“Men In Black 3”

★★ (out of four)

“MiB3” was, I suppose, intended as a celebratory ditty, and a chance for Sonnenfeld to demonstrate that his years in the Hollywood system haven’t yet rendered him a permanent idiot. It fails on both counts, and although it is not without its (relatively) strong points, one can’t help but dwell on the question of how so much potential could be so recklessly squandered.

“The Dictator”

★ 1/2

So what happened with “The Dictator”? Did Cohen and Charles find it difficult to transition from the documentary style of “Borat!” and “Bruno” to a more traditional narrative structure, as some have theorized? Perhaps, but in all fairness they’ve still managed to maintain a consistent comic rhythm throughout the film, suggesting that the problems lie deeper. Were they thrown off by the heavily racist nature of their film, which follows a dictator from northern Africa on his quest to reclaim the throne after being replaced by an imposter?

“Dark Shadows”

★ 1/2

Such a film could conceivably be saved by a talented and game cast, but with the exception of Eva Green as the witchy villain, everybody seems to be sleepwalking through their roles. Depp, playing yet another gimmick character in a big-budget Hollywood movie, just looks jaded at this point, or perhaps baked out of his gourd. Either way he’s a bore. Chloe Moretz, usually adorable, appears to have been suffering from chronic constipation during filming. Even Helena Bonham Carter, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jackie Earl Haley are wasted in under-written roles.