NEW RELEASE
The Legend of Hercules
PG-13, 1 HR., 39 MINS.
The saga of brawny Greek demigod Hercules gets a Gladiator-style makeover in this rousingly schlocky sword-and-sandal spectacle. Twilight beefcake Kellan Lutz certainly knows how to fill out a toga, but when he’s not slashing his enemies to ribbons in the 300-inspired action smackdowns, he displays all the charisma of a broken lightbulb. Still, if it’s shirtless he-men squaring off in loincloths you’re after, you definitely won’t feel gypped. C+ —Chris Nashawaty
NEW RELEASE
Like Father, Like Son
NOT RATED, 2 HRS.
In an austere Japanese tearjerker, a Tokyo couple learn that their 6-year-old son was switched at birth with another baby. The hard-driving workaholic father (Masaharu Fukuyama) wants to switch the children back. But when he and his wife meet the other couple, and they begin to exchange their boys on a trial basis, we’re not quite sure what to make of it. Should we root for the exchange not to happen? Are we then imposing our own values on the film? Like Father, Like Son seems confused itself, though it’s quirkily touching, and some sort of window into Japan. B- —Owen Gleiberman
NEW RELEASE
The Nut Job
PG, 1 HR., 26 MINS.
Other than a 3-D shower of cashews, almonds, and pistachios, there isn’t a whole lot to recommend in this uninspired animated adventure about a squirrel (Will Arnett) who knocks over a nut store to feed his rodent pals. Some flashy talents lend their tonsils to the tepid tale, including Maya Rudolph, Brendan Fraser, and Katherine Heigl. But only Liam Neeson seems interested in actually earning his paycheck as a deliciously Machiavellian raccoon. He’s like the Darth Vader of varmints. C —Chris Nashawaty
