New York, I Love You

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 16, 2009

DVD Release Date: February 2, 2010

Plot 411: Life and love in the city that never sleeps.

Review: The through line of this movie is the lives and loves of the people of New York. Similar to Paris, je t'aime, this movie is essentially a love letter to New York. However, the vignettes in this version are more interconnected than its predecessor, and there are no slides demarcating locations or titles. Treated as short films, some segments are more effective than others. My personal fave is the story about the bickering old couple, which starred Eli Wallach and Cloris Leachman. In contrast, another good one is about first love and starred Anton Yelchin, James Caan, Olivia Thirlby and Blake Lively. Other notable stars include Natalie Portman, Bradley Cooper, Orlando Bloom and Ethan Hawke.

Watch It: To see a crap ton of stars playing unexpected roles against the backdrop of New York's skyline.

Skip It: Because there's no real rhyme or reason to the stories.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: September 18, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Flint's inventions have always gotten him in trouble, but his latest creation makes him famous.

Review: Flint (Bill Hader) has been an inventor his entire life. Like most inventors, he hasn't found much success with his inventions. But with his mother's words of support ringing in his ears, he ventures onward. When one of his inventions goes awry and turns clouds into food, it starts to rain every kind of food imaginable. At first it helps his town and creates a sensation. However, soon the food portions get bigger and bigger and becomes hazardous to everyone's health. Flint must shut his invention down before it consumes everyone. This was quite an enjoyable movie that dealt with the effects of poor eating habits on society in a not-so-subtle way. It reminded me of Wall-E a bit but wasn't as clever. It also dealt with one's identity and the hardship that sometimes accompanies being different from everyone else. The cast was pretty diverse and included: Bruce Campbell, the town's mayor; Mr. T, a police officer; James Caan, Flint's dad; Anna Faris, a weathergirl; and Andy Samberg; a child star.

Watch It: For a smorgasbord of a good time.

Skip It: If you're looking for a more high-brow animation such as Wall-E

Bottle Rocket

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: February 21, 1996

DVD Release Date: November 25, 2008

Plot 411: Three friends plan a heist and spend some time on the lamb.

Review: This is the first time I can say that I actually like a Wes Anderson movie. I've tried The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Darjeeling Limited and still didn't get it. This one was a lot more entertaining, which could be attributed to the optimistic naivity of Dignan (Owen Wilson). Dignan has a 75-year plan during which he and his best bud Anthony (Luke Wilson) will pull some heists together. The purpose of these robberies is to get in with a crew run by Dignan's former boss and landscaper Mr. Henry (James Caan). Then they'll be in the big leagues and live in luxury. Together with their friend Bob, their getaway driver and the only one with a car, they plan their heists. This is a quirky comedy that focuses on Dignan's hopes and dreams despite how unrealistic and senseless they are. He somehow manages to wiggle his way into your heart, even though you know he's a nut job. For a crazy guy, he's surprisingly noble and somewhat heroic. For most of the movie, Anthony doesn't have the heart to let him down, and this is why he's led into all sorts of situations. The humor increases when you see how important these heists are to Dignan. Life is an adventure and risks are worth taking.

Watch It: If you haven't enjoyed a Wes Anderson movie yet. I feel ya. Try this one out for kicks before you write him off.

Skip It: If Owen Wilson's annoyingly nasal-sounding voice is too much for you. He does a lot of talking, and even though most of it is out his ass, his twang is undeniable.