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.

Hotel Rwanda

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 4, 2005

DVD Release Date: December 22, 2004

Plot 411: A man fights to keep his family safe and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Review: Don Cheadle stars as Paul Rusesabagina in this movie based on the true story of one man's attempt to keep his family safe and save his fellow countrymen. When civil unrest breaks out into full-on war, Paul does all he can to save his family and friends from execution. Through bribes and other political corruption, he is barely able to keep everyone safe. As the danger becomes more imminent, Paul takes in orphans and other displaced people into the hotel while continuing the outward appearance of normalcy to dissuade any suspicions. This movie will tear at your heart and make your stomach twist into knots. It portrays violence, corruption, political upheaval and the human spirit. Before I saw this film, I only thought of Cheadle as the guy on the Ocean's Eleven movies. However, he completely owns this movie and this role. His performance here is such a departure from the bomb-loving Brit. Somehow, through his performance, you as an audience member walk away a changed person. It's as if you've actually lived through the turbulent times with him and have somehow managed to survive. It's amazing and you leave feeling grateful that these events did not happen to you. Also in this film are Nick Nolte, Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix, Fana Mokoena and Jean Reno.

Watch It: For a moving experience that'll challenge your views on life.

Skip It: Because it really is hard to stomach all the senseless violence.

Boogie Nights

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 10, 1997

DVD Release Date: April 7, 1998

Plot 411: The ups and downs (literally and figuratively) of one kid's porn career, which spans the '70s and '80s, and how it affects his life.

Review: Mark Wahlberg plays down-and-out, 17-year-old teen Eddie Adams whose gifts in certain areas allow him to break into the porn industry. He changes his name to Dirk Diggler and becomes a star for director John Horner (Burt Reynolds). As the movie unfolds, we're privy to insider info and goings on, which really turn out to be a host of humorous events. The sex industry is really a backdrop for the characters. Many of them are flawed in ways that everyone can relate to, such as being separated from a child, having an alcoholic parent or dropping out of school. We learn that everyone in Horner's company uses the film industry as a escape from the real world. For the most part, it's just a job that they do. We see the rise and fall of people as fame and drugs are introduced, then abused. What I loved the most was the transition in clothing and hairstyles. The changes were very distinct and recreated that period of time easily. Other adult film stars in Horner's stable were Rollergirl (Heather Graham), Amber Waves (Julianne Moore), Reed Rothchild (John C. Reilly), Becky Barnett (Nicole Ari Parker) and Buck Swope (Don Cheadle). The actors all serve as a disfunctional family unit, supporting each other during rough times and celebrating successes together.

Watch It: For a humorous look at the steamy sex business. It's all smoke and mirrors.

Skip It: If you're already turned off from the Plot 411. It's a different kind of movie than most so it does take a certain kind of audience to enjoy it.