Bra Boys

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 15, 2007 (Australia) / April 11, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: August 12, 2008

Plot 411: An Australia surfer doc that focuses on the Abberton brothers and their boys from Maroubra.

Review: The doc is really interesting as it talks about Australia's history and the particular history and localism of Maroubra. Basically, it's an underprivileged area where the only options are death, jail or surfing. The "Locals Only" mentality runs high in these parts and I find it similar to how some of the local surf spots are in Hawaii. Everyone is so territorial of the breaks they grew up with. In a place where families are often broken and drug use is high, these kids find comfort in each other and in the ocean. Their passion for surfing is evident in everything they do.

Watch It: For the sick waves and crazy stunts these guys pull, the drama that localism creates in a small town or for the sexy Aussie accents.

Skip It: If surfing isn't your thing because this movie is 85 percent surfing. The rest of it covers the brothers' relationships.

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My Best Friend's Wedding

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 20, 1997

DVD Release Date: December 10, 1997

Plot 411: A guy and a girl are best friends forever until all hell breaks loose when he tells her that he's met someone and is getting married.

Review: This is one of my all-time favorite rom-coms. I love Julia Roberts in this and Cameron Diaz is her normal perky self. This movie got me through many bad days in high school and into college and helped me believe that there's always hope for happiness. One of the best things about this film is that Roberts' character is very realistic (although I don't know if some of her actions are). The idea that her friendship with this guy is hers and hers alone probably how many people feel. When someone new comes into the picture, whether it's on the guy's part or the girl's, it rocks the boat and people like to cling to the norm. This film addresses change, and change in a major way.

Watch It: For great rom-com bungles and beats, some singing and great one-liners.

Skip It: If Roberts' mouth is too big, Diaz is too perky or you just can't stand Dermot Mulroney's monotone voice.

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Of Human Bondage

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: July 20, 1934

DVD Release Date: January 22, 2002

Plot 411: One man's journey of love for a woman who doesn't love him back.

Review: This movie made me so frustrated and annoyed. It wasn't that it was a bad movie, but it was just upsetting in many ways. Philip (Leslie Howard) was madly in love with a flirtatious waitress (Bette Davis). His love makes him a fool for her, and in the end it turns him into a bitter person. It's so tragic that a love as big as his is snuffed out so viciously. On the other hand, the waitress is portrayed as a gold-digging slut while she is really just trying to get ahead in life and using all that she has to her advantage. I suppose it could be a reflection of the times, but they don't give her credit for being a tough woman.

Watch It: For Bette Davis in action - you cannot deny this woman.

Skip It: If you're a real stickler for British accents. One thing I didn't like about this film was that I found it difficult to understand Davis' accent. Maybe it was just the tone of her voice though? It is pretty high and screechy at times.

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American Teen

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 25, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 23, 2008

Plot 411: A documentary following several kids at an Indiana high school during their senior year.

Review: I really enjoyed this film because it was able to show what high school is really like these days. I don't think many parents realize how school has changed since they were last in it. The internet and technology has seriously impacted how people interact and relate to one another. Kids are cruel, lonely, depressed or any number of other things and many keep this inside. I think any parent would benefit from watching this doc. The one thing I didn't like is that it followed around the typical stereotypes - princess, jock, band geek, etc. It was almost like watching a real life Breakfast Club.

Watch It: For a swift kick in the ass about what teens and high school are truly like these days.

Skip It: If you already watch anything on the CW because it's probably the same plot points just with a different set location.

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On The Town

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: December 30, 1949

DVD Release Date: May 13, 2008

Plot 411: Three sailors dock in New York and have 24 hours to enjoy the sights.

Review: This is another one of my favorites. There's just something about Gene Kelly musicals that make me smile. The idea of three sailors dashing around New York City trying to see all the sights and pick up the pretty girls is classic. There are some great song and dance numbers throughout. You really come to realize that the world is smaller than you think and home is not so far away. Frank Sinatra and Ann Miller also star in this flick.

Watch It: If you like movies that make you want to kick up your heels and dance the night away, even if you don't have a rhythmic bone in your body (like me).

Skip It: If Milli Vanilli is the closest you'll get to dudes lip singing and dancing.

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Changeling

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 24, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 17, 2009

Plot 411: A woman's fight to find her missing son during a time of increased police corruption in Los Angeles.

Review: This film was based on the true story of Christine Collins, and it captures her strength of spirit and will. Angelina Jolie portrays her as a strong woman and dedicated mother, and Jolie no doubt brings her own maternal instincts to the film as well. The depiction of police corruption of the 1920s is so blatant that it's quite unbelievable that this could have really happened to someone. But, I also think the corruption was a reflection of the times as well as circumstances. The Great Depression may have played a role in the loose morals and unscrupulous acts of law enforcement at the time.

Watch It: For a moving journey of a single woman fighting against the power and authority of corruption.

Skip It: If you only watch Angelina in "sexy" roles because there is nothing alluring about a mother in pain. (However, there is an appalling scene in a psych ward where she does show some skin . . . if that's you're thing.)

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Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: October 31, 1962

DVD Release Date: May 30, 2006

Plot 411: Two over-the-hill actresses live in their reclusive home where an epidemic of sibling rivalry bubbles over.

Review: Despite being over 45 years old, this movie still holds up. The premise of siblings trying to outdo each other for recognition is still current. This film gives us a glimpse of what jealousy and bitterness can really do to people. The two actresses, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, are perfectly evil to one another yet call it all in a day's work. You feel sorry for them both as they recount past glory. Their situation is one of mutual dislike but complete co-dependence. They are sisters, after all, and you don't turn away from family. Some scenes are really heartbreaking. Others are truly vindictive.

Watch It: To witness a real piece of work.

Skip It: If you dislike the fact that high def doesn't really help the gritty black and whites.

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The Women

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 12, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 21, 2008

Plot 411: It takes discovering that her husband is having an affair with a Saks perfume spritzer for one woman to truly uncover who she really is.

Review: This was a great female empowerment movie. All lead and supporting actors were female. Even the writer and director was female. Mostly it spoke about how women make sacrifices of themselves to please others and sometimes end up giving up who they really are. I think it's message about seeking your truest self is poignant. The fact that so many big-name actresses were involved only helps to further the vision. My favorite characters were played by Candice Bergen and Annette Bening. They both had some double-snap lines. I also liked how they highlighted that every woman is different.

Watch It: For inspiration for all that women can accomplish and achieve in life.

Skip It: If a cast full of women is too much estrogen for you to handle in a two-hour period.

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Saw V

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 24, 2008

DVD Release Date: January 20, 2009

Plot 411: One last round of Jigsaw games and an unraveling of the cast of characters involved in all Saw movies.

Review: In typical Saw fashion, there was blood and guts at ever turn. However, the action in this one was a little slower because so much time was spent on wrapping up loose ends and explaining things to the audience. This could be good and bad. If you're a die-hard fan, then you'll desperately want to know what the heck is going on. If you're just in it for the gore, this oen will be a bore. I would consider myself a fan of this series, but even after watching it I'm still not sure what happened. A good idea would be to have a Saw marathon so all the plotlines will be fresh in your mind.

Watch It: If you've seen all the rest, love blood and guts or are a student of props and special effects.

Skip It: If the sight of intestines makes you want to puke.

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Enchanted

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: November 21, 2007

DVD Release Date: March 18, 2008

Plot 411: A fairy tale princess finds herself in New York City, has eye-opening adventures and sings through it all.

Review: In full disclosure, I must admit that I like most musicals so to say that I loved this film is probably an understatement. The singing and dancing will probably make this into a Disney classic. The songs were really catchy (I even know someone who sings "Happy Working Song" while working). Amy Adams really steals the show. It would be a popular film even without McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey) and Cyclops (James Marsden) in the mix, but they only serve to hunkify (yeah, I made that up) the film. The blend of animation and real life is amazing, and this movie truly adds a new dimension to the fairy tale genre.

Watch It: For a contemporary musical filled with timelessly classic techniques.

Skip It: If your kids repeat everything they like over and over because you will not hear the end of it. The songs are just that great.

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Life Support

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: January 26, 2007

DVD Release Date: August 7, 2007

Plot 411: Based on a true story about an African American woman's daily struggles with her family, job and living with HIV.

Review: This was a very moving and realistic account of a former drug addict living with HIV. It delved into her relationships with her husband (also HIV positive), teen daughter (who she gave up custody of to her mother), mother and society. I really liked that it focused on the African American community because there aren't many movies that address HIV/AIDS and homosexuality in this cross section of society. My favorite parts were the group meetings the main character had with other HIV-positive woman. They discussed real issues - when and how to tell someone you have the virus, how to have a sexual relationship and the importance of education in the community. Queen Latifah did a really good job of portraying the continuous struggles of someone - black and female - living with the virus. In heartbreaking but honest depictions, the movie also showed us that it is almost impossible to help people if they do not want to help themselves. This sad but true fact of life was really poignant.

Watch It: For a brutally honest view of an ex-drug addict living with HIV in an urban environment and how it affects a family.

Skip It: If you must but I don't think there's any reason not to see this one.

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After The Wedding

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 30, 2007

DVD Release Date: July 10, 2007

Plot 411: A Danish relief worker in India returns home to secure funding only to have his world turned upside down.

Review: I originally thought this would be about international aid, but it turned out to focus more on family drama instead. However, this wasn't a bad thing. The dynamics of the characters unfolded slowly, which merely emphasized the impact even more. You could definitely see the acts of the play or the arc of the storyline. As the plot thickens, you feel more and more for particular characters, but in the end you can understand everyone's actions. I think many people will be able to relate to the issues faced by the characters in this film. Major themes were love of family, a mother's prerogative, life and death and foreign aid.

Watch It: For some great shots of Denmark and for a twisted family drama.

Skip It: If you hate reading subtitles. Yes, this is a foreign film so you'll need to read subtitles.

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P.S. I Love You

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 21, 2007

DVD Release Date: May 6, 2008

Plot 411: A husband's death brings new life to his widowed wife through letters he's left behind.

Review: This is one of my favorite movies ever. Despite it being such a downer that a love this great ends on a sad note, it is a story of hope and new life. It is a story of eternal love. I also like that it is a topic that many people can relate to and it doesn't glaze over the emotion and loss that the widow (or widower) feels when her spouse dies. It shows that the heart is a powerful thing and is capable of so much more than we are aware.

Watch It: If you're in need of a reminder of the power of love.

Skip It: If you can't stand Hilary Swank as she's the main character and there is no avoiding here.

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Madame X

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: April 27, 1966

DVD Release Date: February 5, 2008

Plot 411: A woman leaves her husband and son to protect them from scandal.

Review: Lana Turner is really wonderful in this film. Her transformation from a blushing, young bride to a emotionally withdrawn older woman is as remarkable as the makeup used to create all those years. I also enjoyed how many of the scenes were lit to create a more dramatic look (shadows across the face and a ray of light slicing across only the eyes were magical). It was heartbreaking to see the pain she endured after leaving her husband and child. It's no wonder she turned to drink to erase the memories of happiness. Even though this was a very soap opera-ish drama, it was still enjoyable. The end of the film wraps up the loose ends nicely and, despite the sadness, at least some peace is acheived.

Watch It: If you want to witness a total emotional overhaul on Valentine's Day. It makes you thankful of the love and happiness that you've got in your life.

Skip It: If 90210 drama is all that you can take. This one is a bit more involved and difficult to stomach.

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Keeping the Faith

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: April 14, 2000

DVD Release Date: October 17, 2000

Plot 411: A priest and a rabbi fall in love with their childhood friend.

Review: This is definitely an interesting take on the regular romantic comedy since it involves a priest (Ed Norton) and a rabbi (Ben Stiller). Obviously, they are devoted to their religion so the introduction of sexy Jenna Elfman throws them for a loop. With excessive religious puns that get a bit slap-stick, this movie was pretty enjoyable. Much of it is predictable, but that's the chance you take with this genre. 95 percent or more of the time you'll already know what's going to happen. I like to think that's the beauty of this genre.

Watch It: If you like Ben Stiller because he's pretty good in this one. Ed Norton is funny too.

Skip It: If you might get offended by the sacrilegious stuff.

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Burn After Reading

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 12, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 21, 2008

Plot 411: A confidential disk is found by gym workers and is used to blackmail a former CIA analyst - affairs occur, the government is perplexed and National Security may or may not be compromised.

Review: This movie really wasn't what I expected. I thought this was an outright comedy. (I mean, c'mon. Have you seen Brad Pitt in the trailer?) It turned out to be more of a dark comedy or tragic comedy. There were still some pretty funny stuff happening but it was more subtle. I guess you could describe this film as partly being a government/spy movie satire and an ill-fated love story. Besides the few humorous scenes though, I thought this movie was really slow. I haven't seen a lot of Ethan and Joel Coen films, but I imagine their humor must be similar to this one. I watched "No Country for Old Men" and loved it, but I suppose this is a different type of movie. The one person I loved in this movie was John Malkovich's character because you could see him slowly falling apart in every scene. It was brilliant.

Watch It: If you're a Coen fan and to see Brad Pitt's dance moves (though not as good as Tom Cruise's moves in "Tropic Thunder.")

Skip It: If you don't have the patience to wait for this one to develop. It takes a while for things to fall into place.

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My Best Friend's Girl

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 19, 2008

DVD Release Date: January 13, 2009

Plot 411: A guy hires his best friend to play the total jerk so that his love interest will think he is a catch only to have his plans backfire on him.

Review: This movie was really bad. Everything was so predictable! I was so disappointed because I normally love Kate Hudson flicks. However, her recent movies have been complete junk. Jason Biggs plays his cliche nice guy role. I mean, he's the same character in every single show. Why can't he expand his horizons a bit? Dane Cook had some funny lines but overall wasn't too impressive. I just can't seem to get into him at all. I can't figure out why he's such a hit with some people. Overall, the movie tanked as a romantic comedy and didn't have enough guts to pull off a full-on comedy.

Watch It: If you really think Cook is the shit.

Skip It: If you have anything better to do with 101 minutes.

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See No Evil

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: May 19, 2006

DVD Release Date: November 28, 2006

Plot 411: Guys and girls from a youth correctional facility are let out on a work-release program in order to fix up a historic hotel, but they soon discover that they are not alone.

Review: I actually thought this was a pretty good first attempt by WWE to make a movie. Granted, it wasn't Oscar worthy or anything, but for what it's worth it was decent. They selected the right wrestler (Kane) for the part as his on-stage persona matches with the character he plays in this film (At least that's what I'm told since I'm not a big WWE fan). For a horror film, there was a good amount of blood and guts, if that's your cup of tea.

Watch It: If Kane is your hero.

Skip It: If you hate the fact that Kane killed Abel.

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High Art

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 12, 1998

DVD Release Date: July 27, 2004

Plot 411: An assistant editor at a snooty art magazine meets a talented photographer, is introduced to her heroin-filled lifestyle and embarks on a difficult lesbian relationship.

Review: This was an interesting look into the art world, and it contrasted the extremely pretentious with the more organic definition of art. It also focused on what success, or the ambition to be successful, does to a person. I think Radha Mitchell and Ally Sheedy were excellent in this film. Theirs was a relationship that you knew was doomed from the start but still made you believe things could work out. At first the lesbian relationship was surprising, but it was definitely an integral part of the film. It wasn't too over-the-top or consuming. It simply was part of the story. Patricia Clarkson was also great in this one as she played Sheedy's drug-obsessed lover.

Watch It: If you like cerebral or artsy films as this one seems like it could be a story taken out of real life.

Skip It: If you like movies that focus on gags, bloodshed or terror.

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Bangkok Dangerous

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 5, 2008

DVD Release Date: January 6, 2009

Plot 411: An assassin takes his last assignment - a four in one in Bangkok - but ends up breaking his well-established rules about life causing him to introduce unnecessary obstacles.

Review: This movie didn't have as much action as I thought there'd be. Oh, there were some gun battles and fights, but I'd thought there'd be much more considering that Nicholas Cage was an assassin. For me, this movie was more about the mental game he played on himself than the actual killings. It was nice to see that the other characters were Asian - good considering it was taking place in Thailand. I think Cage did an okay job, but he really is getting too old for this type of genre. I mean, how can you look cool in all black with long dark hair carrying a huge gun if you have a receding hairline? Doesn't look one bit like a tough guy as I'd imagine a tough guy would shave his head completely bald. Anyway, I guess that's besides the point.

Watch It: If you like those old kung fu movies since this was basically a modernized, American kung fu flick. The Pang brothers directed it.

Skip It: If you're expecting to see tons of blood and guts. You'll probably be disappointed.

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Swimming Upstream

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 27, 2003 (Australia) / July 21, 2004 (USA)

DVD Release Date: March 21, 2006

Plot 411: A movie based on the life of Tony Fingleton, a boy who yearns to win his father's approval and finds the strength to believe in himself.

Review: Wow, is all I can say after watching this film. Some scenes between Geoffrey Rush (who played Tony's father) and Jesse Spencer (who played Tony) were really difficult to watch. I'm positive that many people will be able to relate to the struggle of trying to win a parent's affection, sibling rivalry, alcoholism or living with an abusive family member. The depictions of all of this were so real and tangible that you almost had to turn away. The severe way that the father treats his entire family is cruel. He behaves in unthinkable ways, always manipulating situations. It's crazy how devious he is, and yet you still find some place in your heart to feel sorry for the guy.

Watch It: For a real-life depiction of a disfunctional family or for Jesse Spencer in a Speedo (doing his own swimming). Take your pick.

Skip It: If you're likely to have flashbacks of your own troubled childhood. This one could awaken long-lost memories.

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Eat Drink Man Woman

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: August 3, 1994

DVD Release Date: March 5, 2002

Plot 411: Three grown daughters humor their elderly father by gathering for a ritual Sunday dinner as they all seek to find love.

Review: This was a really good, complex family drama. It made me think of my own family and their issues. Somehow, I felt like I was able to relate more to this Chinese movie than if it were an American film. Is it because the Asian culture in Hawaii is so prominent? Because I'm sure American movies have covered the same topic: daughters who are "old maids" and fathers who are stubbornly set in their ways. Somehow this film struck a chord in me and I was able to relate to the daughters in their own ways. Another great thing about this movie is all the food that is served - wow, makes you're mouth water.

Watch It: If you like K-dramas because this is basically the same thing, but probably less emotional.

Skip It: If the aforementiond issues between the father and his daughters will cut too close to the core. No sense undoing all that work with your therapist.

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The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

Movie Release Date: February 26, 1920 (Germany) / March 19, 1921 (USA)

DVD Release Date: September 24, 2002

Plot 411: A man travels from town to town using a sleepwalker to do his bidding.

Review: This movie was pretty creepy, especially when you consider that it was made so long ago. I've read that this was the first horror film ever (not sure if that's true or not). I think modern horror films could take a lesson from this movie. Or maybe the Germans just have the scary movie market cornered? The fact that this was a silent movie actually enhanced the creepiness of it all. The score really played with your emotions and heightened the scenes tremendously. One minor irritation though is the overacting (lots of facial twitches going on), but I suppose since it's a silent film the exaggeration helps. I noticed that this film also utilized the scary shadow thing like "Nosferatu" did. It was effective in this one as well.

Watch It: To appreciate the true brilliance of movie making.

Skip It: If you can't be bothered reading subtitles.

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Dragon Tiger Gate

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: July 27, 2006 (Singapore)

DVD Release Date: November 27, 2007

Plot 411: Two estranged martial arts brothers join forces to fight an evil force.

Review: This wasn't the best martial arts film I've seen but it definitely used a bunch of CGI to make it look oh so cool. I think the movie is based on a comic so the CGI gave the film some comic book authenticity. Some of the moves were pretty amazing and there was never a dull moment. I enjoyed the dichotomy of old vs. new and tradition vs. inovation that this film brought to the screen.

Watch It: For cool martial arts moves in graphic novel-type action.

Skip It: If you prefer the more traditional (and realistic) Bruce Lee-like martial arts.

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She's The Man

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: March 17, 2006

DVD Release Date: July 18, 2006

Plot 411: A girl goes undercover as her twin brother and joins the boys soccer team to prove that girls can play.

Review: Yes, this is a teen movie, and yes, I did watch it . . . more than once if you'd like to know. But, I have an ulterior motive that isn't just to see Channing Tatum in all his glory. My real reason (or so I continue to tell myself) is that I used to play soccer and can never pass up a movie with soccer in it. I like to critique the actors since more often than not they don't know how to play. Fortunately, this movie hired a lot of extras who actually knew what they were doing and the main actors were athletic enough to pull it off. Unfortunately, Amanda Bynes didn't. Oh well, it'd be expecting too much for the entire cast to look good. Other than that, I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot (based on Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night"). It's a typical teen movie with love triangles and social hierarchy coming into play. David Cross is hilarious in his role.

Watch It: If you enjoy other films like "She's All That," "Can't Hardly Wait," "Cinderella Story" or any of the other popular teen movies in recent decades. Another two good reasons are Channing Tatum and Robert Hoffman.

Skip It: If you're over the whole "love him, hate him, love him again" whirlwind of teenage crushes and first loves.

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Wanted

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 27, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 1, 2008

Plot 411: Wesley, a regular Joe Schmoe, is recruited by a guild of assassins to seek revenge on his father's killer.

Review: The action sequences and CGI in this movie were pretty interesting. It almost seemed to be breaking new ground with some of the tricks, but I'm not sure if that's really accurate. There was also a lot of humor despite the serious nature of training an assassin. I wouldn't exactly say that this is Morgan Freeman's best role but it was different, that's for sure. (The last time I'd seen him was in "Bucket List." This was a total departure from that character.) I also have to admit that Angelina Jolie is looking old in this film. Normally she looks very voluptuous, but she seemed a little skinny here. I wonder if that's because of Brad or because of the kids? Also, I've had a thing for James McAvoy ever since "The Last King of Scotland," but somehow he hasn't been able to live up to my expectations in any of his follow-up roles. This one was no different.

Watch It: If you're an action junkie or love Angelina (spoiler: there's a shot of her from the rear that is a must-see for you guys . . . and some girls too, I suppose.).

Skip It: If, like me, James McAvoy spoiled you with his performance in "The Last King of Scotland." He definitely doesn't live up to his Dr. Garrigan character here.

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Wall-E

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: June 27, 2008

DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008

Plot 411: Humans have long since killed the Earth and left to live in outer space, but one robot remains to clean up their mess.

Review: Let me just say this now - I almost cried watching this movie with it's robot beeps and whirls. Yes, it was that touching. It's amazing how sound can create such emotion in animation as well as in humans. It was beautiful. That being said, this movie totally lived up to all the hype I had heard when it was first released. And yes, it seems to be the first animated film to address our environmental concerns. It was definitely part of the movie, but it honestly got overshadowed by the robot lovefest that was going on.

Watch It: For the sound effects, animation, message and love story.

Skip It: If you're looking to escape in a film filled with action and gore rather than be confronted with thought-provoking messages.

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