Movie previews for 2/22

Vantage Point:
Nonlinear storytelling has become increasingly popular ever since “Crash” won an Oscar in 2005. “Vantage Point” looks to offer seven different perspectives around an assassination attempt on the president of the U.S.

With an all-star cast, including Dennis Quaid and Forest Whitaker, “Vantage Point” has everything going for it except a veteran writer heading the screenplay. As critics seem to agree, it’s all flash and no substance.

It may be worthwhile simply for the flare, however, as relatively new director Pete Travis is sure to have some stylish quick-cut editing that will please action film lovers.

Be Kind Rewind:
When a man, played by Jack Black, accidentally destroys all of the tapes in his friend’s rental store because his brain is magnetized (still with me?), they are forced to recreate each film as best they can.

It has everything going for it: the hilarity of Black, the brilliant direction and vision of Michel Gondry and endless re-enactments of the greatest films of all time.

And with such a combination comes a split opinion among critics, who can’t decide whether to love it for its nostalgic heart or to hate it because it’s too “out there” and silly.

Whatever you do, don’t let your thoughts on Black decide whether you see this unique film.

Charlie Bartlett:
It has the potential to be the kind of movie that is sweetly charming, heart-warming and happy amidst a depressing high school setting like so many films before it, and chances are it will do just that for you.

The film’s story revolves around Charlie Bartlett, played by Anton Yelchin, who moves to a new school and becomes the unofficial psychiatrist to all the students.

The only signs that point to the film turning out to be an over-the-top version of the above description can be found in certain moments of the trailer and the fact that we are dealing with a rookie screenwriter and a director whose comedy record hasn’t been all that great.

Director:
Pete Travis (“Henry VIII”)

Director:
Michel Gondry (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”)

Director:
Jon Poll (“Meet the Fockers”)

Cast:
Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox

Cast:
Jack Black, Mos Def

Cast:
Robert Downey Jr., Anton Yelchin

Excitement level:

Excitement level:

Excitement level: