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20 years since Harry and Lloyd (Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey) had their first adventure, the impossibly brick headed duo re-unite to find a suitable kidney donor for Harry. As luck would have it, former girlfriend Fraida Felcher (Kathleen Turner) happens to know of a possible donor, Harry’s own daughter, Penny(Rachel Melvin). Trouble is, Penny was put up for adoption just after birth years ago, tracking her down won’t be easy for the mensa team. Meanwhile, Penny’s adopted mother, Adele (Laurie Holden), has plans of her own to upset the family fortune. Will Harry and Lloyd get to Penny before Adele and her henchmen, and who will get who’s kidney? Directed by the Farrelly brothers the “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks” approach to comedy seems to be in effect with tendencies towards blue, slapstick, and ridiculous puns– pretty much like the first go round. Sadly, and ironically, the lack of sophistication and intelligence overall in the writing seems to be the downfall here and actually robs the film of what could in fact be very funny. That said, there are a handful of quickly forgettable but desirably quotable moments, I just wish I could remember them. And, with a spattering of fun cameos and throwbacks to the original, it’s safe to say the whole thing isn’t a waste, it’s just too bad there wasn’t more substance to sink our teeth into. More of a rental but maybe a matinee if you’re feeling sentimental, Dumb and Dumber To is rated PG-13.

While reporting for Newsweek Magazine during the 2009 Iranian elections Maziar Bahari (Gael García Bernal), an Iranian-Canadian journalist, was detained by Iranian police forces and brutally interrogated on the suspicion that he was in fact a western spy. Stolen hope and stolen time, the mental games he would endure might break an ordinary individual; but, inspired by his father’s story, Baba Akbar (Haluk Bilginer), Maziar would find the strength to go on. Making matters worse, international support for Maziar would drive the same Iranian forces to new acts of desperation, the whole game could end in shambles, or could it? Based on actual events, directed by and adapted screenplay by political satirist Jon Stewart, Rosewater in fact takes a somber and accurate look at the very real issue of reporter safety in foreign countries. Strong acting from the ensemble makes for a believable watch; and, semi-documentary styling cinematography blends nicely with the overall biopic storytelling. Sadly, at its conclusion, the overall gravity of the film doesn’t seem to pull the viewer into much of a call to action, and, while interesting, isn’t as compelling as one might hope. Still, a formidable freshman attempt, perhaps worthy of a matinee or rental, Rosewater is rated R.

Robotic whiz and child prodigy Hiro (Ryan Potter) is on a dark path until his brother Tadashi (Daniel Henney) introduces him to a positive outlet for his genius– a school devoted to technology and science where Hiro will be able to grow his talents further. But, when a tragic accident takes Tadashi’s life Hiro is sent into a tailspin once again. Oddly enough it’s Tadashi’s invention, Baymax (Scott Adsit), a non threatening robotic nurse made with the skin of a giant inflatable vinyl balloon that helps to put Hiro back on course, that is until an evil criminal mastermind makes itself known to Hiro by stealing one of his own tech ideas. Now it’s up to Hiro, Baymax, and schoolmates Fred (T.J. Miller), Go Go (Jamie Chung), Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), and Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) to stop this mysterious idea thief and figure out what the larger nefarious plan might be. From the same crew that produced Frozen and Wreck-It Ralph, Disney’s Animation Studios have managed to churn out another larger than life hero’s quest tale told from a perspective that can be appreciated by both young and old done with attention to stunning visual detail as we’ve come to expect. And, while by no means is this Disney’s smartest or cleverest film to date, perhaps the more important factor is again the message of acceptance and positive image for both boys and girls who have an interest in science and technology, a round of applause! Albeit, the final act does feel a little thrown together and too convenient (darn meddling kids….) the overall ride is still good fun for the family. Big Hero 6 is rated PG.