“Night Watch” (R)
(star)(star)
Big question: Here’s a fresh concept: A supernatural battle rages between good and evil. How in the world did this hollow nonsense smash Russia’s box-office records?
Skip it: “Night Watch” is a dim-witted and occasionally imaginative fantasy with little brains beneath its showy surface. It’s so infatuated with the hyperactive thrill of a video game, it’s a wonder the film comes from a novel and not PlayStation 2.
Catch it if: You want to see a man pull out his own spine to use as a sword. And who doesn’t?
Bottom line: Overly busy, very silly and, at times, kinda cool, “Night Watch” is the sort of annoyingly fussy sci-fi slop Keanu Reeves usually makes. (Sorry, dude, he’s not in this.) Dumber than “The Matrix,” it’s a treat for anyone who can admit they loved “Constantine.”
Bonus: BYO vampire-slaying nickname. Bear and Tiger Cub are taken, but if you consider those badass, Cute Wittle Bunny Wabbit is still available.
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MPAIS@TRIBUNE.COM
