It ends up playing it pretty safe, giving its audience a production that acts like it is risky, but ultimately isn’t close to being as bold as either of its two most obvious inspirations.

It is certainly ambitious. However, it isn’t cohesive, with some really good pieces that don’t connect to one another. This is a mood more than a logical story. The mood is intriguing; the story is not engaging.

There is something to be said for a charming story that can make the whole family laugh, even if Pixar used to stand for more than a decent diversion.

It is not a traditional romance, yet there is love here, portrayed in a way we don’t often see on the big screen.

Contrived and kind of amusing. It is likable enough, with some genuinely funny stretches.

Director Gore Verbinski and writer Matthew Robinson are not afraid to go to some strange and dark places, shifting tones and trusting their viewers to keep up. It is wild, exciting and tremendously enjoyable. I sincerely hope it finds a big audience.

It mines the role reversal for several good moments, especially her pleasure at turning the tables on him. Unfortunately, the final act is underwhelming, ending things on a middling note.

This is a complex production that does a lot of the right things, from a director who is always challenging himself and his audience. This is a very good movie.

It is not a good movie, though it certainly isn’t the disaster I was expecting, either. It is about two-thirds of a serviceable thriller. That’s not bad for January.

It is good entertainment, doubling as a history lesson. The fact that it makes us consider how crimes are covered today, and how criminals get turned into instant, polarizing, celebrities, is the cherry on top of the sundae.