Stop-Loss

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 28, 2008

DVD Release Date: July 8, 2008

Plot 411: After their final tour in Iraq, Brandon and Steve's long-time friendship is tested when one of them is ordered back to active duty.

Review: For some odd reason, this movie totally makes me think of Don Henley's Boys of Summer. I'm not exactly sure why because the themes are different. Maybe it has to do in part with the movie's theme of one's loss of innocence and the melancholy realization that it is gone forever? Brandon (Ryan Phillippe) and Steve (Channing Tatum) have completed their tours in Iraq during which time they've watched many men die. Brandon feels responsible for their deaths but looks forward to being discharged from the military. Unfortunately, because of a policy that allows the government to recall soldiers, Brandon must face his demons and return to war. He refuses to comply and becomes a deserter. Another soldier (played magnificently by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) under Brandon is guilt ridden and plagued with depression. The movie's political themes are evident, but I connected a lot more with the emotional and psychological nature of the film. The turmoil that these characters (and I assume real soldiers) face makes for an interesting, yet heart-wrenching, plot. The political implications are also intriguing and makes you reassess your viewpoints, especially when you see how politics, government, military and war affects real lives and real families.

Watch It: For a different kind of military drama that'll get you thinking and a great performance by Gordon-Levitt.

Skip It: If you're definitely pro-war/pro-military as the characters may just piss you off. You need to view this film with an open mind.

Just Friends

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 23, 2005

DVD Release Date: March 7, 2006

Plot 411: A successful music producer returns home for the holidays and must face his high school nightmares all over again.

Review: Chris (Ryan Reynolds) has really made something of himself out in L.A. But, when a trip to Paris with an up-and-coming pop star (Anna Faris) takes a detour, Chris finds himself back home in New Jersey. At home, all his high school insecurities return and only gets worse when he reunites with his best friend (and secret crush) Jamie (Amy Smart). Between babysitting the pop star and trying to get the nerve to declare his love for Jamie, Chris fumbles through the holidays and being home with his parents. This is another cute (and brainless) rom-com that's good for snuggling up in front of the TV during the holidays. It tackles issues like self-esteem and high school stereotypes. I guess you're never too far from your high school self, despite all that you may have accomplished in the world. This movie is a perfect example of the traumas of high school and their effect on you the rest of your life. Sure, it's a bit extreme but I still think it's possible. That's why there are shows like Bully Beatdown. Chris Klein and Chris Marquette also star in this film. Both Faris and Klein are pretty hilarious in their roles. Faris is notable for her normal eccentricities and over-the-top physical humor. Klein's laughs are more low key, but it's his appearance that really makes your belly ache. How did this guy go from being the jock boy in American Pie to the nerd in this one? Amazing . . . or is that just amazingly sad?

Watch It: For another run-of-the-mill chick flick.

Skip It: And spend some time with your family instead.

In The Good Old Summertime

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: July 29, 1949

DVD Release Date: April 6, 2004

Plot 411: Veronica is in love with her pen pal but dispises her boss at work. What she doesn't know is that they are one in the same.

Review: Judy Garland plays Veronica, a somewhat uptight woman seeking work at a music shop. After being turned down for the job, she upsells a customer and the owner (S.Z. Sakall) hires her. However, she immediately takes a dislike to her boss Andrew (Van Johnson) and the two have a rocky relationship. Both try to outsell and outdo one another throughout the day. The only time Veronica can let her guard down is when she's corresponding with her anonymous pen pal. Here she is truly herself. When the two arrange to meet one another, she is stood up and is further upset when Andrew arrives and sits with her for a short time. Andrew is shocked that his pen pal is Veronica and debates whether or not he should tell her. This movie is fun and filled with many enjoyable songs (although I didn't really know any). I've only seen a couple of Garland's films but I can't say this one falls under my favorites. Her character in this film is just really prudish and doesn't seem to know how to have fun. I almost feel sorry for Andrew and would also seriously debate whether to confess or not. Mostly, the movie is about opposites who attract one another. The underlying sexual tension between Andrew and Veronica is there from the jump, but of course, because of the time in which this movie was made, it isn't really as obvious as today's films. For the most part it's a quick way to pass the time. I don't think I'd watch it again though. Buster Keaton also provides comedic relief in this film.

Watch It: If you're a fan of Judy Garland.

Skip It: For Meet Me In St. Louis, which I somehow liked a lot better.

Any Given Sunday

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 22, 1999

DVD Release Date: September 1, 2000

Plot 411: A once-great football team has had several bad years and the new owner and veteran coach butt heads on coaching methods.

Review: Coach D'Amato (Al Pacino), who has led the Miami Sharks to several championships over the years, is caught in the crosshairs of new owner Christina (Cameron Diaz), who has just inherited the team from her father. Believing that D'Amato is over-the-hill and his teaching methods are outdated, she hires a new offensive coordinator (Aaron Eckhart) to breathe some life into the team. Christina is a shrewd woman and successful finances is a top priority for her. Because of this and many losing seasons, she plans on replacing D'Amato at the season's end. When injuries strike the team, third-string quarterback Willie Beamen (Jamie Foxx) leads the team to several wins after some initial setbacks. He soon becomes arrogant and this causes friction between him and many of the other players. This movie gives audiences a good look at the inner workings of professional sports - the good and the bad. It comments on how the sport is promoted, scrutinizes the coaching and players, their motives and commitments, looks at the luxurious and lavish lives that the players' families are privy to and the corruption within the sport. It's a stark contrast to the typical fan's point of view and also parodies many within professional football. Also in this film are LL Cool J, James Wood, Dennis Quaid, Lauren Holly, Matthew Modine and John C. McGinley.

Watch It: For one of Diaz's few serious roles. She's actually pretty good in this one.

Skip It: If a straight football movie is what you're looking for. This is more about the people than it is about the sport.

Gone In Sixty Seconds

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 9, 2000

DVD Release Date: November 28, 2000

Plot 411: Fifty hot cars are stolen in one night to prevent a murder.

Review: Nicholas Cage stars as Memphis, a former car thief who is forced out of retirement when his kid brother Kip's (Giovanni Ribisi) life is threatened. After a botched job for crime pen Calitri (Christopher Eccleston), Kip, Memphs and their old crews must steal 50 cars to fulfill the contract. To avoid capture, they decide to steal them all in one night. The crews - which includes Sway (Angelina Jolie), Otto (Robert Duvall), Sphinx (Vinnie Jones), Tumbler (Scott Caan) and others - stake out all the high-end, hard-to-get vehicles and plot their heist. Hot on their trail are two of LA's finest - Castlebeck (Delroy Lindo) and Drycoff (Timothy Olyphant). This is fast-paced heist film that's captivating because of the things that are being stolen. Rather than jewels or money, cars are the centerpiece of this movie. The ways in which the car theives boost the vehicles are interesting, especially if you're not of that world. Who would've thought it'd be so easy to do? Cage performs as he normally does in these action-type movies. No surprises there. Jolie does okay as the sole female in the bunch, even with her blonde hair. She was definitely young in this film. Will Scott Caan ever be able to avoid being typecasted? He's always a thug, an obnoxious jock or some other miscreant. Overall, it's an action-packed movie that'll let you escape for a couple of hours from your ho-hum life. Isn't that all most of us ask for?

Watch It: If you're a car enthusiast since some sweet rides get stolen.

Skip It: If you're a real car enthusiast because I'm sure all the engine and revving sound effects probably don't match the vehicles accurately.

Food, Inc.

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 12, 2009

DVD Release Date: November 3, 2009

Plot 411: An eye-opening look inside the food production cycle that feeds America.

Review: I'm a carnivore. I've been one since I was a wee babe. However, after watching this film about corporate America and the food production cycle, I really gotta say that meat doesn't look so good right about now. This film delves into many issues surrounding farming that we, as consumers, probably aren't cognizant of. From chicken, beef and pork to the corn that is grown to feed them, large international companies control the types of food that are available to us. By looking at the bottom line and profits, they are effectively killing people. That's not even counting the their negative effects on the environment. Everyone is affected by this cycle of food production - from the farmer, who harvests crops or raises livestock, to the soccer mom, who purchases the end product. Everything is horribly intertwined and one defect can impact millions. What is even more horrifying is that these large companies don't seem to care about the destruction they're causing. I'm not usually one to get on a soapbox and wave the peace sign around, but people should really watch this film just for its educational value. I learned a lot about things I'd never even took a minute to think about. I don't know if this knowledge will completely change my consumer habits (although it really, really should), but at least I'll be more aware of things as I do my weekly grocery shopping.

Watch It: For a jaw-dropping look at the working conditions, politics, strong-arm tactics and capitalism involved to produce something as simple as a hamburger or a gallon of milk.

Skip It: If slightly graphic images of animals in atrocious conditions make you cringe.

Four Christmases

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 26, 2008

DVD Release Date: November 24, 2009

Plot 411: When all outgoing flights are canceled, Brad and Kate must spend Christmas visiting each of their divorced parents.

Review: Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) have had a tradition of vacationing somewhere tropical during the holidays ever since they first met. The long-time couple both agree that avoiding their respective families is the best for everyone. By doing so, they do not need to experience the chaotic and sometimes embarrassing scenes that occur during the holidays. However, when a thick fog cancels all flights out of San Francisco, they are forced to visit their families and endure a day of four Christmas celebrations. The continuous family time and holiday cheer affects each of them differently and in the end, they learn more about themselves than they ever thought possible. This is a cute film to enjoy during the holidays. It makes you realize that your own family isn't quite as nuts as you thought they were. Vaughn and Witherspoon are okay as a couple, but I think the chemistry between Jennifer Aniston and Vaughn in The Breakup was a lot more real (probably because it was real). Despite this, I think there were a ton of laughs in this movie that came with all the family drama that Brad and Kate have been trying to avoid. Everyone can relate to the craziness of the holidays, and this film seems to capitalize on this concept. I really loved the San Francisco background and liked that the families didn't live within the city like the couple did. Rarely is the surrounding areas of a large city featured in movies so this is a good chance to advertise the suburbs and towns around the Bay area. Brad and Kate's parents are played by Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight and Mary Steenburgen. Jon Favreau also makes an appearance as Brad's brother. He is hilarious as always.

Watch It: With a cup of hot chocolate in your hands and thank the lord your family is "normal."

Skip It: Because Vaughn is looking quite chunky in this movie. Is that the price of success?

Never Been Kissed

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: April 9, 1999

DVD Release Date:October 26, 1999

Plot 411: A copyeditor gets her chance to prove herself as a reporter when she's assigned to go undercover at a high school.

Review: This is a sweet romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore as Josie Geller, an awkward young copyeditor with dreams of becoming a reporter. When her editor (Garry Marshall) gives her a chance to write, she jumps at it even though she must return to one of the worst times in her life. To get a feel of today's youth, she must go undercover at the local high school and make her way into the popular crowd. Unfortunately, Josie doesn't have much experience with the popular crowd because she was and still is a geek. With the help of her brother Rob (David Arquette), who was a popular jock in high school, Josie is able to tread through the social politics that is high school. Josie does well in English and develops a friendship with teacher Sam Coulson (Michael Vartan). But, because of her supposed age of 17, a relationship is forbidden. This is a fun high school rom com - one of many during the late '90s and early '00s. Barrymore is a good selection for the role of Josie because she has a youthful and innocent look about her. She still speaks with a short tongue though but that doesn't seem to keep her from acting jobs. Arquette is funny as her slacker brother. For this genre of film, I think Never Been Kissed is a pretty decent entry. This movie was also the training ground for some of young Hollywood's elite - Jessica Alba, James Franco and Leelee Sobieski - as well as the playground for established actors like Molly Shannon, John C. Reilly and Octavia Spencer.

Watch It: If you dream of being a reporter one day because this is the kind of commitment it'll take.

Skip It: If the lisping Barrymore is more than you can handle.

Chicago

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 27, 2002

DVD Release Date: August 19, 2003

Plot 411: After shooting her lover, Roxie reaches for stardom to save her from the gallows.

Review: This musical stars Renee Zellweger as Roxie Hart, a 1920s housewife who is having an affair with Fred (Dominic West) to increase her chances of starring in a vaudeville show. When he reveals that he has no connections to showbiz, she kills him. Roxie tries to convince her husband (John C. Reilly) that she's innocent but is put in jail anyway. In the slammer, she meets a real vaudeville star named Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Velma's lawyer Billy (Richard Gere) takes on Roxie's case and both women become newspaper darlings, especially when gossip reporter Mary Sunshine (Christine Baranski) writes up their stories. They fight each other for the front page and celebrity in an effort to become so famous that they can't be executed. They will stop at nothing to make headlines, including falsifying a pregnancy. The musical is a comment on society's unhealthy attraction to fame and how it can cause corruption in the system. I don't think this only applies to the '20s when journalism was pretty unethical anyway. I mean, look at all the tabloids and blogs catering to this type of news nowadays. The individual performances (both singing and dancing) by the cast is amazing. Who knew Richard Gere could sing? My favorite number is definitely Mr. Cellophane by John C. Reilly though. Queen Latifah also has a hand in this film as Mama, Roxie and Velma's warden. They did a really good job of transferring a stage production to film, and I liked how they kept some of the set pieces to make it look like a stage show.

Watch It: For really great singing and dancing numbers. They don't make musicals like this anymore and it makes me long for a musical revival. Bring back the Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire flicks!

Skip It: If musicals aren't your bag of tea because this is fully a musical. There are dream sequences especially so the actors can break into song.

What Happens In Vegas

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 9, 2008

DVD Release Date: August 26, 2008

Plot 411: When tragedy strikes, two individuals seek a distraction in Las Vegas only to end up getting married to one another.

Review: When Joy (Cameron Diaz) is dumped by her boyfriend, her BFF Tipper (Lake Bell) insists they take a trip to Vegas to forget her troubles. Jack (Ashton Kutcher) is also in Vegas with his friend Hater (Rob Corddry) because he just got fired by his dad. After a hotel mix up, the foursome party the night away. Joy and Jack wake up the next morning married to one another. But before they can get a divorce, Jack hits a jackpot with a quarter he got from Joy. Now $3,000,000 is at stake and each is determined to walk away with the cash. Unfortunately, their judge (Dennis Miller) isn't going to make it easy on them. He sentences them to six months of marriage and weekly visits to a marriage counselor (Queen Latifah). Joy and Jack live together during this period to show the court that they're really trying to be married to one another. They also try desperately to make the other give up by doing increasingly horrible things to each other. This is where all the slapstick humor comes into play. The performances by Diaz and Kutcher aren't groundbreaking, but you do get a sense of their good chemistry. This makes all the torture comedy so much better and funnier. Corddry is really funny with his dry, one-liners. The plot's a bit unrealistic (What are the odds that you're so wasted you get married to a stranger AND hit a jackpot with one pull?) but still enjoyable. Also in this film are Zach Galifianakis, Treat Williams and Dennis Farina,

Watch It: For the comedic riffs and banter. Diaz and Kutcher are pretty to look at but anyone could've played those roles just as well.

Skip It: For a better Las Vegas-based movie - The Hangover.

Gangs Of New York

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 20, 2002

DVD Release Date: July 1, 2003

Plot 411: A battle between natives and immigrants erupts in the 1800s just as the Civil War breaks out.

Review: When Amsterdam (Cian McCormack) sees his father get killed by Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis), he vows to seek revenge and take up his father's cause. As an adult Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio) returns to New York and learns the inner workings of Bill's illegal activities by becoming one of his henchmen. A weird father-son relationship develops despite Amsterdam's hatred for the man. As he becomes closer to Bill, he is privy to the power that Bill wields and the influence he has on the community. He also learns that many of his father's compatriots are now in Bill's pocket. During this time, Amsterdam also falls for a girl named Jenny (Cameron Diaz) who is a pickpocket and con artist. But, when he learns that she is Bill's on-again-off-again companion, he feels betrayed. When his identity is revealed, Amstedam calls Bill out to a formal fight and bloodshed ensues. This is an action-filled historical piece based on a non-fiction book about the times. Prejudice (or patriotism depending on your take) runs rampant within the Five Points area of New York. Unethical politicians run a corrupt system and have control of the citizens. As the Civil War commences, the warring between local and foreign gangs flares with passion to create a gritty, bloody battle. The grime and filth of the city is captured nicely in the wardrobe and set dressing. Day-Lewis portrays Bill the Butcher with tremendous ferocity and intimidation for a really great performance. DiCaprio is also magnetic and many of his monologues make you want to join his cause.

Watch It: For a rare performance by Day-Lewis. The actor is very cautious about the roles he accepts, but he seems to make very good choices as the characters he plays are all very strong.

Skip It: If you're not into a bloodbath.

She's The One

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 23, 1996

DVD Release Date: October 3, 2000

Plot 411: Two brothers face the ups and downs of love in New York City.

Review: Edward Burns is Mickey, a cab driver and the elder of two brothers whose life was turned upside down when his fiancee Heather (Cameron Diaz) cheated on him. Francis (Mike McGlone), Mickey's younger brother, is a successful, though very arrogant, stockbroker and constantly trying to prove his worth to Mickey. Drama unfolds when it's revealed that Francis is cheating on his wife Renee (Jennifer Aniston) and Mickey has married Hope (Maxine Bahns), a girl he picked up in his cab. As the plot developed, I found myself cracking up at the dry humor shared between the brothers and their father, played by John Mahoney. Mahoney constantly refers to his sons as girls in a way only a manly man of a father could do. Their blue-collar upbringing contrasts with Francis' superficial outlook on life. It was so blatant that I was confused for a while as to the time period of the film. I thought it might've been set in the '80s, but all the clothes were definitely from the '90s. I don't ever remember seeing this rom com in theaters and am not sure how successful it was in the box office, but I enjoyed many of the scenes specifically because of the dialogue. The blunt banter between characters made for some hearty laughs in a way that only New Yorkers could do it. All the actors were shockingly young looking. This was an eazy, breezy film to watch with some good laughs and nothing too heavy. Also featured in this film was an extremely young-looking Amanda Peet and Leslie Mann with her sexy-sounding voice.

Watch It: For a not-so-serious rom com starring actors that were up-and-coming at the time.

Skip It: If you really want to see these actors at their peeks. I gotta admit that some of the performances were kind of bad.

The Trouble With Men And Women

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: August 9, 2006

DVD Release Date: April 24, 2007

Plot 411: Matt struggles after he's dumped and takes home several one night stands before finally finding something meaningful. But, is it with the right girl?

Review: This was a short movie shot with assumingly a very low budget. It had a mumblecore feel to it, but I'm not exactly sure what distinguishes those types of films from simple low budget fare. In any case, it was shot on a hand held camera that gave the entire movie a documentary feel. There were a lot of blurry (aka artsy) shots, but I don't really think they were effective. Matt (Joseph McFadden) is distraught when his girlfriend Deborah dumps him and leaves for New York. As he ponders the whys of it all, his friend Vinnie (Matthew Delamere) and his girlfriend Susie (Kate Ashfield) try to cheer him up. Vinnie goes even further by taking him out so he can meet new women. But Matt is a romantic at heart and cannot seem to let the idea of Deborah go. Vinnie, on the other hand, freely flirts with other girls despite having a girlfriend of six years. I don't think I'd really recommend this film to anyone unless you're a hardcore film fanatic that needs to watch every single piece of footage out there. This may or may not help you with your own film making techniques and give you ideas for the future. Everything is shot pretty loosely, as if by an amateur. Many of the frames are up close to the actors' faces. It's almost got that home movie quality to it, which I suppose is a style unto itself.

Watch It: For what not to do in your films.

Skip It: Because there are many other films more worthy of your time.

Shaun Of The Dead

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 4, 2004 (UK) / September 24, 2004 (USA)

DVD Release Date: December 21, 2004

Plot 411: Two slacker friends must act fast to save themselves and their friends when a zombie outbreak spreads through London.

Review: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are Shaun and Ed, two roommates whose lives are just falling apart around them. When everyone around them becomes zombies, they must stay alive long enough to be rescued. They out run and outsmart zombies using various methods such as flinging records at them and pretending to be zombies. They gain a group of friends as they try to escape, however, Shaun's stepfather and mum are both bitten. The movie is hiliarious and my favorite Pegg movie thus far. There's everything anyone could want in a good movie - horror, comedy, romance and excitement. You'd think it'd be difficult to weave this all together but it all works well. The humor is a bit dry by American standards, but if you love British humor this movie is roll-on-the-floor funny. Just make sure you put on the subtitles so you don't miss any jokes. They're swift and come with an accent so you might just miss them if you're not paying attention.

Watch It: For a bust-a-gut good time and the first rom-zom-com.

Skip It: If Pegg's retarded antics grate on your nerves.

Mystic River

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 15, 2003

DVD Release Date: June 8, 2004

Plot 411: The lives of three childhood friends are forever changed when one of them is abducted while playing in the street.

Review: This was a gritty drama about three friends Sean (Kevin Bacon), Dave (Tim Robbins) and Jimmy (Sean Penn). When they were children, Dave was taken into a car by two men acting as policemen. He was subsequently held and abused for four days until he escaped. This event shaped the lives of the boys forever. As men, Sean is a police officer, Dave is a blue-collar worker and Jimmy is a former burglar who now owns a grocery store. When Jimmy's daughter Katie (Emmy Rossum) is found murdered, Sean pursues the case with his partner Whitey (Laurence Fishburne) and Jimmy uses his back alley channels to get information. The same night that Katie is killed, Dave comes home bloodied with a slice across his stomach. His tells his wife Celeste (Marcia Gay Harden) that he was mugged and may have killed a man. Dave's psychological health quickly deterioriates and Celeste becomes afraid that he may have done more than he claims. The movie takes a close look at themes like honor, friendship, love and mental health. It poses questions about fate and asks us to contemplate how our small actions may or may not lead to larger consequences. This film also features Laura Linney as Annabeth, Jimmy's wife.

Watch It: For an emotional performance by Penn and an unrecognizably fat Robbins.

Skip It: For another crime drama in Boston based on another book by Dennis Lehane called Gone Baby Gone.

The Princess And The Frog

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: November 25, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A girl in New Orleans dreams of owning her own restaurant and kisses a frog on the off chance that dreams really do come true.

Review: I've gotta say that I really enjoyed this movie. There were parts in it that were simply magical, and it was done in a style that we haven't seen in a long time. The hand-drawn quality of the animation was wonderful and a definite homage to the Disney of old. Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) is a girl with big dreams who works hard to achieve them. But when her offer on a vacant mill falls through, her dream of owning her own restaurant seem to slip through her fingers. When Tiana talks to a frog on her balcony's ledge, it surprises her by talking back. The frog, aka Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), has had an encounter with the Shadowman (Keith David) who has exchanged his human form for one with webbed feet. The kiss transforms Tiana into a frog too and together Tiana and Naveen must survive the bayou and find a way to become human again. The film really did a good job at enhancing the original tale. It takes place in the roaring '20s, which adds a bit of charm to the plot. The colors of the film are all rich and deep, which enhances the New Orleans feel. Also starring in this film are Jenifer Lewis (Mama Odie), Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard and John Goodman.

Watch It: Because it's Disney's first African American princess.

Skip It: If you like the 3D look of recent animated films that are done by computers. This film is thoroughly hand drawn.

The Taking Of Pelham 123

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 12, 2009

DVD Release Date: November 3, 2009

Plot 411: Gunmen hijack a subway train and negotiate with an NYC dispatcher.

Review: John Travolta plays Ryder, an ex-con Wall Street stockbroker who hooks up with a fellow inmate (Luis Guzman) to hatch a scheme to make a ton of money. He is angry at the city of New York for putting him away for 10 years and seeks to take his revenge. He demands $10 million in 60 minutes and will kill one passenger for every minute that the money is late. However, the ransom is just a decoy because he's really betting on a tremendous drop in the stock market. Throughout the film, Ryder will speak only to Garber (Denzel Washington), a dispatcher who is under investigation for taking a bribe. When a hostage negotiator (John Turturro) tries to take over, Ryder shoots and kills the subway driver to prove his point. This is mostly a suspense thriller and not really an action flick. I thought there was going to be some kind of message about wrongful incarceration or the evils of capitalism, but this was mostly about revenge. Travolta and Washington just weren't enough to keep my attention. The plot just didn't seem to go anywhere. Things were happening but they seemed disjointed. One event didn't really link up with another. The look of the film was like a high fashion glossy magazine trying to pretend it was all gangsta - bright lights contrasting with the darkness of the subway. This was mostly a disappointing experience.

Watch It: If maybe you need your fix of Travolta. However, even then there are other ways to service your needs.

Skip It: In favor of the 1974 version. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 100% rating.

40 Days And 40 Nights

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 1, 2002

DVD Release Date: September 17, 2002

Plot 411: After a bad break up, Matt decides to become celibate for Lent.

Review: Matt (Josh Hartnett) decides to give up sex for Lent because he's become obsessed with his ex-girlfriend Nicole (Vinessa Shaw) who is about to get married. But when his roommate and co-worker Ryan (Paulo Costanzo) finds out, he starts a website for betting how long Matt will last. As more and more people find out about the bet, the pot increases. This leads to seduction attempts by various women in the office that threaten Matt's vow. Another challenge comes in a girl named Erica (Shannyn Sossamon), who he meets at the laundromat. Overall, it's a stupid premise and not really worth watching. The fact that there's an office pool is kind of entertaining, but the rest of the jokes are lame and not even really unique. I don't think I even have anything else to say about this one. It's probably a movie that was capitalizing on Hartnett's popularity at the time. He had just done Pearl Harbor, O and Black Hawk Down the year before so he got a shot at playing the leading man.

Watch It: If you're from the Bay Area and have moved away. This movie was filmed in Potrero Hill.

Skip It: If you don't fit the description above.

Ratatouille

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: June 29, 2007

DVD Release Date: November 6, 2007

Plot 411: A rat who dreams of becoming a chef joins forces with a lowly kitchen boy and together they become a sensation.

Review: This is a cute animated film that teaches us to follow our dreams no matter how big they are and how small we may seem. Remy (Patton Oswalt) is a rat who dreams of becoming a famous chef. He has the nose to do it too, but his family and clan don't believe in him. They think that humans and rats can never coexist. Instead of fostering his culinary abilities, they have him sniffing out poisons. When Remy becomes separated from his family, he forges ahead with his dreams and uses Luingini (Lou Romano), a kitchen boy, to fulfill his dreams. What Remy cannot do because of his size, Luingini is able to do for him. Together the two make hit after hit at a restaurant despite the growing suspicion of Skinner (Ian Holm), the restaurant's owner. This is a well-written animated film that was pretty entertaining to watch. It's a bit similar to the 2008 The Tale Of Desperaux, but I liked this movie a lot better. Somehow, despite Desperaux having a hand-drawn quality similar to storybooks we've all grown up enjoying, the film's artistic vision fell a little short. Ratatouille's animation is bold and vibrantly alive. However, the one fault of Ratatouille is that it didn't make my mouth water. You'd think a film about food would have you salivating in your seat. Despite this, it's still a good piece of animation.

Watch It: If you like rooting for the underdog.

Skip It: If you think rats are creepy.

SherryBaby

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January8, 2006

DVD Release Date: January 23, 2007

Plot 411: Recently released from prison, Sherry tries to reconnect with her young daughter while adjusting to life again.

Review: Maggie Gyllenhaal is Sherry, a woman who has served her time in prison and is transitioning into the real world at a half-way house. A former heroin addict, Sherry teeters on the brink of breaking her sobriety. She attends AA meetings and tries to get a job. She also attempts to reconnect with her daughter Alexis (Ryan Simpkins), who has been living with Sherry's brother Bobby (Brad William Henke) and his wife Lynnette (Bridget Barkan). Sherry is eager to have her daughter completely in her custody, but Bobby and Lynnette resist rushing the relationship. Lynnette believes Sherry is a bad mother and doesn't deserve to have Alexis. Bobby just feels sorry for his sister's troubles and tries to be both supportive of her and protective of his niece. Sherry's life outside is desperately unstable. Although she means well and has a good heart, she has difficulties with boundaries and appropriate behavior. This movie is gritty and portrays a piece of real life that is emotionally disturbing at times. However, at other moments, you are given so much hope for Sherry's situation. The difficulties she struggles with are the realities faced by many people. Despite the bad things Sherry does, you cannot help but cheer in her corner and hope for the best.

Watch It: For another impressive and authentic performance by Gyllenhaal.

Skip It: Because this movie is raw, through and through. It doesn't pull any punches at all.

In Bruges

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: February 8, 2008

DVD Release Date: June 24, 2008

Plot 411: A hitman and his protege hide out in Bruges, Belgium and await instructions from their boss after the protege has accidently killed a child.

Review: In this hysterical dark comedy, Colin Farrell plays Ray, a green hitman who has accidently killed a child during his first job. In Bruges, Ray and his mentor Ken (Brendan Gleeson) take in the sights while awaiting Ray's fate. Ray's guilt over the accidental death weighs heavily on him and makes him restless. With not much to do in the quaint town, Ray feels as though he is going insane with guilt and wanders around aimlessly meeting people and getting into trouble. When their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) instructs Ken to kill Ray, Ken gets a gun from a local contact and sets out to find his protege. Line-for-line this may be the funniest movie I've seen in years. If you're a fan of dark humor, definitely try this one out. You may also want to switch on the subtitles when watching this movie at home. The speech is down and dirty, delivered quickly and in an accent. Don't miss out on all the truly delicious lines, such as, "If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might just impress me but I didn't so it doesn't" or "What are they doing over there? They're filming something. They're filming midgets!" Farrell is great as a man coming to terms with the effects of his actions. His onscreen relationship with Gleeson is touching in a father and son kind of way. Fiennes is also humorous in his manic displays of anger.

Watch It: Because this 2008 sleeper probably wasn't even a blip on your radar.

Skip It: Because despite being about hitmen, it is actually quite slow going in the action department.

Margot At The Wedding

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 16, 2007

DVD Release Date: February 19, 2008

Plot 411: With her sister getting married, Margot returns to the family home and sibling rivalry ensues.

Review: This movie captures the dysfunctional relationship between two sisters, Margot (Nicole Kidman) and Pauline (Jennifer Jason Leigh), as well as Margot's relationship with her son Claude (Zane Paris). For Margot and Claude, the line between friends and parent/child is often very blurry. They share a tremendous amount of information with one another, which I found weird. Margot addresses him as an adult and uses him as a sounding board for her own neuroses. When the two arrive at their family home where Pauline is to marry Malcolm (Jack Black), the movie introduces a bit of tension between the sisters. However, it doesn't really feel as though it reaches its peak. The two woman embark on a verbal catfight, jabbing at one another in bitter disapproval. The movie meanders along and doesn't really conclude well. The plot seems to drag and it isn't until near the end that life gets infused into this film. I think Kidman and Leigh do a credible job and portraying the emotionally wrought sisters. Jack Black reigns in his usual hijinks for this more serious role. I found this movie a bit difficult to relate to, which made it very boring for me.

Watch It: If you seek an escape from your own family drama.

Skip It: If you liked director Noah Baumbach's disection of family life in The Squid And The Whale. This movie feels similar but doesn't seem to have the same impact.

How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 7, 2003

DVD Release Date: July 1, 2003

Plot 411: A journalist goes undercover as the worst girlfriend in the world to write a column with steps for getting rid of your dude.

Review: This is undoubtably my favorite Kate Hudson flick. Hudson plays Andie, a budding magazine writer with dreams of covering hard news one day. Until then, she is stuck with writing a "How To" column. In her most recent assignment, she must go undercover and commit all the crazy girlfriend acts that many women do in a relationship, such as intruding on poker night, becoming overly possessive and sharing secrets with the guy's mom. She will use her experiences to fuel her article. Ad executive Ben (Matthew McConaughey), in an effort to win an account that would normally be handled by his co-workers Judy and Judy, boasts that he can make any woman fall in love with him. The Judys set him up with Andie and sit back to watch a disaster in the making. Hudson and McConaughey have great chemistry together and create memorable scenes during which you'll find yourself laughing at the absurdity. You grow to love them and root for them to work out despite all the underhanded things they do to each another. Some of the best lines in the movie come from supporting actors Adam Goldberg and Thomas Lennon, who play Ben's co-workers and overall cheerleaders. Bebe Neuwirth also does a great job at portraying Andie's editor. She carries herself in the same manner as Meryl Streep did in The Devil Wears Prada, but Neuwirth doesn't have as much of a bite.

Watch It: For what I assume is the first game of Bullshit (the card game) ever filmed.

Skip It: If McConaughey's machismo annoys you as this is an integral part of his character in this movie.

The Holiday

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 8, 2006

DVD Release Date: March 13, 2007

Plot 411: With their lives in the crapper, two women houseswap for the holidays to escape their lives only to discover a whole new life is waiting for them.

Review: This romantic comedy stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law. Amanda (Diaz) and Iris (Winslet) both experience setbacks in their love lives and desperately need a way to forget about their problems. When Iris posts a houseswapping ad for her cottage in the English countryside, Amanda quickly responds. Iris jets over to glamorous L.A. and instantly enjoys her new vacation home. However, Amanda's British getaway isn't all that it's cracked up to be until she meets Iris' brother Graham (Law). Iris also meets Amanda's composer friend (Black) and they develop a friendship. The end, I'm afraid, is quite predictable. The film doesn't break down any stereotypes or give us any new revelations to ponder. But, it's a feel-good holiday flick that doesn't need much thought. As Amanda and Iris escape from the troubles of their daily lives, so can you with this film. It's simple and easy going. There's just the right amount of humor and drama and romance for any rom-com lover. It's just sweet.

Watch It: If you're not looking for a nice rom-com to curl up with this Christmas.

Skip It: If you a fan of wild and crazy Jack Black. He's actually a lot more subdued in this role.

Ninja Assassin

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 28, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A secret ninja clan has worked for hundreds of years as assassins but their identity is compromised when a student rebels and leaves the family.

Review: I don't know whether I should be ashamed that studios are making this kind of crap or appalled at how much I enjoyed it. The film was utter nonsense in every aspect. The plot was hanging on by a thread. The acting was atrocious. Rain will not be the next huge Asian crossover, unless you're strictly talking about being a body double. He does have a fine body. The Mr. Miyagi-like stereotype of the ninja sensei was out in full force (his accent was really horrible). They even had the ninja running in the stereotypical way - one arm sort of bent in front of them and the other arm outstretched to the side or behind and gripping a sword. Oh puhlease! The CGI was laughable, especially all the blood splatter. The scene transitions and dialogue were cheesy and some of the camera angles were obviously trying to heighten the action. Just about everything in this movie was simply bad. Yet somehow, despite all of this, I found myself totally into it. It's like when you're passing a car accident and can't turn away. That's what it felt like. There were some rather badass kill scenes with a lot of blood and guts littering the set. However, it had a video game feel to it and didn't really look or feel real. I laughed at "serious" plot developments and was not surprised by the plot twists. Nothing about this movie is subtle. I'm pretty sure this movie didn't take itself too seriously so the audience shouldn't either. It's like a remake of those horrible '70s or '80s ninja/kung fu movies that has been updated with today's technology in a bad way. As a side note, I cannot believe Naomie Harris, the actress who plays Tia Dalma in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, is the main female character in this one. Amazing what hair, makeup and costumes can do!

Watch It: On a Friday night with a bunch of friends in a packed (if that's even possible) theater. Sit back and eat your popcorn.

Skip It: If you're looking for an authentic ninja experience. This is a B-movie wannabe that only achieves a D-movie rating.

Love And Debate / Thanks To Gravity

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 1, 2006

DVD Release Date: August 25, 2009

Plot 411: A Hispanic Jewish girl from Miami learns about life and love.

Review: This movie came up under both of the listed titles, but I'm not sure why. I think Love And Debate more accurately describes the plot. Thanks To Gravity is almost like a mantra throughout the film. In any case, this movie is about Jordan (Gina Philips) and her transition from her senior year of high school through her senior year of college. During this time she struggles with herself, her identity, her dreams and her future. I enjoyed how this coming-of-age romantic drama realistically portrayed Jordan's struggles. This current generation has many options and are told they can be anyone they want to be. Yet, they are still confined to the traditions of their culture and upbringing. These two things can, at times, be opposing forces. While her friends are living it up during their last year of high school, the debate coach (Sean Astin) recruits Jordan onto the team. She discovers a new side to herself and becomes aware of all of life's possibilities. During Jordan's freshman year of college she becomes more independent, rebellious and falls in love with a non-Jew. An earlier experience has left her wary of men, but she hopes this relationship will last. As she becomes more involved with her boyfriend, she falls behind in debate and is kicked off the team. She proceeds through college and meets up with Elias (Adam Rodriguez), a family friend, who has more in common with her than she first gives him credit for. This is an interesting romantic comedy where culture, religion, identity and family meet at a crossroads and the protagonist is faced with the choice of several possible roads to her future.

Watch It: For a rom-com with a bit more substance and a lot more heart.

Skip It: If you're looking for a straight up mainstream coming-of-age flick.

Secretary

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 20, 2002

DVD Release Date: April 1, 2003

Plot 411: A secretary and her boss share an unusual and unconventional relationship that surpasses the employer-employee boundaries.

Review: Maggie Gyllenhaal is probably one of the greatest actresses of this generation because of the types of roles she's willing to take a chance on. Who the hell would've thought someone who was cast in The Dark Knight would also play a girl in a BDSM relationship in Secretary? Gyllenhaal's character Lee is a girl with some social and emotional issues. She is young, pretty and very shy. Her mannerisms are cautious and hesitant. To her new boss Mr. Grey (James Spader), these are the things that are most attractive about her. He attempts to fight off his attraction by releasing it through angry outbursts and verbal abuse. However, when this is only met by Lee's submissive reactions and her need to please him, he is done for. The movie discusses a BDSM relationship openly, which may be shocking to some. However, it portrays the lifestyle with respect and even a bit of humor. Rather than jumping on a moral high horse spouting the benefits of diversity and the sexual revolution, the movie quietly tells its tale and allows the audience to decide for itself. On the surface, it may seem to some that Lee demeans herself by acquiescing to Mr. Grey's outrageous behavior (work related and not). His utter domination of her will be overwhelming, especially to feminists. But when you look deeper, you find that they share a symbiotic relationship and that it really isn't that out of balance. Both have needs that are being met by the other, which is a thoroughly traditional effect of romantic involvements. The movie is an unconventional love story about two socially awkward people who find one another in the vast sea of conformity.

Watch It: With a wide-open mind to fully get at its meaning.

Skip It: If you're fiercely traditional.

Tropic Thunder

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 13, 2008

DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008

Plot 411: An action comedy satire about a group of actors filming a Vietnam war movie that quicklly leaves the location and becomes reality.

Review: This is a hilarious movie that comments on the entire Hollywood scene. There is the money grubbing producer, the highly acclaimed, award-winning actor, the old action star, the newbie, the drugged-out comedian and the zealous agent. The movie portrays each role to the nth degree and clearly shows us the ridiculousness that surrounds celebrity and the movie business. This is definitely a fun film to watch despite what some critics claim are offensive portrayals and remarks. The movie was also shot on Kauai, so support a film that helped bring revenue to the Islands. In the film, a movie production crew is shooting a Vietnam War film based on the memoirs of John "Four Leaf" Tayback (Nick Nolte). When the cast isn't able to get along during the shoot, Tayback and director Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan) decide to drop them off in the wilderness where cameras are rigged to shoot guerilla style. Action star Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), Australian actor Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey, Jr.), comedian Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black) and some others are airlifted to the middle of the jungle. This area is controlled by a heroin-producing gang, but they believe it's all part of the movie. Even when their director is blown up, they continue along as if it's all part of the script. The film unwinds from there and it's a laugh a minute. The movie is irreverent and crass at times, which makes it even better. Don't take it too seriously and you'll have a great time.

Watch It: For an unbelievable cameo. Hopefully you don't know what I'm talking about because it'll make your first viewing so much better.

Skip It: If you're overly sensitive to digs on race, mental illness and other politically correct topics.

The Day After Tomorrow

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 17, 2004 (Mexico) / May 28, 2004 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 12, 2004

Plot 411: Environmental changes around the world cause great devastation and millions of fatalities.

Review: When scientist Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid) presents his findings on global warming, his words are not taken seriously by anyone except his colleagues, a Scottish professor and a NASA meteorologist (Tamlyn Tomita). They build a model that forecasts global devastation is imminent. At the same time, weird weather phenomenon is already happening and it is causing great confusion around the world. Jack and his group relay their findings to authorities and he and his colleagues set off for New York to find his son Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal). Sam and his classmates are in NYC for a school trip and must find a place to take cover when a massive tidal wave crashes down on the city. They join many other people in the library as the temperature outside drops dramatically and ice and snow replace the sudden ocean swell. Can the group stay alive long enough for Jack to come to the rescue? I'm not sure why people are so fascinated with end-of-the-world movies. yet every couple of years there's a new one that portrays worldwide destruction, and with the advances in technology, the depictions become more and more real. This movie is typical of this genre and contains lots of CGI, action and drama. It leaves you gripping the armrest of your chair with each and every close call. What is really awesome is the power of nature and how it is demonstrated in this film. Many of the tallest buildings are dwarfed by the tidal wave. Entire buildings and structures are buried beneath the snow. Even the Statue of Liberty doesn't have a chance against Mother Nature. The movie is exciting and dramatic, but I don't know how real the science behind the plot actually is.

Watch It: For gigantic CGI effects that still hold up.

Skip It: Because why would you want to witness the end of the world? That's just so disheartening.

Coach Carter

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 13, 2005

DVD Release Date: June 21, 2005

Plot 411: When a new basketball coach comes to town, he emphasizes both academics and athletics and changes the way his players view their future.

Review: Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) returns to his high school alma mater and takes over the position of basketball coach. When he arrives, his players are undisciplined and barely attend classes. Some players have drama going on in their lives, such as teen pregnancy, that may jeopardize their future despite their abilities. He quickly establishes new rules that the boys must follow in order to remain on the team. Some boys like Timo Cruz (Rick Gonzalez) decide to leave the team and fall deeper into violence, gangs and drug dealing. When Carter discovers some of the boys aren't holding up their end of the deal, he cancels practices and forfeits games so that his players can study. This riles up the community, which believes that sports are the only way their kids will ever get out of poverty. Tension builds between Carter, the school, parents and the community as his atypical approach makes media headlines. This movie was produced by MTV Films and succeeds in its efforts to market toward a younger demographic in the same way it did with Save The Last Dance. It showcased a lot of young, new talent like Rob Brown, Robert Ri'chard, Channing Tatum and Ashanti. Of the bunch, Tatum has really seen his career skyrocket. The movie comes across as gritty, but somehow I don't find it very believable. It's very polished and seems like it's trying too hard to be ghetto. The cinematography is a lot different than movies such as City Of God, which I think captures the poverty and desperation of the people a lot more realistically.

Watch It: For the Hawaii connections - Denise Dowse plays the school principal and Rob Fukuzaki makes a cameo as a reporter.

Skip It: If you're looking for a realistic portrayal of the human experience. This depiction is dusted with Hollywood and MTV's glamor.

Two Weeks Notice

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 20, 2002

DVD Release Date: April 29, 2003

Plot 411: When Lucy becomes a corporate lawyer to save her beloved community center she discovers a whole new world of superficiality in George.

Review: Environmental lawyer Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is hired by rich real estate developr George (Hugh Grant) with the understanding that if she works has his chief counsel he will stop the destruction of Coney Island Community Center. She quickly finds out that George is hopelessly unable to make decisions on his own. She becomes not only his lawyer but his personal assistant in every matter in his life. Thoroughly fed up with his behavior, she puts in her resignation notice and agrees to train her replacement. This comes in the form of a inexperienced but beautiful June (Alicia Witt). During this time, both Lucy and George realize just how much they really enjoy each others company. But with the development of the community center back on, will they be able to reconcile with each other? The movie is a breezy comedy in which Bullock and Grant have great chemistry. She plays the girl-next-door character and he plays the zaney Brit. In general, this is a movie made at probably the height of both of their careers during a time when everything they touched turned into gold. That should be enough of a description to know what it's about and how things'll end.

Watch It: For great, but very predictable, comedic beats.

Skip It: Because it's just another conventional romantic comedy.

Save The Last Dance

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 12, 2001

DVD Release Date: June 19, 2001

Plot 411: When her mother dies, Sarah moves to Chicago's inner city to live with her astranged dad

Review: After failing her ballet audition for Juilliard, Sarah (Julia Stiles) discovers the reason her mother was late was because she died in a car accident. After this blow, Sarah decides to give up dancing and must move to Chicago to live with her father. She enrolls in a predominantly black high school in a gritty area of town. Despite being a fish out of water, she is soon befriended by Chenille (Kerry Washington). Sarah also meets a wise-cracking boy named Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), who turns out to be Chenille's brother. When Sarah goes to a club called Stepps, she encounters hip hop for the first time and realizes that there is more to dance than her classical education has taught her. She also encounters Derek's ex-girlfriend Nikki (Bianca Lawson) and the drama begins. Nikki is trying to win Derek back and sees Sarah as a threat. However, as Derek teaches Sarah hip hop dancing, they grow closer and fall in love. When Derek and is friend Malakai (Fredro Starr) are targets of a drive-by shooting, Malakai wants to take revenge. Derek is torn between helping his friend and looking toward his future. When this movie came out, I was thoroughly entralled by it like most teens. It had a good love story, great music and dancing, action and drama. It felt as though the underdog would prevail despite all obstacles. Now that I'm older, I can see it for what it is. It's a fairly average movie of this type and kind of predictable. I think it did a good job at appealing to its demographic when it was released but don't think it is anything special. The idea that opposites attract is definitely not new and have already been captured on film in Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, Dirty Dancing or Step Up.

Watch It: For a notable performance by Julia Stiles, who was just breaking out at that time.

Skip It: In favor of West Side Story, which contains much of the same plot points.

Let The Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 24, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 10, 2009

Plot 411: Oskar, a lonely boy who is bullied at school, meets falls in love with an intriguing girl who moves in next door.

Review: I kept hearing about this movie in a podcast I listen to and came to the point where I just needed to know what the hype was all about. I watched it without reading the synopsis and have to tell you that it's an amazing film. Oskar (Kare Hedebrant) is a 12-year-old Swedish boy who is being bullied at school. He comes from a single-parent home and doesn't really have any friends. When new neighbors move in, he becomes intrigued with an odd girl named Eli (Lina Leandersson). Oskar and Eli become friends, often meeting at the jungle gym in their courtyard. When Oskar confides in Eli about the bully situation, she advises him to fight back. She gives him confidence and he gives her a companion. After Eli's arrival into town several suspicious deaths occur, and Oskar soon learns that she isn't your ordinary girl. Without giving too much of the plot away, this movie is truly unique in its approach to first love, coming of age and the horror genre. Cinematically, many of the scenes are beautiful because of the falling snow and white landscape. This is a dramtic contrast to many of the dark scenes. The movie addresses common themes like isolation, a broken family and trouble at school, but it does so from a fresh perspective. Hedebrant and Leandersson are really talented young actors who portray a lot of emotion on film. You empathize with both characters and experience the same rollercoaster ride that Oskar goes through. You feel each of his emotions - loneliness, happiness, curiosity, horror, fear, disgust and love. Despite being of the horror genre, I would consider this a coming-of-age love story between the two main characters. Like most love stories, there are many obstacles preventing them from happiness, but these hurdles are truly different from the norm. From the horror perspective, there is a good mix of practical and CG effects that somehow come across as very natural. The sound design is really interesting and different from what you'd normally expect.

Watch It: For a touching tale of love set within a horror film. It's really, really good.

Skip It: If you're looking for a true Hollywood slasher-type film. This one's a lot more intelligent.

Nothing Like The Holidays

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 12, 2008

DVD Release Date: October 27, 2009

Plot 411: A Puerto Rican family spends the holidays together and emotions run high for all of them.

Review: Jesse (Freddy Rodriguez) returns home to Chicago after serving in Iraq as a Marine. It's obvious he is experiencing a little PTSD, and we learn later that this is partly because one of the men in his unit died. His father (Alfred Molina) owns a bodega, which he expects Jesse to run one day, and his mother (Elizabeth Pena) is at home cooking a holiday meal. Also arriving for the festivities is his sister Roxanna (Vanessa Ferlito), his brother Mauricio (John Leguizamo) and sister-in-law Sarah (Debra Messing). In everyone's eyes, Roxanna is a Hollywood starlet who living in California and works in show biz. In reality, she is a struggling actress like many others. Mauricio and Sarah are both career driven and succeeding in their perspective jobs. To the dismay of his mother, Mauricio has not produced a grandchild and this is a source of many disagreements between him and his wife. At the holiday dinner, their mother announces that she plans to divorce their father because she suspects he has been unfaithful. When he doesn't deny the charges, this causes an uproar that threatens to tear the family apart. I didn't know a thing about this movie and had assumed it'd be a romantic comedy. Boy, was I wrong. This was, instead, a family drama with some serious themes. However, many of them just failed to strike a chord with the audience. The characters weren't really unique and drew no sympathy from me. I didn't feel compelled by any of their stories. A lot of the scenes felt stilted and the characters didn't seem to relate well to one another. The movie tried its best to be the Latin version of This Christmas but I think it failed miserably.

Watch It: If, perhaps, you're interested in seeing just how old Debra Messing seems to have become.

Skip It: If you're looking for a good holiday movie about family. Instead, pick up This Christmas.

Priceless / Hors de prix

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 13, 2003 (France) / March 28, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008

Plot 411: A con woman mistakes a hotel worker as a rich guy and he becomes her next con.

Review: Audrey Tautou plays Irene, a woman whose one desire in life is to marry into money. To this end, she cons rich, old men into buying her clothes and gems and taking her to nice places. She meets Jean (Gad Elmaleh), a hotel jack-of-all-trades, and mistakens him for another hotel guest. After many drinks, they head up to a luxurious suite and spend the night. By this time, Jean is completely infatuated with Irene. She, on the other hand, brushes him off without a parting glance. After a similar experience a year later, they are caught in bed by the hotel staff and Jean's ruse is unveiled. Irene storms out believing she has wasted her precious time on a man with no money. Jean tries his best to apologize and she really makes it worth her while. When Jean is left with an exorbitant hotel bill, he must resort to a con himself to pay it off. Tautou looks stunning in this film, especially dressed in expensive clothes and jewelry. She's like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn with her petite stature and delicate features. She is also exceptional as Irene and able to convey a sweetness despite her appetite for the superficial. There are points in the film when she is utterly cruel to Jean and you wonder whether or not she has a beating heart within her. Yet you still have empathy for her character because you know she's just trying to survive. Elmaleh is hilarious as this fish-out-of-water character. He's just a normal guy who has been swept up into the upper echelon of society and can barely tread water to keep afloat. The movie is definitely funny, but it is carried out in a subtle way that we rarely see in American films.

Watch It: To witness just how far a guy will go to impress a girl. It would be obsurdly pathetic if he didn't love her so much.

Skip It: If you'd like to read less subtitles and catch a similarly themed American movie starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sigourney Weaver called Heartbreakers. However, of the two, I prefer Priceless.

Nightmare Detective / Akumu Tantei

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: January 13, 2007 (Japan) / July 6, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: June 22, 2007

Plot 411: People kill themselves with the help of man who enters their dreams.

Review: I still don't get these foreign horror films, especially Asian ones, but I think this one was pretty interesting nonetheless. hitomi plays a detective named Keiki Kirishima, who has just transferred from investigating white-collar crimes to fieldwork. Her first case involves the death of a female victim. Her colleagues Ishida (Ren Osugi) and Wakamiya (Masanobo Ando) quickly deem it a suicide but Kirishima isn't sure. When another case arises, she believes there's a killer on the loose when she discovers the last call by both victims is to the same number. After some investigation, she thinks someone is hypnotizing the victims and ordering them to kill themselves. She contacts a known psychic named Kagenuma (Ryuhei Matsuda) to ask for help but he refuses. But when Kirishima puts herself at risk, Kagenuma must decide whether or not he will help her. Like most Asian horror films, this one is really difficult to follow. The line between dreams and reality is non-existent sometimes, and this contributes to much of the confusion. Also, the method through which themes are communicated is slightly more abstract in Japanese horror than it would be in an American-made movie. I wonder if this says something about the intelligence of each moviegoing audience or if it's just a cultural thing? In any case, this is tough to follow but the premise is really intriguing. It might take a second viewing to really get to the bottom of this one. I found it really weird that the title character is barely in the film and we must follow a real detective around instead. I suppose that's okay, but I would've liked to learn more about Kagenuma and his abilities. The scenes in which people are killed are amazingly bloody and gruesome, but this makes them great. Adding to the horror is the fact that you never really see what's killing them except for brief glimpses. Is it human? Is it a spirit? Is it the devil? Quick camera movements and good sound design add to the suspense to create a specific mood that has you on the edge of your seat. This movie reminded me about Freddy Krueger from Nightmare On Elm Street in a crapload of ways.

Watch It: If you're a fan of J-pop singer hitomi or of foreign horror films.

Skip It: If you prefer slasher films to be solely about blood spillage and devoid of any real thought.

Halloween

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 31, 2007

DVD Release Date: December 18, 2007

Plot 411: A reinvention of a classic horror film about a psychotic boy who kills indiscriminately.

Review: As a boy, Michael (Daeg Faerch) already shows disturbing signs of mental distress. This, in addition to the tough times he has at home and school, seems to unleash his violent nature. After being convicted for killing three people, he is sent to a mental hospital for analysis by psychologist Sam Loomis (Malcolm McDowell). Michael becomes obsessed with the masks he makes while in the hospital and after a while refuses to talk. This continues for 15 years until Loomis closes Michael's case and moves on. On Halloween night, Michael (Tyler Mane) escapes during a facility transfer and kills all the guards and staff. He heads home to find his baby sister who was left behind. This movie does not let slasher movie fans down as it contains quite a lot of kills that are like whoa. The blood and guts are realistic so hat's off to the special effects team involved in this film. In true slasher fashion, the acting is so-so but who cares? It fills in the gaps between kill scenes and that's all we really care about. I think Daeg Faerch does an excellent job conveying the wide range of emotions in young Michael. This sets up the entire film and is the audience's base upon which Michael's identity is built. Also, be forewarned that there are a bevy of topless chicks in this film and teenage promiscuity is high. But, of course, you probably already know that from the first Halloween movie.

Watch It: For a gruesome remake of the Michael Myers franchise by Rob Zombie.

Skip It: If you're a die-hard fan of the John Carpenter original.

Planet 51

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: November 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: An astronaut lands on an alien world but finds that he is like an alien.

Review: This was a cute animated film starring Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) as Chuck, the captain of a space shuttle, and Justin Long as Lem, the alien teen who discovers him. When Chuck's shuttle lands on a planet, he confidently bounds outside and stakes the American flag into the land to claim it. Little does he know, the land is already claimed by a group of little green beings who live in an idyllic world similar to Earth's 1950s. The green men quickly form a manhunt to capture him because they think he is trying to invade their world and turn them into zombies. The rest of the movie is about Lem's attempt to reunite Chuck with his ship and the obstacles that prevent this occurrence. The movie was mostly light-hearted fun and was filled with many movie and song references throughout. The highlight of the film was the 1950s music. The world of the little green people was a highly stylized version fo the 1950s with hippie protesters and secret government experiments. There was even a hidden base similar to all the Area 51 conspiracies. The movie was humorous and had a quick pace throughout. It didn't spend too much time setting up plot points, which I suppose is very good in a children's film. There were moments of cleverness, but it's mostly just adequate and nothing special. Seann William Scott was very unrecognizable as Skiff, Lem's best friend. Jessica Biel was almost nonexistent as Neera, Lem's crush. Her presence was barely felt and could probably have been eliminated altogether.

Watch It: For your kids beg you to go see this.

Skip It: If you don't have any kids. This isn't a must-see like Wall-E.

Into Temptation

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 26, 2009

DVD Release Date: October 27, 2009

Plot 411: A priest tries to save a woman who confesses that she will kill herself on her birthday.

Review: This was a pretty good movie, despite it being kinda slow going. I feel as though something more could've been done with the plot, but I suppose then I'd be making a completely different movie. Jeremy Sisto is Father John, a Catholic priest who takes the confession of a woman (Kristen Chenoweth) who plans to kill herself. Her story is one that is very compelling and heartwrenching, and it creates a desperate need within John. At first I thought it was a sexual need and that he would struggle with his vows. This would've been a good plot. However, as the movie progressed, it was more about his need to save people, which actually falls in line with his calling. This wasn't so exciting. Another theory could be that this search creates a diversion from his ordinarily boring life as a priest. It reminds him of his pre-priest life and demonstrates quite vividly the need people have for guidance and faith. John also reunites with his high school sweetheart who informs him that she is getting a divorce from her husband. This subplot was really unnecessary. John's search for his mystery woman brings him into some seedy areas that raise a red flag of concern by his archbishop. However, nothing really becomes of this because his priest friend (Brian Baumgartner) lies for him. Now that I'm doing this write up, I think I'm going to revise my original statement about this being a pretty good movie. Too many things just don't add up for it to be pretty good. I'll go with interesting but forgettable.

Watch It: If you're Catholic and perhaps might enjoy a reminder about all the rules and regs that go along with it.

Skip It: If you're really looking for a movie that'll keep you awake.

Iron Will

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: March 15, 1994

DVD Release Date: April 23, 2002

Plot 411: A boy enters a dangerous dog sled race to save his family from financial ruin.

Review: I loved this movie as a child because of the themes of honor, courage, sacrifice and friendship. I also loved that it had so many dogs. Hey, I was a kid. What can I say? Mackenzie Astin stars as Will Stoneman, a teen who watches his father fall through thin ice and die in a freak accident. Ridden with guilt, Will blames his father's favorite dog Gus. He also takes on the responsibility of providing for his mother and decides to enter a cross-country dog sled race for the prize money. Afraid he is too young, the race officials deny him access. However, when journalist Henry Kingsley (Kevin Spacey) intervenes the officials let it slide. Getting into the race is only the first of many battles Will faces in the cold wilderness. Through his experience and Henry's writing, Will becomes a star and people cheer for him when he passes through their town. But out in the woods on the snow and ice, all Will has for comfort is his dogs. The starkness of the snowy landscape, which can be beautiful in some films, is menacing and life threatening in this one. Frostbite and dying of the cold are real possibilities in the wilderness. This movie is about Will's inner strength and, in turn, the triumph of the human spirit. It's inspirational and at times can be quite emotional.

Watch It: If you liked White Fang or man's best friend or man vs. the wild-type movies.

Skip It: If you prefer a more light-hearted, snow and ice dog movie in which case you should try Snow Dogs.