Now You See Me

"Now You See Me" is the epitome of mindless popcorn drivel.  Not that that's a bad thing necessarily, it just is what it is.  The film attempts to emulate such heist films as "Ocean's Eleven" with mild success - enough to remain pretty entertaining throughout.  It has a talented cast and some intriguing elements that keep it afloat for most of its running time.  The film establishes from the beginning that there is going to be a major plot twist at the end of the movie which automatically raises expectations and keeps the audience guessing.  That ends up working against the film as the twist isn't very satisfying or particularly clever.  This is a pretty mediocre heist film in the end and isn't really all that worthy of a watch.

Bryce **

BANGERANG SCORE: **

The Way Way Back

Good, solid comedies are becoming less and less common in today's Hollywood.  Most of the minutia that floods the genre today are either extremely vulgar or extremely stupid (oftentimes both).  Which is what makes "The Way Way Back" so refreshing. This is a feel-good coming-of-age story packed with legitimate laughs and its fair share of heart.  Sam Rockwell stands out in a hilarious supporting role that completely steals the show.  The entire film hinged on the success and believability of his character and he nailed it.  The film as a whole is a bit raunchy at times but most of the laughs are well-earned.  While not spectacular by any means, "The Way Way Back" is a great watch if you're in the mood for a good laugh.

Bryce ***

BANGERANG SCORE: ***

Saving Mr. Banks

In a somewhat paradoxical and self-important move, Disney has managed to make a movie about the making of a Disney movie.  "Saving Mr. Banks" is the story of the adaptation of P.L. Travers' "Mary Poppins" from book to film and it just so happens to be really good.  Emma Thompson is great as the cranky author who is so reluctant to give up her story and characters to mega-mogul Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) for fear of the spirit of her books being lost on film.  It can be a bit sappy and heavy-handed at times, but overall, "Saving Mr. Banks" is a compelling study of how the life experiences and personal demons of an artist can heavily influence their art.  This is one of the best films of the year.

Bryce ***1/2
Chase ***
Landon ***1/2
Logan ***

BANGERANG SCORE: ***