Leather Heads

M: A movie about the coming of age of professional football starring George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, and John Krasinski (Jim of the Office). A relatively funny and quirky movie that at times tried too hard to be quirky and came off silly. I enjoyed Clooney and Krasinski's characters, but did not care for Zellweger's character and did not believe the romance side of the film. It also bugged me when they tried to turn Krasinski's character into an antagonist. It felt awkward for the movie to try to force me to root against the character that was the most likable and that I most liked. 2 stars

V: It's fun enough, but it tried to go in too many different directions and fit into too many different genres at once. The effect is a pretty discombobulated show. The actors are fun. I always say I don't like Rene Zellweger, but then usually find that I lose the actress in her character. So she is a good actor, after all, I admit. George Clooney and John Krasinski are loveable actors, and their characters are fun, too. But it still is jumbled, ending in a joke that was fun, but still, what's all this running around about? Seems like Clooney, as director, was trying to sandwich the slapstick from his 20 favorite old movies into this show, and it just got silly sometimes. 2 stars.

Ocean's Thirteen

V: This one reminded me of the first one (the first remake, that is.) Which means it was better than the second, silly one. This one takes us back to Vegas and involves all the great characters in their plot to bring down the jerk who hurt their friend. (Loved the Mormon kids who got sidetracked from their duties by getting all their fellow workers in the Mexican factory to go on strike, protesting poor working conditions.) It is funny, clever and interesting. 3 stars.

M: I agree with V, better than the second; but not as good as the first. These guys obviously have a blast working together, and hats off to them for it. But maybe next time we should get an Ocean's five. There are just too many characters in this movie to give them all camera time without making it feel like a disjointed cameo fest. Plus, you end up feeling bad when the likes of Bernie Mac only gets a half dozen lines. Still, fun, fairly action-packed, and enjoyable. Spend a dollar and get it from red box. 3 stars