1. Ferrari * * * 1/2 Stars
-A return to form for director Michael Mann as he creates old-world art with his bruising biopic about Enzo Ferrari.
1. (tie) The Passenger * * * 1/2 Stars
-A well-acted and crisply edited thriller, like a non-art house version of 1973's Badlands.
2. Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed * * * 1/2 Stars
-A documentary about an acting icon that unfolds like a skulking sledgehammer.
3. Inside * * * 1/2 Stars
-A psychologically stealth and real time perceived vehicle, made effective by Wilem Dafoe's physical acting and Vasilis Katsoupis's deft direction.
4. Mercy * * * Stars
-A B-flick that's as mean as a snake. It doesn't hold your hand as a viewer.
5. Plane * * * Stars
-Another Gerard Butler actioner that spritzed-up nicely for the more distinguished, bargain basement crowd.
6. Hidden Exposure * * * Stars
-Combines a little bit of 2010's Black Swan and Woody Allen's Match Point to give you something dangerous right around the corner.
6. (tie) The Iron Claw * * * Stars
-A slow mounting drama about pro wrestling that hits you like a brick (or a clothesline if you know what I mean).
7. River Wild * * * Stars
-A more indie-like version of the original The River Wild from 29 years back. Dense and atmospheric stuff.
8. Air * * * Stars
-This is Ben Affleck's Moneyball or his All the President's Men for hoops.
9. Girl in the Closet * * * Stars
-A Lifetime drama about human trafficking that has no filter. Effectual yet disturbing.
10. Fear the Night * * * Stars
-A violent and remorseless ride that has Maggie Q scowling at the audience while getting her kill on.
Honorable Mention: Nightmare School Moms, Retribution, 97 Minutes, The Mill
And the worst....
1. White Men Can't Jump * Star
-Rotten remake of the '92 classic. It just doesn't get what made that film much more superior.
2. House Party * 1/2 Stars
-Updates the 1990 original and as a result, fails to possess a reason for being.
3. You People * 1/2 Stars
-An unfunny comedy that should've never been made. What were you thinking Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy?
4. On a Wing and a Prayer * 1/2 Stars
-Imagine watching the lovechild of God's Not Dead and Airport 1975. On second thought, don't.
5. A Christmas Heist * 1/2 Stars
-Ho ho ho humdrum.
List compiled by Jesse Burleson
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