Reel-View Ratings: The Bigger The Beard, The Better The Movie

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MURK

mehGuilt permeates every frame of Danish thriller Murk, which follows a brother (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) m o u r n i n g h i s disabled sister’s wedding-night suicide — as well as the too-close-for-coincidence behavior of her bereaved fiancée (Nicolas Bro), who seems to have a pattern of marrying handicapped women. The film looks unflinchingly at suicide and its societal stigmas, but its brave commentary is watered down with a slow and unbelievable plot.

(Unrated)
Plays 2:15 and 6:15 Oct. 31 at the Movie Museum

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BIRDMAN

thebeeskneesFormer superheroes are everywhere in Birdman, the almost-meta film about an actor who made his name as the hero Birdman trying to remake his fading name on Broadway. Former Batman Michael Keaton steps into the role gamely, mirroring his own acting trajectory with a steadfast devotion, but it’s Edward Norton and Emma Stone who inject energy into the proceedings. The movie’s messages get a little mixed up, but its loving use of the long single-take keeps the perspective fresh.

(R)
Opens Oct. 31 at Kahala Theatre

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JOHN WICK

thebeeskneesKeanu Reeves is the new … Liam Neeson? Reeves is former assassin John Wick, who swears revenge after the son of a Russian gangster (Alfie Allen) kills his beloved dog. The film has everything an action movie must have: beautifully choreographed action (with the steadiest of cameras), an engaging world of assassins and killersfor-hire, joyfully cheesy cameo roles from other actors, and yes, that’s right, Reeves having an emotional blowout. No, the plot isn’t world-class, but it doesn’t need to be.

(R)
Opened Oct. 24 in wide release