Two films, two happy endings

Happy endings come in all shapes and sizes. Two of the films that I saw last week, “The Yellow Handkerchief” and “Babies,” are about as different as two films can be.

The first is an independent production, a low-budget study that has three characters - played by Kristen Stewart, Eddie Redmayne and William Hurt - who end up learning something about each other, and in the process themselves, while going on a road trip across Louisiana. The acting, particularly by Redmayne, is good, the scenes are well framed and the theme of retribution is always worth exploring. The only problem: the plot. Can you say Tony Orlando ?

The second is a documentary that hits every cute quotient imaginable. But while it may be a calculated cute, it’s one that works. Following a quartet of babies from around the globe - Mongolia, Africa, Japan and the U.S. - the film documents each child’s first year of life. And even though the movie couldn’t be sweeter, it does feature National Geographic-worthy scenery and moments that show just how different baby life can be. The children of privilege, Japan and America, have every advantage - they play with toys while the Asian and African kids literally eat dirt and dodge flies. But it’s arguable as to who is happier.

So, two different movies. Same upbeat ending. The week could have been worse. I might have decided to go and see “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” But … no. I’ll wait for “The Karate Kid” to waste my money on a remake. That one at least boasts Jackie Chan.

Below : The trailer for “The Yellow Handkerchief.”