Man of Steel

2 Paws
Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema

Super performances, not so super plot.

I've never forgiven Kevin Costner for 1995's Waterworld, but it just doesn't get much better than his turn as Jonathan Kent, the earthly father of the wonder child. Truth be told, it almost produced a tear or two. Russell Crowe brings a Shakespearean presence to Jor-El, the caped one's real dad, and Henry Cavill gives Superman a serious, badass quality that makes you look at the character in a different way.

But that's where my gushing ends. In terms of the second half of the film, it's like Cavill came back from lunch one day, accidentally walked onto the set and into the script of a Transformers movie (doesn't matter which one) and director Jack Snyder just went with it. Superman's not my favorite comic book hero, but he deserves better.

Bonus Bones: 10
Best showing of dogs on film so far this summer. Look for the two Kent family pets, one of which is featured in a pivotal scene.

The Way Way Back

3 Paws

Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema

I love little movies that say a lot without whacking you over the head to do so. This one adds up to the perfect summer flick - a setting that makes you want to book a trip to Cape Cod, an ensemble cast that's so good you feel like you're spying on a group of real people and a script that's funny, genuine and a little bit dark.

The always lovable Steve Carrell excels as Trent, the asshole boyfriend of Toni Collette (Pam) who ruthlessly torments her son, Duncan (played by Liam James), during a summer season at the beach. But it's Sam Rockwell who brings a needed kindness to the film and a little bit of a lump to your throat as Owen, the water park manager who gives Duncan a job and a true sense of his self-worth.

I reached for my iPad as soon as I got home to read more about Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, the writer/directors who also had two great cameo roles (see if you can figure out who they are without cheating). It turns out they know a thing or two about writing, having taken home the Oscar - along with Alexander Payne - for The Descendants (best writing, adapted screenplay). I hope fame doesn't screw up their partnership.

Bonus Bones: 0

Where are all the frisbee-playing beach dogs?

20 Feet from Stardom

2 Paws
Seen recently at Film Streams

When I was 10, I wanted to be Diana Ross. I would go on to participate in "swing choir" and my high school's annual spring musical, but it was apparent I didn't have the talent to make that happen. But talent, it turns out, isn't always a guarantee of success.

This documentary, which runs a bit too long (like some encores), takes a look at the life of a backup singer. It features those who made it (Sheryl Crow), those who cleaned toilets for a time (Darlene Love) and those who ended up teaching Spanish after a youth spent grinding on Mick Jagger (Claudia Lennear). It also follows a backup with big dreams on her way up (Judith Hill), but that's where I got a little bored.

The best moments are when Merry Clayton recounts the story of being rousted out of bed and hustled to a studio for backup duties on "Gimme Shelter." I've been singing "rape, murder, it's just a shot away" for days now.

Bonus Bones: 0
I guess their lifestyles aren't suited for dogs.