New York, I Love You

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 16, 2009

DVD Release Date: February 2, 2010

Plot 411: Life and love in the city that never sleeps.

Review: The through line of this movie is the lives and loves of the people of New York. Similar to Paris, je t'aime, this movie is essentially a love letter to New York. However, the vignettes in this version are more interconnected than its predecessor, and there are no slides demarcating locations or titles. Treated as short films, some segments are more effective than others. My personal fave is the story about the bickering old couple, which starred Eli Wallach and Cloris Leachman. In contrast, another good one is about first love and starred Anton Yelchin, James Caan, Olivia Thirlby and Blake Lively. Other notable stars include Natalie Portman, Bradley Cooper, Orlando Bloom and Ethan Hawke.

Watch It: To see a crap ton of stars playing unexpected roles against the backdrop of New York's skyline.

Skip It: Because there's no real rhyme or reason to the stories.

Blood In, Blood Out / Bound By Honor

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 16, 1993

DVD Release Date: June 13, 2000

Plot 411: A story about the lives of three young men growing up in East L.A.

Review: This movie was recommended to me by a co-worker, and dayum was he right about it being awesome. It's the story of three guys who grew up in the barrio of East Los and how their lives turned out. Miklos (Damian Chapa) is half white and half Mexican. Because of this, he's always been an outsider and had to prove his loyalty and heritage. With his brown hair and striking blue eyes, he's had to fight for his respect even within his own family. Because of this he ends up in San Quentin and hooks up with the Spanish gangs. Miklos' cousin Paco (Benjamin Bratt) starts off as a punk who doesn't back down from anything. He's an instigator and not afraid to take revenge on a rival gang when his young brother Cruz (Jesse Borrega) is jumped and severely injured. Rather than go to jail, Paco joins the Marines and becomes a cop patrolling his old 'hood. After the attack, Cruz becomes hooked on drugs and uses his injuries as an excuse. When their kid brother accidently overdoses using one of Cruz's needles, he spirals even further. As the plot unfolds you realize how great this movie is because of its authenticity. From the gangs and drugs to the importance of family, this movie really works on many levels. It expertly weaves together different themes for each character. It'll leave you wanting more. Also playing supporting roles are Delroy Lindo, Billy Bob Thornton, Ving Rhames and Danny Trejo.

Watch It: Because this movie will make you rediscover all that is Benjamin Bratt. Where the heck has this guy been lately? He needs to get out of TV and get back into movies!

Skip It: Because despite Bratt's appeal, it's hard to get past all of Chapa's close ups. I know his character's an intense dude, but the expression on his face used to portray this is just painful. His earnestness, while definitely touching, is completely over the top. Dial it down homes.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: July 1, 1953

DVD Release Date: May 29, 2001

Plot 411: A private eye tracks two women across the Atlantic - one for money, and one for love.

Review: Hmm, I may have made this movie sound like a thriller with that plot summary huh? This is actually a romantic comedy musical starring Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei and Jane Russell as Dorothy. Both girls are lounge singers and BFFs but are completely different from one another. Lorelei is engaged to Gus (Tommy Noonan), a rich but emasculated man under his father's thumb. His father hires a private eye (Elliott Reid) to follow Lorelei because he thinks she's a gold digger. While on the trip, Dorothy falls for the detective until she learns he's only there to spy on her friend. This is the first actual Marilyn Monroe movie I've seen. While I agree that she's as pretty as a picture, I just find her voice completely irritating. She has a specific way of enunciating words that's annoying. Add to that her breathy baby talk and it's enough to deter me from watching any of her other movies. Russell had a really nice singing voice, but of course Monroe didn't. They even dubbed some opera-like singer for one part of the show. Besides that though, I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. It's interesting how they play up the sex symbol aspect of Monroe's life even in the movie. Her clothes, even her show costumes, were way tighter than Russell's, even when they were supposed to be identical. I don't know whether to be insulted for Russell or not.

Watch It: For the iconic "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" number. I didn't realize it was in this flick until it happened.

Skip It: Because the acting seems superficial to the glammed up sex symbol that is Monroe.

Crank 2: High Voltage

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 16, 2009 (Germany) / April 17, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: September 8, 2009

Plot 411: A guy with an artificial heart runs around the city trying to get his real one back and kicks some major ass along the way.

Review: This movie is a Jason Statham ass-kicking fest. Statham reprises his role as Chev Chelios, the man who just doesn't die. The Chinese Triads have sedated him, removed his heart and replaced it with a fake one just to keep him alive long enough to harvest his other organs. While this is happening, Chelios is quite vaguely aware of what's happening. When the Chinese docs go for his hoo-ha, he finally gets with the program because no means no. The rest of the movie follows Chelios across L.A. as he tries to get his heart back from one person or other. He leaves a trail of broken and dead bodies along the way. Making this even more difficult is that his fake heart is battery operated and needs to be charged frequently. But don't worry. Chelios finds unique ways to keep his old ticker ticking. Other notable peeps in this movie are Amy Smart, Dwight Yoakam, Bai Ling, Keone Young (Yay, a local boy), Clifton Collins Jr., David Carradine, Corey Haim (RIP) and Geri Halliwell (Girl Power?).

Watch It: For over-the-topness that is exploding silicone and sex at a racetrack.

Skip It: Because this movie is made by guys for guys. Everything you can think of that is demeaning to women is right here, yet somehow I still found this movie awesome.

The Fourth Kind

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 6, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 16, 2010

Plot 411: The reenactment of unexplained events, coupled with archival footage, that psychologist Abbey Tyler and her family lived through.

Review: I'm going to preface this with the acknowledgment that I am a skeptic of most things paranormal. It's not that I don't believe there are supernatural things out there. It's just that I've never seen it with my own two eyes, and until that day I will continue to be skeptical. This movie played like one of those SyFy channel ghost hunt shows or maybe even a TLC medical mystery. It blended archival video footage and interviews of the real Abbey Tyler with a reenactment by Milla Jovovich playing the doctor. Tyler and her family experienced unexplained phenomena in their Alaskan home, which Tyler soon realized were the same experiences her patients were describing to her. This experience, in her opinion, is that of alien abduction. The director uses mirror images of real interview footage and Jovovich's acting to emphasize the reality of the experiences. This creates an eerie feeling as the dialogue is often repeated or said in unison. The real footage is quite shocking and definitely adds to the believability of the movie, but the concept is just so far out there for most people to swallow. I found the plot to be very slow moving, which caused my mind to wander throughout the viewing. Depsite the suspense and inherent mystery of the topic, I wouldn't recommend this one to anybody. Also in the reenactment are Will Patton, playing the town sheriff, and Elias Koteas, playing Tyler's colleague.

Watch It: If you're into conspiracy theories or wonder about the life and worlds outside of our own.

Skip It: If you're firmly based in reality because you'll probably just call B.S. when you see the documentary footage, or what's left of it anyway.

Peter And Vandy

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: October 9, 2009

DVD Release Date: February 9, 2010

Plot 411: One Manhattan couple's saga of love and all of its ups and downs.

Review: Jason Ritter and Jess Weixler play the starring roles in this indie romantic comedy about love. Every aspect of their relationship is covered - from the awkward first moments to comfortable coupledom - and filmed in a way that captures the good and bad in equal measure. The plot unfolds in medias res and continues non-linearly so you're never quite sure which space in time is the present time. This technique adds to the uncertainty that is inherent in many relationships. Ritter's performance is charming in all his stumblings and sometimes socially inept behavior. Weixler comes across as having certain insecurity and control issues. Both characters are lovable because they are genuinely like people you know. While you stare at the trainwreck that is their relationship, you also see how meant to be they are. This film captures modern-day romances in an honest, unforgiving light that appealed to me. I recognized many people I know in these characters and situations that it's almost scary how realistic this movie is.

Watch It: For another amazing performance by Ritter. I hope he continues his indie trend and stays away from all the mainstream B.S. that's out there.

Skip It: Because there's no real point to the film. It's like every other relationship you know with an indefinite start and end point.

Race To Witch Mountain

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: March 11, 2009 (Egypt) / March 13, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: August 4, 2009

Plot 411: Two kids recruit a cab driver and a scientist in order to get back home.

Review: Two aliens in the shape of children named Seth (Alexander Ludwig) and Sarah (AnnaSopia Robb) crash their spaceship on Earth. While avoiding the government and an alien set on killing them, they jump into Jack's (Dwayne Johnson) cab and enlist his help. At first he is skeptical and think they're runaways. But he soon discovers their unique attributes and has a run in with the killer alien. In this family-friendly action adventure flick, I could only find a couple tihngs enjoyable and worth watching. The first and best (in my opinion) is the small role played by Garry Marshall. In the short scene or two that he's given, he puts on a master class for the other actors. The second cool thing about this movie is the 3D visual of space, which, of course, is created with obvious CGI. The CGI was really distracting in this movie. You'd think that in a movie about aliens with astounding technology, they'd front the money for better effects. Do they think kids won't notice the difference? As far as the acting goes, I felt Robb did a satisfactory job, especially with her facial expressions. Ludwig just looked constipated the entire film. And Johnson still hasn't shown that he can make in on the big screen. While all his fight scenes may look legit, the rest of his acting desperately needs Marshall's master class. Also in this film are Carla Gugino, Tom Everett Scott and Chris Marquette.

Watch It: Only for the reasons I pointed out above.

Skip It: Instead of wasting 90 minutes of your life.

Kick-Ass

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 26, 2010 (UK) / April 16, 2010 (USA)

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Dave's just another comic book-loving kid . . . until he decides to be a real-life superhero and finds himeslf in over his head.

Review: Dave (Aaron Johnson) and his friends live mediocre high school lives and are neither popular or unpopular. But this all changes when Dave decides to live his life like a comic book superhero to help those in need. How hard can it be, right? He soon finds out when he meets the ass-kicking duo of Big Daddy (Nicholas Cage) and Hit-Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz). Dave becomes caught in a feud that Big Daddy is waging against the man (Mark Strong) who killed his wife. A deadly battle is brewing, and Dave is caught in the middle of something straight out of a graphic novel. After a slow set up, this movie kicked it into high gear. The action was outrageous and built all the way to the climax. It was also really funny in that geeky, fanboy way. Dave's superhero persona, named Kick-Ass, is awesomely hideous. Dressed in his mail order, rent-a-costume, he is exactly what you picture all superheroes to be. It's so cheesy that it's perfect. I was pleasantly surprised by Nicholas Cage's performance in this movie. I haven't enjoyed any of his recent offerings, but he won me over with this over-the-top role. Another great performance was put in by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who plays Red Mist. He plays a snotty little rich kid who desperately seeks the approval of his father, a underworld figure.

Watch It: For some really cool martial arts and gun play. The laughs are right up there too.

Skip It: If you wonder why people laugh when they see other people getting hurt. It's that kind of humor sometimes.

Lovely & Amazing

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 31, 2001

DVD Release Date: November 26, 2002

Plot 411: Life lived in a family dominated by women and all of their insecurities.

Review: I really enjoyed this quirky indie flick about the lives of a mother and her daughters. Everything was based in reality and nothing was sugar coated. Life is lived one day at a time and you take the ups and downs as they come. This movie came across as very genuine and honest. There were no easy answers or solutions to the issues that confront the characters. Brenda Blethyn plays Jane, the matriarch of a family of daughters who decides to get lypo done. During this time, she asks her daughters, Michelle (Catherine Keener) and Elizabeth (Emily Mortimer), to look after her youngest, Annie (Raven Goodwin). Annie is a black girl who Jane adopted, and she struggles with ideas of beauty. Michelle is a artist who canot sell any of her crafts and is unhappily married to man that's cheating on her. Elizabeth is an insecure actress constantly questioning her self worth. All the characters are threatened by their own personal demons, and the film comments on the fact that these insecurites are passed from one generation to the next despite all the love that the family has for one another. Also in this film are Jake Gyllenhaal and Dermot Mulroney.

Watch It: For the realistic portrayal of the absurdity that is life. People are really messed up.

Skip It: Because it's one of those movies that doesn't really have a beginning, middle or end. You walk away without a resolution because life can't just be wrapped up in 90 minutes.

The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: April 28, 2005 (UK) / September 29, 2005 (USA)

DVD Release Date: September 13, 2005

Plot 411: This is a space comedy based on a book of the same name that incorporates humor, space travel, aliens and destruction.

Review: Before Earth is destroyed, best friends Arthur (Martin Freeman) and Ford (Mos Def) leave the planet by hitching a ride on the destroying spaceship. Ford is an alien who has been writing a hitchhiking guide. The two friends are discovered and forced into space without any oxygen. Luckily, they are saved by Ford's half brother Zaphod (Sam Rockwell). Arthur and Ford's journey only gets weirder and weirder as they travel to distant planets with Zaphod, who is searching for the ultimate question. I swear it's better than I'm making it sound. I'm not really sure how to describe this quirky jumble of sci-fi and British humor, adventure and geekiness. All I can cay is that I loved it. Also in this film are Zooey Deschanel, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Helen Mirren and Stephen Fry. If those names don't get you to watch this one, then it's probably not a movie for you.

Watch It: Because it's smarter and funnier than you expect.

Skip It: And it's roundabout logic that only sci-fi fanboys can untangle.

Happy Gilmore

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 16, 1996

DVD Release Date: February 24, 1998

Plot 411: An untalented hockey player with a huge slapshot turns to golf to save his grandmother's home.

Review: Adam Sandler plays the title role in this slapstick comedy. Happy Gilmore, who has a powerful trick shot, just doesn't have the right mentality and skating ability to fulfill his dream of playing hockey. When bets some guys that he can hit a golf ball 400 yards, he is spotted by a former PGA pro (Carl Weathers) who wants to train him. Unfortunately, Gilmore is anxious to get his grandmother's house back from the IRS and joins the PGA immediately. There he is confronted by Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), a pro who thinks Gilmore is bringing down the game of golf. This is a great introduction to Adam Sandler movies if I do say so myself. It's ripe with all the gags and humor that many of his other flicks possess. Don't expect a highly cerebral comedy though.

Watch It: If you're in the mood for a rompin' stompin' good time.

Skip It: If your comedic highpoint is British humor.

A Cinderella Story

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 16, 2004

DVD Release Date: October 19, 2004

Plot 411: When her father dies, Sam's life with her stepmother and stepsisters mimic the classic fairy tale Cinderella.

Review: This is a sweet teen rom com that definitely tugs at the heartstrings and is overly sentimental, but somehow it still manages to make you feel good inside. It stars Hilary Duff as Sam, a teenager living in the hell that became her life when her father died. Sam lives with her demanding stepmother Fiona (Jennifer Coolidge) and two stepsisters who are basically Tweedle Dee and Tweede Dum. Sam works hard at their family's diner with the support of long-time employees like Rhonda (Regina King) and Bobby (Paul Rodriguez). Sam confesses some of her troubles to Nomad, an online friend who invites her to meet him at the school's Halloween dance. Nomad turns out to be the school's most popular kid (Chad Michael Murray), but Sam runs away before he can find out who she is (just like old Ella did). In any case, this film, like many other teen flicks, is about coming into your own and the transition from a child to an adult. As always, Duff has a brilliant glow about her and it carries through the film despite all the non-glamorous things she is tasked to do. I also like how they manage to weave in chating, IMing, texting and all that other technology stuff into the film. It's almost like re-watching history because I suppose I grew up with that techonology as well and can definitely relate.

Watch It: If you're still hopefully dreaming of the day when your prince will sweep you off your feet.

Skip It: If you've long since let go of the idea of a prince because maybe this movie will give you hope again.

10 Things I Hate About You

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: March 31, 1999

DVD Release Date: October 1, 1999

Plot 411: One sister's social life depends on another's. Money exchnages hands. People fall in and out of love.

Review: Kat (Julia Stiles) and Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) are as different as can be despite being related by blood. Kat, the older sister, is more withdrawn from the high school's typical social structure. Bianca is all too willing to become queen B. When their father (Larry Miller), forbids Bianca from dating unless Kat dates, he thinks this is a good way to deter his young, naive daughter because he doesn't believe Kat will ever date anyone. At school, new kid Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls for Bianca from afar and tries everything he can to win her over, including bribing the school jock Joey (Andrew Keegan) and aligning himself with the school outcast Patrick (Heath Ledger). This is one of those movies that started it all for young actors. Looking back on it, it's not one of those ground-breaking performances that'll win you an Oscar. But, it is a teen flick that'll get you noticed . . . and that's just what it did for many of these actors. Based on Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shrew, this movie was probably one of the better teen rom coms to come out of the late '90s. In a very memorable scene, Ledger sings and dances.

Watch It: For a quick look at where some of the best young actors began their careers.

Skip It: Because you're probably better off watching The Taming Of The Shrew in an original remake instead of an adaptation like this.

The Eye / Gin Gwai

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: May 9, 2002 (Hong Kong) / June 6, 2003 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 21, 2003

Plot 411: After a cornea transplant, a blind girl begins to see mysterious things all around her.

Review: This is the original Chinese version of the American movie called The Eye, which starred Jessica Alba. In this film, Mun (Angelica Lee) is a blind musician who receives cornea transplants and must adjust to a life with vision. However, even before she is released from the hospital, she begins to see weird shadowy figures. Her doctor refers her to a psychologist (Lawrence Chou) to help her mind transition from being blind to a life with vision. It soon becomes evident that Mun is seeing spirits of the dead and she travels to the eye donor's home to find out more about her. The American version of this film copies the original almost blow for blow. Despite this, I think the Chinese version is way creepier. I'm not really sure what it is though that makes it so. The spirits are more jarring in this version because, perhaps, they aren't as streamlined as Hollywood's CGI.

Watch It: Before watching the Jessica Alba version. Angelica Lee is a much more believable character and is even more sympathetic than Alba.

Skip It: If you don't like supernatural scary movies. This one is one of the creepier ones and makes you wonder if this kind of stuff can really happen.

Fanboys

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 6, 2009

DVD Release Date: May 19, 2009

Plot 411: A group of Star Wars uberfans try to break into George Lucas' ranch to watch Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace before it's released.

Review: Four long-time friends, Eric (Sam Huntington), Linus (Chris Marquette), Hutch (Dan Fogler) and Windows (Jay Baruchel), embark on a cross-country journey from Ohio to California. Their mission? Break into George Lucus' Skywalker ranch and catch a glimpse of Episode 1 before it hits theaters. Along the way, the boys are tested (like any real Jedi knight would be) and must trust in each other to make it through. This is the ultimate movie for Star Wars fans because it not only pokes fun at them but also embraces all their quirkiness. It's a good-spirited movie that honors all the world's fanboys and fangirls. There are so many references to Star Wars and Star Trek that you kinda need to be aware of the history of the two movies to really get it. I can honestly say that I'm a fan of neither and still laughed my head off at some of the jokes. Also in this film or playing cameos are Kristen Bell, Seth Rogan, Billy Dee Williams, William Shatner, Carrie Fisher and Kevin Smith.

Watch It: And don't be afraid to geek it up. Best viewed with other fanboys to enhance the total experience.

Skip It: If you're a Trekkie (or Trekker). The jokes are harsh.

Born Into Brothels:Calcutta's Red Light Kids

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 8, 2004

DVD Release Date: September 20, 2005

Plot 411: A documentary photographer goes into one of India's red light districts and captures the lives of the prostitutes' children on film.

Review: This doc by Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman follows Briski into the red light district as she tries to film the women's lives and hardships. While there, she encounters their children and develops a relationship with them. Soon she is offering to teach photography to them, giving them cameras to document their lives. Briski tries to lobby for the kids to go to boarding school and to educate them about what their other options are in life. She hopes to open their minds to a possibility other than prostitution. Some of the photos and comments of the children are really haunting to see. It's hard to understand the lives they lead and the poverty around them. I found it amazing that many of the children were still upbeat and child like despite their circumstances. It's shows us the true resiliency within them.

Watch It: Because it'll make you see just how lucky you are.

Skip It: Because it's pretty gritty at times and the harsh realities of their lives can be depressing.

The Debut

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: May 18, 2000

DVD Release Date: September 9, 2003

Plot 411: A Filipino-American boy struggles to accept his culture and rebels against his father's attempts to control him.

Review: This is a unique movie simply because of its topic and the people who came together to see it get made. It stars Dante Basco (otherwise known as Rufio in Hook) as Ben, a Filipino-American teen who is caught between two worlds - the culture and beliefs of his parents and the culture in which he lives right now. He is a great artist and wants to go to college to pursue his art, but his father (Tirso Cruz III) wants him to go to medical school. Father and son both think they know best and fight each other without really listening to one another. Caught in the middle are Ben's mom (Gina Alajar) and sister Rose (Bernadette Balagtas). Desperately trying to distance himself from his family and roots, he emmerses himself in the American culture and befriends to white guys. He's ashamed of who he is and doesn't want to expose his friends to the weirdness of his family. It's not until Rose's debut party that Ben finally opens up and experiences what being Filipino means and just who he is because of it. Most of the acting done in this film is amateurish, except for the some of the supporting roles that are done by well-known Filipino actors. However, a lot of the interaction done by the younger actors is quite stiff and obviously not subtle at all. Despite this, the movie is worth a look see because its themes are still prevalant, especially in Hawaii where so many cultures and immigrants converge. The idea of filial piety conflicts with the American notion of independence. Do you sacrifice your dreams in order to comply with your family's hopes for you? Because, look how much they've sacrificed for you. How spoiled you are to disagree with plans and a life that has been set for you. Or do you hurt the people closest to you by following your dreams - dreams that do not quite fall into their idea of what a successful person is?

Watch It: If you're an immigrant's child. No matter what color you are, you'll be able to relate to the struggle for identity.

Skip It: If you can't see beyond the so-so storytelling and bad acting. I mean, the acting is really pretty bad at some points.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 14, 2009

DVD Release Date: February 9, 2010

Plot 411: A story about a time traveler and the family he leaves behind each time he goes.

Review: I've got mixed feelings about this film and am not really sure where to begin. On a purely mushy and romantic level, the idea of a love that survives beyond all rational thought and across all forms of time is really inspiring. Even with the bittersweet knowledge that the love of your life cannot physically be with you for most of your lifetime, it's just really powerful to know that this person is still out there loving you completely. This kind of love is like something from a Jane Austen novel, where all the world is against you but love still prevails in the end. From a more technical standpoint, this movie is hell to follow because the timeline is so messed up. The plot is convoluted and confusing. You barely even get to know anyone besides the two main characters of Henry (Eric Bana) and Clare (Rachel McAdams). Even then, it's difficult to pinpoint what year they're in, how much time has passed and which Henry is from the present time. With all those issues, it's a wonder that you can get all that emotional stuff in there. Perhaps the emotion just comes from the audience's ability to walk in Clare's shoes? The plot is a simple one - a guy time travels uncontrollably and sometimes returns to places and times that are important to him. He meets a girl named Clare and continues to cross her path at random times throughout her life. They fall in love and she must deal with the fact that she never knows when he will leave or when he will return to her.

Watch It: For the beautiful cinematography. The shots of the meadow where Henry and Clare often meet are beautiful.

Skip It: If you're a sci fi geek that really follows the time/space continuum because this will probably just piss you off at how inaccurate it is.

It Happened One Night

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: February 23, 1934

DVD Release Date: December 28, 1999

Plot 411: Tired of her father running her life, a rich socialite rebels by running away and falls in love in the process.

Review: Ellen (Claudette Colbert) is a spoiled, rich girl who is tired of her father (Walter Connolly) interfering in her life. As part of her constant rebellion, she marries King Westley (Jameson Thomas) but is taken by her father before the marriage can be consummated. Thoroughly upset, she literally jumps ship and makes her way back to her husband via bus. Along the way, she meets a journalist named Peter (Clark Gable) who assists her despite her haughty, rude and sour nature. Ellen has just the right amount of spoiled brat and spunkiness to be both annoying and admirable. The fact that she would completely disregard her safety and her father's peace of mind to fulfill her conviction that she is in love with King is both honorable and foolhardy. The comedic tennis match between Gable and Colbert is laugh-out-loud funny in the way that many of these old films are. Using dialogue and quick delivery, the actors are able to throw down some of the best lines I've heard in a while. Even the lighting techniques used during this era of filmmaking is pretty interesting. The contrast between lights and darks emphasize the expressions on the characters' faces to enhance the reaction by the audience.

Watch It: For an example of a really good romantic comedy. They don't make stuff like this anymore.

Skip It: Only because you've seen it before.

The Freshest Kids: A History Of The B-Boy

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: February 23, 2003

DVD Release Date: October 8, 2002

Plot 411: A doc about the roots of b-boying and how it has evolved through the years.

Review: If you're into the hip hop culture and breaking, this doc is for you. It takes you back to the beginning, before break dancing was even known as break dancing. It takes you back to b-boying and the Bronx of the early '70s. You hear testimony from many of the original b-boys, see clips from battles and learn about the origins of hip hop. It educates you about the time and place where it all began and connects the dots between b-boying, rapping and graffiti writing. It's pretty interesting to see this style of dance emerge, evolve, expand and erupt through the years. Unfortunately, like most things that can be turned into money, b-boying was commercialized and lost its real meaning. Popular culture turned it into a money maker and somehow its true essence was lost. In recent years, the next generation of real b-boys have become part of a resurgence.

Watch It: For a more historical look at b-boying.

Skip It: If you just want to see the tricks. Planet B-boy is probably a better option for you.

Shanghai Kiss

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: N/A

DVD Release Date: October 9, 2007

Plot 411: A man returns to the motherland and learns to like who he is.

Review: This was an odd film because it tried to do so much with so little. The main character, Liam (Ken Leung), is a Chinese American trying to make it in Hollywood. He is rather limited in his opinions about his culture and heritage. He doesn't appreciate it and actually battles against it, thus conforming to society's "white is right" mantra. Despite being cognizant of how messed up this is, he continues to struggle against society's whacked perceptions and his own skewed viewpoints. While returning home from an unsuccessful audition, Liam meets Adelaide (Hayden Panettiere), a high schools student. They quickly bond and he begins to wrestle with his feelings for her despite her youth. Before things can get sorted out, he goes to Shanghai to claim a house his grandmother left him. Here, he finally discovers what it is like to be Chinese and begins to embrace his culture. I just want to say that if Panettiere hasn't gotten on your last nerve yet, she will in this movie. This movie is also too ambitious for what it's trying to say. Questions of identity, racial stereotypes, societal pressures and views on love are all pertinent to the plot of this film but are just too heavy for this medium. Maybe with a stronger plot and better actors, these themes could be more fully explored. Instead we get some ramshackled attempt at a meaningful film. Also in this film is Kelly Hu, James Hong and Joel Moore.

Watch It: If maybe you yourself are rebelling against your own Asian-ness?

Skip It: At all costs because it's pretty lame.

2012

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 13, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 2, 2010

Plot 411: The end of the world has come. Run for your lives!

Review: This film was pretty similar to all the other end-of-the-world/apocalypse/disaster movies that came before it. Most audiences who enjoyed those will also like this one. The idea of actually enjoying a disaster flick is pretty twisted when you really think about it, but that's for some other blog. In this one, we talk about movies so I'd say the CGI both made and broke this film. With such a gigantic scope as the of the world, audiences are already prepared for a whole lot of CGI. This component is probably the most significant aspect of the film, even beyond the actors, which included the likes of John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet (whose face is quite odd looking in this movie), Danny Glover (Mr. President), Thandie Newton (cute as ever), Oliver Platt and Woody Harrelson (playing a nutjob . . . surprise, surprise). The massive earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and complete destruction of society as we know it was definitely a huge undertaking for all those animators. It really is amazing to see little people dangling off of freeways and toppling buildings, chunks of earth and lava hurtle toward you and famous landmarks crumble to the ground. However, despite all their efforts, the quality of the CGI is still not advanced enough to render a good image. It's completely obvious that these events were created on a screen. There's absolutely no doubt that they didn't use practical effects. The fact that we can tell is the disappointment. As for the plot, refer back to the 411.

Watch It: On a large screen with surround sound if at all possible to get the full effect.

Skip It: Because if you've seen one of these types of movies, you've seen 'em all.

MirrorMask

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: September 30, 2005

DVD Release Date: February 7, 2006

Plot 411: A girl enters a fantasy world in which she is mistaken for an evil princess.

Review: I don't know who suggested that I watch this (I suspect it was one of the podcasts I listen to), but man, I was kinda bored throughout the entire movie. The film is about a girl named Helena who works in her family's business, which happens to be a traveling circus. Like most teenagers, she doesn't appreciate her unique circumstances or the value of her parents. When her mother falls ill after a verbal bout with her, Helena finds herself in an alternate world. Let's just say this movie is like a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Coraline (which, by the way, is also a film by Neil Gaiman, the co-writer of this movie). Visually, this movie is a bizarre buffet of weird characters that only exist in your wildest of dreams. That's about the only facinating part about this movie. However, after a half hour of these weirdly wonderful creatures, I just got tired of them. The plot is twisted (not in a good way) and convoluted. Despite being on some kind of personal journey, I just don't give a care (haven't heard that saying in a while now have you?) about Helena.

Watch It: If you're into the Tim Burton-esque touch and feel because this is quite similar.

Skip It: If your idea of fantasy is fire-breathing dragons or hobit-like creatures. This is a fantasy, but thoroughly born from Gaiman's imagination.

K-PAX

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 26, 2001

DVD Release Date: March 26, 2002

Plot 411: A psychologist takes on a patient who believes he is an alien from the planet K-PAX.

Review: A patient named Prot (Kevin Spacey) is transferred to a facility where he undergoes a psych eval conducted by an already overworked doctor named Mark (Jeff Bridges). Prot tells Mark that he is from a planet that is lightyears away from Earth and that he first visited our planet over four years ago. As Mark analyzes Prot further, he becomes way too attached to the patient. He starts obsessing about what could be wrong with Prot as his delusions are hardwired better than any other case Mark's come across. Things get even weirder when Prot's statements begin to be proven true. Can he really travel on a ray of light? Is he really from another planet? The other patients, and even some of the staff, begin to think so. Can it really be possible? This film kept you guessing all the way till the end. I was sure several times throughout the film that I knew the real truth behind Prot, but I found myself wavering between human and alien a number of times. Spacey's portrayal of Prot is amazing, especially when he is put under hypnosis. The character changes and emotional leaps he makes during this time are instantaneously revealed upon his face. Bridges also does a good job playing the skeptical doctor, and his character goes through a much needed transformation by the end of the film. The movie forces the audience to consider the difference between sane and insane. While scientists have probably made strides toward understanding mental illness, after watching this film you'll see that there is so much more to learn. What it takes for someone to be "cured" is often a mystery. However, another quite valid question would be whether or not they need to be cured in the first place.

Watch It: For a walk on the edge of limitless possibilities if you only let your mind accept the unbelievable despite the fact that society has taught you that the unbelievable is merely crazy.

Skip It: Because this is one of those movies that just plods along relentlessly until probably around the third act when all the loose ends begin to wrap up.

The World's Fastest Indian

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 13, 2005 (New Zealand) / February 3, 2006 (USA)

DVD Release Date: June 13, 2006

Plot 411: A New Zealander dreams of speed and travels to Utah to test the mechanics on his 1920 Indian motorcycle.

Review: Anthony Hopkins plays Burt Munro, a man who never gave up on his dreams. Always dreaming of speed and ways to go faster, Munro steadily worked on his Indian motorcycle for years. He was famous in Australia and New Zealand for having the fastest bike, but he was determined to prove this to the world. After facing much ridicule and doubt from his neighbors, Munro makes the trip to America where he hopes to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Upon arriving in the U.S., Burt runs into numerous issues that hold him up. However, his good nature and straightforward attitude win many people over and he's able to make his way to the races. What I really liked about this movie is that it proves once again that through hard work and determination one can achieve their dreams. Munro is faced with many issues that commonly discourage even the best of us, such as being physically too old or weak, not having the "right" stuff (In Munro's case, this is racing an ancient bike), clashes of culture or a wall of red tape. Despite all of this, Munro never gives up on his dreams. Some may think he's a looney, but genius is oftentimes mistaken for it too. The fact that this is a true story and Munro's record still stands today is a testament to one's own fortitude when faced with doubt, discrimination and ridicule.

Watch It: For inspiration to take your hobby to the next level.

Skip It: And miss out on one of Hopkins' great performances.

Julie & Julia

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 7, 2009

DVD Release Date: December 8, 2009

Plot 411: Two women learn lessons about life and find themselves through a love for cooking.

Review: This film, starring Meryl Streep as Julia Child and Amy Adams as Julie Powell, tells the story of two women who find themselves through cooking. In parallel stories, we watch as Julia and her husband Paul (Stanley Tucci) accquaint themselves with Paris just as Julie and her husband Eric (Chris Messina) also move into a new place. The women's lives mimic one another despite the decades of time that separate them. In Paris, Julia enrolls in the famous Cordon Bleu Academy after trying several other hobbies that fall flat. Here she truly enjoys herself and her enthusiasm is incredibly palpable through Streep's performance. It is here that she unites her love for eating and French food. Shortly thereafter she meets two women who are writing a cookbook and the three friends collaborate on the project. Sixty years later, Julie is on the verge of her 30th birthday and decides to take on a project of her own by cooking all of Julia Child's Mastering The Art Of French Cooking in 365 days. She starts a blog to document her food journey but ends up really uncovering many truths about life. Throughout the film I found myself really enjoying the Julia segments and wanting to know more about her life. Julia, via Streep's performance, was so alive and almost larger than life (metaphorically and literally speaking). For a woman of those times, she was really something. The Julie plot line was just mediocre at best. I mean I love Amy Adams, but somehow I just couldn't get into her little mid-life crisis and meltdowns.

Watch It: For Streep's amazing performance. She completely embodied the character of Julia Child and looked like she was having fun while doing it.

Skip It: For the rather "blah" plot of Julie Powell. While I definitely think her Julie/Julia Project was a massive undertaking, it didn't seem to translate well to film.

Revenge Of The Nerds

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: July 20, 1984

DVD Release Date: March 3, 2007

Plot 411: Best pals Lewis and Gilbert are off to college and find themselves and other social outcasts displaced from their dorms by the jocks of Alpha Beta.

Review: Robert Carradine and Anthony Edwards are Lewis and Gilbert, two nerds who are off to college and living away from home for the first time. They think their experience will be different from high school and anticipate the start of a brand new life. However, within the first week of school the jocks of Alpha Beta burn down their frat house. They forcibly remove all freshman from their dorm with the help of their football coach (John Goodman). Lewis, Gilbert and the rest of the nerds decide to form a fraternity in order to legally have housing on campus. This begins the battle between nerds and jocks. How can you not love an underdog story? This is the classic tale of the clash between social status and the importance society gives to the popular and beautiful. One of my favorite characters is Lewis because despite all his experiences thus far, he remains optimistic and hopeful. He doesn't even know he's a nerd, which speaks to the power of one's own mind. His frat brother Booger (Curtis Armstrong) has, at this point, gained a cult following. The Lamda Lamda Lamda frat, which the boys have established, is not only for nerds but for all others who find themselves on the sidelines of society. This includes a prepubescent genius kid, a gay black guy and a Japanese exchange student. Yes, all these characters are just so stereotypical, but it's a comedy so what're you gonna do? This movie is definitely not PC. Also in this film are Ted McGinley and James Cromwell.

Watch It: For a flashback to those ball hugging shorts of the '80s and all the other "fashion" of the time.

Skip It: Because it wasn't actually as funny as I remembered it to be.

Singles

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 18, 2002

DVD Release Date: February 3, 1999

Plot 411: Seattle. 1990s. People looking for love or the closest thing to it.

Review: This movie starring, Bridget Fonda, Campbell Scott, Kyra Sedgwick and Matt Dillon, could almost be a real excerpt from the early '90s. From the clothes (grunge) to the music (grunge) to the locale (Seattle = home of grunge), it's a time capsule that we can all use to see into the past and remember what it used to be like. In the lifelong quest for love, the movie takes us through the characters' lives as they work and play with one another. In a faux documentary style, the characters (Janet, Steve, Linda and Cliff respectively), walk us through their thoughts and feelings on love and relationships. Most of the characters live in the same apartment building, which you already know is bad news. The misconceptions that men and women have, the games they play and the bad advice from friends all make this film entertaining to watch. To play games or be straightforward? To call the next day? Four days from now? A week later? To smile or not to smile? Look back over or ignore him? All of these seemingly mundane questions are part of dating - then and now. The problems that arise are also universal across time and place. Also featured or playing a cameo in this film are Bill Pullman, Eric Stoltz, Tom Skeritt, Paul Giamatti and Jeremy Piven.

Watch It: For the long hair, torn up jeans, funny hats and coffee.

Skip It: Because the plot drags a bit despite the awesome soundtrack.