What works: This is a well acted movie with a good message at the heart of it. The writing isn't amazing, but the actors do everything they can to compensate for that, and they do so fairly well. There is a little humor, but not so much to make the more dramatic parts seem overly cheesy.
What doesn't work: Movies like these always run the risk of being labeled as "Hallmark" movies. They have a potentially cheesy premise and in the end everyone is hugs and giggles. I feel like in the end this movie doesn't come out like that, but it does skirt the line for most of the movie, so I can see where critics had issues with it.
To Rome With Love:
What works: Like most Woody Allen films, this movie is very quirky and has some outlandish plot-lines. I think that most of the actors really did well with the material they had in this movie. There were also some pretty witty moments that really made me want to like this movie much more than I actually did.
What doesn't work: The ending. It's a movie of vignettes about what happens when Italians and Ex-patriot Americans, living in Rome, have their lives turned upside down. For the most part it's amusing, but after seeing the end, you realize it got away from itself. What could have been a 10 minute ending became at least a half hour that kept dragging on. This is the major downfall of the movie. Woody Allen just doesn't know when to say enough.
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
What works: This was probably the surprise movie for me this summer. I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. The graphics were stunning, and the plot was easily more entertaining than the first two combined. The comedic elements are also much stronger in this movie than the first two. If this is the last Madagascar film, it's a great end to the series. If it isn't, then it only gives me hope for what a future Madagascar film could be like.
What doesn't work: That "Afro-Circus" song got a little annoying after a while.
Moonrise Kingdom:
What works: Well, I guess you can say that the cast is full of stars...
What doesn't work: Just about everything. Critics were touting this as a modern day classic. Honestly I thought this movie was horrible. The little girl seems like she wants to kill someone in her sleep, and the boy is somewhere between incredibly annoying and totally lacking in emotion. Not to mention, the relationship between the two is creepy. I know that the whole quirky over-exaggerated indie movie thing is supposed to be in style right now, but I honestly just think it's annoying beyond belief. Also, can we stop with the 60's throwback stuff?
Madea's Witness Protection:
What works: Madea. I went to see this as a guilty pleasure movie. I realize these movies aren't great films, but in my opinion this was a more amusing way to spend an hour and a half than Moonrise Kingdom. Madea drives these movies. Her demeanor and one liners are funny enough to get some laughs.
What doesn't work: For a comedy, it's not funny enough on a consistent level. Also, the acting isn't always the best. Then again that's kind of why we call them guilty pleasures. We know they aren't great.
Hope Springs:
What works: The actors and the script. The three main actors all give very good and convincing performances in this movie. The plot of the movie was well balanced. It had comedic elements and it had dramatic elements in equal proportion. It also dealt with a very serious issue, marital intimacy.
What doesn't work: It's not so much what doesn't work, as it is what might not work for the audience. If you aren't comfortable with a married couple talking about their sex life, then don't see this movie. It is only rated PG-13, so you don't have too much to worry about.
Ruby Sparks:
What works: This is may be the most original movie of the summer. It's about a writer who is dealing with writers block, until he starts to dream about a girl. The dreams inspire him to write about her and one day she comes to life. The plot is well developed, the acting is great, and there is even a strong message about not controlling the person you are in a relationship with. A sign that this movie was a labor of love? The lead actor was a producer, and the lead actress wrote the script.
What doesn't work: The ending leaves a couple of minor questions in the mind of the audience, but honestly, this movie doesn't have a lot of flaws.
Sparkle:
What works: The music. I'm not a huge fan of musicals because the music is always so dramatic, but Sparkle's songs are throwbacks to the heyday of Motown. Each of the actresses playing the three sisters does a great job, and Jordan Sparks really shows off her voice in the second half of the film. Also, this is Whitney Houston's last movie, so fans of her are sure to be drawn in for that reason alone.
What doesn't work: Some of the acting by the supporting cast seems pretty forced. Also, this is kind of a case of we've seen this story before. No, it's not highly original, but I think it does it's best to compensate for that with the musical performances.
Beasts of the Southern Wild:
What works: Everything. Seriously. It's just gritty enough without over doing it, and it is incredibly emotional. The actors (all first time or little known) give Oscar worthy performances here. Essentially the movie is a whimsical and heartbreaking bildungsroman of a little girl who must learn how to survive in a harsh world. If you don't feel the emotion of this movie, especially by the end scene, you don't have a heart.
What doesn't work: It all works here, but there is a little animal violence for those of you that are squeamish.
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