more from the multiplex

greetings, friends! a couple weeks now since the last fresh reviews. i've continued to catch some flicks, of course--including some old-timers and foreign gems (go rent this very instant films directed by korean slickster chan-wook park!) via dvd--just gave the oscars a little space to dominate the landscape. that being said, on to the business at hand. here's how i see it:

the spiderwick chronicles--
this could be one of my shorter roundups for two reasons: one, it's already been a few weeks since i saw the film; two, there just wasn't anything particularly special about it. i did appreciate the casting--a terrific bunch of recognizable names in both physical and voice talent. freddie highmore is a gifted young actor, good enough to handle playing distinctly different twin boys. kudos too to teen sarah bolger; she's got charisma in spades, likely a long career ahead of her. the adults don't have much to do, but the fx do. it's the usual kiddy fantasy fare all around, predictably dosed with some agreeable life lessons.
kiddy: 2 stars

10,000 b.c.--
devotees of this is spinal tap will surely appreciate the notion that i'd find it most fitting to give this film a two-word review. mind you, i only saw this because i figured i'd see some cool fx--you know, badass dinosaur chases and beastly fights and such--and have a few good belly laughs at the sheer inanity of it all. no such luck. it was just too awful--too dull, too long, too formulaic, too stupid--to even snicker at. i was bored out of my gourd, falling asleep, not once impressed by any element of craftwork. this appears in every way to be intentionally made for an audience of the lowest common denominator. it'll be tough to best this doozie for worst picture of the year.
awful: 0 stars

married life--
i'll give you a silly fun hollywood mash-up: this film feels like far from heaven meets little children. chris cooper, patricia clarkson, and pierce brosnan are all perfectly cast in this clever (almost farcical) ensemble drama. rachel mcadams rounds out the winning foursome, although neither her genteel character nor her platinum hair play to her strong suits. it's the snarky brosnan and his wry delivery (bolstered by smart narration) that really move the piece. (incidentally, if you don't know him yet as anything other than bond, rent the matador, evelyn, and see this [and oh, don't forget mrs. doubtfire]; he's consistently commanding in his versatility.) solidly put together, deftly executed, readily recommended.
winning: 3 stars