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Here's a look at all the new movies I saw last week.


Dylan Dog: Dead of Night
Starring: Brandon Routh, Sam Worthington, and Taye Diggs
Synopsis: This film is a hybrid comedy/detective noir. The film has an interesting premise — a private investigator who polices the world of the undead, including vampires, zombies, and werewolves. And it's clear the attempt was for it to be somewhat humorous, which it is at times, but it doesn't always work. The film reunites Routh and Worthington — who played Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen, respectively, in "Superman Returns" — and they have a good on-screen rapport. The film doesn't seem to take itself too seriously and does somewhat capture the scenery of New Orleans, where it is set. It's not the best movie, but it's certainly not the worst. I see this as having a bright future replaying on late night cable telecasts.
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of creature violence and action, language including some sexual references, and some drug material.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Something Borrowed
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Eggsfield, and John Krasinski
Synopsis: This film has kind of a repugnant plot, from my standpoint. There are a couple reasons why I found it hard to sit through. First the characters were going something that caused me personal discomfort. Second, this is another in a disturbing trend in movies where they want you to root for a central coupling that comes together through an affair. No matter how they try to justify it, I found that troubling. The film isn't that clever, the dialogue is innane, and due to the story there aren't a lot of characters to like here. But, hey, they want to make a sequel.... That would be fitting with Hudson's career de-evolution.
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content including dialogue, and some drug material.
Verdict: One star out of four.

Thor
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard, Kat Dennings, and Natalie Portman
Synopsis: This is the first of the big summer blockbusters, and it's also the first of what promises to be a superhero filled summer, if you like such things. I was a bit apprehensive about this film at first, thinking it could be an epic bust in line with "Hulk." On the surface, Kenneth Branagh might seem a strange choice to helm a summer action blockbuster. However, his adept skill at handling more literary productions — such as his work on Shakespeare film and stage adaptations — serves the story well here. Much of the back story of Thor’s home world takes on a mythical period feel, and Branagh does a nice job of bridging those worlds during the hero’s interlude on Earth. It doesn’t hurt that “Thor” boasts some pretty impressive special effects, especially when it comes to depicting Thor’s home realm of Asgard. The impressive looking surroundings, the use of colors, and the artistry in creating the rainbow bridge portal that links Asgard with the rest of the universe serves the film well. The cast, which is deep and varied, serves the film well, too. The performances are solid, especially the work done by Hemsworth in the lead role. The film’s biggest flaw might be its forced conversion to 3D. It’s obvious “Thor” wasn’t filmed in 3D, and the 3D effects in the film leave something to be desired. In addition, the 3D mutes some of the effectiveness of the graphics, particularly in the presentation of Asgard. This is a movie that actually does itself a disservice by bowing to the present 3D craze. But in terms of what you’d expect from a summer blockbuster, “Thor” delivers. It’s entertaining, makes good use of modern technology, and offers a decent story and performances.
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

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