Mark Zhuravsy

Erased starts out strong...but for the rest of the running time, we are watching Ben catch up with us, and that makes for uninteresting cinema no matter how kinetic the action.

With the help of a talented cast, The Brass Teapot is able to coast on charm for the first hour, but then the fairytale idea that powers the film runs out of juice, and the last forty-five minutes hurtle toward a wrap-up that feels both awkward and overwrought, needlessly portentous and arriving much too late.

The Last Stand delivers -- up to a point. Keep those expectations reasonable and try not to be disappointed.

Stumbles out of the gate with a pacing that suggests a stern history lesson, despite warm performances from the cast and a polished look.

It's worth saying that the final moments of Smiley are a grade above the by-the-numbers film that unfolded prior, but it's too little too late.

It's not everyone cup of bloody tea, but an unapologetic genre treat for those willing to dive in.