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The Punisher of female actors Lars Von Trier is back with his latest offering. This time Kirsten Dunst is a severely depressed bride named Justine whom on her wedding night falls to pieces in front of her dysfunctional family, manically descending into the thickest darkness. Despite attempts from her family to change the situation Justine can’t be moved; but, somehow in the darkness she finds a zen like peace within herself as a newly orbiting planet named Melancholia sets on a deadly collision course with earth. All the while, Justine’s sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and her husband John (Kiefer Sutherland) seem to be spinning further and further out of their own orbits of sanity. Exploring darkness in style and the human condition, what’s it all about? Visually interesting, polished performances, and a measured pace that grinds the narrative into the viewer’s mind frame by frame. And, of note, by paying particular attention to the opening credits we’re offered a sneak peak at the entire storyline and still we’re compelled to watch the film to its finish. Admittedly this film will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for the cinephiles we’ve got a winner. Melancholia is rated R.

Fraternal twins Jack and Jill (both played by Adam Sandler) exist for each other in a love hate relationship. Jack, a high pressured advertising executive in L.A. is tasked with getting Al Pacino to agree to be in a Dunkin Donuts commercial- an almost impossible task. Meanwhile, Jill, a neurotic and irritating woman from the Bronx is out to visit Jack and get some quality twin time. Before long, Jack is at his boiling point and it appears his world is collapsing from his sister’s presence, that is until Al Pacino takes a certain interest in Jill. Now it’s about tolerating family to save his company, can it be done, will it be enough, and who will Jill ultimately fall in love with? How to sum this up eh? Well, no surprise, I’m generally not a fan of Adam Sandler films. The writing often feels low brow, cut out for the lowest common denominator, and just in bad taste. Jack and Jill isn’t really any different, but, I have to say the star power through cameo appearances is impressive in its own right. Al Pacino has a few good moments, and the fact that he’s able to make fun of himself doesn’t go unnoticed, in fact, its appreciated. The rest of the film feels like kind of an unsurprising waste, and yet I’m sure America is going to eat this thing up. Come on America, seriously?! Jack and Jill is rated PG.

The Tower in New York is the most regal of apartment/condo’s in downtown, and staffing The Tower is one of the hardest working group of staff members. When The Tower’s top tenant, Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) is arrested for securities and investment fraud the staff becomes concerned for their own investments and pension plan. Swindled, Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller), Charlie (Casey Affleck), and Enrique (Michael Pena) enlist the help of tenant Mr. Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick) and local criminal Slide (Eddie Murphy) to pull of the heist of the century — robbing their own money back from Arthur Shaw. Of course this is no simple task, especially with the FBI’s Agent Denham (Tea Leoni) on guard. Still, the game is afoot, but can they pull off the heist without getting pinched? A feel good and fun romp delivers a few heartfelt laughs. More importantly, the film doesn’t overstay its welcome with a reasonable runtime, and, the actors compliment each other nicely working as an ensemble. And, despite the potential to really go sour, I’m pleased to report, it’s actually entertaining. The film isn’t complex, it isn’t a CGI fury of robots and monsters, there aren’t really any big explosions, it’s just fun. Odd enough, the film feels like a December release a month early, how about that? Matinee or more. Tower Heist is rated PG-13.