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It's a mixed bag this week with the best comedy release of the year and a couple family weepies among the films I saw this week.

Date Night
Starring: Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Mark Wahlberg
Quick Take: This movie was heavily hyped, but it delivers. The film features a "dream" pairing of two NBC comedy stars — Carell, who plays Michael Scott on "The Office," and Fey, who created "30 Rock" and stars at Liz Lemon. The pair work well together and are both at the top of their game in this comedy feature. The script lays out a fairly straightforward plot, but it's obvious that much of the comedy comes from the off-the-cuff improvisation of its stars. The film features great supporting/cameo work from Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig and James Franco, among others. The film doesn't lag, keeps the laughs coming, and the filmmakers get out of the way enough to let Carell and Fey do what they do best.
Rating: PG-13 for sexual and crude content throughout, language, some violence and a drug reference.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

The Last Song
Starring: Miley Cyrus and Greg Kinnear
Quick Take: I already pretty much summed up my thoughts on this in a post on Saturday (The Nicholas Sparks Syndrome). But there three problems with this film: the writing (particularly the dialogue) is weak; Miley Cyrus is not capable of carrying this film; and it suffers from Nicholas Sparks syndrome. There is a story here that could have been engrossing, but it feels like the film suffers from an internal battle. It is either a Nicholas Sparks film (and by now we know what that should look like) or it's a vehicle for its star, Miley Cyrus. This film tries to ride the middle ground, but it doesn't work. I'm also not convinced that this is the right kind of part for her. But you know you're in trouble when the dialogue in key sequences elicits a groan or a laugh, especially in a film that's designed to be emotionally manipulative. It may seem harsh, but I think this film is an unmitigated disaster.
Rating: PG for thematic material, some violence, sensuality and mild language.
Verdict: One star out of four.

Letters to God
Starring: Robyn Lively, Tanner Maguire, Bailee Madison and Ralph Waite
Quick Take: This is a Christian film, and by now most of us know the pitfalls surrounding that. It is a constant source of frustration to me that, just because the content is Christ-centered, the standard filmmaking techniques go by the wayside. This film is no exception. The dialogue needs a bit of work. I believe that Christian films could have a much stronger impact on the world if they were, first and foremost, great films. That being said, I am recommending "Letters to God." The message and content of the film are inspiring, despite some technical flaws. One of my favorite "Christian" films in recent years was a little FOX Faith release called "The Ultimate Gift." "Letters to God" has a somewhat similar style story, and is based on a true story. The message of the film is inspiring, as are the true life stories shared with the audience during the closing credits. As Christians, if we want more Christ-centered, family-friendly entertainment, we need to support these films when they come through. This film is playing only in San Luis Obispo, but it's worth the trip to get a little inspiration.
Rating: PG for thematic material.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

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