Cloud Atlas

The Matrix-making Wachowski siblings join forces with German auteur Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) to helm this epic adaptation of David Mitchell's epic sci-fi novel. Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess and others take on a multitude of characters, races and genders in this complex, time-hopping tale about how our actions--good and bad--affect others. Miraculously, the six divergent storylines dovetail perfectly. The three directors have nailed the structure. If only they could have found a stronger emotional hook to the material. It's gorgeous and impressive, but the moral is way too simple. FULL REVIEW: Time-hopping sci-fi tale soars—but how high? by Devin D. O’Leary (10/25/2012). 172 minutes R.