I Love You, Man

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: August 11, 2009

Plot 411: Recently engaged Peter is faced with the fact that he doesn't have many close male friends and embarks on man-dates to fill out the wedding party.

Review: OMG, I didn't think this movie would be as funny as it was, but I laughed my butt off. This entire movie was just painfully awkward. Peter (Paul Rudd) is a successful real estate agent in L.A. who has recently proposed to his girlfriend Zooey (Rashida Jones). As they discuss their upcoming nuptials, it becomes apparent that Peter doesn't have any close guy friends. Zooey encourages him to meet new people and Peter enlists the help of his mother (Jane Curtin), brother (Andy Samberg) and the internet. His search for bromance definitely mirrors one's search for a significant other and this just adds to the hilarity of the situation. After a series of bad man-dates, Peter meets Sidney (Jason Segel) at an open house and the two become fast friends. Sidney gives Peter the male perspective and influence he has never had before and Peter finally grows a pair (although he's still a "nice guy"). This soon causes tension in Peter and Zooey's relationship and an interesting love triangle develops. The topic of this movie is awesome and so relatable somehow. Rudd and Segel are good together as are the supporting cast that includes Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, J.K. Simmons, Thomas Lennon and Lou Ferrigno. The special features are also filled with some pretty good moments that are worth a watch.

Watch It: For an awesome cast of comedic geniuses.

Skip It: If you need to keep people in separate boxes, because there are definite moments when the Peter/Sidney relationship seep over and linger in unknown territory.

His Girl Friday

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: January 18, 1940

DVD Release Date: November 21, 2000

Plot 411: When his ex-wife and best reporter informs him that she's engaged to be married, newspaper editor Walter Burns stops at nothing to keep her in the city.

Review: When Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell) informs her ex-husband and former boss Walter Burns (Cary Grant) that she's to be married the following day, the rapid-fire newspaper editor creates all kinds of diversions to keep her from leaving. He entices her to stay by dangling the opportunity to write one last breaking story in front of her. Walter generates all kinds of obstacles for Hildy and her fiance Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy) in an effort to prevent her from leaving him and the newspaper business. He knows that the quiet life she claims to desire isn't really what will make her happy. Hijinks abound as Hildy tries to get the story on an accused murder who is scheduled to be hanged in the morning. This is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The dialogue is simply marvelous as all the characters have a wicked tongue and spit fire back and forth. Russell and Grant are an invincible tag team that just rolls from one line to the next. They talk over each other and yet you're still able to understand what they're saying. The verbal tennis match is engaging and the lines are witty. While I'm sure the dialogue is the highlight of this film, the plot is actually pretty entertaining as well. It keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what will happen next. The unbelievable headlines and stories that the other reporters relay to their respective papers over the phone are hilarious and comment on the state of ethics and journalism during this time period. I also loved how the character of Hildy is of a strong woman. She's seen as one of the guys, which is uplifting especially during a time when women were relegated to gossip columnists.

Watch It: For the verbal gymnastics routine and the poetry of Grant and Russell.

Skip It: If you're looking for any kind of real action. The movie's about an accused murderer but he's merely a plot device for the surrounding action.

Breakfast At Tiffany's

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: October 5, 1961

DVD Release Date: April 10, 2001

Plot 411: A free-spirited girl working as an escort meets a new neighbor who is in a similiar situation.

Review: Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a young, carefree girl living in New York as an upscale escort. She is paid to visit a mob boss in jail and unwittingly becomes a messenger for the gang. Upon meeting her new neighbor Paul (George Peppard), the two become friends and party together in a glamorous New York that is surely only fantasy. Paul is a struggling writer whose patron is an older woman so he is able to relate to Holly in ways others are not. As Paul gets to know Holly better, he falls for her despite of, or perhaps because of, her wild spirit. Even though on the surface she seems unconcerned about most things, Holly really is trying to secure a sugar daddy and is willing to give up a real relationship with Paul to do so. The time she spends with Paul shows us a sweeter, more genuine side to her. The role of Holly is probably one of the most recognizable characters in cinema and definitely one of Hepburn's most memorable. However, to be honest, I didn't actually care for her here, preferring her in Sabrina or Roman Holiday. The glamour and beauty are all still there, however, in this setting they seem too artificial. Perhaps that was an indication of changing times - a transition from the '50s to the '60s? The movie also features Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen and Mickey Rooney.

Watch It: For a light-hearted romantic comedy starring the undeniable Audrey Hepburn.

Skip It: If you're looking for an accurate portrayal of Truman Capote's novella as the movie tones down a lot of the grittier scenes in his book.

Shaolin Soccer / Siu lam juk kau

Rating: PG13

Movie Release Date: July 12, 2001 (Hong Kong) / April 2, 2004 (USA)

DVD Release Date: January 18, 2005

Plot 411: Sing, a Shaolin monk, tries various methods to instill the virtues of Shaolin kung fu into people's lives and is only successful when he combines it with soccer.

Review: Sing (Stephen Chow) wants to promote Shaolin kung fu in this modern age for its spiritual and physical benefits. However, it doesn't take no matter what method he tries. When he meets a former soccer star Fung (Ng Man Tai), they decide to reunite Sing's brothers to form a team and win the China Super Cup. Because of the Cup's popularity, people will be exposed to the kung fu and will more likely enbrace it. Sing's brothers are reluctant to play soccer but after much needling, they agree. This was a fun, kung fu movie set in modern times. The kung fu skills that were used looked very traditional, but they were applied in contemporary ways. It's a unique twist on martial arts. Chow is great in these comedic roles and is able to bring in a new audience. Some of the action is unbelievable (literally), but like most kung fu films you must suspend your belief to fully enjoy them. I liked how each of the brothers mastered a skill individually and used them as a team to win. It reflects the different schools of martial arts and how each form complements the others.

Watch It: If you enjoyed Chow in Kung Fu Hustle.

Skip It: If you prefer more traditional wushu action.

City Of God / Cidade de Deus

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 30, 2002 (Brazil) / January 17, 2003 (USA)

DVD Release Date: June 8, 2004

Plot 411: In the streets of Rio, street gangs battle for turf as drugs, violence and death grows.

Review: This was an awesome crime drama based on a true story that is set in Rio de Janeiro's City of God, a slum that houses corruption of all kind. The movie starts off with a gang called the Tender Trio, who rob and steal but also give back to the poor citizens in the City. The group is made of Shaggy (Jonathan Haagensen), Clipper (Jefechander Suplino) and Goose (Renato de Souza). When a motel robbery goes bad and people are killed, they hide out among residents. Little do they know, their lookout Li'l Ze (Douglas Silva) is an ambitious kid who wants to take over the slums, and he sets off the alarm in order to get into the action. As he grows up, Li'l Ze (Leandro Firmino da Hora) takes control of the drug trafficking by killing other suppliers. His best friend Benny (Phellipe Haagensen) convinces him to leave one supplier, Carrot (Matheus Nachtergaele), alone because he is a friend. However, when Benny is murdered all bets are off and Li'l Ze starts a war. Carrot bands together with Knockout Ned (Seu Jorge), who also has a bone to pick with Li'l Ze. The cinematography is so gritty and vibrant that the violence seems as real as if it were a documentary. You leave the movie wondering how much worse could it be in real life? It's disconcerting to find that you side with both the gangs and the law enforcement. Some kids are just trying to survive and have to turn to gangs to do it. Not all law enforcement is legit; many of them are shown to be corrupt. Even with the gangs, there seems to be an unwritten law in the slums that people adhere to - almost as if the City of God is a separate entity from Rio de Janeiro. The crime is high because of social conditions that exist, which the state does not seem to be addressing. Because of this, the cycle of drugs and gangs continues and the game of cat and mouse between cops and robbers goes on as well.

Watch It: For the film that spurred on the City of Men movie and tv series. It's a gritty, realistic look at the evolution of gangs from the '60s to the '80s.

Skip It: If you're comfortable in your home surrounded by a white picket fence. There are not fences in the City of God. Social status is found and acheived through other means.

Annapolis

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 27, 2006

DVD Release Date: June 27, 2006

Plot 411: An underachiever is accepted into the Naval Academy and is confronted with obstacles that he faces head on.

Review: The movie focuses on Jake Huard (James Franco), a working class guy who lives with his father Bill (Brian Goodman). The two butt heads constantly and barely have anything in common despite working together building ships for the Navy. When Jake gets accepted into the Naval Academy, he goes across the river to study and isn't prepared for what that really means. The Academy is tough and strenuous, mentally and physically. He becomes friends with other plebes (first-year students), but everyone is very intent on succeeding themselves. Jake clashes with one of the instructors, Cole (Tyrese Gibson), who is an active-duty Marine. Cole takes all drills and tests seriously because he knows that one of these kids could save his life one day and preparation is key. This pushes Jake to the limit and he must learn respect and chain of command. Hazing and punishment is part of the rituals at the Academy but is also shown to be a necessity to toughen up students for real life. I thought it was interesting to see the inside of such a prestigious institution. Who knows if this is really what it's like though. Perhaps it's even worse in real life? The movie demonstrated the mental and physical acuteness one must possess to find success in the military. It might even be responsible for encouraging people to appreciate service men and women a bit more. Overall, I thought it was a good little movie with a decent plotline. It's nothing groundbreaking but was entertaining nonetheless. Others in the film include Donnie Wahlberg and Jordana Brewster.

Watch It: If you're into the tough love scene where "no pain, no gain" is the motto.

Skip It: If you're expecting Donnie Wahlberg to go big with this movie. He was more of a supporting actor.

Pi: Faith In Chaos

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: July 10, 1998

DVD Release Date: January 12, 1999

Plot 411: A mathematical genius is obsessed with uncovering the secrets of Pi.

Review: This movie was seriously over my head. I couldn't even begin to tell you what it was all about. Basically, a guy named Max (Sean Gullette) is a math wiz who believes that everything in nature can be simplified to numbers. Using these numbers, you can find a pattern. With this theory, Max tries to predict the stock market. He also suffers major headaches and is on all kinds of drugs. I'm not sure if the drugs help or hurt him, and it's difficult to tell what's real and what's fake because he goes in and out of hallucinations. His only friend is his college math professor, who sees him becoming obsessed with at 216-digit number and advises him to slow down. Max doesn't listen though and is pursued by two parties for his knowledge. And that's just part of the plot. What is Darren Aronofsky trying to say about the world through this film? You got me man. I am neither a lover of math, an expert in the Torah or a student of world theories. This movie was too out there for me to even grasp. Is the message that math can solve life's mysteries? Is it that there is a secret code in the Torah? Is it that obsessions corrupt no matter if your motive is moral or immoral?

Watch It: If you're looking for a mental challenge and enjoy the tv series Numb3rs. This is exponentially more difficult to grasp.

Skip It: If you're a one-and-done-type moviewatcher. This one will take multiple viewings to really understand.

Eight Below

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: February 17, 2006

DVD Release Date: June 20, 2006

Plot 411: When a storm blows in over their Antarctic basecamp, a guide is forced to leave his sled dogs to fend for themselves till spring.

Review: Paul Walker is Jerry Shepard, a guide for a research company who takes scientists out into the field. He is asked to do a last minute expedition late in the season and does so against his better judgment. When a storm arrives quicker than expected, he is forced to leave his dog sled team and evacuate. The dogs are left to fend for themselves in the harshest of conditions. This was an emotional tale that highlighted the unique bond between man and man's best friend and the beauty and danger of Mother Nature. The scenery was both beautiful and terrifying at the same time and made you realize just how small you are. The dogs, of course, were so cute and each managed to have his/her own personality that really moved the story along.

Watch It: If you're an animal lover - it'll make you see how truly wonderful they are.

Skip It: If you're an animal lover - it'll make you cry.

The Butterfly Effect

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January 23, 2004

DVD Release Date: July 6, 2004

Plot 411: After living through horrible experiences during his youth, a man discovers he can travel through time to fix them.

Review: Ashton Kutcher is Evan Treborn, a guy who has lived through a lot and experiences blackouts especially when he's stressed. During therapy, he was instructed to keep journals in order to try to keep time straight in his mind. As an adult, he discovers that by reading his journals, he's able to go back to that time and keep the current knowledge he has acquired as an adult. Treborn tries to fix some bad situations that affect his childhood sweetheart Kayleigh (Amy Smart), but when he returns to the present he finds life as he knows it is changed. This movie is a mind trip and uses an idea from the chaos theory called the Butterfly Effect, which is essentially the idea that small changes that may seem insignificant will cause larger changes in the future. The notion is pretty incredible and by using it in this manner it's downright scary. The movie is pretty gruesome at some points and gritty in others. It deals with issues that make you feel uncomfortable and really pushes your ability to keep watching. Sick is an adjective that comes to mind when thinking about many of the scenes. This is probably one of the most defining roles Kutcher has played because it is so different from his usual lackadaisical characters. It's intense and gut-wrenching and proabbly one you won't soon forget.

Watch It: For a psychological thriller that'll leave your head spinning.

Skip It: Because it successfully makes you feel uncomfortable in all the right places and is not for the weak-stomached individual.

Man On Wire

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 25, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 9, 2008

Plot 411: An extraordinary documentary about Philippe Petit and his incredible feat of walking a tightrope between the World Trade Center in 1974.

Review: I heard about this movie through a podcast on films. The hosts kept mentioning it in different episodes so I just had to check it out. They were so right on about this being incredibly inspiring. Philippe Petit, a street performer and wire walker, is so charismatic and alive that he completely draws you in. The film shows historical footage as well as reenactments of Petit and his friends as they plot and execute several high wire performances. All of these adventures lead up to the greatest of all - a walk between the Twin Towers. As you watch this film, you realize that Petit's dreams are completely nutso, but he is somehow able to guide you along and you find yourself rooting for his success. Despite English not being his mother tongue, I found Petit to be quite eloquent and poetic as he described everything that happened. He is an artist, storyteller and a rebel. When you put aside his unbelievable accomplishments and really look at his life's philosophy, you have to admit that he's definitely on to something. Live in the moment. Take risks. Dream big. Make history. These are all really great pieces of wisdom to live by.

Watch It: For a captivating look at a crazy, yet totally awe-inspiring, feat of magic.

Skip It: If heights make your head spin.

Take The Lead

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: April 7, 2006

DVD Release Date: August 29, 2006

Plot 411: A ballroom dancing teacher takes a bunch of detention kids and whips them into dancing machines.

Review: This is one of those movies based on a true story about a teacher with good intentions who takes a bunch of underachieving kids and makes something of them. Based on this premise, I'd say this isn't the best movie of that genre. However, if you're into dance, then this might be up your alley. Antonio Banderas plays Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom dance instructor who falls into the job of supervising a class of students sentenced to detention for the entire year. They see themselves as losers and are not disillusioned by this title. Dulaine tries to inspire them through classical dancing and prep them for an upcoming competition. After a lot of effort by Dulaine and the students, they begin to work together rather than fight one another. They face many challenges but continue to practice and learn to blend their style of hip hop with classical dance. This movie covers themes like gang violence, poverty, the educational system, self-esteem, goals and accepting change. Rob Brown, Alfrie Woodard, Dante Basco and Jenna Dewan also star in in in this film.

Watch It: If you're a die hard dance fan.

Skip It: Banderas' bad attempt at being "hip." It's just awkward all around.

Glengarry Glen Ross

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 29, 1992

DVD Release Date: Nov 19, 2002

Plot 411: A real estate sales team is pushed to close deals or hit the pavement when a new sales directive come down.

Review: Anyone who is anyone in sales or a student of sociology should watch this film. You will definitely get a kick out of the choices the characters are contronted with, their decisions and the reprecussions of their actions. Kevin Spacey plays John Williamson, the young office manager in charge of a group of experienced real estate agents. His crew is made of veterans who have been unable to close deals in recent months and who have fallen to the bottom of the barrel. When Mitch and Murray management, represented in person by Alec Baldwin's character Blake, shows up with a new sales strategy - Fuck or Walk, ABC (Always Be Closing) and AIDA (Attention, Interest, Decision, Action) - the guys are pressured to make deals or get fired. Some, like Dave Moss (Ed Harris) and George Aaronow (Alan Arkin), take to bitching about how unfair things are and believe that they just need better leads to make deals. Sales leaders like Ricky Roma (Al Pacino) continue doing what they do best and will close the deal by any means. Shelley Levine (Jack Lemmon), who is in a slump but once led the sales team in revenue is pressured with the burden of providing for a sick daughter. The environment in which these men exist is acidic to your soul and the emotional rollercoaster they ride each month is devastating. Greed, envy and betrayal are all part of this dog-eat-dog world in which they work. Friends are friends only as long as competition doesn't make them enemies. Morals are left at the door as they ply potential customers with everything they've got. This is an interesting look at human nature and what one will do when pushed to the very limits of morality.

Watch It: For the astoundingly realistic dialogue and the great rhythm in their delivery.

Skip It: If the number of four-letter words that can be utttered in once sentence is larger than the number of years you've been alive.

Be Kind Rewind

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 22, 2008

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2008

Plot 411: Two friends endeavor to recreate popular movie rentals when they discover that all the VHS tapes have been erased.

Review: Mos Def stars as Mike, a video store clerk left in charge when his boss Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover) leaves on vacation. Unfortunately, his best friend Jerry (Jack Black) becomes magnetized and erases all the tapes as soon as he walks through the doors. To cover their tracks, the two friends attempt to remake some VHS classics in hopes that their patrons won't know any better. Their tapes become a hit and the store starts turning a profit, a boon for Mr. Fletcher who had received an eviction notice. Unfortunately, lawyers show up with cease and desist orders based on copyright infringement and the store seems to be on its final legs. The best part of the film is definitely watching the one-take remakes being shot. There are some great laughs during their filming process. Other than that, the movie was pretty tiresome with lame jokes. This is probably one of Black's worst efforts. Then again, I've only seen a couple of his other movies and wasn't overly thrilled by them either.

Watch It: Only if you're a huge fan of Jack Black.

Skip It: If you have any respect left for Mos Def because this will just kill it for you.

Les parapluies de Cherbourg / The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: February 19, 1964 (France) / December 16, 1964 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 28, 1997

Plot 411: Young lovers are separated for two years and are confronted with real life and the consequences of their choices.

Review: Alright, this is the second time I'm doing this because I lost the first one somehow. Genevieve (Catherine Deneuve), 17, and Guy (Nino Castelnuovo), 20, are madly in love and, in youthful exuberance, want to get married. This, of course, is not approved of by Genevieve's mother (Anne Vernon), and when Guy receives his notice to serve in the French army they must put their wedding plans on hold. This destroys them, but they both vow to wait for each other. Shortly after Guy leaves, Genevieve discovers she's pregnant. She also meets a sophisticated, older man named Roland. Unlike Guy, Roland can offer a much better future for her and has the full support of her mother, but can Genevieve forget Guy so easily? This was a unique musical that was at times too operatic for my tastes. The continuous singing was a bit much, especially since I had to read the subtitles. Perhaps in it's native language, the singing would not be as distracting. But from a foreign standpoint, it seemed terribly melodramatic. Despite this, I still enjoyed this film a lot because while it was romantic, it wasn't sentimental. It portrayed real life and real life decisions were made. The characters lived with the consequences, and there were no knights on white horses to save the day. There was no Hollywood ending. This, in itself, was refreshing. The brightly colored costumes and set also created a unique feeling within the film. I don't know if this is a purely '60s thing, if it has something to do with musicals of that generation or if it's just plain French, but all the colors were wonderful. The wallpaper within Genevieve's house alone could chase the clouds away. The wardrobe colors were also unique because the characters all seemed to match each other. The color pallete was definitely something you don't see everyday.

Watch It: For the paradox of a realistic plot set in the fantasy of a musical.

Skip It: If a sweeping melodrama and romance set to song makes you grind your teeth in resistance.

Shades Of Ray

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: October 01, 2008

DVD Release Date: April 7, 2009

Plot 411: A half Pakistani/half Caucasian guy has lived with an identity crisis his entire life and is finally able to confront this when he meets a girl just like him.

Review: This was an interesting rom com because there were definitely deeper issues involved besides the normal love triangles. Ray (Zachary Levi) has lived his entire life questioning who he is. Is he Pakistani (aka brown) like his father (Brian George) or Caucasian (aka white) like his mother (Kathy Baker)? He cannot answer this question, but he realizes that he's different from everyone else. This makes him feel alone. In his effort to categorize himself, he also puts others into compartments as well. Ray distances himself from his Pakistani side and does not like to acknowledge it because this is what has made him different. When he asks his girlfriend Noel (Bonnie Somerville) to marry him, she doesn't give him an answer right away. During his time in wedding limbo, Ray's father introduces him to a Pakistani girl named Sana (Sarah Shahi) who is also half Caucasian. For the first time in his life, Ray finds someone like him and instantly feels connected to her. These feelings quickly complicate matters as he now struggles to redefine himself and his future. The issues of race and self-identity are introduced in a humorous manner allowing the audience to ease into the discussion. However, I suppose because we live in Hawaii we're a lot more tolerant of mixed races than other places. It just doesn't seem to be as big a deal here. Still, Ray's self-doubt and the angst he feels because of the pressure he receives from his father is universal. This movie is also unique because it comes from a male point of view.

Watch It: For a rare ethnic rom com that deals with interracial relationships and self-identity.

Skip It: If you're easily offended by racial jokes and stereotyping.

Friday The 13th

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: February 13, 2009

DVD Release Date: June 16, 2009

Plot 411: Jason Voorhees is back and killing fornicating young people. What more do you need to know?

Review: This is a remake and revitalization of the original Friday The 13th. A group of young people go out camping and Jason starts his killing. In a twist, Jason kidnaps a girl named Whitney (Amanda Righetti) because of her likeness to his mother. A month after Whitney goes missing, her brother Clay (Jared Padalecki) scours the area looking for her. He meets up with another bunch of young people and, of course, they all try to escape Jason and his machete. I'm not a major horror fan or a Friday The 13th expert by any means, however, there were numerous changes in this version that may or may not upset true fans. For one thing, Jason is swift of foot, which I really enjoy. If you're going to have a large, undead dude coming after you, make it exciting and allow him to run and jump like a regular person. The stalking around in the dark is just monotonous. Another thing about this version of Jason is that he's shown to be intelligent. He's got traps and underground tunnels that reveal he's not just muscle but has a brain. Also, for most of the movie he's wearing a bag over his head but eventually finds his trademark hockey mask. These changes really give Jason a new M.O. and viewers are able to look at this revamped Jason from a different perspective. What remained the same as is all the nudity and sex and how Jason apparently dislikes the immorality of it all. Who can blame him, right? Those counselors were supposed to be watching him, not each other. Best of all, Jason is still all about the killing.

Watch It: For a new telling of an old classic.

Skip It: If you're a horror purist.

Weekend At Bernie's

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 5, 1989

DVD Release Date: January 12, 1999

Plot 411: Two friends who are invited to their boss' house in the Hamptons discover that he's dead and spend the weekend trying to keep others from knowing.

Review: Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Silverman play Larry and Richard, two lower-level employees at an insurance company. When they discover a claims error, they think a promotion is in their sights. However, their boss Bernie (Terry Kiser) has other ideas and puts out a hit on them. In a twist, the mob sets out to kill Bernie instead, and Larry and Richard discover him when they go to his house in the Hamptons. I wanted to re-watch this comedy to see if it still held up over time, because I remember thinking this movie was all shits and giggles as a kid. While it still had many humorous moments, this time through wasn't as good as I remembered. The first two-thirds of the film were so slow and drawn out. The laughs and action didn't kick in till the third act. I don't know if people would stick around for it these days. No one has any patience anymore. McCarthy is really funny in this movie and actually brings it to life during dull moments. Some of his expressions are priceless. Silverman plays the more level headed of the two friends, and at times comes across as completely naive. This contradicts his workaholic tendencies and his drive to get ahead though, so he doesn't really make sense as a character. The premise of the film (dragging a dead body around pretending it's alive) is pretty distasteful if you think about it, but some of the scenes where the body is actually being pulled about are the funniest. I wonder what that says about me?

Watch It: For the most active dead guy you'll ever come across - he plays Monopoly, water skis, rides a golf cart and has relations with women.

Skip It: Because it's really hard to suspend your disbelief for that long. There's too many unbelievable situations that the guys get into with Bernie.

Beaches

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 21, 1988

DVD Release Date: August 13, 2002

Plot 411: Two girls from entirely different backgrounds meet one summer at the beach in Atlantic City and become lifelong friends.

Review: As children, aspiring performer CC (Mayim Bialik) and little rich girl Hillary (Marcie Leeds) meet on the boardwalk. Despite their difference they instantly become friends and keep in touch with each other throughout the years through letters. As adults, they meet again (Bette Midler as CC and Barbara Hershey as Hillary) when Hillary moves to New York on impulse. They become roommates and really get to know one another. However, a love triangle begins when the women are both attracted to a director with whom CC is working. This, and other life events, cause the women's relationship to be strained. They have an on-again-off-again friendship until a major life event causes them to pull together once again and support one another. This movie has it all and is so perfectly heartwrenching that it'll make the toughest guy shed some tears. The musical score is great as well, but it is really the performances of the leads that make this movie work. The friendship between CC and Hillary is so strong that it is almost a living thing, and like every relationship it has its moments of strength and weakness. Like the theme song, "that's the glory of love."

Watch It: With a box of tissues handy and the expectation that tears will fall.

Skip It: If you've got somewhere to be and don't want people staring at your puffy, red eyes.

District 9

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 28, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: When a spacecraft stalls in the skies above Johannesburg and alien refugees become residents of District 9, the tension between humans and aliens escalates into a worldwide affair.

Review: This was an interesting socio-political movie hiding within the genres of sci-fi, action/adventure and faux-documentary. The alien slum of District 9 is faced with many problems, such as illegal cross-species prostitution and arms dealing. Because of this and public outcry to separate the aliens from humans, an effort to relocate them to a new facility, District 10, is underway. However, the government must provide a 24-hour notice of eviction to each and every alien. When Wikus, head of the relocation operation, confiscates a metal cylinder, it squirts a black liquid into his face and he slowly begins to mutate. Now he must work with the "prawns," as they are known in a derogatory way, to see if he can reverse the process. The blatant racism and prejudiced attitudes of the humans toward the aliens is pretty despicable. Fear of this unknown population's customs, practices and motives serve to heighten the bias against them. In addition to the government's mandatory isolation of this gruop, they attempt to seize all alien weaponry from them out of fear and a greed for power that they cannot even utilize. The alien machines will not work with human DNA, however, the goverment confiscates it all to keep the population under their control. Humans also take advantage of the aliens by providing food to them at inflated prices. If this is not a metaphor for Westernized society, I don't know what is.

Watch It: For an interesting look at what the "civilized" world does to "underprivileged" populations in the name of "aid."

Skip It: If you're looking for a straight action/sci fi movie. It takes a while for it to get going.

The Sandlot

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: April 7, 1993

DVD Release Date: January 29, 2002

Plot 411: The new kid on the block spends his summer bonding with the kids from the sandlot and "the beast."

Review: "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” This is clearly a legend of a coming-of-age movie in my book. Bookish Scott Smalls (Tom Guiry) moves to L.A. with his mom (Karen Allen) and stepdad (Denis Leary). In an effort to make friends, he follows some boys to a dirt field affectionately called "the sandlot." Here, he is taught the great game of baseball by the local kids and is taken under the wing of Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez (Mike Vitar), who is the best player in their neighborhood. However, when an over-the-fence homerun knocks a ball signed by Babe Ruth into the domain of "the beast," the boys must find a way to recover it despite their fear of the ferocious dog. Not only does this movie have it all (comedy, drama, intrigue and wholesomeness), it is especially good at relating to kids. All the little details that are so important when you're 10 or 12 years old is important in this movie. The idea of losing a baseball over the fence feels immense. Getting a kiss from a pretty girl is a life or death situation. A day can seem like a year when it's summer and you have all your friends with you. This movie captures this feeling of childhood innocence and enthusiasm like no movie of its kind. Everything is there in this film, including inspirational themes like realizing your dreams and overcoming your fears. And yet, in its purest form, this is just a movie about a summer of baseball. Genius.

Watch It: For a good amount of childhood fun and adventure that will have you reliving your own summer adventures.

Skip It: If maybe hockey is your thing and you'd prefer Mighty Ducks. I think that movie is good in its own right but it's no Sandlot. There's something about the '60s that just makes you think baseball and apple pie.

Spirited Away / Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 27, 2001 (Japan) / September 20, 2002 (USA)

DVD Release Date: April 15, 2003

Plot 411: A little girl must work at a bath house for spirits to save herself and her parents.

Review: Chihiro (Daveigh Chase/Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents take a shortcut that leads them to an abandoned theme park. However, little do they know that when they pass through a tunnel, they leave the human world for the spirit world. In this world, there are all kinds of spirit creatures that walk the earth. They are all so distinct and unique. When her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro must work for Yubaba (Suzanne Pleshette/Mari Natsuki), the owner of a bath house, to free them. Along the way, she meets people who become her friends and help her on her journey - Haku (Jason Marsden/Miyu Irino), Kamaji (David Ogden Stiers/Bunta Sugawara) and Rin (Susan Egan/Yumi Tamai). This movie is a gem by Hayao Miyazaki that brings together several themes. The most obvious is Chihiro's coming-of-age story and is depicted with the loss of her identity when she becomes employed by Yubaba. By stripping her identity, Yubaba seeks to control her in a similar way that contemporary values influence young people. She must avoid these temptations and foster more traditional values on her journey to adulthood. There are also environmental themes throughout the movie that highlight pollution and the loss of nature due to urban development. What I thought was interesting were the nuances that Miyazaki added to simple scenes. They helped to really appeal to children as most of them would be thought trival to adults.

Watch It: For an animated film with applicable themes for children and adults.

Skip It: If you're into the Pixar style of animation.

D.C. Cab

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 16, 1983

DVD Release Date: March 1, 2005

Plot 411: A cab company of delinquents bands together to save one of their own.

Review: This is another one of my co-worker's favorite films, and I gotta agree with him that this is an underrated gem. Adam Baldwin plays Albert, the son of a vet who served with Harold (Max Gail). He comes north to work for Harold at his cab company. The company is barely holding on and its drivers are a bunch of misfits. The drivers include Samson (Mr. T), Tyrone (Charlie Barnett), Dell (Gary Busey), Ophelia (Marsha Warfield), Bob (Bill Maher), Xavier (Paul Rodriguez) and Buddy and Buzzy (Peter and David Barbarian). Despite being with the company for many years, the drivers all dream of their big break someday. With little respect for their job or boss, the drivers simply drift through life doing as they please. However, when Albert and some children are kidnapped, the motley crew joins forces to save their new friend. The movie is classic '80s fare. I mean, c'mon. Mr. T? Can it get better than that? Well, my friend. Let me just tell you that it can . . . and does! This movie is downright funny - from the wardrobe to the hairstyles to the lines. It's unique and completely the best of the cheesy '80s. I am also convinced, after viewing this film, that Busey's act was not an act. It was a portrayal of his real self 25 years before he went on Celebrity Rehab. How could people not recognize the signs?

Watch It: To see Mr. T's pimped out cab.

Skip It: If the thought men in brightly colored clothes gives you the shivers.

Losin' It

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 8, 1983

DVD Release Date: February 6, 2001

Plot 411: Four teens head down to Tijuana to get laid and pick up a distraught woman looking for a divorce along the way.

Review: A co-worker of mine recommended this one to me because it's one of his favorite movies. However, I gotta admit that I can't add it to my fave list. It was just an okay movie for me. The movie stars a young Tom Cruise as Woody, a shy guy looking to lose his virginity down in Mexico. He is accompanied by his friends Dave (Jackie Earle Haley), an overconfident Frank Sinatra wannabe, and Spider (John Stockwell), the bad boy of the group. Tagging along is Wendall (John P. Navin Jr.), Dave's entrepreneurial younger brother who supplies the funds for the quick trip across the border. On their way south, they meet Kathy (Shelley Long), a woman who has just broken up with her cheating husband and is looking for a quickie divorce. Together the group enters Tijuana and hijinks ensues. This is a fairly predictable coming-of-age comedy that follows the older teens around Tijuana as they get into all the stereotypical activities one can think of when going to Tijuana. The portrayal of Mexico and its culture is pretty standard, meaning it isn't especially flattering. There's sex for sale at every doorstep. Drugs and underaged drinking is common. The police are far from just and the jails are like the depths of hell. Despite this, I enjoyed some scenes, such as the one with the piano singer at the Tunga Lei club. His song is hilarious. I also thought the junk yard scene was funny.

Watch It: Because Tom Cruise comes across as very likable in this film as opposed to weird (especially during his couch jumping days).

Skip It: Because there are other flicks out there that are better representations of this genre like The Graduate (for quality) or American Pie (for gross out humor).

Gamer

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 4, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Humans become video game pieces to be controlled by others in a life or death game.

Review: In the future, technology has advanced to the point where video games are played out in real life. People control other people in games called "Society" and "Slayer." Kable (Gerard Butler) is a convict on death row who is several wins away from being set free. He is controlled by a 17-year-old teen named Simon (Logan Lerman). The creator of both games is Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall), who also invented the mind control technology used to link the gamer to the game piece. The movie is part science fiction and part reality, an interesting speculation at what the future holds for us. It shows us a world that is disconnected from reality and emotions, where money can purchase life. While techonology can be beneficial in some instances, it can also cause destruction when in the hands of egomaniacs. Even when the public is aware that real people are being killed in "Slayer," no one seems to mind. There is no humanity left in this society and no human rights to speak of. Notable supporting actors and cameos include Kyra Sedgwick, Terry Crews, John Leguizamo, Milo Ventimiglia, and Ludacris.

Watch It: For Butler in great action sequences and a look at what first-person gaming can become.

Skip It: If you are easily affected by jerky camera movements. This was worst than The Blair Witch Project because of the rapidly changing viewpoints between live action and gaming perspectives.

Giant

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: November 24, 1956

DVD Release Date: May 31, 2005

Plot 411: The story of three generations of Benedicts, a family rich in land and cattle.

Review: This is a great saga about Bick (Rock Hudson) and Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor) Benedict and their family. When Bick goes east to buy a stud horse, he meets Leslie and marries her. Upon bringing his new bride home, she and his sister (Mercedes McCambridge) buck heads for control over the household. Leslie also encounters ideological differences between her life back east and her life in Texas - wealth vs. poverty, racism against Mexicans and the male dominated culture of Texas. Ranch hand Jet (James Dean), who comes from modest means, is jealous of the Benedicts' rich lives and falls for Leslie, and he sets out to make a name for himself. The family is confronted with real examples of racism when Bick's son (Dennis Hopper) marries a Mexican girl, and Bick must also face his own prejudice. Bick and Leslie must also adjust their dreams for their children as the children grow up and have dreams of their own. They must adapt with the changing times. I enjoyed this movie despite its extra long run time. Some might say it isn't as good as Gone With The Wind, however, I liked it better. For me, its themes and attitudes were more relatable (which is probably just a generational thing), and James Dean and Rock Hudson were quite easy on the eyes.

Watch It: For an interesting look at several generations of life and the society changes experienced through one family.

Skip It: Because this is not Gone With The Wind.

Seven Swords (Chat Gim)

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: July 29, 2005 (China)

DVD Release Date: January 16, 2007

Plot 411: Seven master swordsmen join forces to protect a village from a merciless general.

Review: With a recent ban on the practice of martial arts offering ample bounty, Fire-Wind (Sun Honglei) and his men ravage villages in the name of the new ruling. He kills men, women and children even if they aren't trained to fight. Opposing him is Fu Qingzhu (Liu Jialiang), a former executioner who is trying to make up for his sins. He gathers several other great fighters and together they attempt to protect a village of innocents. This movie echoed Seven Samurai and The Magnificent Seven. It combined the creativity of Chinese martial arts with the mastery of swordplay. As with most period Chinese action films, this one contained a lot of great stunts, acrobatics and wire work. There were also a decent amount of CGI - some looked more realistic than others. The English subtitles were done with a British accent, so I assume they might've been done in Hong Kong. The dub didn't match the subtitles so that was a little distracting. Other than that, this was an enjoyable action-filled movie.

Watch It: For high-flying action and sword fights.

Skip It: If you usually enjoy a good love story thrown into the mix. This one was pretty weak.

Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: March 28, 2008

DVD Release Date: January 01, 2008

Plot 411: An interesting documentary on the scandalous life of director Roman Polanski.

Review: It's truly disgusting what fame and celebrity does to people . . . and in this case, I do not mean director Roman Polanski. I am referring to Judge Laurence Rittenband. This doc focuses on the highs and lows of Polanski's life, which included his survivng the Holocaust, his marriage to actress Sharon Tate, her vicious murder, his arrest on charges of rape and the sensational trial that followed. The man has apparently lived the lives of dozens of regular people, a life that is almost too outrageous to be real. This doc comes across as a piece of fiction more than the facts of someone's life. In the end, despite what Polanski may or may not have done to an underaged girl, the real shocker (or perhaps not) is the corruption within the courts. Even judges fall prey to vanity and celebrity. They use their power unjustly. It really, truly is sick.

Watch It: If you're a fan of court TV or an aspiring entertainment law student for a good case study.

Skip It: If a bunch of old guys recounting the past will put you to sleep despite the juicy content.

Swingers

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 18, 1996

DVD Release Date: September 24, 2002

Plot 411: A comedian trying to make it in Hollywood deals with the recent breakup of his six year relationship by hitting the clubs with his boys.

Review: This was an excellent '90s movies. Who knew that 13 years would make this movie almost nostalgic? I had forgotten about the swing music revival, the wallet chains and the Frank Sinatra-cool wannabes. The movie really captures a specific era that didn't last very long but was interesting nonetheless. Mike (Jon Favreau), a comedian from New York, moved to Hollywood to pursue his dream of getting his own sitcom. Unfortunately, his now ex-girlfriend is dating someone else and he's miserable. His L.A. friends Trent (Vince Vaughn) and Sue (Patrick Van Horn) and his buddy from N.Y. Rob (Ron Livingston) all try their best to lift his spirits. Trent takes the alpha dog approach and tries to bolster Mike's self-esteem through "babies" (aka women). Rob takes a more subtle route, doing more listening and hand holding than anything else. The boys are so "money" as they club hop around L.A. It's completely funny how they believe they're shot callers, like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, yet they can't even manage to land a gig. Vaughn is ridiculously funny in this role. The movie is hip, for its time, and right on with its comments on people's attitudes during this time period - from the wannabe gangsters to the cool dude swingers.

Watch It: For the bear and bunny scene.

Skip It: If you're living a break up right now. Mike is such a downer that he'll make you feel worse.

Sweet Home Alabama

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 27, 2002

DVD Release Date: February 4, 2003

Plot 411: A top fashion designer must return to her roots to divorce her hick husband so she can marry the man of her dreams.

Review: This is a sweet rom com starring Reese Witherspoon as a hot New York fashion designer who must face her high school sweetheart Jake (Josh Lucas) in order to marry her long-time boyfriend Andrew (Patrick Dempsey). Melanie thinks she finally has it all by making a name for herself and being engaged to a successful guy. She's escaped her small-town beginnings and become someone. However, when she returns home intent on divorcing Jake, she realizes that maybe life down south isn't as bad as she thought it was. Witherspoon is her sweet, small-town-girl self and despite the fact that she plays a snooty Yankee for a bit is still very likable and genuine. She isn't devoid of faults though, and this makes her very real. She's made mistakes and will continue making them, but the point is that she learns from them. The movie confronts the question of identity, heritage and family. Candice Bergen, Ethan Embry, Jean Smart and Fred Ward co-star. As a side note, Witherspoon and Embry reunite in this film as they co-starred in A Far Off Place when they were younger.

Watch It: For a cute love triangle and classic Witherspoon.

Skip It: Legally Blonde is more your speed because Melanie has a little more depth but less humor than Elle.

The Odd Couple

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: May 2, 1968

DVD Release Date: December 12, 2000

Plot 411: Recently separated from his wife, the obsessively neat Felix moves in with his sloppy friend Oscar and the two are soon at each other's throats.

Review: I grew up watching the tv show starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman and found them to be hilarious so I was excited to see the film version. Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau do not disappoint. As Felix, Lemmon is so compulsive and neurotic that it's no wonder his wife wants a divorce. From cooking and cleaning to allergies and dehumidifiers, Felix is completely overwhelming to Oscar (Matthau), who is used to living an unorganized and slovenly life. When these two personalities are confined to one apartment, you know things can only go downhill from there. The two friends drive each other nuts as only good friends can do to one another. There were many humorous beats throughout the film that kept me laughing, and I liked that the opening theme music is repeated throughout the film. I haven't seen many of Lemmon's movies, but is this high strung, anxious character his only schtick? It seems like Felix is the same character he played in The Out-Of-Towners. Even if this is all he's got, he really plays this character up like the best of them.

Watch It: If you live with your own Felix or Oscar. They might just take the hint.

Skip It: If you are either Felix or Oscar and don't want to get hassled by your other half.