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Many critics (including this one) seem to be in competition for the "Most Senselessly Cynical" Award that there still isn't (but should be) an Oscar for. Mr. O'Hehir begins his harangue with the most widely abused faux paux of his breed, having nothing better to say than to call the movie "lame". Perhaps he can actually write better than this and is merely trying to sound modern instead of bitter.
I haven't seen this movie yet and may not have chosen to watch it, but I am certainly going to now, if for nothing else to defy the smarmy piece here. You might consider employing writers whose talents and abilities include more than just spewing vitriol. And no, I have no attachment to the movie industry or this film. I'm just an ordinary movie-goer.