13 Assassins

13 Assassins (2010) – The first hour is all setup, and the second is all unrelenting and tedious swordplay; given this and its similarities to The Seven Samurai, although 13 Assassins is well done, it doesn’t do enough to make itself stand out in the crowded jidaigeki genre. 6

Nighthawks

Nighthawks (1981) – While this is certainly a film of eighties coolness and badassery, it could easily have been made better with an intelligent story and some character focus; Rutger Hauer, nearly unrecognizable in the first act, is a highlight in his American debut. 6

Hobo with a Shotgun

Hobo with a Shotgun (2011) – Does what it says on the box; it wants to be over the top, and it is, completely (it seems little concerned with anything else); actually, Rutger Hauer is quite good here, the use of oversaturated color effectively makes the film look vintage, and it’s occasionally even funny. 6

Thor

Thor (2011) – It’s fancy looking but barely entertaining and ultimately forgettable, as it’s filled with bland CGI action, a been-there-done-that story that kept reminding me of Superman II, lame villains, and a pretty weak, shallow, and lazy script (which did have a few decent jokes pasted in); Kenneth Branagh certainly helps, though, and Chris Hemsworth is a solid Thor. 6

Auntie Mame

Auntie Mame (1958) – Rosalind Russell is a force of nature in this film, which has some surprisingly cutting social commentary for its day but is neither as funny nor as touching as it thinks it is (or ought to be). 6