Now Playing

I finally crossed the 100 threshold for 2010, the earliest I've ever hit that mark. Luckily, good old No. 100 was reasonable and not a complete disaster. Here is a look at the new films I've seen this week.

Hereafter

Starring: Matt Damon, Cecile De France, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Frankie and George McLaren

Synopsis: This was my 100th ticket of 2010, the latest from director Clint Eastwood. Eastwood continues to be one of the most reliable directors of the last 10 years, delivering another solid film in "Hereafter." The direction is solid and the performances are strong, but there is something off about the story. Peter Morgan ("The Queen," "Frost/Nixon") is a strong screenwriter, and he does a decent job of developing the three principal characters, but this story doesn't feel like it has much of a point. It claims to be an exploration of what happens after we die, and there are some moments where it begins to explore that subject, but the ultimate resolution offers little in the way of answers and opinions. Additionally, the story breezes between three characters in three different places fluidly and lacks a central focus. Then, all the characters come together in the final act in a manner that feels too convenient. There are beautiful moments to this film, but ultimately it is not enduring because it is not overly satisfying. Much like Eastwood's last film, "Invictus," "Hereafter" is well made but lacks the enduring qualities in storytelling to make it a classic.

Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic elements including disturbing disaster and accident images, and for brief strong language.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Red

Starring: Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Mary Louis Parker.

Synopsis: Based on a graphic novel, "Red" is a funny, smart action comedy with a great cast. This film isn't deep and it isn't hard to follow, but it is fun. The cast works well together and Willis, in particular, is at his best. He uses the action-star qualities that have served him well for years along with his dry humor to light up the screen. Mirren, better known for more serious and dramatic roles, shines in this lighter, comedic fare as well. Malkovich, so often cast as the crazy villain, has fun with a part that is crazy but a lot more endearing. This is a fun movie that makes the best use of its cast and story elements to craft an entertaining feature.

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence and brief strong language.

Verdict: Three stars out of four