The latest installment in the 'Super Troopers' franchise, 'Super Troopers 3,' has been met with widespread criticism, earning a one-star review from Brian Viner of the Daily Mail. Viner described the film as "woeful" and "criminally unfunny," noting that the central joke of incompetent police officers has been overused since the franchise's inception in 2001.
The review highlights a perceived decline in cinematic originality, drawing a parallel to the silent film era when the Keystone Kops, known for their slapstick incompetence, were phased out. 'Super Troopers 3,' written by the comedy team Broken Lizard, follows Vermont state troopers as they navigate personal conflicts and attempt to thwart attacks on maple-syrup trucks. Viner's critique suggests that the humor relies on crass gags targeting race, sex, drugs, and Canada, with few eliciting genuine laughter.
In contrast, "The Summer Book," adapted from Tove Jansson's 1972 novel, received a more favorable three-star rating. The film, starring Glenn Close as a grandmother spending the summer with her granddaughter Sophia, is described as an unhurried and touching study of family dynamics affected by grief. Close's performance as the formidable Finnish grandmother is singled out for praise, though the film is noted for its lack of a strong narrative arc, presenting a more introspective and slow-paced viewing experience.
Another family drama, the French-language film "Love Me Tender," also garnered a three-star review. The film stars Vicky Krieps as Clemence, a separated mother whose amicable co-parenting relationship deteriorates when her ex-partner becomes prejudiced against her new relationship with a woman. The story, based on a true account from Constance Debre's autobiographical novel, explores themes of homophobia within legal proceedings, detailing Clemence's separation from her son for 18 months. The review points out the irony that the legal system, influenced by the principles of the granddaughter's grandfather, former French Prime Minister Michel Debre, failed her.
For younger audiences, "Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie," the third spin-off from the children's television series, surprisingly received a positive reception with a three-star rating. Critic Peter Hoskin noted that the film is "quite good, actually," even for adults accompanying their children. The movie features voice cameos from Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton and involves the Paw Patrol pups discovering a mysterious island inhabited by dinosaurs, which attracts both scientists and those seeking treasure. Despite a villain who resembles Colonel Sanders, the film culminates in a dramatic volcanic climax.