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

The Family
Starring: Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Diana Argon, Tommy Lee Jones, and John D'Leo
Synopsis: Robert De Niro has made a good portion of his career out of playing mobsters. He won an Academy Award for his work in “The Godfather, Part II” and was part of “Goodfellas” and “Casino.” So it makes sense that he would return to a familiar role with “The Family.” The latest comedy/action film from writer/director/producer Luc Beeson (“The Professional”) looks to put a new spin on the genre. It starts with a central premise — what would it be life if a mobster turned witness and had to spend the rest of his days in Europe under a new identity. Much like Beeson’s recent films, “The Family” is set in France and has very multi-cultural sensibilities. The film is shot well and has a good cast, but there is little that feels fresh and original about the premise or the film. One of the things that “The Family” tries to explore is what it would be like for a “made man” to live a life of quiet solitude and anonymity after testifying against his friends. It would be difficult to acclimate and difficult to repress years of conditioned responses. So most of the humor in “The Family” comes from the way Giovanni tries — and fails — to make that adjustment. But there is little else that the film has to offer. The plot is strictly by-the-numbers, and there is little in the way of character development. Outside of the immediate family and Agent Stansfield, most of the characters introduced feel like pieces used to advance the plot. They don’t have a lot of depth, don’t have much of a chance to grow and end up feeling more like furniture than fully formed people. That’s a problem. Beeson seems to have a knack for a certain style of film. It’s not complicated and not overly original. For people that want to crack wise a bit, enjoy a favorite performer or two and be treated to some shoot outs and action sequences, this will work well. But if you’re looking for depth and originality, you’ll be sorely disappointed. This film is fine. Most of the amusing sequences are given away in the trailer, and there’s little to cling to here. De Niro has turned in some good performances in powerful films in recent years, but this feels a little bit like something he did to amuse himself. He seems to be having fun, which is good, but it doesn’t help the overall efficacy of the film. If you want to see De Niro and you’re a fan of Beeson’s films, this will be an enjoyable experience. It just won’t be memorable or compelling.
Rating: R violence, language and brief sexuality. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

The World's End
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsan, Paddy Considine, and Rosamund Pike
Synopsis: A lot has happened since Pegg, Frost, and director Edgar Wright teamed to make "Shaun of the Dead" in 2004. "The World's End," the final piece in a trilogy of films the team has made, is another off-beat comedy about disaster striking the world as seen through the eyes of a group of mismatched misfits. A lot has changed for the trio in terms of their projects and standing in the industry, but nothing has changed in terms of the way they approach these films. There's plenty of humor, inside references for those who've seen their previous films, and a wild challenge facing people wildly unprepared for it. Pegg and Frost are great in their roles and have a great chemistry on screen. Freeman, Marsan, and Considine round out the group of five and also do well in their roles. The films has some good cameos and keeps the humor flowing. There is nothing spectacular about this film, but it's an enjoyable ride. I don't think this is as good as "Hot Fuzz," which really grabbed me, but it's on par with "Shaun of the Dead." For those that have seen the previous endeavors, this will be a can't miss time at the theater.
Rating: R for pervasive language including sexual references. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Upcoming releases:

Friday, September 20 — "Prisoners," "Battle of the Year"

Friday, September 27 — "Rush," "Baggage Claim," "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2," "Don Jon"