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.

Star Trek Into Darkness

2 Paws
Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema

Here's the not-so-secret secret to a good reboot - it's got to be as good or better than the original "boot." I absolutely love Chris Pine - he's the perfect version of a 2013 James T. Kirk. I also have to give it up for the always hilarious Simon Pegg as Scotty and John Cho's take on Sulu. And you can never go wrong with a tribble appearance.

But the mashup of roles (nobody will ever top Leonard Nimoy's "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one" speech) came up a little bit short for me. And although I think Benedict Cumberbatch (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) is one of the most talented actors working today, there is just no way to out-Khan Ricardo Montalban, the biggest, baddest, most charismatic villain to terrorize the galaxy ever. I miss his chest-baring jacket and giant Klingon necklace.

Bonus Bones: 1
Look for the giant, cuddly dog in the opening sequence. Other than that, there are no dogs in space.

Iron Man 3

Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema
3 Paws

Robert Downey Jr. is an Oscar nomiee for his role in Chaplin (1992), but he's a lot more fun to watch in his third outing as Tony Stark, the man behind the iron suit.

Who wouldn't want to hang out with this guy? He's insanely smart, he's funny, he dresses well, and he attracts great people who are able to cut through his layers of bravado to the man who lies beneath. I don't know what the comic book crowd thinks, but I enjoyed seeing a vulnerable Iron Man, one who's willing to accept help from a young small-town loner (Ty Simpkins in a breakout role) who accepts the hero at face value.

There's also lots of noise and lots of things that blow up, if that's your thing. And the villains in this one - if you wait it out - deliver in true blockbuster fashion.

Bonus Bones: 0
I guess he doesn't have time for a pet.

The Company You Keep

1.5 Paws
Seen recently at Regal Omaha Stadium 16

I love Robert Redford. But at 77, I don't want to see him running through the woods in fugitive mode or exposing his chest hair after a night in a ramshackle cabin with Julie Christie.

That's only the beginning of my problems with this one, which may have assembled the best cast of veteran actors ever - Susan Sarandon, Chris Cooper, Nick Nolte, Stanley Tucci, Richard Jenkins, Sam Elliott, Brendan Gleeson and Terrence Howard. Unfortunately, they're stuck with craptacular dialogue that prevents them from living up to the promise of the storyline - a former activist is pursued by a journalist who has discovered his identity. And, if you really want to spoil your chances of cinematic success, cast Shia LaBeouf as the muckraking newspaper reporter. Could there be a more annoying, self-important, talentless actor taking home big bucks these days?

On the bright side, it made me go home and brush up on my scant knowledge of the Weather Underground. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Bonus Bones: 2
The FBI's police dog had a few nice moments at the end of the film.

The Place Beyond the Pines

3 Paws

Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema

This one should eventually make its way onto the list of the top 100 films of all time.

A sweeping modern-day saga that spans 15 years, it looks at the lives of two characters (Ryan Gosling's Luke and Bradley Cooper's Avery) forever connected by a single, violent encounter that was over just moments after it began. Think Lawrence of Arabia on a motorcycle.

It's a bit on the long side (two hours and 20 minutes) for you fidgeters out there, but get your snacks ahead of time and then suck it up - it's masterful filmmaking from director/writer Derek Cianfrance, who started making movies at age 13. It also puts to rest any notion that Gosling and Cooper are nothing more than pretty faces - if it were Oscar time, both would be nominated for the best actor trophy. The entire supporting cast, which includes knowns (Ray Liotta) and unknowns (Ben Mendelsohn as Robin, who befriends Luke), is just as stellar.

Wow.

Bonus Bones: 5

Ryan Gosling's character dances with a sweet old dog. If that doesn't get you out of the house, I don't know what will.