Kung Fu Panda

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 5, 2008 (Russia, South Korea, Ukraine) / June 6, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: November 8, 2008

Plot 411: When the Valley of Peace is threatened, a master must select a kung fu master who can protect the special scroll from falling into evil hands.

Review: I had a great time watching this animated action comedy starring Jack Black as Po, a fat, uncoordinated panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. Po, the son of a noodle shop owner (James Hong), and doesn't have training in martial arts. But when a prophecy predicts that Tai Lung (Ian McShane) will come to their village in search of the Dragon Scroll, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) must find someone worthy enough to protect it. Among the talented martial artists are Po's heros, the Furious Five - Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross). The reason I enjoyed this movie is because it engaged the entire audience. Mimicking live action kung fu movies out of China or Hong Kong, this plot is driven by Po's transformation from a nobody to a somebody. His journey is filled with ups and downs, and it isn't till he finds it within himself to be the best that others begin to respect him. Both adults and children can understand the desire to be more than one appears. Rarely do we have the chance to prove ourselves like Po does, and the audience is able to accompany him on his hero's journey.

Watch It: For a fun, action-packed movie for the entire family.

Skip It: And you miss a movie that simply, yet effectively, promotes good moral themes for kids.

Margot At The Wedding

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 16, 2007

DVD Release Date: February 19, 2008

Plot 411: With her sister getting married, Margot returns to the family home and sibling rivalry ensues.

Review: This movie captures the dysfunctional relationship between two sisters, Margot (Nicole Kidman) and Pauline (Jennifer Jason Leigh), as well as Margot's relationship with her son Claude (Zane Paris). For Margot and Claude, the line between friends and parent/child is often very blurry. They share a tremendous amount of information with one another, which I found weird. Margot addresses him as an adult and uses him as a sounding board for her own neuroses. When the two arrive at their family home where Pauline is to marry Malcolm (Jack Black), the movie introduces a bit of tension between the sisters. However, it doesn't really feel as though it reaches its peak. The two woman embark on a verbal catfight, jabbing at one another in bitter disapproval. The movie meanders along and doesn't really conclude well. The plot seems to drag and it isn't until near the end that life gets infused into this film. I think Kidman and Leigh do a credible job and portraying the emotionally wrought sisters. Jack Black reigns in his usual hijinks for this more serious role. I found this movie a bit difficult to relate to, which made it very boring for me.

Watch It: If you seek an escape from your own family drama.

Skip It: If you liked director Noah Baumbach's disection of family life in The Squid And The Whale. This movie feels similar but doesn't seem to have the same impact.

The Holiday

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 8, 2006

DVD Release Date: March 13, 2007

Plot 411: With their lives in the crapper, two women houseswap for the holidays to escape their lives only to discover a whole new life is waiting for them.

Review: This romantic comedy stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law. Amanda (Diaz) and Iris (Winslet) both experience setbacks in their love lives and desperately need a way to forget about their problems. When Iris posts a houseswapping ad for her cottage in the English countryside, Amanda quickly responds. Iris jets over to glamorous L.A. and instantly enjoys her new vacation home. However, Amanda's British getaway isn't all that it's cracked up to be until she meets Iris' brother Graham (Law). Iris also meets Amanda's composer friend (Black) and they develop a friendship. The end, I'm afraid, is quite predictable. The film doesn't break down any stereotypes or give us any new revelations to ponder. But, it's a feel-good holiday flick that doesn't need much thought. As Amanda and Iris escape from the troubles of their daily lives, so can you with this film. It's simple and easy going. There's just the right amount of humor and drama and romance for any rom-com lover. It's just sweet.

Watch It: If you're not looking for a nice rom-com to curl up with this Christmas.

Skip It: If you a fan of wild and crazy Jack Black. He's actually a lot more subdued in this role.

Tropic Thunder

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 13, 2008

DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008

Plot 411: An action comedy satire about a group of actors filming a Vietnam war movie that quicklly leaves the location and becomes reality.

Review: This is a hilarious movie that comments on the entire Hollywood scene. There is the money grubbing producer, the highly acclaimed, award-winning actor, the old action star, the newbie, the drugged-out comedian and the zealous agent. The movie portrays each role to the nth degree and clearly shows us the ridiculousness that surrounds celebrity and the movie business. This is definitely a fun film to watch despite what some critics claim are offensive portrayals and remarks. The movie was also shot on Kauai, so support a film that helped bring revenue to the Islands. In the film, a movie production crew is shooting a Vietnam War film based on the memoirs of John "Four Leaf" Tayback (Nick Nolte). When the cast isn't able to get along during the shoot, Tayback and director Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan) decide to drop them off in the wilderness where cameras are rigged to shoot guerilla style. Action star Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), Australian actor Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey, Jr.), comedian Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black) and some others are airlifted to the middle of the jungle. This area is controlled by a heroin-producing gang, but they believe it's all part of the movie. Even when their director is blown up, they continue along as if it's all part of the script. The film unwinds from there and it's a laugh a minute. The movie is irreverent and crass at times, which makes it even better. Don't take it too seriously and you'll have a great time.

Watch It: For an unbelievable cameo. Hopefully you don't know what I'm talking about because it'll make your first viewing so much better.

Skip It: If you're overly sensitive to digs on race, mental illness and other politically correct topics.

Be Kind Rewind

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 22, 2008

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2008

Plot 411: Two friends endeavor to recreate popular movie rentals when they discover that all the VHS tapes have been erased.

Review: Mos Def stars as Mike, a video store clerk left in charge when his boss Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover) leaves on vacation. Unfortunately, his best friend Jerry (Jack Black) becomes magnetized and erases all the tapes as soon as he walks through the doors. To cover their tracks, the two friends attempt to remake some VHS classics in hopes that their patrons won't know any better. Their tapes become a hit and the store starts turning a profit, a boon for Mr. Fletcher who had received an eviction notice. Unfortunately, lawyers show up with cease and desist orders based on copyright infringement and the store seems to be on its final legs. The best part of the film is definitely watching the one-take remakes being shot. There are some great laughs during their filming process. Other than that, the movie was pretty tiresome with lame jokes. This is probably one of Black's worst efforts. Then again, I've only seen a couple of his other movies and wasn't overly thrilled by them either.

Watch It: Only if you're a huge fan of Jack Black.

Skip It: If you have any respect left for Mos Def because this will just kill it for you.