The Cats Of Mirikitani

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: March 2, 2007

DVD Release Date: April 8, 2008

Plot 411: A woman takes in a homeless artist into her home and learns about the life of an interment camp survivor.

Review: Linda Hattendorf introduces us to a grandmaster artist named Jimmy (Tsutomu) Mirikitani, who she met living in the streets around the corner from her New York apartment. Jimmy was born in Sacramento and educated in Japan. He lived through World War II at Tule Lake, an internment camp for people of Japanese ancestry. This documentary chronicles Linda's friendship with him and her attempt to find him a place of his own. This movie is beautiful, sad, poignant, heartfelt, enraging and so many other things. It begins in New York in early 2001 and, ironically, is able to contrast the events of 9/11 with World War II through first person experiences. It is almost unbearable to know that Jimmy has lived through two of these tragic events and that people have not learned from past wrongs. The racial profiling and prejudice continues 60 years later, but this time it is focused on another minority group. Jimmy's artwork is really something. He carries his supplies in an old shoebox, and the things he can do with Crayola crayons are amazing. It's sad to know that someone with such talent was kept from fully reaching his potential. But, Jimmy's strength to continue to work at something he loves despite his financial situation is inspiring. I guess he really does have an artist's soul. The one thing I found lacking in this doc was a complete history about Jimmy and his situation. It's good to have his testimony, but it'd be more interesting if there was factual data to support him. However, I'm sure there's only so much that you can do to research and find that kind of information. And who knows? Maybe the government destroyed it all as it documents a very dark period in America.

Watch It: For a personal look at prejudice and its psychological, emotional and social effects.

Skip It: Unless you've got a tissue handy because the it's an emotional overload.

Couples Retreat

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 9, 2009

DVD Release Date: February 9, 2009

Plot 411: Four couples sign up for a relationship retreat and find it's more than they bargained for.

Review: Don't see this movie. All you need to do is watch the trailer and you're golden. Anything else in this 107-minute movie is filler. Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell) are a Type-A married couple whose marriage is not working out. They decide to take a week to sort out their issues at a vacation club dedicated to this kind of thing. In order to get a cheaper rate, one that they can afford, they hit up their friends and ask them to participate as well. At first everyone is reluctant, especially Dave (Vince Vaughn) and Ronnie (Malin Ackerman) who are busy renovating their home, raising their two sons and launching a new video game. However, in the end, everyone agrees to go for the sake of Jason and Cynthia. What they find on the island is nothing for which they are prepared. Also in this film are Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Kristen Davis, Kali Hawk, Tasha Smith and Jean Reno. This movie had so many potential laughs that just were not fulfilled. The concept of being stuck on an island doing therapy and yoga are gold mines for comedic humor. However, the plot was too slow to be effective. Jokes were few and far between for me. There's also a cameo by Ken Jeong that is completely humorless. I mean, how is that even possible right? But it is.

Watch It: As a last resort?

Skip It: For a better Vaughn/Favreau flick in Four Christmases.

Pandorum

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 29, 2009

DVD Release Date: January 19, 2010

Plot 411: Two members of a spaceship flight crew awaken after a long sleep and are completely disoriented and must figure out what happened.

Review: Bower (Ben Foster) wakes up suddenly and frees himself from a hyper-sleep capsule in a ship that has lost its power. At first he doesn't know who he is and his memory is fragmented. An hour later, his superior officer Payton (Dennis Quaid) awakens as well. The two decide to explore the ship and find the nuclear reactor in order to jump start the power. On Bower's journey, he meets exceptionally powerful humanoid creatures that are quick and deadly. He also meets surviving ship members and they must piece together their collective memory in order to figure out what has happened. This was an awesome sci-fi action thriller. It even leans toward horror more than most sci-fi movies. The practical effects used for the creatures are great. Unfortunately, it's difficult to see much of them until almost the end. The movie did a good job creating a feeling of isolation, desperation and confusion. As a viewer, I felt caught up in Bower's world. What's happening? Who are these people? Where are they? Is it an alien? The audience can definitely relate to his situation because it's as baffling for us as it is for him. They even include a foreign language, which I'm pretty sure is Vietnamese, without subtitles to add to the confusion. Also in this film are Antje Traue, Cung Le and Cam Gigandet.

Watch It: Because the general concept is pretty awesome and there are so many possibilities.

Skip It: If you're into the technical aspects about space flight and things of that nature. Who knows how accurate this is even if it is set in the future?

Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: 2002 (according to imdb but 2004 according to Netflix)

DVD Release Date: January 1, 2005

Plot 411: A young girl uses Chinese charms to help her lonely mother find love.

Review: Mindy (Valerie Tian) is concerned that her mom Kin (Sandra Oh) is working too hard. Mindy tries to make her happy using charms and spells she learns from a book. However, her charms go awry and affect other people in town, including a man who loses his job (Chang Tseng) and another who wins the lottery (Ric Young). This was an interesting look at the differences between traditional and modern Chinese beliefs. It also touched on some requisite Asian issues like filial piety, honor and religion. I think it's wonderful that Asian cultures are portrayed in mainstream media, so in that aspect this movie is a success. I don't know where the setting was for this movie (probably somewhere in Canada), but it was good to see a Chinese community and so many Asian actors playing leading roles. What was really interesting was the contrast of joy and sorrow and how sometimes what may seem to be a positive experience can really be a negative one (and vice versa). Most of all, this film shows you the importance of making sure you appreciate your life despite the ups and downs that come your way.

Watch It: For a great performance from Tian and Oh.

Skip It: Because the plot meandered along slowly and never really realized its potential, in my opinion.

Death Note: L Change The World

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: February 9, 2008 (Japan)

DVD Release Date: August 18, 2009

Plot 411: L must stop a biomedical plot to destroy mankind.

Review: This is my favorite movie of the three Death Note flicks. It is less about the death notebook and more about the character named L (Kenichi Matsuyama). This movie is a 23-day excerpt of his life in which he is called upon to save the world from a lethal virus. An environmental group has developed a virus that will wipe out populations. Their motive? Humans are overpopulating the world and a balance is needed within nature. This movie is great because it elaborates on an interesting character by giving us a closer look at who he is. We watch as he relates to others in a more intimate way, thus proving he is changing and growing as a person. L becomes especially close to two children - Maki (Mayuko Fukuda) and Boy/Near (Narushi Fukuda). They are both intelligent and alone, something to which L can relate.

Watch It: If you were really drawn to L in the other movies.

Skip It: If you've never seen the first two Death Notes. I feel like it's essential that you watch the first two before this one as you'll get a more complete picture of who L is by being able to contrast the two. Also, this movie includes spoilers of the other two.

Despicable Me 3D

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 9, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: An evil doer must shrink and capture the moon to prove to the world that he belongs in the bad boys club.

Review: Gru (Steve Carell) is an aging evil mastermind who has yet to prove himself as a valuable member of the evil-doers club. In an attempt to establish himself as an incrediblely bad guy, he plots to steal the moon from the world. This heist will put him in the record books. However, first he must steal a shrinking ray from up-and-comer Vector (Jason Segel). Using three orphans, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher), Gru hopes to finally fulfill his dreams of being a rock star evil mastermind. This was a cute movie for the young or young at heart. It took full advantage of several things: 1) the overwhelming cuteness of little girls; 2) the overwhelming funniness of secondary characters; and 3) juvenile humor and jokes. I really enjoyed this movie, but somehow it doesn't live up to other animated family comedies that have come before it. There didn't seem to be as much heart as in other movies. Still, I had a great time and would recommend this to family-oriented viewers. Also providing voice talent are Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig and Danny McBride.

Watch It: Simply for the minions. Completely hilarious and cute.

Skip It: Because it doesn't develop the plot or characters the way Pixar does.

Predators

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: July 7, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A group of killers are dropped into a foreign jungle and come face to face with even bigger killers.

Review: The movie opens as a man (Adrien Brody) awakens to find he is falling through the air and unable to open up his parachute. What a way to kick off this film! We soon learn he is not the only person to live through the experience when he meets up with seven other people. They are all fierce soldiers in their own way, some who are traditionally trained, like Nikolai (Oleg Taktarov), and others who are just bad asses, like death row inmate Stans (Walton Goggins). There's also a female operative (Alice Braga), a doctor (Topher Grace) and some other trained killers. As the group tries to figure out where they are and what is going on, they are attacked by foreign creatures. They learn that the tables are switched and the hunters are not the hunted. I thought this was a really good way to reboot the Predator franchise. It's a new imagining of an old favorite. I found some of the action hard to follow though because of all the shaky cam jerkiness. Also, the plot and dialogue wasn't all that great. My biggest critique is that despite being named Predators, it takes a long time for a predator to show up on screen. How is this possible? The special effects aren't mindblowingly good either. Also in this movie is Laurence Fishburne and Danny Trejo.

Watch It: If you're a fan of sci-fi action flicks.

Skip It: If you're expecting this new film to make incredible use of technology.

Inception

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 8, 2010 (United Kingdom) / July 13, 2010 (USA)

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A team of extractors are hired to insert themselves into a man's subconscious in order to alter his behavior.

Review: This is truly a masterpiece in the sci-fi thriller arena. The main character, Dom Cobb, is played by Leonardo DiCaprio. He is the team leader of a group of hired extractors who can insinuate themselves into your dreams to unlock your deepest secrets. Cobb is hired by Saito (Ken Watanabe) for a job that most think is impossible. He must plant an idea into the mind of Robert Fischer, Jr. (Cillian Murphy), the heir to a corporation that rivals Saito's. Cobb's team consists of Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Ellen Page), Eames (Tom Hardy) and Yusuf (Dileep Rao). Together the create a labyrinth of dreams and must synchronize their descent into the subconscious. This is definitely a movie that is worth watching more than once. It is a cerebral film that manipulates reality and fantasy until you're not exactly sure which world you're in. The concepts are quite complex to wrap your mind around and you will leave the theater changed just a little bit. I like how DiCaprio continues to push the boundaries of fact and fiction in this newest forray into the mind.

Watch It: For an excellent effort by DiCaprio, whose performance here is a few steps better than Shutter Island.

Skip It: Because it really is a mind bender.

Death Note: The Last Name

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: November 3, 2006 (Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan) / May 20, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: February 10, 2009

Plot 411: The battle of minds continues in this Death Note sequel.

Review: In this movie, Light (Tatsuya Fujiwara) and L (Kenichi Matsuyama) face off to capture the notorious Kira (I like how that sounds like "killer" in English). The battle between these two geniuses is intense and you never feel bored. Again, the cops in this show, including Light's father (Takeshi Kaga), are extremely useless. New characters are introduced that create a twist here or there. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It's interesting that the Japanese are still making movies about the powers of good and evil, yet they're doing it in new ways that will capture modern audiences. I also love how there is humor despite the serious nature of the show. The constant cat and mouse game played by Light and L is great and keeps you wanting more. The CGI could use more work. If this is a style they're going for, I just don't get it. I like how the topic of justice is still being argued with both sides of the issue coming up with logical and relevent reasons to support their views. Is a world with less crime worth the sacrifices being made and the relinquishing of human rights? Does ever human, good or bad, deserve a chance? What happens when obviously guilty criminals are released due to faulty justice systems? Is it wrong for them to pay for their crimes in an eye for an eye way? These are all pretty serious questions to be generated from a movie (and previously a manga).

Watch It: If you liked the first movie. This one continues the story and seals the deal.

Skip It: If stereotypes of Japanese girls annoy you. This one girl Misa (Erika Toda) was just so annoying with her whining and little girl tantrums.

Innocent Voices / Voces inocentes

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 10, 2004 (Puerto Rico) / October 14, 2005 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 9, 2007

Plot 411: A young boy and his family are caught in the middle of the Salvadoran civil war of 1980.

Review: Based on the life of Oscar Torres, this movie focuses on the lives of innocent people who are caught in the crossfire of a civil war. Chava (Carlos Padilla) is an 11-year-old boy who lives with his mother, sister and brother. Chava's father left them when the war first broke out, forcing his mother to work nights while he stays home to care for his siblings. Despite still being a child, Chava is forced into adulthood as he watches the war develop from the sidelines. Each night the Salvadoran army and the guerrillas shoot up his home and surrounding neighborhood. Armed soldiers patrol the streets near his school. U.S.-backed government soldiers recruit 12-year-old boys for their army. The contrast between the youthful games Chava and his friends play and the violence and death that is happening around them is shocking. However, even in this unstable environment life goes on. It is amazing to see people adapt to such unthinkable circumstances. This is the true strength of the human spirit.

Watch It: Because it gives you a dose of life so unlike that of the average American's. It'll open your eyes.

Skip It: And get down to business. Google the civil war and read up on the real events.

In A Day

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: May 9, 2007 (Spain) / August 24, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010

Plot 411: A girl has the best day of her life with a man who frequents her sandwich shop.

Review: This is one of those indie rom coms in the vein of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, but it's not done as well. That's not to say it isn't good. It's just not as good as the other two. The a movie is dialogue heavy and conversation flows between the two main characters, Ashley (Lorraine Pilkington) and Michael (Finlay Robertson). They walk or ride around in the city, and just about everything happens within the timeframe of one day. Ashley meets Michael after experiencing a horrible incident and is hesitant when he offers to take her to lunch. However, despite the anxiety caused by the previous scenario, she agrees and ends up spending the entire day with him. He takes her from one place to the next and continually surprises her with treats. He's quirky and mysterious, and Ashley isn't sure what to make of him. Like good indie movies, the plot seems like it comes straight out of real life. The characters seem genuine (and aren't absurdly beautiful) and relatable. What I love most about films like this is the authenticity. Between Ashley and Michael, there are awkward pauses, self-conscious gestures, stuttering, verbal falters and other embarrassing, yet natural, faux paus.

Watch It: For a somewhat heavy plot twist (for a rom com).

Skip It: Because the build up of the twist is a lot better than its resolution, which happens too quickly in my opinion.

Death Note / Desu Nooto

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: June 17, 2006 (Japan)

DVD Release Date: September 16, 2008

Plot 411: A college student finds a magical book that gives him the power to kill anyone just by writing their name inside it.

Review: This movie is based on a manga of the same name and stars Tatsuya Fujiwara as Light, the son of a police officer. He is a law student who wants to work in the police force, but he is jaded when he discovers that many criminals do not receive the punishment they deserve. One night he finds a book that has been dropped by the god of death. By writing in this book, Light learns that he can kill all the bad people in the world who escape the hand of justice. Soon he is killing people around the world in the name of bettering humanity, and his father is put on a taskforce to find the killer (aka Kira). His father collaborates with the mysterious L (Kenichi Matsuyama), who is a genius at uncovering mysteries. This movie is a great crime thriller, despite the cheesy animation used to portray the god of death. I mean, c'mon. The main actor looks like he stepped out of an anime, but they can't make the one animation in the film look legit? What's wrong with that picture? This was a good movie because it was essentially a match of wits and the smartest man will walk out as the winner. It played out that age-old saying: "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Watch It: For an interesting foreign flick that visually looks a lot like an anime but is really live action.

Skip It: Because how can the Japanese get the animation so wrong? How?

Last Chance Harvey

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 25, 2008

DVD Release Date: May 5, 2009

Plot 411: A short vacation to London turns into a life changing event.

Review: While I don't really fall into the ideal demographic for this film, I still found that it had a nice little message to take away. Harvey (Dustin Hoffman) is consumed with work and has let his relationship with his daughter slip away through the years. Now that she is getting married in London, he realizes just how distant they have become. A chance meeting with a British woman (Emma Thompson) opens Harvey's eyes and together they learn that it's never too late to begin afresh. Overall, the movie was a bit slow for me. I realize this is a character-based movie and character growth must occur, but everything was just so dull. I found the development of the relationship between Harvey and Kate (Thompson) a bit tedious. But maybe that's because most modern romances are whirlwinds. People no longer take the time to talk to each other . . . or walk. There was a lot of walking going on in this movie. Also in this movie are Eileen Atkins, Kathy Baker and James Brolin.

Watch It: If you're a bit more mature and perhaps feeling a little battered by life. This'll inspire you to take chances.

Skip It: If you don't have the patience for character building because it barely inches along in this movie.

Traitor

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 21, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 16, 2008

Plot 411: Samir Horn is a devout Muslim who straddles the line between patriot and terrorist in his participation in the jihad.

Review: Another great performance by Don Cheadle! Cheadle is Samir, a half American, half Sudanese man who is caught by FBI agents while trying to sell explosives to a terrorist group in Yemen. Despite intial misgivings from the Islamic group, especially by Omar (Said Taghmaoui) who believes he's a traitor, he is soon welcomed and becomes an essential part of their jihad. Samir, Omar and the other men escape the prison and begin to initiate their plans. FBI agents Clayton (Guy Pearce) and Archer (Max McDonough) quickly uncover all the intel they can and call a meeting of the minds in order to find Samir. The lines between right and wrong are severely crossed, especially when human lives are taken. This movie is a good example of the choices people must make in the service of what they believe to be the betterment of mankind. Sometimes these sacrifices are personal and one must live with his choices even though all intentions were honorable. It also highlighted the ingenuity of terrorists and how they are able to infiltrate everyday society. Their motivations and commitments are just as serious as the U.S. government's and the lengths they go to in order to complete their missions are simply incredible. The juxtaposition of both sides make it clear that the two forces are similar in many ways. Also in this movie is Jeff Daniels.

Watch It: Because even though it's entertaining, this movie is out there to make you think.

Skip It: If you're too busy flag waving to see the more serious issues involved in this conflict.

Surrogates

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 24, 2009

DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010

Plot 411: In a society where people live via their surrogate robot selves, a new weapon is unleashed that can kill the human operators when their robots are killed.

Review: This was an interesting sci-fi thriller starring Bruce Willis as Tom, a cop who is put on an unusual case. He and his partner Peters (Radha Mitchell) arrive at a crime scene with two damaged surrogates, one of them unmarked. They chase down clues to discover that the operators linked to the surrogates are dead. Now the pair must find the weapon and people responsible for this before all of mankind is killed. The idea that people no longer live their lives in their physical form and use robot replacements instead is interesting. It's a comment on our society's reliance on and fascination with technology. The movie highlights how we've actually become crippled by technology as more things are automated and done for us. The deterioration of our human bodies is already reflected in the rise in obesity. I imagine that we aren't too far away from lives as portrayed in the film. Also in this film are Rosamund Pike, Boris Kodjoe, James Cromwell and Ving Rhames.

Watch It: For a glimpse into our future?

Skip It: Because the plot is predicatble. I think they could've done a better job at storytelling.

Lyricist Lounge: Dirty States Of America

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: April 20, 2004

DVD Release Date: June 1, 2004

Plot 411: A doc about the evolution of Southern rap and its connection to the region's culture.

Review: This was a pretty interesting and raw look at the history and evolution of rap music and hip hop in the South. Interviews with game changers - both underground and Billboard chart toppers - gave really insightful anecdotes about the realities of the development of the music. Most interesting is the fact that many of the artists are probably millionaires without even signing with a major record label. The ingenuity and hustle that these artists have, combined with the talent and passion for the music, proves the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. Despite their comments that everything is slower in the south (especially when compared with places like New York or L.A., where most of the hip hop hoopla is), these guys are essentially making their millions and living under the radar. It's ingenius of them to avoid the politics and red tape of big corporations and go the independent route. I'm assuming they probably have less education than these Fortune 500 corporate schmucks but can most likely claim they are just as successful.

Watch It: If you're a music lover or just want to hear some bass-thumping beats.

Skip It: If you're really looking for a well-put-together doc as far as production goes.

The Young Victoria

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 18, 2009

DVD Release Date: April 20, 2010

Plot 411: An 18-year-old girl steps up to lead her country and finds herself pulled in different directions.

Review: This was a really unique look at the British monarchy because it was portrayed in a very relatable way. Emily Blunt stars as Princess Victoria, the sole heir to the throne. She is held under the thumb of her mother (Miranda Richardson), who is in turn ruled by her advisor Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany). Her uncle, King Leopold of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann), also has his hand in the pot and pushes his nephew, Prince Albert (Rupert Friend), upon her. The movie portrays Victoria as a willful and stubborn young woman. She was no wilting flower. She is unwilling to be treated like an infant or a female. She's quite empowered. I also found her relationship with Albert fascinating. His thorough support for her allowed her to have the confidence she need to rule the country. The set and costumes are amazing as they usually are in these period pieces. I cannot attest to the accuracy of the film or how it was portrayed, but I think it's a wonderfully new take on the royals. Also in this film are Jim Broadbent and Mark Strong.

Watch It: If you like history, fashion or politics.

Skip It: If you're completely uninterested in period pieces as there's no real action in this movie otherwise.

Under The Tuscan Sun

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 26, 2003

DVD Release Date: February 3, 2004

Plot 411: After a devastating divorce, Frances vacations in Italy to renew her spirit and ends up purchasing a home there.

Review: This is definitely one of my favorite Diane Lane movies. She plays Frances, a woman who discovers that her husband is cheating on her and divorces him. She finds herself in a state of depression and gets writer's block. Her friend Patti (Sandra Oh) gifts her with tickets for an Italian getaway in hopes that she will regain her strength and happiness. In Italy, a series of random events lead Frances to buying a fixer upper, which she takes on with gusto with the help of those around her. I enjoyed the positive, life-affirming message that this movie sends. It's not unique, but it's still effective. Life is a journey and filled with so many lessons that help you grow as a person. Taking a chance and making a change can lead to success in ways you never dreamed.

Watch It: For the gorgeous Diane Lane and views of the breath-taking Italian countryside.

Skip It: If you're too jaded to drink in the optimistic message that this movie is pouring down your throat. Even the color palette reflects rejuvenation and life.

Heartbreak Ridge

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 5, 1986

DVD Release Date: October 1, 2002

Plot 411: An old war horse whips some unruly Marines into shape despite their slacking ways.

Review: Gunnery Sergeant Highway (Clint Eastwood) avoids forced retirement by being sent back to his old unit. There he is assigned the task of turning a platoon of Marines into real soldiers. The group under his command includes Stitch (Mario Van Peebles), a wannabe rocker, Profile (Tom Villard), a geeky radio man and a muscle-bound Swede (Peter Koch). Highway works to cure their disobedience through routine exercise and keeping them on their toes with his unpredictable behavior. I enjoyed this movie quite a bit despite the fact that there wasn't much action. Even though it's a military flick, most of the movie takes place on base as Highway trains the men. Eastwood is convincing as this old school Marine who seems to clash with the younger men and newer techniques. His age and style are a point of contention for the upper brass.

Watch It: For multiple scenes of Van Peebles singing.

Skip It: If you're looking for a hardcore war movie. I prefer the likes of Apocalypse Now, Saving Private Ryan and Full Metal Jacket.

AVPR: Alien Vs. Predator - Requiem

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 25, 2007

DVD Release Date: April 15, 2008

Plot 411: When an alien bursts from a dead predator's body, the battle between the two species continues and humanity is once again caught in the action.

Review: This movie takes place right after the original Alien Vs. Predator ends. Aliens burst from the dead body of a predator within the predator spaceship. In the ensuing battle, the ship crashes in the Colorado wilderness, and aliens escape. They quickly reproduce by implanting embryos into humans. Receiving the ship's distress signal, one predator is sent back to clean up the mess and do battle with the aliens. Once again, the two species duke it out and human casualties occur. This one wasn't as brainy as the first tried to be, and instead used a different tack. This movie went with more action and more carnage. The plot was just a feeble attempt to link one sequence with the next. The characters are pretty forgettable as well and barely distinguishable from one another. Again, this movie mostly happens at night (of course) and it's hard to see some of the action. I wish they'd just make a villian who was bright yellow so he'd stand out at night.

Watch It: For the carnage and kills.

Skip It: Because despite the action, it's pretty unbearable.

AVP: Alien Vs. Predator

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 12, 2004 (Puerto Rico & Thailand) / August 13, 2004 (USA)

DVD Release Date: January 25, 2005

Plot 411: A group of scientists and mercenaries trek to Antarctica to research an environmental anomaly only to find themselves amidst an alien death fight.

Review: Eager to find and explain a heat bloom in Antarctica, Charles Weyland (Lance Henriksen) hires a group to uncover the mystery. The group is led by wilderness guide Alexa (Sanaa Lathan), who is hired by Weyland to lead the team into the cold conditions. When the group arrives at the site, they find a deep shaft in the ice and proceed into the hole. They find a sacrificial chamber deep in the ice, which soon activates a dormant alien. The alien quickly produces mini aliens in the form of facehuggers in order to populate quickly. A predator enters the scene and the killing begins. For a horror flick, I thought that this movie was exceptionally deep in plot as it linked the predators and aliens back to early civilization to explain and confirm all the theories that involved alien species. However, other than that it's your typical horror movie with lots of killing and jump scares around every corner. The dark lighting throughout most of the film was disappointing though as it made it hard to see the action. The aliens and predators both looked appropriately hideous. I particularly loved all the drooling and acid.

Watch It: For double the fun with aliens and predators lurking in the darkness.

Skip It: Because, not surprisingly, the dialogue sucks and it's one big gore fest at best.

Blood Work

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 9, 2002

DVD Release Date: December 27, 2002

Plot 411: A heart transplant recipient investigates the circumstances in which his donor was killed.

Review: Clint Eastwood stars as FBI agent Terry McCaleb, who has a heart attack while chasing a suspect down an alley. Two years later, he receives a transplant and is recovering well when his donor's sister visits him on his boat. Graciella (Wanda de Jesus) implores McCaleb to help her get answers about her sister's death. As McCaleb digs deeper into the case, he ruffles the feathers of local law enforcement officers, played by Paul Rodriguez and Dylan Walsh. He also gets a hand from a former colleague, played by Tina Lifford. Anjelica Houston makes a couple of brief appearances as McCaleb's heart doctor and Jeff Daniels is his neighbor. This movie seemed like every other run-of-the-mill cop thriller and wasn't enhanced in any way by Eastwood's star credentials. I didn't realize it was only made in 2002. Instead, I thought it was one of Eastwood's earlier works. This, I suppose, is due in part to the lackluster production quality and special effects. It could've been an '80s classic rather than a turn-of-the-century effort. The pacing was also less than perfect, which made the movie drag for me.

Watch It: To see old Clint in action just like the good old days.

Skip It: Because the requisite love scene was totally unnecessary and came out of no where, in my opinion.

From Paris With Love

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: February 5, 2010

DVD Release Date: June 8, 2010

Plot 411: An intelligence operative gets activated for his first real field assignment and is partnered with an unorthodox cowboy of a spy.

Review: James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is a young spy who moonlights as the American ambassador to Paris' personal aide. In addition to his duties as an aide, he spends time working small jobs that assist other field agents. However, when he is tasked with getting a senior agent named Wax (John Travolta) out of customs, he is quickly schooled in the ways of international spydom. Travolta and Meyers play well off each other and are able to portray their characters in believable and likeable ways. Wax is incredibly free-spirited and dead bodies pile up fast around him. You can't say he isn't effective. Reece's inexperience reflects the audienece's shock at Wax's method. In an almost carefree manner, Wax shoots up an entire room without flinching. Together Travolta and Meyers are a pretty entertaining comedic duo. The movie's pace was slow going at first as it's trying to establish the scene, but it quickly got into gear. The combination of direcctor Peter Morel and writer Luc Besson worked well in my opinion. When the action blew up, it reall went for it. There were multiple gunfights in close quarters and some decent action sequences.

Watch It: Because it's pretty entertaining and there's a cool scene where Travolta slides down a pole upside down. Wonder where he learned that trick? Carmen Electra's pole dancing video?

Skip It: Because it's probably highly inaccurate as far as the special ops world is concerned. The body count keeps rising and no one blinks an eye.

The Death And Life Of Bobby Z

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 17, 2007 (Japan)

DVD Release Date: June 13, 2007 (Poland) / September 4, 2007 (USA)

Plot 411: A convict is offered a deal that will give him his freedom if he impersonates a drug dealer.

Review: Paul Walker stars as Tim, a con who is serving time after a series of unfortunate circumstances. Gruzsa (Laurence Fishburne), a DEA agent, offers Tim a deal: pretend he is high-flying drug dealer Bobby Z (Jason Lewis) in order to swap places with a DEA agent being held hostage. However, at the exchange site things begin to unravel and alliances are questioned. Tim must continue the charade if he wants to live. But who can he trust? This is a grade B action flick that Walker and Fishburne should've passed on. Maybe times were tough and a gig is a gig? However, I seriously doubt that this movie helped either career. Walker is still toting his surfer boy accent, which is actually getting a bit irritating 10 years after Meet The Deedles. I'm just waiting for him to remake Point Break, which I do believe he would be perfect in. He can't be much worse than Keanu Reeves now can he?

Watch It: If you want to see cameos by some UFC fighters.

Skip It: Because Chuck Liddell is wasted way too fast.

The Machinist

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January 18, 2004

DVD Release Date: June 7, 2005

Plot 411: Insomniac Trevor Reznik begins to see a guy that doesn't exist.

Review: Wow, this movie was a complete mindf*ck. I mean, first of all, Christian Bale's physical presence (or lack thereof) is completely appalling and I couldn't stop looking at him for the first 30 minutes! Seriously, this guy is Batman? WTF? He is barely even skin and bones in this movie, and you're able to see all his ribs and his spine. He's that skinny! Holy cow! I don't know how he managed to drop weight so drastically. Bale plays Trevor, a guy who works in a factory. He hasn't slept in a year and is barely 120 pounds. He's a loner whose only substantial relationships are with a hooker (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and a waitress (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon). When he meets Ivan (John Sharian) things start getting a little hairy, including accidents at work. When he is told that Ivan doesn't exist, Trevor becomes determined to get to the bottom of things. Is Ivan a hallucination? Are people out to get him? Bale is superb in this movie. I really don't know what else to say about it. As the movie progresses, you feel like you're losing your mind right along with Trevor. Because he's an unreliable narrator, you're kept guessing as to what's really going on. It's a very effective technique that adds to the suspense and mystery. Another effective technique is the lighting and cinematography, which creates a feeling of isolation and sterility. Everything is stark and lit in cool blue tones. Trevor's environment is completely colorless and gray. This has got to be one of Bale's best performances ever.

Watch It: And simply be astounded by Bale's skeletal transformation.

Skip It: If you aren't in tune with more cerebral-type movies.

Seven Samurai / Shichinin No Samurai

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: April 26, 1954 (Japan) / November 19, 1956 (USA)

DVD Release Date: April 1, 1999 (but you should check out the different versions in case you want commentary or a documentary feature)

Plot 411: Peasants must seek the help of samurai in order to save their village.

Review: This Akira Kurosawa classic does not let you down. All the hype about it is spot on. When bandits threaten a small mountain village, the villagers venture into town to seek protection from samurai. This task is not an easy one as samurai (even ronin) are way out of their league, and it's an insult that they should even approach one. However, with the fate of their village on the line, a group of men press on. A motley crew of seven samurai are enlisted for the meager reward of food and honor alone. The movie is lengthy, but despite this I was thoroughly caught up in it. The most prominent theme that sticks out in my mind is one that is still highly valued in today's Japanese society - sacrificing the self for the good of the group. Yes, this tenet is practically what the country is built upon and is reinforced in this movie. Other huge ideas are also addressed, such as the division of social classes, gender roles, urban vs. rural society and the historical period when many samurai were without masters, but the overriding focus is on what the group can accomplish together. Even though the plot is about two warring groups, the movie isn't all action. There are comedic scenes scattered throughout the movie that keep you going. Some of the characters are outright hilarious, especially when set within this film. My favorite character is Yohei (Bokuzen Hidari) with his constantly gaping mouth. You have got to see this actor's face. It is comedy at its finest. The leader of the samurai group is Kanbe (Takashi Shimura) and he takes young Katsushiro (Isao Kimura) under his wing. There's a nutcase of a guy named Kikuchiyo, who is played fantastically by Toshiro Mifune. The rest of the fighters fade into the background despite their contributions.

Watch It: Because everyone says it's good . . . and it is.

Skip It: Or take it in smaller doses if you can't sit through a 3-1/2 hour movie.

Wake

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: Can't find a date so I'm not sure it ever had a wide release.

DVD Release Date: April 20, 2010

Plot 411: An emotionally stunted woman finally opens herself up to someone she meets at a funeral.

Review: Carys (Bijou Phillips) doesn't cry. She doesn't feel any emotions really. Through her friendship with mortician Shane (Danny Masterson), she is able to get the scoop on all the good funerals and attends them in an effort to feel something. This strategy to induce emotions doesn't work despite all of her efforts until she meets Tyler (Ian Somerhalder). Tyler is mourning the loss of his fiancee. In an awkward moment, Carys lies to him and we all know what a slippery slope that is. When Tyler becomes a suspect in his fiancee's death, Carys doesn't know whether to come clean or keep her moouth shut for fear of her safety. This is an interesting little picture about everyday people and how they deal with their world. Some of the scenes and acting are a bit hokey, especially between Phillips and Somerhalder. With different actors, perhaps the lines would be more entertaining and funny. Things were just too predictable. I think Masterson's performance was the best thing about this movie. He's deadpan delivery is exceptional. Also in this film are Ian Gomez, James Eckhouse and Jane Seymour.

Watch It: Specifically for Somerhalder's piercing blue eyes. Other than that, skip it.

Skip It: Because I think it the movie didn't have a vision and meandered between the mainstream and indie versions of a rom com. I say pick a side and stick to it.

Law Abiding Citizen

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 6, 2009

DVD Release Date: February 16, 2010

Plot 411: When justice doesn't prevail for a man's family, he plots to teach the justice system a lesson.

Review: Gerard Butler stars as Clyde, a man who lives while his wife and daughter die as a result of a brutal home invasion. A year later, his lawyer Nick (Jamie Foxx) takes a plea bargain deal that allows one murder to get off relatively easily. Clyde is let down by the government's justice system and spends the next 10 years plotting to right the wrong. This is an interesting look at the faults of our justice system, a system in which killers are set free given the right legal song and dance. It comments on the kinds of ethics lawyers (and people in general) may or may not possess. It points out what may be lacking in your life when status and ego begin to take precedence. It asks you to question the rights and wrongs of the characters' actions and philosophy. For me, the pace started off a bit slow even if the movie opened with a big bang. However, once it started going I found myself thoroughly engrossed in it. This is a thinking person's type of film as Clyde is a thinking man. The way he is able to stay two steps ahead of the authorities is shockingly easy. I'm not sure if that demonstrates his brilliance or the ineptitude of law enforcement. Also in this film are Colin Meaney, Bruce McGill and Leslie Bibb.

Watch It: For a good cop thriller with decent performances from both Butler and Foxx.

Skip It: If Butler's ever-changing accent gets on your nerves.

Cool As Ice

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: October 18, 1991

DVD Release Date: I can't even find it on DVD. Can there only be a VHS version out there? For shame!

Plot 411: A group of motorcycle-riding strangers roll into a sleepy town and shake things up.

Review: When a friend told me that Vanilla Ice aka Rob Van Winkle had his own movie (aside from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze) I just HAD to check it out. And boy, it did not disappoint. From the opening dance scene (above) to the final act, this movie was so bad it was good. I mean, if the obviously dated wardrobe didn't kill you, you probably faired well against the music, rapping and dancing. The acting was clunking and stilted. The dialogue was horrendously overwrought with contemporary (at that time) slangs. And yet somehow, it managed to surpass being completely awful. When you step back from all the in-your-face attitude, glow-in-the-dark colors and music video-quality production, there are subtle things about the movie that make it worthwhile. Vanilla Ice's character even has an arc, which is shocking isn't it? There's a decent message behind the madness, which is to be true to yourself. It's kind of nice for the pre-teen and teen crowd that probably went to see this in the theaters. Yeah, most of this was bad and has taken 90 minutes of my life that I'll never get back, but there were still a couple of good moments in there somehwere.

Watch It: If you were around in the 1990s as this is a total flashback. What were people thinking when they wore all those outrageous colors and patterns, buzzed designs into their hair and thought dancing consisted of things like the running man and pelvic thrusting?

Skip It: If you're sane. This is, after all, the guy who made white rappers look bad.

High Noon

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: July 7, 1952 (Sweden) / July 24, 1952 (USA)

DVD Release Date: July 1, 1998

Plot 411: A man stands alone determined to ward off the trouble that is approaching a small town.

Review: After serving as marshall of the town and ridding it of all bad influences, Will Kane (Gary Cooper) gives up his badge in exchange for a wife (Grace Kelly). On the day of their wedding, he learns that Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald), whom he put behind bars, was paroled and is headed back into town. His conscience won't allow him to leave without warding off the impending disaster. Kane tries to round up a posse to fight against Miller and his gang, but the townspeople refuse to help him. He is left to face the threat alone. There are so many things that are great about this movie, and almost 60 years later it is still an epic film. I like how a lot of the scenes were shot because it created the desperate feeling of isolation. The recurring shots of the railroad tracks (upon which Miller is to arrive) and the ticking of the clock heightened the viewer's tension. There's also one great crane shot that begins on Coopers anxious face and draws back to encompass a deserted street. Another effective tool in this movie is the score, which added to the suspense and increases the pace the closer we get to noon. I liked how this movie pushed the boundaries and progressively portrayed a Mexican businesswoman (Katy Jurado). Also in this film are Lloyd Bridges and Lon Chaney.

Watch It: For a master class in Westerns, depsite it actually deviating from the regular cof good guy, bad guy, horse chases and action.

Skip It: If you're looking for lots of gunfights and drunken brawls.