Capsule reviews for March 14

The Art of the Steal

There’s only a moderate level of humor and suspense in this formulaic caper comedy that seems to borrow from a few genre predecessors. The film follows Crunch (Kurt Russell), a stuntman and erstwhile art thief who reunites with his brother (Matt Dillon) and their gang for a final heist of a valuable historical book. But the bickering siblings can’t agree on the execution of their plan, and the scheme falls apart. The script has some scattered clever moments and the strong ensemble cast — especially Russell, in an amusing and energetic performance — helps to smooth over some rough edges, but the overall impact doesn’t match its intentions. (Rated R, 90 minutes).

Better Living Through Chemistry

What could have been a sharp satire veers into life-affirming blandness in this noir comedy about Doug (Sam Rockwell), a small-town pharmacist whose marriage to a cyclist (Michelle Monaghan) has hit a rut, leading to his affair with an affluent housewife (Olivia Wilde) whose pill-popping habit makes her a top customer, and to a drug habit that threatens to ruin his business and his straitlaced reputation. The cast is strong, but the script by rookie directors Geoff Moore and David Posamentier seems to lack courage in its convictions. It takes only half-hearted jabs at suburban angst and the pharmaceutical industry in favor of feel-good cuteness. (Not rated, 91 minutes).

Ernest and Celestine

This delightful animated adaptation of a series of Belgian children’s books takes place in a world of anthropomorphic animals in which bears and mice don’t get along. Yet that doesn’t stop Ernest (voiced by Forest Whitaker in the English dubbed version), a homeless bear struggling to find food on the street, from befriending Celestine (Mackenzie Foy), an orphaned mouse just trying to find a family. The hand-drawn animation and watercolor backgrounds in this French production add a unique texture, and although the pace might be too deliberate for small kids, the film conveys valuable lessons about friendship and acceptance without compromising its humor and charm. (Not rated, 79 minutes).

Le Week-End

Contrary to Hollywood trends, it’s still possible to craft an honest and insightful romance about older adults, as proven in this bittersweet drama from director Roger Michell (Notting Hill). The film follows Nick (Jim Broadbent), a London philosophy professor who visits Paris for the weekend in an attempt to save his 30-year marriage to impulsive Meg (Linsday Duncan). At first they marvel at the sights and engage in playful mischief, but eventually it descends into bickering and jealousy that puts them on the brink of divorce. The actors achieve a terrific chemistry, and the screenplay avoids cliches in its modest exploration of aging and commitment. (Rated R, 93 minutes).

The Right Kind of Wrong

Logic and authenticity are thrown out the window in this predictable romantic comedy from director Jeremiah Chechik (Christmas Vacation) about an aspiring writer (Ryan Kwanten) who achieves celebrity status as the subject of his ex-wife’s phenomenally popular blog, which criticizes his many flaws. Determined to prove her wrong, he becomes determined to charm a woman (Sara Canning) at her own wedding. The ethical problems aren’t questioned much as their relationship deepens, with the film more interested in trite cuteness and low-brow sex jokes than any meaningful character depth. The chemistry between the two leads is lacking, but so is their common sense and originality. (Rated R, 97 minutes).