Armored

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 4, 2009

DVD Release Date: May 4, 2010

Plot 411: A group of armored car drivers plot to steal $42 million dollars.

Review: With his parents dead, the responsibility to raise his younger brother falls on Ty's (Columbus Short) shoulders. After an honorable discharge from the military, he takes a job as an armored car driver with his godfather Mike (Matt Dillon). After passing Ty passes his probation, Mike lets him in on a plan that he and his team have been plotting to steal one of their loads. At first Ty refuses to be involved, but with the bank ready to take their house and child welfare knocking on his door, he feels he has no choice but to snag some of that money. Surprisingly, this was better than I thought it'd be (though far from a good heist film). The quality of actors used in this movie was surprising. Besides Dillon, there was Jean Reno and Laurence Fishburne and a small part by Fred Ward. Younger actors included Amaury Nolasco, Milo Ventimiglia and Skeet Ulrich. Unfortunately, they weren't really able to sell me on the plot. There were a lot of sequences that weren't believable, actions that just didn't fit. Also, they introduce Ventimiglia's character only to use him as a human prop. They completely wasted him. The movie didn't go too much into detail regarding the motive behind this heist. I guess as the audience we're just supposed to think that the money is enough. Only Ty had a real reason for needing the money. I guess the others can be summed up with plain old greed.

Watch It: If you're okay with a mediocre turn out by some top-notched actors.

Skip It: And go with one of the Ocean's flicks. Much more entertaining.

Couples Retreat

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 9, 2009

DVD Release Date: February 9, 2009

Plot 411: Four couples sign up for a relationship retreat and find it's more than they bargained for.

Review: Don't see this movie. All you need to do is watch the trailer and you're golden. Anything else in this 107-minute movie is filler. Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell) are a Type-A married couple whose marriage is not working out. They decide to take a week to sort out their issues at a vacation club dedicated to this kind of thing. In order to get a cheaper rate, one that they can afford, they hit up their friends and ask them to participate as well. At first everyone is reluctant, especially Dave (Vince Vaughn) and Ronnie (Malin Ackerman) who are busy renovating their home, raising their two sons and launching a new video game. However, in the end, everyone agrees to go for the sake of Jason and Cynthia. What they find on the island is nothing for which they are prepared. Also in this film are Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Kristen Davis, Kali Hawk, Tasha Smith and Jean Reno. This movie had so many potential laughs that just were not fulfilled. The concept of being stuck on an island doing therapy and yoga are gold mines for comedic humor. However, the plot was too slow to be effective. Jokes were few and far between for me. There's also a cameo by Ken Jeong that is completely humorless. I mean, how is that even possible right? But it is.

Watch It: As a last resort?

Skip It: For a better Vaughn/Favreau flick in Four Christmases.

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.

The Tiger And The Snow / La tigre e la neve

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: October 14, 2005 (Italy) / December 29, 2006 (USA)

DVD Release Date: May 8, 2007

Plot 411: A man braves the early stages of the war in Iraq to save the love of his life.

Review: Roberto Benigni is Attilio, a college professor of poetry who has a recurring dream of getting married to his dream girl. When he meets her (Nicoletta Braschi) at a friend's (Jean Reno) poetry reading, he follows her to a cafe and invites himself to her table. Vittoria cannot understand Attilio's infatuation with her and flees the area. However, when Attilio learns that Vittoria is injured on her trip to Iraq, he does everything in his power to get there and make her well. This is another great film starring Benigni (the other is Life Is Beautiful) that demonstrates the lengths to which people will go for those they love. I am still baffled by Benigni's charisma as he isn't at all handsome. But somehow, through his expressions and actions in his films, it is quite easy to fall in love with him. As Attilio, he is forgetful and passionate, determined and somewhat goofy. His actions are awkward yet he has the confidence of Adonis. Besides a weird transition from Act two to three, I thought the film flowed well. It wasn't as compelling as Life Is Beautiful, but it also wasn't as grim either. I loved some of the political jabs that were made throughout the film. The dialogue throughout is inspiring, especially for those who study words. Some lines and turns of phrases were simply beautiful.

Watch It: For a truly awesome demonstration of love.

Skip It: If this is your first encounter with Benigni. Try Life Is Beautiful.

Jet Lag

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 30, 2002 (France) / June 13, 2003 (USA)

DVD Release Date: January 20, 2004

Plot 411: Two strangers stuck at Charles de Gaulle International Airport find themselves tangled up in each other's lives.

Review: Jeg Lag (or Décalage horaire in French) twists the romantic comedy genre on its head. Amazingly enough, the characters are not in their early 20s! Shocking, yes I know. But although these characters are older and wiser, the hurdles of love are still difficult to get over. Juliette Binoche plays Rose, a beautician set on leaving her boyfriend of 12 years. Jean Reno (in the first role I've seen him in where he's not playing a cop) plays Felix, the successful owner of a frozen food company. Together they make a lovely pair of unhappy people, complete with all the quirks. Rose likes to please people and takes her appearance too seriously. Felix is a grump unwilling to change or move on. When the two collide in a crowded airport, sparks fly.

Watch It: For more realistic rom-com characters, although that's not to say that the plot itself is realistic.

Skip It: If you're looking for a sweet, Miley Cyrus-ish romantic comedy. This one's for adults and addresses more adult issues.

Trailer: