Be Cool
Elmore Leonard's novel of the same name wasn't that strong, really, a bit meandering. The film does the same thing. It's what's wrong with sequels; too much self-reference, a bigger budget and more pointless celebrity cameos don't make a film stronger. Cedric The Entertainer, The Rock, Vince Vaughn are all fine --and any Uma Thurman appearance is a welcome sight. Sadly, Travolta is one-note in this film in a way he never was in Get Shorty. While it all seemed fresh ten years ago, it's very been-there-done-that now. There's a few laughs now and then, but not much else to recommend. 
**

Hostage
After some opening titles that seem to be trying to beat the upcoming Sin City to it's visual style we get the standard Bruce Willis b-movie (alongside Mercury Rising and Striking Distance) in which his character jumps through hoops as if the story had been pitched as a cross between Die Hard, Panic Room, an episode of 24... and of all things, Alien and The Crow. You can practically hear the director saying "I wanna make ten movies but I could get hit by a bus tomorrow and die, so I'll make them all at once." Bruce does well with what he's given. but he's not given much. Far better is the director's previous film The Nest (now on home video) which is tight and intense with engaging work by Sami Naceri of the French Taxi films.  **1/2

Steamboy (Dubbed Version)
Featuring voice performances by Anna Paquin, Alfred Molina and Patrick Stewart, the film was very well designed. Some engaging setpieces and characters. The only downside was the overlong conclusion where a calamity is occurring... and occurring... and occurring, taking up nearly a thrid of the film's running time. Even at the shorter version of the film, I had to check my watch. There's a decent message in the film regarding society, weaponry and the corruptive power of genius that is fortunately never overdone, while the flying sequences are kinetic and fun. The superb opening third is filled with childlike whimsy and awe at the marvelous technology of steam power. And our hero is so likable I'd very much enjoy seeing further chapters of his ongoing adventures. Though it never quite reaches the highs of Akira, the film is still worth a look on the big screen.
***