Martian Child (2007)

Dir. Menno Meyjes' MC is about David (John Cusack), a widowed science fiction author, and the bond he struggles to forge with his newly adopted son, a strange kid named Dennis (Bobby Coleman) who claims to be a Martian.
The quirky set-up does its job well, addressing its intended audience. Even the playful but slightly reserved cover art is a hint to the type of film you're getting: a comedy/drama about relationships and self-discovery. I've seen the same kind of thing done better, but if the thought of yet another sweet, sentimental film in which a self-isolated young boy and an adult male with something missing in his life help solve each other's emotional problems is pleasing to you, then it'll probably tick most of your boxes.

3 coping mechanisms out of 5

TRUST ME [2013]

Actor Clark Gregg writes & directs this black comedy/drama Trust Me which follows a down-in-the-dumps talent agent who's new client brings more trouble than she might actually be worth.  

Like a lesser version of Robert Altman's The Player, Gregg's film seems to fancy itself a noirish satirical view of the Hollywood biz.  Only it never pulls strong enough punches (which occasionally seem to be aimed in the wrong direction) and only comes off as mildly amusing at best.  Fortunately the acting is all top-notch and the dialogue is fresh enough to never becoming too boring, even when the film seems to teeter off towards the side into some questionable out-of-place weirdness.  

2½ butterflies out of 5

THE WAY WAY BACK [2013]

The Descendants' Nat Faxon & Jim Rash write, direct and co-star in the coming of age dramedy The Way Way Back.
The Killing's Liam James carries the film as a outcast 14 year old kid and with the help of some scene-stealing performances from Sam Rockwell and Allison Janney, the overly familiar plotline is heightened by it's warmth, humor and finely tuned dialogue.  Nothing will leave you blown out of your mind or your jaw on the floor from a crazy twist or new idea but this quiet little film isn't about that and instead leaves you with a smile on your face for a nice change.

3½ wonky eyes out of 5

IDENTITY THIEF [2013]

With the exception of a handful of films, actor Jason Bateman does mostly shit outside of Arrested Development. Bridesmaids Horrible Bosses director Seth Gordon's crime caper comedy Identity Thief falls under that "shit" category.
Normally with films like these I expect it to be predictable from beginning to end but count on it to provide some good throwaway laughs.  This film spurts a few minor chuckles and very little of anything else.  I really like Melissa McCarthy but even her schtick can't save this from being a complete bore.

1 throat punch out of 5

IDENTITY [2003]

Director James Mangold crafts Identity into a wild, twistin' & turnin' mystery/thriller that is more fun than it is intelligent.  

A dark and stormy night at a creepy old motel screams out Psycho but throw in an ensemble cast of characters who all share mysteries of their own and you have deliciously evil whodunnit on your hands.  It's not high art but it runs in, does it thing and leaves you without a bitter taste.  

3 washloads of death out of 5