Out Of Time

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 3, 2003

DVD Release Date: January 6, 2004

Plot 411: A small town chief of police is tangled in a web of deception and murder.

Review: Denzel Washington is Matthias Whitlock, the chief of police in a small town in Florida. He is secretly having an affair with Ann (Sanaa Lathan), his high school sweetheart, despite her marriage to the abusive Chris (Dean Cain). However, when Ann and Chris are found burned to death in a possible homicide, all roads point back to Whitlock and he must cover his adulterous tracks. Luckily (or unluckily) for him, his soon-to-be ex-wife Alex (Eva Mendes) is on the case. She recently made detective and is out to prove herself. Despite the slow beginning, this film actually picked up steam about a third of the way into it. All the secrets and double crossings began to appear, which made the movie a bit more interesting. Lathan and Mendes looked great in this film. It might've been the humidity of the Florida air, but their skin always looked flushed and dewy. Cain thoroughly looked and played the part of the rogue. This wasn't the best mystery/thriller flick ever, but it was decent. I loved the county's medical examiner Chae (John Billingsley) the most for the comical relief he provided.

Watch It: If you like Washington's rather stoic and cool-headed demeanor.

Skip It: If you're seeking an action packed flick. This was more of a slow burn.

Hitch

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 11, 2005

DVD Release Date:

Plot 411: A former nerd transforms into a magical date doctor and helps other guys win the girls of their dreams

Review: Will Smith plays Hitch, a guy who helps his clients to get the girl. He is confident that it'll only take three dates for his clients to win over the women of their dreams. He is also on the DL and no one really knows his true identity. He has become somewhat of a legend - people know of him but have never really met him. When he takes on a new client, Albert (Kevin James), he also encounters an investigative reporter Sara (Eva Mendes) who is driven to unveil he date doctor's true identity. As Hitch helps Albert conquer his dating fears with his tried-and-true tips, Hitch finds it surprising that these tips are not helping him with Sara. The humor of this movie comes with the ups and downs of dating life and the misconceptions between men and women. James is pretty funny in this role of Albert. The movie is a good representation of an inter-racial couple, although it is by no means groundbreaking.

Watch It: If you find that you like most of Smith's films.

Skip It: If you find that Smith habitually annoys you. He'll come off as particularly annoying in this film.