Lady Snowblood

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 1, 1973 (Japan)

DVD Release Date: May 11, 2004

Plot 411: A girl is born for one purpose and one purpose only - revenge.

Review: This is a revenge story that sucks you in from the start. A child is born for the purpose of seeking vengeance against the people who hurt her mother and killed her mother's husband and son. The baby is born in prison and her mother dies in childbirth. Raised by a priest to hunt down and kill the bandits that harmed her family, Yuki is stunning as she moves and executes such horrific ends. She is does not feel remorse as she seeks her revenge one by one. It is her duty - nothing more, nothing less. It is about honor and sacrifice. It is the Japanese way. I think this is a great movie that seems to hold up well even though it's been over 25 years since it's been released. Interestingly, Quentin Tarantino was inspired by this movie and pays homage to it in his Kill Bill Vol. 1.

Watch It: And you'll feel empathetic about Yuki's life journey.

Skip It: If you prefer all the technological advantages of today's movies.

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Head Over Heels

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 2, 2001

DVD Release Date: July 31, 2001

Plot 411: Amanda moves into a new apartment and falls in love with a guy from the next building. But, her peeping tom routine gets a little complicated when she sees him kill someone.

Review: All in all, not the very best romantic comedy out there, and I'm a little disappointed with Freddie Prinze Jr.'s effort in this one. In the '90s, he was the stud muffin of teen rom-coms but somehow lost his charm when the new millennium gave way. This could be that marriage of his to Sarah Michelle Gellar, but I digress. In this movie, he plays Jim, a fashion exec and neighbor in the next building. Monica Potter is cast perfectly as a sort of mousy girl living among supermodels. She oogles Jim from across the way until she witnesses him committing a murder. Or does she? Her new supermodel friends are willing to overlook such a small faux pas, but is she?

Watch It: For a mediocre rom-com and a couple of laughs.

Skip It: If there's a better rom-com on the shelf.

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The Spirit

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 25, 2008

DVD Release Date: April 14, 2009

Plot 411: An undead cop is a masked avenger in a city full of crime.

Review: I hated this movie despite the fact that I completely loved the Spirit's deep, throaty voice. This is the main reason I didn't eject the dvd after a mere 10 minutes. I couldn't get into the plot at all. Perhaps it's because I'm not a comic book fan and am not familiar with this character? Maybe it's because the movie is targeted at guys and girls aren't meant to get it? I'm not sure. But, in any case, this was completely bizarre to me. I enjoyed 300 and thought Sin City was watchable, but I couldn't get with the program on this one. For those of you who don't know, the Spirit used to be a cop named Denny. He died but came back to life. Now he's a masked crime fighter who helps cops bring in bad guys. Ok, that I get. What I don't get is why women are drawn to the Spirit like he's some kind of rock star. I don't get why he keeps seeing a woman who I interpret to be the messenger of death and why she seems to be in love with him too. Also, what's up with the weird Parisan girl, the demented doctor and his assistant? Someone please explain this to me. One undeniably cool thing was the graphic novel feel that the movie had. Of course, with Frank Miller behind the wheel it's bound to look amazing. The cool black/white contrast; the odd camera angle selections; the incredible CGI work - all of this was amazing. Oh and the Spirit's voice. Did I mention it's to die for?

Watch It: Mostly if you're a Frank Miller fan or into comics.

Skip It: If you're clueless about the world of graphic novels.

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The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: May 16, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 2, 2008

Plot 411: The Pevensie children are summoned back to Narnia hundreds of Narnian years after they left and discover that things have changed dramatically and are on the brink of war.

Review: First off, how this movie ever got a PG rating is beyond me. Yes, I don't think they actually show any penetration and slashing of the swords through bodies, but the mere implication is still pretty violent in my opinion. I think they did show arrows being shot into people, but I guess that doesn't count? Anyway, the four kids are back in Narnia because Prince Caspian blew a Susan's horn. An attempt on his life has been made by his uncle in order to take the throne. Narnians, who were thought to be legends but are in fact still alive and thriving, resurface. They band together to fight Caspian's uncle so that peace between humans and Narnians can once again exist. Like the last film, this movie had great cinematography and CGI work on all the different mythical creatures. They were also able to translate the Christian undertones of C.S. Lewis into the film, thus staying true to the novels. However, I don't remmeber if any part of the plot is lacking or if there are any inaccuracies between the movie and book. I haven't read this series since I was in elementary school.

Watch It: For some pretty cool battle scenes and the mythical creatures of Narnia.

Skip It: If you don't like to be preached to by movie makers.

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The U.S. vs. John Lennon

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 26, 2006

DVD Release Date: February 13, 2007

Plot 411: Documentary about John Lennon and his political battles with the United States under the Nixon administration.

Review: This was a really informative documentary about John Lennon and Yoko Ono, especially for someone who did not grow up during that time of the Summer of Love through the Vietnam War. The interviews with people from both sides of the issue were interesting and enlightening and comparisons can be drawn between the Nixon administration and the recent Bush administration. For someone who did not grow up during those times and who did not live through the protests, sit ins, be ins and marches, it's eye opening to see all the different vehicles in which Lennon and his fellow activists tried to get their message of peace out. The way in which they were able to touch the youth and mobilize them is in fact quite similar to Barack Obama's campaign efforts. Amazing how history seems to repeat itself, isn't it? The contrast between the ideas of the Hoover era of the FBI and the peaceniks are so completely divergent. It's shocking to think that the FBI did anything, even if it were illegal, in order to get what they wanted. It makes you wonder what they (the administration, the political machine, the system - whatever you want to call it) is doing with today's technology.

Watch It: To be inspired by the idea that peace is possible if we want it.

Skip It: If you believe anti-war demonstrations are un-American.

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Role Models

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 7, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 10, 2009

Plot 411: Two friends fulfill their court-appointed community service by being big brothers to two troubled kids.

Review: Let's say this movie wasn't as funny as the previews made it seem. However, it was ok. I suppose it was on par with other Seann William Scott flicks. He played his typical character - a sex-crazed delinquent. Paul Rudd played the straight man (pretty typical as well) to Scott's beast. What made this film so great was the two kid actors - Christopher Mintz-Plasse (of Superbad fame) and Bobb'e J. Thompson. They were both hilarious, especially Thompson with his continuously dirty mouth. Fun-E! The gist of the movie is that Rudd's girlfriend breaks up with him and he gets crazy sad, commits some stupid crime with Scott's character and is sentenced to community service or else faces jail time. At first the two hate the idea of being some little's big but are forced to when the idea of anal sex in jail scares them straight. The go from half ass to whole hearted in no time. Awwww!

Watch It: For stupid humor, lots of swearing and some nudity.

Skip It: If you've seen enough of these movies since American Pie to last you a lifetime.

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Sex Drive

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 17, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 24, 2009

Plot 411: A guy and his friends drive cross country so he can meet his internet crush and get laid.

Review: Honestly, you can probably only appreciate this movie if you're a 15-year-old guy (or have that mentality or maturity level). I'm sure the regular version wasn't any better than the unrated one. But if you're that 15-year-old guy, definitely see the unrated version. Trust me. Lots of gratuitous T&A action going on. Also some big D swinging in for some cameos for all you girls. The plot was like any other teen comedy after American Pie, except the quality just doesn't compare. Maybe it's because we've become immune to all of those kinds of jokes? Basically this is a road movie in pursuit of what every teenage guy (and girl these days too) are in search of and the characters have little adventures along the way. What I did enjoy about the unrated version is that it started off with an inventive albeit cheesy intro from the producers. But the movie continued cheesy like this afterward. At one point I wondered if it was a spoof of itself. It's like the producers didn't really take this stuff seriously. That's what made it even better.

Watch It: For all the unneed nudity that flashes, walks and jogs across the screen for your benefit.

Skip It: If you're looking for any kind of plot or humor besides gross-out humor. Even James Marsden and Seth Green couldn't save this one (although Green's character is probably my fave).

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The Black Hole

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 21, 1979

DVD Release Date: August 3, 2004

Plot 411: A space shuttle's crew finds a long lost vessel in outer space and its sole inhabitant that they thought was lost.

Review: Seriously a good sci-fi try for the late '70s, but I completely lost interest after only 10 minutes into this movie. There's just no comparison to today's technology I guess. What I did enjoy were the pop and lock robots. I kept hoping they'd bust out the cardboard and break dance on the bridge. The effects of this film are pretty cheesy, but I suppose it was probably cutting edge for its time. Somehow the color is really odd but par for the course for this era. Maybe it's something to do with the film they used? Everything looks so saturated or at times is ultra bright. Star Wars it is not, despite its attempt to with the a heroic musical score.

Watch It: If you like classic sci-fi, otherwise, this isn't the movie for you.

Skip It: Because Flight of the Navigator and The Last Starfighter are way better.

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Identity

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 25, 2003

DVD Release Date: February 3, 2004

Plot 411: Stuck at a motel in a rainstorm, a group of strangers slowly gets killed one by one. They must discover who done it and why.

Review: This was a well-written movie that I think gets overlooked a lot. It's a thriller, mystery and horror film rolled into one. It really makes you think. People from all walks of life are stuck in a motel as they slowly get picked off one by one. As the audience and the motel guests try to figure out what's going on, a separate drama is happening concurrently in which a death row inmate is being questioned by a psychiatrist in the 11th hour. This movie's ensemble cast makes it really difficult to pick out the killer or to even figure out what's happening. I love John Cusack in this movie because it's so far removed from his other stuff. Amanda Peet, Ray Liotta, John C. McGinley and Alfred Molina also star. If you start this movie, you'll never want to stop it and walk away. You'll need to sit through till the end. But it's definitely worth it.

Watch It: If you're the Sherlock Holmes type who likes to solve murder mysteries. This will take you for a loop.

Skip It: If you're not a big fan of thrillers. This one really gets your heart pounding at some points. The suspense is a killer.

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The Sweetest Thing

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 12, 2002

DVD Release Date: August 20, 2002

Plot 411: Party girls Christina and Courtney are well-known on the club scene. But when Christina meets Peter, she begins to wonder if there's something more to life than just dancing, drinking and hooking up.

Review: This is easily one of my favorite Cameron Diaz (Christina) flicks because she has such great chemistry with Christina Applegate (Courtney). The two really come off as BFFs. The adventures they get into and their moments together are hilarious! It's a real tribute to sisterhood. Adding to the hysterical nature of this film is Selma Blair. Normally she's cast as the shy girl or nerdy girl, but she's a bit more risque in this one. She's got a great scene where she actually sings, but I don't want to give it away. Essentially there's a whole love story involved and people learn their lessons and whatnot, but the best part is the comaraderie of the girls. It's like a modern Three Musketeers.

Watch It: For great laughs with your BFF, a tub of popcorn and a pint of ice cream. It'll make you feel good.

Skip It: If the girl bonding isn't for you. But seriously, even the guys in this flick have some great lines. Don't miss Jason Bateman!

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Heartbreakers

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: March 23, 2001

DVD Release Date: October 2, 2001

Plot 411: A mother-daughter con team work together to scam some dough from unsuspecting men.

Review: This movie had a great plot idea to begin with that carried it through to the end. Rarely does film capture the con work of women scamming men. Just that in itself is enough for me to watch this one. While the idea may be sort of feminist in nature, their tactics were so not. They, of course, use every woman's trick in the book to get what they want - from slipping some crushed glass in their food to spraying water on some tile and twisting an ankle. Sigourney Weaver plays the mama con and Jennifer Love Hewitt plays the baby con in this duo. They seemed to work together well. There are tons of funny moments in this that most women can relate to, especially the mother-daughter relationship. The love story that develops is sweet as any romantic comedy should be. Gene Hackman is great in this one as he plays a rich old coot.

Watch It: With your mom for some great laughs and some bonding.

Skip It: If you're looking for some real substance. It's a rom-com, what do you expect?

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The Invasion

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 17, 2007

DVD Release Date: January 29, 2008

Plot 411: An alien species comes to earth on a space shuttle and slowly infects the world.

Review: In The Invasion, Nicole Kidman plays a mother who is trying to save her son from turning into an alien. One human at a time are being turned into aliens. They talk and look the same but somehow their actions are stilted. They have no emotion. The reason for the alien takeover is to purge the world of war and hatred. When everyone on earth are of like mind, people will stop killing eachother and the environment. All of our other problems will be solved. Now isn't this interesting social commentary?

Watch It: For a twist on the normal alien invasion movie. These are socially aware, higher beings looking only to make our world a better place, or so they believe.

Skip It: As it is a bit slow in the beginning and there's not a lot of real action sequences.

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Pineapple Express

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 6, 2008

DVD Release Date: January 6, 2009

Plot 411: A stoner witnesses a murder and must get away from the perps before he is killed too.

Review: This movie was actually pretty funny and the action wasn't half bad. Seth Rogen plays Dale Denton, a process server who witnesses a murder. When he figures out that the killers might trace him back through his dealer/friend (played by James Franco), the two must get their ass in gear to avoid them. In a bumbling, stoner way the two somehow find themselves in the midst of a drug war. Franco is extremely funny in his role as Saul. I don't think we've really seen him bust out his comedic chops like this, but it turns out he's really good. The fact that the casting for Dale and Saul are reversed and seem counterintuitive makes the duo work even better together. There's also cameos by Bobby Lee and Ken Jeong (both hilarious in Kims of Comedy).

Watch It: For a new and improved version of what Cheech and Chong made famous.

Skip It: If you can't see yourself getting into the drug humor. It, at times, can be really stupid.

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The Perfect Holiday

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 12, 2007

DVD Release Date: November 11, 2008

Plot 411: A girl tells a mall Santa to bring her mother happiness for her Christmas wish.

Review: This was a cute romantic comedy starring Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union. I didn't remember even seeing it out in the theaters. Chestnut plays a part-time mall Santa who is asked by Union's daughter to help her mother find a husband. Chestnut decides to approach the mother but doesn't reveal that he knows who she is. Wanting to hide is North Pole roots, he ends up fibbing his way into her life. The best part of this film is Charlie Murphy's character, J-Jizzy, who is a rapper and Union's ex-husband. He is seriously funny playing this pimp daddy rap god. However, overall the movie isn't one to write home about. It's pretty formulaic and predictable.

Watch It: For a cute holiday movie.

Skip It: If you have the option to watch another holiday film, like This Christmas.

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His Name Was Jason: 30 Years Of Friday The 13th

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: N/A

DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009

Plot 411: A documentary that takes you through all the Friday the 13th movies.

Review: This was really interesting to watch, especially since there were tons of cast interviews. It was like watching the Special Features of every Jason flick. You get to see how the different actors portrayed Jason as well as how the directors approached each movie. It really makes you realize just how much this character has permeated our society.

Watch It: If you're a fan of the horror genre.

Skip It: If you're not one who would normally watch the Special Features section anyway.

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Blindness

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 3, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 10, 2009

Plot 411: An epidemic of blindness hits a city and when the government quarantines the infected people all hell breaks loose.

Review: This was an eye-opening movie because it really made you realize how valuable your sight is. When their sight was taken away, the group of quarantined people really got chaotic. Despite having one person (Julianne Moore) with sight who tried to keep order while hiding her ability, the community really degenerated into a downward spiral. It's as if people regressed to their wilder, more animalistic natures. Maybe that's our true nature and our sophistication and order are merely a good cover? The fear of the unknown is a really powerful motivator and can change the way any sane person would act. Self-preservation instincts are still wired to human instinct no matter how civilized we appear. Another interesting thing is that the people in this movie are anonymous. We don't know anyone's name. We only know their occupation, like the doctor (Mark Ruffalo), as if because they're blind they don't have an identity anymore. We never find out the cause of the epidemic, which I think is a good way to end the film. It leaves the door open to the idea that this is possible and makes you ponder how you would react if a similar situation would occur.

Watch It: For an intriguing look at human nature.

Skip It: If psychological dramas bore you.

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Sayonara

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: December 5, 1957

DVD Release Date: September 18, 2001

Plot 411: An interracial love story between an American Air Force pilot and a Japanese stage performer blooms amid prejudice in Kobe, Japan.

Review: This is a love story that'll blow you away. This movie is about the racial prejudice of both countries, nationalism and obligation. It is also the story about how deeply love can engulf you and a testament to what lengths people will go to in order to be with the one they love. It is about embracing differences and learning from one another. The movie was shot in Japan and the scenery is beautiful, especially the cherry blossoms. I also love how they were able to incorporate large singing and dancing numbers and include many traditional Japanese theatrical and musical techniques. One thing that gnawed at me throughout this movie was that while I really enjoyed Marlon Brando's performance, he reminded me of a cross between George W. Bush and Matthew McConaughey. His character had a southern accent (and I think he was from Texas but can't be sure), which utterly got on my nerves. It was especially irritating when combined with the good ol' boys, God-bless-America attitude he had in the beginning of the film. I guess he's supposed to represent the American everyman, it was still a bit much for me. But boy did he look good in his dress blues. Another blimp on my radar was that they cast Ricardo Montalban as a Japanese male performer. Could they not have cast an actual Japanese person for the role? It struck me as awkward that they didn't, especially in a movie about racial equality and acceptance. However, other than those personal snarky reactions, I thought this was a true masterpiece.

Watch It: For a lessons on fighting and dying for eternal love.

Skip It: If a love story stretching two and a half hours is just too much for you.

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27 Dresses

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 18, 2008

DVD Release Date: April 29, 2008

Plot 411: "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride" fully enacted and come to life.

Review: Basically, you're not going to get a neutral review outta me on this one. I totally love James Marsden, so if he's in it I'll watch it . . . usually more than once. Anyway, despite some seriously whacked roles that he's played in the past, I'll always give him a shot. I think in this one, he worked well with Katherine Heigl. Some scenes really showed off their chemistry (especially the one in the bar). However, her character really got on my nerves because of how wimpy she was. I think Malin Akerman did a fab job on playing the bitchy little sister. I walked away from this one hating her guts. This is probably best seen with a group of your closest gal pals.

Watch It: Another fun chick flick, but this one showcases the most hidious bridesmaid dresses you've ever seen. Oh, and of course for James Marsden.

Skip It: If Heigl's Izzy character on Grey's Anatomy is just too much for you. This will make it worse.

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Twilight

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 21, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 21, 2009

Plot 411: A vampire saves a human girl's life and reveals himself and his kind to her.

Review: With all the hype surrounding this flick, I was expecting to be blown away. That didn't happen. I felt like I was waiting for something more but that something more didn't come. To me, the build up of Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella's (Kristen Stewart) relationship was sort of awkward. There was all this unnecessary dialogue going on that was almost too authentic to high school life. It didn't help the plot move forward. Yet, we're supposed to believe that Bella somehow falls in love with Edward and is able to overlook his blood-sucking tendancies? That's a tough one to swallow.

Watch It: If you're into the books. Or, for the grown up version of this read J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Skip It: If you really got hooked on the now canceled Moonlight (CBS) because this is nothing like Beth and Mick. You'll walk away disappointed.

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Grindhouse: Planet Terror

Rating: Unrated

Movie Release Date: April 6, 2007

DVD Release Date: October 16, 2007

Plot 411: A town tries to survive the onslaught of zombies.

Review: This was an interesting experience. There was a lot of blood and guts so this is definitely your movie if that's your sort of thing. The plot was transparent, but I think that's what Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino were going for after all. This movie is basically a throw back to films and the movie going experience of the '70s? I can't verify though as it is a little before my time. They even play up this fact with the splotchy film reels and the cheesy pre-movie commercials. However the contrast is that the movie is definitely modern because of all the technology the characters have on hand. I tried to sit through the sister movie, Grindhouse: Death Proof, but couldn't. That one was even worse than this. It was really slow in the beginning and I lost patience with it.

Watch It: For memories of old and some good zombie killing.

Skip It: If the above is not your cup of tea. It'd be a waste of your time otherwise.

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Maurice

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 18, 1987

DVD Release Date: February 24, 2004

Plot 411: A young man confronts, indulges and accepts his homosexuality in early 1900 England.

Review: Based on a book of the same name by E.M. Forster, this movie follows a young man's journey into adulthood and his gradual acceptance of his sexuality. It is amazing to me that Forster wrote this book in about 1913 and that, I must assume, it depicts homosexuality of that time accurately. To be gay and be so confined and restrained due to society and laws is almost unthinkable today. Yes, there may still be people whose views of sexuality in general mimic those of the early 20th century, but for the most part society accepts people of all shapes, sizes, colors and lifestyles. This movie really puts a face on people who lived 100 years ago and of the strict structure in England. James Wilby plays the title role while Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves support. The emotional turmoil the characters feel is quite evident in the actors' faces despite the prim and proper way of life during this time. Overall, I thought the plot was really engaging and that there should be more coming-of-age films like this one - gay and straight.

Watch It: For a British period piece that deals with 20th century social qualms.

Skip It: If frontal nudity and same-sex kissing upsets you. There seems to be more kissing in this one than in Brokeback Mountain, however, it's less intense.

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A Far Off Place

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: March 12, 1993

DVD Release Date: June 1, 2004

Plot 411: Three teens and a dog travel across the Kalahari Desert to escape poachers who killed their families.

Review: This was an intersting movie - sort of a cross between an after-school special and a political/environmental piece. The way in which this story was told seemed very deliberate and there were several lessons that I assume were meant for the audience. 1) Poaching is bad; 2) Stand up for what you believe in whether it is through actions or words; 3) You can do anything you put your mind to; 4) Give people a chance because they can change and grow; 5) The Kalahari Desert is very, very big. Other than that, I guess it was supposed to be a show for kids since it was made by Disney. It starred a young Reese Witherspoon and Ethan Embry (Ethan Randall in the credits).

Watch It: For the some picturesque vistas of Africa.

Skip It: If you have a choice.

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The Three Faces Of Eve

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: September 23, 1957

DVD Release Date: October 5, 2004

Plot 411: A true story about a married woman with dissociative identity disorder.

Review: The movie was shot like a historical reenactment with a narrator throughout the entire piece. He even opened up the movie to clarify that this was indeed a true story and not one simply based in truth. Joanne Woodward did a pretty good job portraying a woman tormented with three separate personalities. However, some of the scenes were really hard to believe. For instance, when she switched from one personality to the next it seemed that the process was what everyone expected rather than how it might actually happen in real life. I'm not psychiatrist or doctor but I'm pretty sure it doesn't happen by simply putting your head down or instantaneously upon command. The contrast between today and when the film was made was really evident in some scenes and actually bothered me a bit. I realize that you have to take things in historical and cultural context and not pass judgment using today's standards, but it was really annoying to see how Eve's husband treated her. The film showed how completely male dominated the world was back them. Even the complete faith Eve and her husband put in the doctors and their word shows an America and Americans who were more innocent than we are today. I'm not sure whether that's a good or bad thing.

Watch It: For what seems to be an interesting case study of a woman with three personalities.

Skip It: If you're just looking for a good black and white period piece. I'm sure there are others that are more interesting than this one.

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Monsters vs. Aliens

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: March 27, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBA

Plot 411: When an alien species invades Earth, the government must unveil the monsters its been hiding and studying for the past 50 years in hopes that they can stop the attack.

Review: I loved this flick. It sort of had that alien invasion feel to it like movies from the '50s, but it was animated using the most modern technology. What a contradiction. There were many jokes for the adults to enjoy, and in a way I think the entire film was aimed more at parents than at their kids. The subject matter was a bit intense for young children and some of the scenes were dark and a bit scary. There was also a love story and a lesson on self-acceptance. Just because the film is animated, it doesn't mean that the appropriate viewing age is 5. In this case, I'd say kids 10 and older would enjoy it the most. This is probably the first film in which I enjoyed the performance of Seth Rogen. Amazing. We also got good performances from Reese Witherspoon, Stephen Colbert and Rainn Wilson.

Watch It: If you're conned into taking the kids out to the movies. At least you'll like this one.

Skip It: If you have a choice between this and Adventureland (looks hilarious) or Fast and Furious (if you're a car freak) or Duplicity (probably another good one by Julia Roberts).

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The Miracle Match / The Game Of Their Lives

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: April 22, 2005

DVD Release Date: September 12, 2006

Plot 411: The true story of the 1-0 U.S. win over England in their first match in the 1950 World Cup.

Review: As a former soccer player, I have a soft spot for films that promote the sport. But, because I used to play the game, I'm always very critical about whether or not the actors really know their stuff. This is probably the best movie I've seen that shows the audience the skill and technique needed to play the sport properly, and after some research I've discovered that many of the actors have a soccer background. Because of this, the film gets high marks right off the bat. In addition to realistic soccer action, the plot is moving. I didn't feel as emotionally caught up in it as Swimming Up Stream, but it is inspirational in a nationalistic way. The main characters are played by Gerard Butler and Wes Bentley. Other players include Louis and Costas Mandylor (who both played soccer professionally in Australia) and Zachery Ty Bryan. Surprisingly, Gavin Rossdale makes an appearance as one of the English players. That was really unexpected for me, but I suppose he's British and there probably isn't a single British kid who hasn't grown up with dreams of playing for Manchester United or one of the other pro teams.

Watch It: If soccer is your sport of choice, you have a knackering for history or just want to see Butler's athleticism. Butler really does make some impressive saves at the goal.

Skip It: If you prefer the other football in which case I'd recommend We Are Marshall or Remember The Titans.

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Bolt

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: November 21, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 26, 2009

Plot 411: A canine TV star named Bolt must use all his powers in the real world to find his way home to his human Penny.

Review: Bolt is a movie that both kids and parents will enjoy. There's humor, hardship, love and adventure in this animated flick starring John Travolta and Miley Cyrus. The dialogue is pretty snappy throughout the film and the characters are memorable, especially Rhino, played by Mark Walton. The animation is good, but not groundbreaking. It's a sweet film with lovable characters.

Watch It: If you liked Madagascar or Finding Nemo because it deals with animals and a journey.

Skip It: If you liked Cinderella or Snow White because there are no princesses or princes involved in this one. It's modern all the way.

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Beowulf & Grendel

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 5, 2005 (Canada) / January 6, 2006 (USA)

DVD Release Date: September 26, 2006

Plot 411: A clan of Danes are terrorized by a troll who kills their people.

Review: I've read this poem throughout my school years several times and never did I remember it as portrayed in this movie. That's not to say the movie is terrible though, and I'm not really a stickler for a word-for-word translation. For those who are, you might find the film to be ruining a masterpiece. I enjoyed it for what it was, liberal poetic license and all. The landscape of Iceland, where this movie was shot, is magnificent. It's all open spaces, green mountains, stark cliffs and black sand beaches. There is also an obvious moral to the story that the director intends audiences to learn by the end of the film, which is that when people judge others before they fully understand them we all suffer. Grendel is depicted as a beautifully forlorn creature, intelligent and more human, in fact, than the rest of the characters. The audience really empathizes with him by the end of the film. Mostly, I watched this film for Gerard Butler, but somehow he didn't really come through for me in this film. His character, Beowulf, is such a tragic hero.

Watch It: For a liberal interpretation of an old classic.

Skip It: If you find accents difficult to understand as there's no subtitles to read. Even though the accents were only British, Irish and the like, some parts were hard to understand. They used slang that my American ears had trouble following at times.

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The Haunting Of Molly Hartley

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: October 31, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 24, 2009

Plot 411: After being attacked by her mother, a teen attempts to cope despite the fact that she as audio and visual hallucinations.

Review: This movie didn't commit to one genre, and this is what weakened its effect. It was neither slasher horror or psychological thriller. It wasn't really supernatural evil or insane killer scary. Then, to make matters worse the end wraps up like any other typical teen flick. The main characters practically go skipping off into the sunset holding hands. Overall, it was a disappointment and I wouldn't recommend watching it. It might be appropriate for the tween age group, but that's about it. One interesting thing is that at some points I felt as if the movie was trying to sell religion to me. It was like I was at a church meeting and they were trying to save my soul and show me the difference between good and evil. It was like a testimonial (or infomercial) for Christianity. I'm not sure if that was intentional or not though.

Watch It: If you're just hitting puberty and like a good scare. Plus, Chance Crawford of "Gossip Girl" with his stunning baby blues is in this movie.

Skip It: If you're looking for a real scare, blood and guts or any other traditional horror spin off.

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Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: November 7, 2008

DVD Release Date: April 6, 2009

Plot 411: The crazy NYC zoo escapees make their way from Madagascar to Africa and discover their natural habitat.

Review: Every once in a while you've just got to watch a kid flick, and this one is a pretty good choice. There were many instances throughout the film when I found myself laughing out loud. Sometimes I'd laugh so loud that I had to actually cover my mouth for fear that my neighbors might think I'd gone crazy. The actors attached to this film are real comedians (Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer, Cedric the Entertainer and Bernie Mac) and bring the characters to life. You really get a sense that they're having a great time. Of course, the relationship between the original four characters is still wonderfully warm and funny. I love that there's even a reference to West Side Story.

Watch It: For a kid film with great laughs for adults.

Skip It: If you haven't seen the first one yet. Definitely watch that one first because the original cast is so great.

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Watchmen

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 6, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A group of retired superheroes are attacked by an unknown entity so they dust off their old getups to kick some butt.

Review: I found this movie to be a combination of intriguing and confusing. I didn't read the graphic novel prior to seeing the film (nor do I think I ever will), and I'm not much of a fan for the genre anyway. But, overall it was good. The special effects, of course, were outstanding and I often found myself wondering how they managed to do things. This could have contributed to my overall confusion with the plot. I didn't really understand the nuances of the two generations of superheroes and a multitude of other things. Visually though, there were so many stimulating things from the contrast in color and darkness, the neon blue of Dr. Manhanttan (and his prominently displayed package), the ever-changing face of Rorschach and the state of the world as portrayed in the film. It's probably worth another viewing once it comes out on DVD.

Watch It: If superhero flicks are your kryptonite.

Skip It: If softcore porn offends you. There are portions that would make even a grown man blush, especially if he's watching it in a theater with dozens of other people.

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