Short Takes

SHORT TAKES

Condensed from Daily News movie critic Gary Thompson's reviews, unless noted otherwise.

THE NOVEMBER MAN. In thriller, Pierce Brosnan comfortably slips back into world of international intrigue. (R) B- Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

THE TRIP TO ITALY. Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon take hilarious schtick abroad. (Not rated) B+ Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR. 3-D slice of nihilist noir lacks punch of original. (R) C Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

FRANK. Inventive "band trying to make it" tale, with more than a whiff of insanity. (R) B Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL. Loser of a film on football-winning machine De La Salle High (PG). C Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

LIFE AFTER BETH. Attracted good cast - Garry Marshall, Anna Kendrick, John C. Reilly - but wasted their talent. (R) C+ Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

IF I STAY. Weeper is your basic manipulative, contrived melodrama. (PG-13) B- Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

ARE YOU HERE. Bewilderingly unfunny vehicle for Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis, Amy Poehler. (R) C+ Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

THE EXPENDABLES 3. Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes, Ronda Rousey join the gang, going after bad-guy Mel Gibson in an all-ages action-hero pileup. (PG-13) C+

THE GIVER. Lois Lowry's novel translates poorly to screen in flat dud. Only Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges spark any energy, briefly. Note to fangirls: Taylor Swift's cameo is fleeting. (PG-13) B-

LET'S BE COPS. Great chemistry between Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Johnson can't quite carry too-light-on-comedy action comedy. (R) B- Reviewed by Molly Eichel.