My Bloody Valentine 3D

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January 16, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 15, 2009

Plot 411: A miner, thought to be dead, begins a second killing spree on the tenth anniversary of the Valentine's day massacre in a small town.

Review: Yes, Jensen Ackles has finally made it to the big screen. I mean, I know he's done some other films, but nothing as mainstream as this, from what I can tell. I've been a fan since "Days of Our Lives" and love "Supernatural" as well. He definitely looks yummy but is all mysterious and a little bit off in this one. Another bit of eye candy comes in the packaging of Kerr Smith. 'Nuff said. Besides all the hot bods, I gotta admit that the characters actually had a bit of depth, especially for a slasher flick. They were more complex than normal. Also, the women weren't wimpy and helpless in this one. They actually kicked some butt in several scenes (although there was a lot of screaming still). However, the plot was very predictable in the end.

Watch It: Especially if you have your cool 3D glasses on you.

Skip It: If you don't have those nifty glasses as some of the scenes won't have the same impact and the stunts will look foolish.

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Mamma Mia!

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 18, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 16, 2008

Plot 411: Before Sophie can get married, she must find out which one of three men is her father so she invites them all.

Review: When this film came out, I watched it in the theaters because it just happened to be playing when we showed up. Admittedly, I enjoyed it a lot more than I anticipated, so after watching the musical I decided to re-watch the film and compare. On this second viewing, I was still amazed at how wonderful Meryl Streep is and how great she looks. Boy, can she dance and sing. As always, Christine Baranski's voice is great. Too bad she didn't have more solos. Among the "dads" were Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Stellan Skarsgard. Firth has a nice little solo and does well. Brosnan - as I remembered and which was confirmed just now - really, really sucked. He's atrocious yet has several solos. The irony of it all! Skarsgard doesn't really sing. (They cut his scene but it's in the deleted scenes.) A major character in the film is Greece itself. The white buildings against the blue water and sky is beautiful. Again, just like in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the scenery makes me yearn to go to Greece. It just seems so magical on film. And how could I not mention the other character - ABBA's music? The music fit perfectly with the plot in both the musical and the film.

Watch It: For a feel-good mother/daughter and BFF movie set in a great background with pop tunes drifting through.

Skip It: If a bit of singing and dancing is too much, because this movie has A LOT of it.

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Zack And Miri Make A Porno

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 31, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009

Plot 411: Two long-time friends are in a bind financially and turn to making a porno to pay the bills.

Review: I'm not sure if I've said this before or not, but I really don't get what the hype is surrounding Seth Rogen. It's like he's to the '00s what Jim Carey was to the '90s, only Rogen is way, way worse. However, I've gotta admit that he was pretty funny in this film. It was also amazing how Elizabeth Banks pulled off playing this fun, likable girl when I just saw her in The Uninvited playing an intruding stepmom-type character. I guess that's why she gets paid the big bucks, huh? This film had so many awesome lines in it that I'm sure people walked out of the theater quoting it. Justin Long's cameo was deliciously funny as well. (You also need to check him out in the Bonus Features.) In this type of movie, I suppose the plot isn't really as important as the gags, but basically when water and power get shut off at Zack and Miri's place, they need to take drastic measures in order to continue to live in their house. They round up a cast and crew and decide to shoot a porno and become famous. It's a simple premise that allows for a lot of funny porn scenes.

Watch It: If gross-out humor makes you wet your pants.

Skip It: If sex jokes and nudity offend you.

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The Grapes of Wrath

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: March 15, 1940

DVD Release Date: April 6, 2004

Plot 411: An Oklahoma family travels out west in search of work and a better life when their farm is taken from them.

Review: I've never read John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, but I really enjoyed this film. It was a testament to the human spirit, power of one's will and determination and highlights the strength of family. Set in the days following the Great Depression, the Joad family journeys to California in search of work. The family experiences many setbacks along the arduous cross-country trek but remain steady in their course. No matter what happens, the family, especially Ma, is ardent that they stick together. While the conditions are hard and poverty is great, the tone of the film is optimistic. Henry Fonda plays Tom Joad, the eldest son in the family, who sets off to right the wrongs of the world. It is inspirational.

Watch It: For what seems more like a documentary about this time in America's history than a fictional account of one family's journey.

Skip It: If you want to full-strength version of the story as the script has apparently left out a lot of Steinbeck's political references and more controversial scenes.

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Taken

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: Febrary 27, 2008 (France) / January 30, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: May 12, 2009

Plot 411: When his daughter is kidnapped in France, a former goverment spy must come out of retirement to find her.

Review: As a former spy, Bryan can be a bit overprotective of his teenaged daughter. But when she and a friend are kidnapped and sold into the sex trade, his worries prove to be right. Liam Neeson does a good job at portraying this man with two lives. On one hand, he is a former government agent trained for all types of battle - be it physical, technological or psychological. On the other, he's merely a man trying to reconnect with a daughter that has grown up without him in her life. Trying to piece these two lives together is interesting to watch. He seems to struggle with the boredom of retirement, yet retirement is the only way he can get to know his daughter again. The intensity of his former life is reawarkened when his daughter is taken, and his skills are revealed. As a side note, Bryan's ex-wife is played by Famke Janssen. I was surprised at how old she's looking these days. She's still beautiful but somehow she seems to have aged a lot since I last saw her in X-Men: The Last Stand.

Watch It: For great action sequences. The action in this movie are old school hand-to-hand combat and gunfights.

Skip It: If you're expecting a ton of CGI effects.

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Slumdog Millionaire

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 12, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 31, 2009

Plot 411: A kid from the slums of Mumbai gets on a game show and answers his way to a million dollars.

Review: I always go into watching these award-winning flicks with a bit of hesitation. Will I really like it? Will it be so abstract that I won't be able to follow it? Will it capture my attention for the entire length of the movie? Will I be able to relate to the material? I mean, I'm just your average movie watcher. I'm not a film nerd or a film school-educated movie critic. Most of the award winners are just so vast and too obtuse for me to fully appreciate like those movie snobs do. However, this film is definitely one that anyone can relate to. It's about the underdog who rises to the challenges in life and who is motivated not by material things but by love. Yes, anyone can relate to that. It's a brilliantly shot film, especially the scenes in the Indian ghetto. The people and the place just seems so alive and thriving. It really didn't look like our American definition of a slum. Yes, the people looked poor but they were living their lives fully and just trying to stay ahead of the game like everyone else. It was a truly inspiring film with a great plot and very developed characters. You really got to know them and into their heads.

Watch It: For a glimpse at the majestic country of India and its people and for a story about what it takes to find and keep your true love.

Skip It: Unless everyone in your family is available to watch it. It really is educational and eye-opening for everyone. Of course, beware that it is rated R.

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The Uninvited

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 30, 2009

DVD Release Date: April 28, 2009

Plot 411: A daughter returns home after being hospitalized to find her recently departed mother's nurse has become her father's new girlfriend.

Review: When Anna returns home from a psychiatric institution after her mother's death, things have changed dramatically. Her mother's nurse Rachel is now playing the supporting role to her father's main event. Anna and her sister Alex suspect there is more to the nurse than she lets on. The two sisters vow to discover what it is and get to the bottom of their mother's death. It sounds like a typical plot for revenge, doesn't it? But it's not. This film definitely has a twist that I don't think most audience members are expecting. It really surprised me and got me to rethink the entire movie. The movie is based on a Korean film called A Tale of Two Sisters, which could be the reason for the great movement in the plot. There are some points that are pretty creepy. Elizabeth Banks does a great job as Rachel. She's annoyingly caring and devious at the same time. The sisters in this film, played by Emily Browning and Arielle Kebbel, had great chemistry and their actions and reactions to what was happening around them were really believable and relatable.

Watch It: For a surprising plot twist that'll shock you out of your shoes.

Skip It: If the supernatural genre is too nerve wracking for you.

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The Day The Earth Stood Still

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 12, 2008

DVD Release Date: April 7, 2009

Plot 411: An alien comes to Earth to save the planet, but can it be saved?

Review: Right off the bat I'm going to tell you that this movie's CGI sucked ass. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be like that or not, but it has seriously taken backward leaps and bounds rather than forward. So many of the scenes are obviously CGI, even when they don't necessarily have to be. The fact that you can tell what is real and what isn't is awfully irritating in this day and age. It's not like this is the '70s or '80s and we're trying to make an alien film, ya know? Keanu Reeves plays an alien who has come to the planet to save it. I think he is a perfect fit for this role as it doesn't call for much emotion or any sudden movements. The character is an alien, after all, and trying to get used to his human body. Obviously this robotic nature is perfect for Reeves. Jennifer Connelly plays a brilliant scientist who is drafted to help figure out what's going on. I've never seen the original version of this film, but I've got to say that hopefully it was a lot better than this.

Watch It: If you're part of the Keanu Reeves fan club or just like alien invasion flicks.

Skip It: Because your time is valuable.

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My Faraway Bride / My Bollywood Bride

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: March 22, 2007 (India) / June 8, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: August 19, 2008

Plot 411: An American goes to India in search for the love he met in Los Angeles only to find that she's a famous Bollywood actress.

Review: Seriously, the only good reason to watch this one is if you're having Jason Lewis withdrawls. Even then, it might be better just to watch him on you Sex and the City DVDs. I don't know whether or not I should take the bad acting throughout this movie seriously. It could just be the Bollywood style overly dramatized (the film is about a Bollywood actress after all). The over-the-top costumes, dance moves and songs are just too much. The most memorable character in this film was not the main stars but a supporting actor Ash Chandler, who played Priyad, Lewis' taxi driver.

Watch It: For a Jason Lewis fix, but even then you'll probably be disappointed. There's probably only one good scene in this of him. Stick with Sex and the City and you'll have a wealth of Lewis.

Skip It: If you've got any sense at all.

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Planet B-Boy

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: March 21, 2008

DVD Release Date: November 11, 2008

Plot 411: A documentary about the b-boy lifestyle and crews across the globe as they compete toward Battle of the Year.

Review: This was an awesome doc as it showcased a lifestyle that many people don't get to see. I liked how it defined what a b-boy is, how they came about and separated real b-boys from posers. Tied into hip hop, b-boy culture is intriguingly unique. The people are passionate about dancing, devoted to the crew and think more about the whole than the individual. While there are tons of tricks and deadly technique throughout the film, it also shows us the artistry and how the culture has permeated to all parts of the world. Like most things hip hop, it's not about the money or fame (although, this is a definite boon to those who life in poverty), it is about being able to express individualism and creativity while still being part of a group. It's about pride and honor. It's actually pretty deep when you stop and think about it - almost religious even.

Watch It: If you enjoy America's Best Dance Crew because while you get to see the Hollywoodized version on MTV, I think this is the real deal, heart and soul of the b-boy culture.

Skip It: If you don't have an open mind. While the subject matter may appeal more to a younger audience, I think an older audience would actually benefit more by watching this. It'll help explain the difference in world views that separate the generations.

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Kandahar

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: December 14, 2001

DVD Release Date: May 13, 2003

Plot 411: A semi-autobiographical story of a woman's journey into Afghanistan to save her sister.

Review: This was a really enlightening and eye-opening film about the plight of the Afghani people, especially the women. Based on true events in star Nelofer Pazira's life, the film reveals the severe restrictions and poverty that Afghan people faced after the Russians left the country. Something as simple as being able to drink clean water becomes an enormous challenge. The oppression that women face daily is quite unbearable - wearing burkas that covered you from head to toe, not being able to travel alone, being stopped by the military or some other type of guard, being stripped of all possessions by thieves, not being able to go to school and always the heat of the sun across the dessert. The story is haunting to say the least and really makes you appreciate what you have. It takes movies like this to shake Americans up out of their daze of self-centered nationalism sometimes. Definitely rent this one.

Watch It: For a horrifically clear picture of what the Afghan people live with every day.

Skip It: If you prefer to live a sheltered American life.

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The King Of Kong: A Fistful Of Quarters

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 17, 2007

DVD Release Date: January 29, 2008

Plot 411: A documentary about the competitive world of Donkey Kong and classic gaming.

Review: Now, now, don't write this doc off as frivolous and unimportant. On the contrary, it sheds light on the world of competitive classic gaming - a cult-like group consisting of grown men reliving their childhood every day. When Steve Wiebe decides to take on Billy Mitchell's long-standing high score, things get devious and dangerous real quick. Who would've thought that behind those thick glasses and under that pale skin, video game geeks of the '80s could be as undermining as the cast of The Hills? This doc is an interesting peek into people's psyche and questions why people do what they do. The reason it is good is because it actually makes you feel for the characters. The way the plot moves and how the shots are cut really make you take sides and creates good guys and bad guys. It makes you root for some and "boo" others. Now that's a good doc, don't you think?

Watch It: For a look at how video game geeks throw down. It's almost as vicious as a girl fight but awkward as hell.

Skip It: If you prefer a physical beat down, detest sniveling or don't give a rat's ass about retro gaming.

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You Can Count On Me

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 17, 2000

DVD Release Date: June 26, 2001

Plot 411: Young siblings who are orphaned when their parents are killed in an accident meet again as adults in their small hometown.

Review: This is a moving look at how a sister and brother have lived their lives since being orphaned at a young age. Sammy, played by Laura Linney, is a single parent of an 8-year-old boy named Rudy (Rory Culkin). She's a loan officer at the local bank and believes herself to be in control of her life. She is organized, responsible and God fearing and tries everything in her power to be a good example for her son. When her brother Terry (Mark Ruffalo) blazes into town, her well-constructed charade seems to fall apart. In contrast to Sammy's well-thought out life, Terry is a free spirit who roams wherever life takes him. This way of life is partly in reaction to his parents' death. He is the typical good-natured screw up who always means well but somehow manages to do more bad than good. The interaction between these three characters is intriguing and played out in a way that many people can relate to it. The realism of the characters, their emotions and the situations they find themselves in help move the film along so that there's never a lull. Any one of us could make the same mistakes as these characters. We possibly know people just like them. Once again, Linney is great at portraying middle America and the emotions that are revealed on her face are so simple and elegant yet so moving. This movie is a snapshot out of a disfunctional family's typical day, but it is in no way devoid of hope and love.

Watch It: For a slice of life not often cut by Hollywood.

Skip It: If you shy away from character-driven drama. This is all character and dialogue.

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The Happening

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 13, 2008

DVD Release Date: October 7, 2008

Plot 411: Something deadly is sweeping the Northeast and turning cities into ghost towns.

Review: I had been warned not to watch this movie, but did I listen? Of course not. So now it is my turn to warn you, my dear readers, not to rent this flick. Yes, I realize that there's a hunk of man candy by way of Mark Wahlberg, however, even his looks cannot save this one. The plot is this - something mysterious is wiping out thousands of people across the northeast U.S. Is it terrorists? Is it an airborne disease? Is it government testing? No, it is Mother Nature herself. Yes, this is not a movie on terrorism or nuclear attack or government cover-ups. This is a movie about the Earth rebelling against humans because we're a deadly threat to it. It's like watching a movie sponsored by Greenpeace. But, had this been marketed as such no one would've come to the theaters. Instead, it was billed as a horror, suspense drama and headlined by Wahlberg. I feel completely duped. I feel gipped out of a good horror, suspense drama flick. Damn you Mark Wahlberg. Not only did you gip me into believing you were a rapper in my tween years, you've tricked me into watching this faux horror flick.

Watch It: If you've got a "Save the Earth" bumper sticker and want some interesting facts about a plant's ability to rapidly adapt to circumstances.

Skip It: If you're only in it for a shot of Wahlberg's body. You don't even get that in this one.

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Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 3, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009

Plot 411: Heartbroken teens hit the big city to rock out, search for a missing friend and figure out Where's Fluffy.

Review: This is like the bible for indie rock geeks. Michael Cera (of Superbad and Juno fame) is genius as Nick. Once again he's captured that awkward geeky guy who somehow manages to pull off being cool. He's so lovable and sweet and nerdy hot. He's undeniable. Kat Denning (of The House Bunny) is perfect as Norah. She's got that emo-chick thing going on just naturally. What's completely cool about this movie is that the characters are so realistic that you feel like you know them. The best part is that this entire adventure happens in one night, and then it's back to school again. When you're young, your world could come to an end and crash all around you, but there's always tomorrow. This movie really shows us that anything's possible. I enjoyed the conversation between characters as well because it was so real. It doesn't sound scripted or forced. The babbling in some scenes actually happen in real life. It's rare that films are true to life these days. I also liked that Nick's bandmates and friends are gay. Another rarity in Hollywood is the portrayal of young, gay men. It's poignant that this film portrays an alternative lifestyle in a positive manner, one in which the characters don't think it's a big deal. Today, it isn't a big deal and the fact that this is reflected in the cinema is a sign of the times. Progress has been made. There are so many funny scenes, especially those that involve gum, barf and drunken behavior, yet there are others that are idyllically romantic but not overly cheesy. This film has just the right balance of romantic comedy and realism, and this really makes it work.

Watch It: For an accurate snapshot of a night in the life of a teenager.

Skip It: If reliving you teen years is too uncomfortable because this movie doesn't pull any punches.

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Confessions Of A Shopaholic

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: February 13, 2009

DVD Release Date: June 23, 2009

Plot 411: Becky is trying to make it as a fashion journalist. She has all the fashion cred that a steep credit card debt can give her too. Will her devotion to fashion pay off before the bill collectors collect?

Review: Seriously, what was the director thinking when he put moving mannequins in a film who didn't come alive like Kim Cattrall (in Mannequin)? What a waste of film . . . or digital film, whatever. Another thing that bothered me was that they transplanted this obviously British chick lit book to New York as did the people who made P.S. I Love You (Ireland to N.Y.C.). Must everything be Americanized for us Americans? It's as if Hollywood doesn't think we're capable of following a simple plot if it's in an accented language. I don't think the movie comes across quite as effectively as the book. Even Suz, Becky's best friends, isn't half as quirky as I pictured her in my mind while reading the book. While Isla Fisher is definitely funny, this movie doesn't make use of her at all. She made a bigger impact in Wedding Crashers as a supporting character than she does in this movie as the lead. One good thing though is that I think we've just found a Hugh Grant for the next generation in Hugh Dancy. He's got the same bouncy hair, the boyish good looks and a subtle humor that is so British.

Watch It: If you think you'll enjoy a light-hearted comedy starring the lovely Isla Fisher, minus the crazy she had in Wedding Crashers.

Skip It: If you've already read the book. This will be a definite disappointment.

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Inkheart

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 11, 2008 (Germany) / January 23, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: June 23, 2009

Plot 411: When Mo reads, the pages of the book come to life and swaps places with something from the living. He must find a way to defeat the evil that he's evoked before it's too late.

Review: Honestly, Brendan Fraser isn't getting any better in his old age. Is it just me or does he seem to be fading away? His movies get worse and worse. In Inkheart, he plays a man who has the gift of storytelling. When he reads, the characters from the books come to life. Unfortunately, something from the real world must go into the book to take its place. This is how he lost his wife and he has searched for nine years to read her out of the book. What he doesn't know is that the bad guy he read to life wants him to read out an army of bad guys (but of course, what else would a bad guy want?). This movie has magic, adventure, a dog and even blossomings of first love, yet it is still unable to get with the program. This is definitely no Harry Potter.

Watch It: If you're into the magic and mystics.

Skip It: If you don't want to endure another bad Fraser flick.

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X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 1, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: James and his brother Victor learn early on that they possess special powers. But, it is only when the love of James' life is killed that he fully embraces his gift.

Review: Somehow, this movie just doesn't live up to my expectations of what an X-Men film should be. The action sequences were there but just didn't have the same oomph that they usually do, including a crazy helo scene. I'm not sure what's wrong with this movie other than it's simply lacking. Hugh Jackman reprises his role as Wolverine and the audience sees his life pre-Wolverine as James. Perhaps the change in formula and focus from many characters to one character is what deters from the full effect of an X-Men film? Liev Schreiber is pretty good as Victor Creed aka Sabretooth. Both he and Jackman seem to have bulked up heavily for their roles.

Watch It: If you're a comic nut or have followed the trilogy thus far.

Skip It: If you're thinking you'll start off your X-Men education with this prequel.

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Ichi The Killer

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 14, 2001 (Canada) / May 19, 2003 (USA)

DVD Release Date: November 18, 2003

Plot 411: Yakuza boss Anjo is murdered and his enforcer searches to find the killer. He will do anything, including torture, to find the identity of the murderer.

Review: I still find it difficult to understand Japanese film plots. Maybe it is a cultural barrier? So far, most of the ones I've seen have some really weird and twisted topics. This movie, which is apparently based on a manga (comic), is about a sado-masochist in a yakuza clan, who is trying to uncover who killed his boss and ran away with his money. However, it seems like the real reason for his quest is to brutalize others or be brutalized himself. In a weird twist, the killer is actually a victim. He is being manipulated by a man and used as a killing weapon. It's hard to wrap my mind around it all. There are some great scenes that gush blood everywhere, so if that's your thing this is a great one for you. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't suggest watching this one.

Watch It: For some heavy duty blood spillage and torture scenes.

Skip It: Because the plot will twist your brain as you try to figure out the whys of this movie.

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RocknRolla

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 8, 2008

DVD Release Date: January 27, 2009

Plot 411: A shady real estate dealing go bad when a Russian's lucky painting goes missing.

Review: I'm so digging on Guy Ritchie's flicks. This is the third one I've seen and while their subject matter is always the same (some convoluted screw up involving some British crooks), it's always a pleasure. His plots are cyclical in nature and the end always leads back to the beginning. For me, his films are like the British version of the western film. There are bad guys, even badder bad guys, corruption, guns, cheating and crime. Only thing missing are the horses and the wide open plains and prairies. But throughout it all, there is loyalty among friends and a thin line of morality and honor among thieves. What I like most is that the actors always seem to go with their natural accents. No faking British or American (or even Scottish) accents. It's always an international affair. Gerard Butler stars as One Two, the leader of a small-time gang. He gets involved in stealing money for an accountant (Thandie Newton), but he doesn't know she's stealing from her boss, a Russian business man without any scruples. On the outer edges of this story, but also somehow very close to its heart, is a rock and roll singer (or rocknrolla, if you prefer) who has faked his death and has gotten ten times as famous as when he was alive.

Watch It: For a kick ass movie with a plot that twists and turns as typical of Ritchie's style.

Skip It: If you think there's going to be a ton of action or violence. There's some but this isn't really a true action flick.

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Bring It On

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 25, 2000

DVD Release Date: February 13, 2001

Plot 411: Two rival cheer squads from opposite sides of the track battle it off at Nationals.

Review: Again, I am so not a fan of Kirsten Dunst, and this is no exception. In fact, this might be the most irritating character she's played simply because she's a cheerleader. Despite my obvious bias, I still enjoyed this film. They probably should have stopped here though instead of making sequels. There were several funny parts as well as some great routines. Of course, Dunst played the captain of the rich kids. On the ghetto side of town, Gabrielle Union had the honor of playing the squad leader. The soundtrack was fun and upbeat, just as all cheerleaders should be. My favorite line: "I am a choreographer. That's what I do. You are cheerleaders. Cheerleaders are dancers who have gone retarded."

Watch It: For some pretty good teen flick action or great workout music suggestions.

Skip It: If smiley and peppy are just too much for you.

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Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 17, 2004

DVD Release Date: December 7, 2004

Plot 411: Two competing gyms face off in a heroic battle in the dodgeball arena.

Review: Simply put, this is one of the dumbest movies out there. Yet, somehow I laugh my ass off ever time I watch it. Ben Stiller plays White Goodman, a wanna-be buffed up jerk of an owner at Globo Gym. Vince Vaughn is Peter Le Fleur, the humble owner of the small community gym next door. As tempers flair, both gyms end up going head-to-head in all out war, dodgeball style. There's some great one-liners in this one with notable performances by Rip Torn and Jason Bateman. Christine Taylor makes her usual appearance in her husband's flick. This movie is one of big vs. little and good vs. bad. There's a tremendous amount of physical comedy as well as well-written lines. This one never gets old.

Watch It: For dumb, slapstick humor that's not liable to strain your brain.

Skip It: If you aren't a Stiller fan because this is Stiller humor on steroids.

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Memento

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 27, 2000

DVD Release Date: September 4, 2001

Plot 411: A man is searching for his wife's killer but is hindered with a kind of amnesia that only allows him to hold on to short periods of new memories.

Review: This is the best non-linear film I've ever seen because it is so compelling that it leaves you on the edge of your seat. You really feel for Leonard Shelby, played by Guy Pearce, as he searches to find his wife's killer no matter how many times his brain resets itself. The movie unfolds in two worlds - one of black and white, one of color. The viewer is on the same ride as Leonard, unsure of what is real and what isn't. We learn new facts as he does. We suspect new people together. We are wary of others, just as he is. The audience and Leonard are faced with a myriad of choices, but we must both select which facts we believe and which facts we disregard. We must even question Leonard on his reliability and note-taking. This is a psychological thriller that'll really ring your brain.

Watch It: For the hardest brain strain you'll have in a 113 minutes.

Skip It: If you just want a straightforward thriller because this one will throw you for some loops and can be frustratingly confusing at times.

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Dead Poets Society

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 2, 1989

DVD Release Date: November 10, 1998

Plot 411: A prep school teacher inspires his students to be individuals and fight against conformity.

Review: This is my favorite Robin Williams movie, which may be surprising to some as it is not a comedy. In this dramatic role, Williams plays an all-boys prep school English teacher who uses unorthodox methods to teach his students. Because his ideology and methods do not conform to the school's teachings, he is a rebel among the educators. Through him and his awkward but enlightening lessons, the boys learn to see through the veil of conservative b.s. and form thoughts and ideas for themselves. They learn to question everything in life and determine a moral code for themselves. In this timeless coming-of-age story, the boys learn difficult life lessons, experience hardships due to Puritanical beliefs and are forced to make life-changing decisions. Also starring in this film are Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke.

Watch It: If you're an English major, aspiring educator or anarchist.

Skip It: If you believe in tradition, honor, discipline and excellence at all costs.

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Coyote Ugly

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 4, 2000

DVD Release Date: January 16, 2001

Plot 411: Jersey girl tries to make it in the big city as a songwriter and experiences city life in all its glory.

Review: This is one of those "follow your dream" type movies that, of course, has a happy ending. Despite the predictability of the plot, I really liked this film because of the great soundtrack. At the time, the cast was made of a variety of unnotables except for John Goodman. However, some of the cast seem to have gone on to bigger and better things, including Tyra Banks, Bridget Moynahan and Maria Bello. Unfortunately, the lead couple haven't really broken out into the biz as I had hoped. I suppose Hollywood is a tough mistress to please. The movie is about a girl (Piper Perabo) trying to live her dream of becoming a songwriter. But when she moves to New York, she discovers many obstacles to achieving that dream. Luckily for her, she meets a strapping young stud (Adam Garcia) who believes in her and they live happily ever after. Well sort of.

Watch It: For unforgettable tunes and some incredible dance numbers atop the bar.

Skip It: If you're not one for weepy romances.

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Hostel

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January 6, 2006

DVD Release Date: April 18, 2006

Plot 411: Three American guys backpack through Europe and find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Review: Probably the most gruesome and mentally disturbing film I've ever watched, this movie is one of my faves. Sick, I know, but I like that it's unnerving on so many different levels and really makes the viewer think about the possibility that this could actually be happening somewhere in the world. This film is scary on so many levels that it actually makes you have a physical reaction to the grisly acts that occur. It makes you appreciate what you've got, even as it makes you shiver at the thought of traveling abroad. In essence, three guys are lured to a hostel where foreigners are hand-picked to be the recipients of any number of tortures brought upon them by paying customers. It's the ultimate game of kill or be killed.

Watch It: If you like your horror served up with some warped mind games.

Skip It: If you've got a weak stomach for torture and pain.

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Finding Nemo

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: May 30, 2003

DVD Release Date: November 4, 2003

Plot 411: When Nemo gets caught by human divers, his clownfish dad swims to the depths of the ocean and the far reaches of the sea to find him.

Review: This was really one of Disney and Pixar's best movies, in my opinion. It was filled with adventure, danger, humor and a great moral for kids. What else could a movie possibly need? The colors of the ocean are naturally awe-inspiring so when it is so vividly alive like this, one can only sit back and enjoy it. It's amazing how far animation has come in the last decade. Simply amazing. Similar to a road movie, this one is about Marlin's journey to find his son Nemo. Along the way he meets a helpful, if not completely bonkers, Dory. Together they cross the seas in search of Marlin's son.

Watch It: For a cute underwater adventure and lots of laughs.

Skip It: Only if cartoons aren't you're thing. This is one of the best out there.

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Mongol

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 20, 2007 (Russia) / June 6, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 14, 2008

Plot 411: The early beginnings of Genghis Khan.

Review: This was an awesome, awesome movie. The landscape was incredibly harsh but beautiful. It matched the lives and lifestyle of the characters. The movie follows Temujin throughout his early life. He lives the life of an orphan and slave just trying to survive from day to day, which makes it an even more astonishing feat that he became the ruler Genghis Khan. There are vicious battles and deaths but also a deeply moving love story. The movie really captures you and doesn't let you go. It's foreign, so you'll need to read subtitles. But, don't let that discourage you from viewing this one. It's moving in so many ways. The title role is played by Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano, who has also acted in Zatoichi.

Watch It: For a slice of the nomadic warrior's life.

Skip It: If you're an idiot. It's too good to miss.

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Seraphim Falls

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January 26, 2007

DVD Release Date: May 15, 2007

Plot 411: A hired posse track and hunt down a man from the mountains to the plains in search for revenge.

Review: I'm not a huge western fan, especially if it's slow going. Fortunately, most movies of this genre have some sort of gun slinger or bandit to make it exciting. This movie was more of a chase movie though - one man hunting down another. It sounds exciting, but it took a while for the plot to unfold, and I almost lost my patience. Why is one guy chasing the other? Why is he so angry? What's his deal? There were so many questions. In the end, it all comes together though. Interestingly, the leads are both Irish - Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson. As in most westerns, the landscape was stunning. From the snowy mountains to the arid desert, the panoramic shots were amazing.

Watch It: To see one of the few western films around these days.

Skip It: If you could do without the horses and dust.

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Jellyfish

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: May 22, 2007 (France) / April 4, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: September 30, 2008

Plot 411: A taste of Israeli life through the eyes of three different women.

Review: I've gotta say that I'm at a loss for words about this one. For me, the journey of these three women were pretty random and pointless. A waitress at weddings finds a lost child near the sea. She takes the mute girl in for the weekend until social services re-opens but loses the girl in less than a day. While riding her bike, the waitress knocks over a Filipino woman. This woman is a caregiver working in Israel and sends money back home to her son. A brat of a new bride ends up breaking her leg at the reception, at which the first woman worked, and nagged her husband on their honeymoon. Singularly and together I just couldn't understand the meaning of this one. It was just way to abstract for me.

Watch It: If you're Israeli and want a slice of home as I assume the point to this one was giving the audience a look at the real Israel.

Skip It: If you're more of a to-the-point movie watcher and hate trying to decipher a flick.

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The Protector / Tom yum goong

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 11, 2005 (Hong Kong & Thailand) / September 8, 2006 (USA)

DVD Release Date: January 16, 2007

Plot 411: When his way of life is threatened, Kham must go to Australia a get back his stolen elepahnt.

Review: All action, all the time. This was one butt kicking after another, and you'll especially love the movie if you're into martial arts. Americans, and the western world in general, don't often get to see this type of martial arts - Thai martial arts. It just looks so different from the kung fu, karate and judo we've grown up with. This stuff is faster and uses unusual parts of the body as weapons. What was inovated about this movie is that they used every possible weapon against Tony Jaa (Kahm) and he still managed to whoop ass. My favorite enemy was the gang of X Games wanna-bes. Yes, you got that right! They used motorcross bikes against the guy. The plot was ok but really, who needs a plot if you've got Jaa constantly flying across the screen?

Watch It: For a dive into the deep end of muay thai. Your heart will be racing with excitement.

Skip It: If you're a stickler for the classic kung fu flicks. The action in this film is all about innovation and the modern world, despite the fact that the main character is actually fighting to save his culture and history.

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