Salvation Boulevard

1 Paw

Seen recently at the Dundee Theatre (still musty, still open)

It was one of those perfect summer evenings when we set off for the old Dundee Theatre - warm but not humid, breezy but not tornadic. That, we reasoned, was why the joint was empty when we arrived - it was just too nice to be indoors.

Oh, if that were only the reason.

How is it that a group of solid actors (Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Marisa Tomei, Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear) can fail so miserably on screen? Did they need the money? Were they under the influence of mind-altering drugs during negotiations? Did they forget to watch the dailies?

Director George Ratliff's execution of this awkward tale of a mega church gone awry until a well-meaning pothead regains his sanity is neither smart nor funny. Maybe his pitch to Kinnear went something like this - "Think Little Miss Sunshine with a religious twist." A nation full of prayers couldn't salvage this boulevard.

Bonus Bones: 0

Even the dogs knew better than to sign on for this one.

Terri

2.5 Paws
Seen recently at Film Streams

Warning: if you had a traumatic high school experience, this film may cause flashbacks. I think everyone feels like a loser in grades nine through 12, although some kids are better at hiding it than others. Terri (played with a quiet dignity by newcomer Jacob Wysocki) doesn't even bother trying to hide it, which makes his character all the more sympathetic.

This is an odd little film set in an odd little place, but the subtlety of the performances makes it worthwhile viewing. John C. Reilly is one of my favorites working today, and he never seems to disappoint, no matter the role. The big surprise for me was Creed Bratton's turn as Uncle James, Terri's guardian (or is Terri his uncle's guardian?). I'm used to Creed's deadpan delivery on episodes of "The Office" and was compelled by the depth of his acting talent.

Another warning: watching the skinny kid (Bridger Zadina) pull his hair out in tiny clumps is, well, a bit stomach turning, so you may want to skip the concession stand before finding your seat.

Let's hope kids aren't that mean in real life.

Bonus Bones: 0
A dog would have helped Terri cope, but then again, after seeing what he did to those mice...

The Trip

3 Paws

Seen recently at Film Streams

Are all funny people sad on the inside?

Steve Coogan (of 24 Hour Party People fame - if you haven't seen it, Netflix it) reminds me of Bill Murray on film - hilarious, a bit madcap and capable of some heartbreakingly quiet moments.

The Trip is part buddy movie, part travelogue (featuring glorious cinematography of the English countryside) and part Food Network special. In many ways, it's the British equivalent of Sideways - two middle-aged guys weaving their way through stunning landscapes, all the while revealing themselves via their conversations and habits. The trailers focus on the duo's ability to impersonate A-list actors - which is laugh out loud, no doubt. It's what isn't said, though, that stayed with me after I left the theater.

In the words of Harry Potter: brilliant.

Bonus Bones: 2

Two country dogs make a brief appearance as Coogan meanders down a quiet road on foot.

Captain America: The First Avenger

3 Paws
Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema

There's a lot that's wrong with this country (political gridlock, obsession with celebrity death, conversion therapy), but this film reminded me about all that's right with it. The United States is a place where second chances are given, where boldness is revered, where the hope that anything is possible hasn't been stomped out - at least not yet.

I didn't know Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, got his start as a soldier, but it didn't matter. The script stood on its own, and the tone was absolutely perfect. It's one of the most inspiring "little guy does good" stories I've seen in some time. I knew Chris Evans (Steve Rogers) could be funny on film, but I didn't know he could be so compelling.

The supporting cast was four-star: Tommy Lee Jones (Colonel Chester Phillips) makes the most of his screen time by not overselling his one-liners, Hugo Weaving (the Red Skull) is an eerily good bad guy and Stanley Tucci (Dr. Abraham Erskine) gives the film its heart.

I love my country, but I'm not a flag waver. I felt like one for the 124-minute running time, though.

Bonus Bones: 0
A Super Dog or a Private Puppy would have been nice - even an evil Nazi mongrel, perhaps - but no go.