Black Snake Moan

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 2, 2007

DVD Release Date: June 26, 2007

Plot 411: When a deeply religious man finds a young woman beaten and unconscious in the road, he takes her into his home to heal her body and soul.

Review: Samuel L. Jackson is Lazarus, an isolated but God-fearing man who finds a woman near his home who was left for dead. He takes Rae (Christina Ricci) into his home to help her heal and learns she is addicted to sex and drugs. Rae's boyfriend Ronnie (Justin Timberlake) has recently been deployed overseas, and she uses sex and drugs to distract her from her loss. Lazarus becomes determined to right this girl and chains her up at his house until she can detox from the drugs and get her head on straight. The movie is an interesting look at the importance of religion and the prominence of race relations, especially in the south where the movie is set. It seems absurd for an older black man to chain a young white woman up (even if his reasons are to ensure her own safety) and is a definite flip in roles. However, the influence he has on Rae is immeasurable to her well being. Ricci gives us an excellent performance in this role as sex-riddled Rae. The movie is raw and gritty and shows us a part of human nature that is not often depicted in glittering Hollywood movies. It allows us to accept our imperfections as long as we are able to acknowledge them in each other.

Watch It: For some really strong performances out of the actors.

Skip It: As it is edgy and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Now And Then

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 20, 1995

DVD Release Date: December 21, 1999

Plot 411: Four small-town girls discover that the only people the can count on is each other.

Review: This is definitely the answering call to Stand By Me but for girls. It stars Christina Ricci and Rosie O'Donnell as Roberta, Thora Birch and Melanie Griffith as Teeny, Gaby Hoffman and Demi Moore as Samantha and Ashleigh Aston Moore and Rita Wilson as Crissy. The movie opens as the friends are reunited in present time when Crissy's pregnancy calls them back together. But, it takes place mostly during a summer in the 1970s, when the girls are about 12 years old. During this one great summer they learn all kinds of life lessons while discovering boys, uncovering town secrets, overcoming misconceptions and confronting mortality. They spend what is their last summer of childhood together before they become too old to continue to pretend life is perfect. They experience lives that are sometimes difficult and disappointing, thus taking that final step toward adulthood. It's a great coming-of-age story for girls that extols the power of friendship (plus, it has a rockin' soundtrack to boot), but it's definitely no Beaches.

Watch It: At your next slumber party with all your BFFs around and a tub of popcorn.

Skip It: Because it's a little saccharin even for my tastes.

Penelope

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: February 29, 2008

DVD Release Date: July 15, 2008

Plot 411: Penelope is striken with her family's generations-old curse and only her true love can lift it.

Review: I really enjoyed this film's message about self-acceptance, accepting others' differences and confidence in one's self. These are some especially poignant themes for young girls in this age of airbrushed images. The love story was sweet, like Disney's movies from back in the day. Christina Ricci was great in the lead, and Reese Witherspoon surprisingly played against type. This was the first time I've seen her in a role where she didn't play the cute blonde girl. It was refreshing. James McAvoy was also a surprise for me. He doesn't look like the typical "Prince Charming," but I suppose that's why he was selected for this role. He brings a twist to the role. This film really reinvent the fairy tale genre so it's current and relatable to today's youth.

Watch It: For a quick trip back to your childhood.

Skip It: If the Disney thing isn't your style.

Trailer: