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

Downhill
Starring: Will Ferrell, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Miranda Otto, and Zach Woods
Synopsis: This film purports to be a comedy. And I guess there are some amusing moments and situations. But, for the most part, its the dramatic moments this film wants to focus on. And then, near the end, the film seems to back off and leave us in a curious place. In fact, the closing scene could be interpreted in a number of ways, but it's unclear what precisely the film wants you to take away. Then again, what came before that wasn't great enough to really care. The film centers on a couple (Dreyfuss and Ferrell) who take their two kids to the Alps for vacation. Ferrell's character is still mourning the loss of his father, but they seem to have a somewhat strong relationship. Then an incident occurs and the disparate reactions of their characters, plus the less than frank discussions afterwards, create a rift. A visit from a friend (Woods) does little but expose these issues as the trip winds toward a conclusion. In the end, it's about whether their marriage can survive. I like the performers here, and this comes from Jim Rash and Nat Faxon, who worked on the script with Jesse Armstrong and directed the film. They've produced some strong films before, and there are elements here that work. Just not enough of them. Though it was just 85 minutes, it felt overly long at times. And being released on Valentine's Day and marketed as a comedy, there was some confusion for audiences that attended. I have never experienced a more quiet theater than when this film ended at my Friday night screening. It had potential, but it just doesn't quite work.
Rating: R for language and some sexual material.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

The Gentlemen
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding, and Hugh Grant
Synopsis: Before he became known for things like "Sherlock Holmes," "King Arthur" and "Aladdin," Guy Ritchie made his bones as a gangster film director. Films like "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," and "Snatch" helped put him on the map, but that was 20 years ago. Now, Ritchie is going back to his roots with "The Gentlemen," a film that is set in a grimy world, chock full of stars and is a fun mix of comedy and drama. Ritchie does a nice job putting this story together, and, he gets the most of his talented cast. I liked the back-and-forth with Grant and Hunnam that frames the whole film. I also especially liked the role from Farrell, who was pitch perfect here. This isn't a deep or complicated film, though there are some fun twists and turns along the way. It's a good blend of action, drama and humor, and I think it is a fun ride for what it is. It's also nice to see Ritchie return to his roots.
Rating: R for violence, language throughout, sexual references and drug content.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:
Friday, February 21: "The Call of the Wild," "Brahms: The Boy II"
Friday, February 28: "The Invisible Man"