Mini-Review: Carano is attractive, can fight and act (passably at least). However, she lacks the charisma of a great movie star, imo, which didn't give the film the umph it needed. Soderbergh decisions to forgo a film score in some of the fight sequences as well as using more natural sound effects didn't help.(The use of video (HD?) didn't work well, too, imo--although it looked goodl.) The film isn't dumb like many action films, but it's not terribly interesting either. (probable score: 66)

Mini-Review: While the acting and dialogue are good for the most part, there are times when it doesn't work so well--largely because it feels like theatrical acting and dialogue in a cinematic context. Perhaps the bigger problem is the film's target of satire (e.g., the way people hide their true feelings, the liberal do-gooder type, etc.)--mainly because it's too obvious to be interesting. Still, I enjoyed watching the actors, especially Waltz and Reilly.

Mini-Review: The best part of the film: it really does captures what Hawai'i looks like to those that live there--at least upper class professionals. Unfortunately, the story is filmsy and the filmmakers don't really develop the character very well. The acting is solid, especially in the emotional scenes. (Probable score: 68)

Mini-Review: Spielberg jonesing for Indiana and springboarding off of Miyazaki's *Castle of Cagliostro*--unfortunately, Tintin is dull and not as appealing as Indy or Lupin. (The drama revolves around Haddock, which makes Tintin seem superfluous.) Having said that, some of sequences are terrific--especially, the chase sequence, which is one of Speilberg's best, imo. I loved the opening credits as well. The story is just OK. (probable score: 67)