Film Reviews: February 8, 2015

Here is a recap of the films reviewed on today's show:

Taken 3 is no better or worse than the movies Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Segal were making in the 1990s and so it is satisfying as a dumb action movie.
The filmmakers of Black or White try to have it both ways; the film has complicated characters in an overly simplistic story. Black or White is acceptable as a feel good movie but the optimism is forced.

The Boy Next Door is a stupid movie that’s not sexy enough to be an erotic thriller nor is it trashy enough to be any fun.

As a film directed at the youth market, Project Almanac is an acceptable sci-fi movie. For older viewers, Project Almanac is a frustrating film because it possesses the potential to be a much better movie than it is.

Earth to Echo is a fine family-friendly adventure. It’s no classic but the picture is sufficiently entertaining for both children and their parents.

You can find the full text of each review in the Sounds of Cinema review archive.