, I really bought into its pensive, poignant first act as it explored the sadness and solitude of never aging, and I enjoyed the fact Oscar-winner Ellen Burstyn's believably plucky older-than-Mom daughter - but the last act - when Ford's character comes into the picture, that it grows a little creaky (despite the fact Ford looks dashing as ever in a gray goatee). That unnerving plot contrivance almost stole my breath away, and it became more difficult for me to understand how in a universe this big, that all of these folks would somehow be this connected. As for the science of it all, it's rather preposterous, but if you don't think about it much and focus on the handsome leads and the always picturesque San Francisco visuals, you'll enjoy "The Age of Adaline" just fine. Without giving away any spoilers, you'll also be glad to know that it's just fine to grow old, as long you grow old with someone you love. Just know that if you go to "Adaline" this week expect to go with him to the new "Avengers" flick next week as payback.

The Clouds of Sils Maria - B

Juliette Binoche

Rated R, 123 minutes
Wes's Grade: B

Affecting, well-acted "Clouds of Sils Maria" explores the feminine pursuit of happiness

The engaging, affecting dramedy "Clouds of Sils Maria" has a strong feminine streak to it, though it's not a feminist movie (or click flick) per se. The well-acted film features three strong actresses, each with a different purpose. Maria Enders (prolific Oscar-winner Juliette Binoche) is an acclaimed international actress at her peak who is asked to perform in a revival of the play that made her famous twenty years earlier, except this time she's asked to play the part of the older woman, Helena. A young Hollywood starlet with a penchant for scandal (Chloë Grace Moretz) is to take on the role of the younger Sigrid, the part Maria originated years earlier. With her assistant Val (Kristen Stewart), Maria goes to rehearse in Sils Maria, a remote region of the Alps, where she gains insight and purpose into her personal and professional life. Directed and written by French director Olivier Assayas, the lushly Switzerland-filmed and compelling "The Clouds of Sils Maria" is a talky, slow-moving but thoughtful, touching film about the feminine pursuit of happiness at different stages of life. Grounded superbly by the always beguiling French actress Binoche (who, along with other Oscar winners Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron, can rock a short haircut), it could've easily been a drab behind-the-scenes and play-within-a-movie that we've seen so much of lately, but the warm chemistry between Binoche and the excellent Stewart make the film intriguing viewing. As Maria's long-suffering, smart assistant, Stewart's witty, often blunt performance is the highlight of the film and is easily its most vivid turn, proving along with the recent award-winning "Still Alice," that Stewart has an identity outside of "Twilight" and she can keep up with older, Oscar-winning actresses; Stewart was also seemingly well-cast, as some of the themes mirror her real career. The lovely Moretz, with considerably less footage than Binoche and Stewart, is believable as the young starlet who is essentially another version of Maria herself. Told over three "acts" much like a real play, the thought-provoking "Clouds of Sils Maria" is too long and overly symbolic in its parallels between real-life and play characters, but its strong performances from Binoche and Stewart (who has won some international awards for the part) will keep you engaged and talking afterwards. Definitely worth a look.

DIFF - Texas vs. that other school

We all know that football is its own religion in the state of Texas, especially at the collegiate level, which is the premise of the new documentary "Lone Star Holy War" that chronicles the intense rivalry between The University of Texas and the other Texas school, Texas A&M (yes, if you haven't figured out, I am a Longhorn). Loaded with history, interviews and generous football clips over the years, the movie speaks to the 118-year old rivalry that ended on November 24, 2011 with a win by Texas, who also holds the overall record in the age-old rivalry. Directed by Lindell Singleton (no relation to me), "Lone Star Holy War" is fun and can certainly be appreciated by either side (he features an assortment of interviews with fans on both sides, not to mention many sports columnists, including one of my favorites, Norm Hitzges) though it lacks a sense of professionalism and real insight, which is unsurprising given this is Singleton's debut film. It also would've been nice to feature more interviews with such legendary figures as Earl Campbell or Mack Brown, both of whom are surprisingly absent from the film, which could've elevated its relevancy in getting these two teams to play again. Wherever your allegiance lies (as for me: Hook 'em Horns!), you may enjoy some part of "Lone Star Holy War," which doesn't have a release date or distributor yet.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 - D-

Kevin James as Paul Blart

Rated PG, 94 minutes
Wes's Grade: D-

Unfunny and unnecessary "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2" stakes its claim as one of the worst of the year

Get on your segway and hightail it away from the worst new comedy of the year,  Kevin James' "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2," an unnecessary and unfunny sequel to the inexplicably terrible 2009 comedy "Paul Blart: Mall Cop." Unless, you're a huge Kevin James fan and really, really want to see this dreck, I'd stay far away from it. After six years of keeping our malls safe, Paul Blart (James) has earned a well-deserved vacation. He heads to Vegas with his teenage daughter before she heads off to college. But safety never takes a holiday and when duty calls, Blart answers. We wish the filmmakers did their duty and didn't inflict this horrible comedy known as "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2" on us, given how bad the first one was. Directed by Andy Fickman ("The Game Plan") and co-written by James and Nick Bakay, "Paul Blart 2" is a big piece of dreck and an embarrassment for all involved, particularly James, who should've known better. Set in Las Vegas with the hapless Blart trying to stop a criminal (Neal McDonough) from stealing a bunch of casino loot, it's sloppy, unfunny, sappy and plays to the most annoying and grating habits of James, his special ability to mug or play to the lowest common denominator, which ultimately shows what a true slob he is. The only redeeming qualities (and there are few), is the fact it has lovely Disney TV star Raini Rodriguez as Blart's smart daughter, who may help appeal to families, and it features all-too brief appearances from "SNL" vets Ana Gasteyer and Molly Shannon as hotel guests. Sure, it's blandly wholesome in a very dumb way, but you'd be hard-pressed to find many, if any laughs at all in the dreadful "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2," whose most memorable performance comes from slick Segway's featured in the film, and the Segway people would've surely reconsidered having their products so prominently featured if they knew how bad this was going to be. Do your duty and stay away from this awful movie, which was unsurprisingly brought to you by Adam Sandler's production company, Happy Madison.