Angel Has Fallen - 3/5

This movie is a solid addition to the series. It’s more of a thriller than either of the previous films, with the action taking slightly more of a back seat to the scrappy resourcefulness the main character uses to fight the chaos that comes against him. The action here is often too dark or shaky to see well, but feels more like it’s trying to convey the characters’ state of mind more than just not knowing how to make an action scene. Sure, there are some things that don’t make a whole lot of sense, but they’re easy to overlook and just go along for a fun ride.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Fugitive (1993) or Clear and Present Danger (1994) by way of Jack Reacher.

Setting: Political Thriller
Plot: On-The-Run Action
Tone: Thriller

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms - 2/5

It’s unfortunate that this didn’t have a better script, because for the most part the costume and set design are gorgeous. So much care and effort was clearly taken to make everything look amazing, and it does. It feels like Tim Burton by way of Joe Johnston, and even gets perfect creepy at one point, though not scary enough to frighten older children or teens. But the witing is vapid and the story is empty, and much of the acting is painfully stilted. The characters are caracatures, not behaving internally consistently but instead doing and saying whatever the plot needs them to in order to progress the story. There’s a surprising amount of ballet in this movie as well; it’s not enough for ballet lovers, though, and too much for ballet indifferents. All in all, it’s a beautiful mess and not worth your time.

Closest comparison: Alice in Wonderland (Tim Burton, 2010)