Limbo

It's customary to praise John Sayles' movies for their unconventional narratives, subtle characterizations and stubborn refusal to play the shallow, low-expectations game of Hollywood moviemaking. But it's time to spill the beans: The indie idol has no clothes. This glum drama set in Alaska, where damaged souls drift, is surprisingly watchable. But that's mostly because Sayles gives his three leads the opportunity to do what they do so well. That's not nothing — does Michael Bay take time out from blowing stuff up or cramming 50 cuts into five minutes of footage to let actors act? — but it's not the same as being an interesting writer or director....