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Let's just say 2011 started off with the opposite of a bang movie wise. I couldn't help but hope the first film seen in 2011 doesn't set the tone for the year, because if it does I'm in trouble thanks to a dubious offering from Nicholas Cage... Here's a look at what opened so far in 2011.

Country Strong

Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Leighton Meester, Garrett Hedlund, and Tim McGraw

Synopsis: They wanted to make the female version of "Crazy Heart," but somewhere along the way writer/director Shana Feste took a dark turn. A really downer ending mars this film, but really there are a myriad of problems. It would be fair to say the title really should have been: "Country (music) Strong; Country (music story) Weak," but that's probably too wordy. The film nails its music scenes — and by that I mean anytime the trio of singing stars (Paltrow, Meester, and Hedlund, but surprisingly not actual country star McGraw) take to the stage. Those scenes work well, the music is strong, and the actors appear comfortable. But when it comes to the story between those concert sequences, nothing works right. The story is a set of cliches and confusing interpersonal dynamics that muck things up. It's like there were so many possible tangents that Feste couldn't decide what to choose from and threw them all in to see what stuck. Tack on an ending that you couldn't possibly see coming based on the trailers but which makes sense in a downer way while you're watching the film, and this really isn't what you'd expect. There are some great individual moments and sequences, and the performers all have strong individual moments, but as a whole the film doesn't work.

Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements involving alcohol abuse and some sexual content.

Verdict: Two stars out of Four.

Season of the Witch

Starring: Nicholas Cage, Ron Perlman, Christopher Lee, Stephen Graham, and Claire Foy

Synopsis: When I was in college I saw the film "Halloween III: Season of the Witch." I thought that would be the worst movie I'd ever see with the words "Season of the Witch" in the title. I was wrong. Thank you Nicholas Cage. But enough about Cage (I already questioned his acting choices in Monday's blog). This movie has less going for it than a tepid lead performance. This is a film that incorporates witch trials, demons, the Black Plague and the Crusades into its plot. Yeah, it's a real heart-warming tale... At times, it's like the film is trying to do a watered down, modern version of "In the Name of the Rose." At other times, it's not clear what the film is trying to accomplish. Viewings of the film will be accompanied by boredom, confusion, and, in some cases, anger. Due in large part to the plot, Christianity is a central part of the plot. It isn't kind to Catholics, using one of the darkest eras of the church as a way to slap at organized religion, at least that's what I perceived. It is hard to say for sure because nothing is executed very well. This is the first wide release of 2011 and all I can say is this is one that should have been thrown back. Do not waste your time on this trash.

Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, violence and disturbing content.

Verdict: Zero stars out of four.

So, I don't want to leave you too bummed out seeing as how the pool of films doesn't look to get a lot better Friday with the inclusion of "The Green Hornet" and "The Dilemma." Sunday is the annual Golden Globe Awards, and there are still a number of great films playing to look for. I can't recommend "The King's Speech" highly enough, and "True Grit" is another good choice. And, if you just want to avoid the theaters all together to ensure the stink of "Season of the Witch" doesn't get on you, "The Social Network," my pick as the best film of 2010, was released on DVD on Tuesday. So, happy viewing!

(Plus, there's always playoff football games on Saturday and Sunday.)