This week at the movies, we’ve got warring gods (Wrath of the Titans, starring Sam Worthington and Liam Neeson) and a fractured fairy tale (Mirror Mirror, starring Julia Roberts and Lily Collins). What do the critics have to say?
Wrath of the Titans is a sequel to a remake — specifically, 2010’s Clash of the Titans — and critics say that while this follow-up retains its predecessor’s goofy charm, it once again favors spectacle over storytelling and character development. This time out, the gods are losing their power due to humanity’s spiritual apathy, which gives the Titans an opening to escape from exile and wreak havoc. It’s up to the demigod Perseus (Sam Worthington) to rescue Zeus and save the world from the vengeful Titans. The pundits say Wrath of the Titans contains a few exciting action set pieces, but ultimately the film is a collection of special effects in place of a narrative. (Check out this week’s Total Recall, in which we run down some memorable sequels to remakes.)
Mirror Mirror attempts to tell a classic tale with a modern sensibility, but critics say it only half succeeds; it’s a playful, visually exquisite revisionist fairy tale that’s regrettably uneven in its plotting and pacing. It’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs told from the perspective of the Queen Clementianna (Julia Roberts), who’s more insecure than evil. Can Snow White (Lily Collins) escape her clutches and win the love of a charming prince? The pundits say Mirror Mirror is a visual treat, but it lacks a sense of wonder and magic. (Check out Collins’ Five Favorite Films.)
The Island President, a documentary portrait of the Maldives’ leader and his attempts to save the populace from the effects of global warming, is at 100 percent.
Love in the Buff, a romantic comedy about an on-again-off-again relationship, is at 100 percent.
Bully, a doc about the effects of bullying on five young people and their families, is at 97 percent.
The Norwegian import Turn Me On, Dammit!, a coming-of-age comedy about a sexually precocious teenage outcast, is at 80 percent.
Goon, starring Seann William Scott in a comedy about an average guy who gains renown as a particularly violent minor league hockey enforcer, is Certified Fresh at 78 percent.
Womb, starring Eva Green in a drama about a woman who tries to create a clone of the man she loves after his tragic death, is at 45 percent.
Intruders, starring Clive Owen in a horror film about a series of ghost hauntings in England and Spain, is at 34 percent.
Four Lovers, a French romance about two couples who decide to swap partners, is at zero percent.
