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By Beth Accomando
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry
(Sundance Selects) For most artists, there’s a line between their art and their life. For Ai Weiwei, art, life, and activism are all part of one continuum, and impossible to separate. What makes this even more remarkable is that Ai is an artist working and living in China where the government does not like to be contradicted or criticized. For the documentary Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, filmmaker Alison Klayman filmed the artist during a two-year plus period leading up to and immediately following his recent arrest. She paints a portrait of the artist as a man who felt a burning desire and obligation to speak out about things that he felt were wrong. Her film is a fascinating and sometimes enraging look at the risks an artist like Ai takes. His willingness to speak out despite severe consequences is inspiring. Now playing.
The Bourne Legacy
(Universal) Matt Damon said that if there was another Bourne film after Ultimatum it would have to be called The Bourne Redundancy. Turns out he’s right. The Bourne Legacy has a been there, done that feeling without any real sense of improvement. It is nice that director Tony Gilroy (who wrote the previous Bournes) employs a steadier camera and less spastic cutting sensibility. Jeremy Renner is good but the new emphasis on genetically engineering agents isn’t used to it’s fullest potential. Basically it’s parkour filmmaking -- all about forward movement with no time for story or character development. Now Playing.
The Campaign
(Warner Brothers) Whether you are eagerly awaiting this year’s presidential election or dreading the onslaught of politicking, this comedy may be just what you need to prep you for the election season. Strictly formula without much to think about, The Campaign serves up Will Ferrell as a conservative candidate and Zach Galifianakis as a liberal one. Predictable hijinks ensue. Now playing.
The Expendables 2
(Lionsgate) Where do old action stars go? To the Expendables. Number 2 isn’t even out yet and Lionsgate has already announced that Nicolas Cage will join The Expendables 3 and that it is pursuing Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford. The formula -- old and some new action stars on a mission -- feels as tired as some of the stars but this time out a rejuvenated Jean Claude Van Damme signs on for duty. The fun is strictly in seeing these guys pal around and face off, kind of like the action stars rat pack. Now playing.
Looper
(TriStar) Director Rian Johnson and actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt successfully collaborated on the teen noir Brick. They partner again for this action sci-fi tale set in 2042. The premise involves a group of killers known as “loopers” that go back in time to kill people before they become a problem for the killers’ mob bosses. The conundrum: what if you are sent back to kill your young self. It stars Gordon-Levitt as the younger version of Bruce Willis. Could be fun, and with Johnson at the helm and Gordon-Levitt starring it might even be good. Opens September 28.
Read Beth’s blog www.kpbs.org/cinemajunkie
RRRRR-Revolutionary, the Revolt Seal of Approval RRRR- Recommended RRR-Routine RR-Reserving Judgment (not available for preview) R-Rejected