The Vicious Kind

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 11, 2009

DVD Release Date: February 23, 2010

Plot 411: An intimate look at the relationship between two brothers and their father.

Review: This was an awesome little indie film that was disturbing, heartbreaking, realistic and hopeful. Adam Scott is Caleb, a construction worker who is tortured by his ex-girlfriend. He is emotionally shattered and unable to sleep at night. Caleb is afraid that his younger brother Peter (Alex Frost) will also be hurt because he is bringing his new girlfriend Emma (Brittany Snow) home for the first time. Caleb's actions toward both Peter and Emma are rude and obnoxious without just cause. He also does not have a good relationship with his father Donald (J.K. Simmons) and the two haven't spoken for eight years. At first, you believe Caleb is just another asshole, but as the plot unfolds you realize that there's more going on. Just like every family, this one has its secrets. Then the line between right and wrong is crossed, making it difficult to see who is the real victim in this situation. Scott puts in an amazing performance and portrays a broken man who is torn between reality and fantasy. You should watch this just for his facial expressions alone, which are extremely revealing and honest. The movie focuses on emotional and psychological health without actually analyzing it. It doesn't judge the characters' actions or motives and lets the audience decide for itself. You realize that things are not always black and white.

Watch It: Because it's got some great character moments and the plot makes subtle twists and turns.

Skip It: Because it's a bit raw at times.

I Love You, Man

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: August 11, 2009

Plot 411: Recently engaged Peter is faced with the fact that he doesn't have many close male friends and embarks on man-dates to fill out the wedding party.

Review: OMG, I didn't think this movie would be as funny as it was, but I laughed my butt off. This entire movie was just painfully awkward. Peter (Paul Rudd) is a successful real estate agent in L.A. who has recently proposed to his girlfriend Zooey (Rashida Jones). As they discuss their upcoming nuptials, it becomes apparent that Peter doesn't have any close guy friends. Zooey encourages him to meet new people and Peter enlists the help of his mother (Jane Curtin), brother (Andy Samberg) and the internet. His search for bromance definitely mirrors one's search for a significant other and this just adds to the hilarity of the situation. After a series of bad man-dates, Peter meets Sidney (Jason Segel) at an open house and the two become fast friends. Sidney gives Peter the male perspective and influence he has never had before and Peter finally grows a pair (although he's still a "nice guy"). This soon causes tension in Peter and Zooey's relationship and an interesting love triangle develops. The topic of this movie is awesome and so relatable somehow. Rudd and Segel are good together as are the supporting cast that includes Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, J.K. Simmons, Thomas Lennon and Lou Ferrigno. The special features are also filled with some pretty good moments that are worth a watch.

Watch It: For an awesome cast of comedic geniuses.

Skip It: If you need to keep people in separate boxes, because there are definite moments when the Peter/Sidney relationship seep over and linger in unknown territory.