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At the conclusion of World War II, the political climate of Japan was incredibly tense and tenuous. General MacArthur (Tommy Lee Jones) was tasked with investigating the remaining political players of Japan, and finding who specifically was guilty of war crimes; of particular interest was Emperor Hirohito (Takataro Kataoka). Turning to his top advisors MacArthur set General Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox) on the difficult task of getting to Hirohito and the even more difficult task getting him to talk. All the while Fellers has a quiet agenda of his own, lost love. Saving a country and finding love, not light topics, yet inspired by true events. Director Peter Webber carefully captures Japan’s darkest hours in what appears to be historically accurate detail. While not the flashiest tale ever told, the historical lessons depicted are still just as valid today as they were then. Not exactly a stretch for any of the principle actors involved, the casting seems to fit nicely, although a wooden appearance from Fox sometimes feels a bit off point. Worthy of your time. Perhaps a matinee if you’re looking for a WWII historical docudrama that won’t challenge you, but rather amaze you as to how easily Japan’s history could have been written otherwise. Emperor is rated PG-13.

Jack (Nicholas Hoult), is a commoner living in medieval England. While in town to sell goods Jack is approached by a desperate monk looking to trade “magic beans” for his horse; but, before Jack can refuse, the trade is made. Upon his return home, Jack’s uncle is none too pleased and a stray bean is lost. That same night princess Isabelle (Elanor Tomlinson) decides to venture outside the castle walls in search of adventure and freedom from her husband to be, Roderick (Stanley Tucci). While adventuring Isabelle gets caught in a rainstorm and seeks shelter at Jack’s house. Unfortunately, the rainstorm manages to wet the lost magical bean which grows to be a giant beanstalk and carries Isabelle to a land between heaven and earth inhabited by giants. Upon Isabelle’s disappearance, King Brahmwell (Ian McShane) deploys a team of men including Roderick, Jack, and the dashing Elmont (Ewan McGregor). Now it’s up to Jack and crew to rescue the princess from the land of giants, a deadly task that has even more sinister implications than originally thought, and what about this affection Jack feels towards Isabelle? Question) Basically the story of Jack and the Beanstalk with a few tweaks here and there right? Answer)Yep, and that’s okay if that’s all you’re looking for. From an acting standpoint, the ensemble performs in a delightful manner. As the second film we’ve seen Hoult in this year, he continues to prove he’s mustered and capable, McGregor is right at home, Tucci’s streak of evil fits him nicely, and McShane actually has something to do this go round. Visually, the film has all the necessary and expected points, but doesn’t bring anything new to the party. And, the rest of the film just kind of “sits there,” it’s inoffensive, it goes through the motions of what’s expected and doesn’t really reach to expand our imaginations, even with the power of 3D at its disposal. Jack the Giant Slayer is rated PG-13.

The Sweeney are a tough as iron and hit harder than any hammer could possibly swing. Lead by DI Jack Regan (Ray Winstone), the group is put into a difficult position—they’re being investigated internally whilst trying to crack the case on a brutal jewel theft homicide. Clearing the squad for duty, flying straight, and stopping the bad guys is all in a day’s work; can The Sweeney do it? Low budget and lacking polish, this no brainer of a cop action drama fails to deliver the goods and instead steals your time. Plot holes you could drive a semi through, poor premise, and just flat out half baked dialogue are the starting points of The Sweeney. Forced character development that fails to endear us to our heroes drives even more nails into this coffin, even at critical but calculated emotional points. And, with a distinct “made for TV” look, it’s fairly evident why this flick is out mainly as Video On Demand. The Sweeney is rated R.