3:10 To Yuma

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 6, 2007 (Russia) / September 7, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: January 8, 2008

Plot 411: A former soldier joins a band of lawmen to escort an outlaw to the train that'll transport him to jail.

Review: Even if you're not particularly a fan of Westerns, you might like this one. It stars Russell Crowe as Ben Wade, the leader of a gang who steals from stagecoaches. Wade and his gang cross paths with soldier-turned-farmer Dan Evans (Christian Bale) when he steals Evans' horse in order to escape the law. Evans is desperate to save his home but is behind on payments. When he is offered money to help transport Evans to jail, he agrees. Along the way the two banter back and forth and you soon realize that the men are actually quite similar. Despite their divergent lives, the two live by a code of honor. While the set up to the movie is a bit slow, it soon picks up and becomes action packed. Gun fights and chases help liven up the movie and are interspersed with quiet moments between the two main characters. Both men try to outsmart and out think each other, and in another life may have been great friends. Also in this film are Luke Wilson, Ben Foster and Alan Tudyk.

Watch It: For a gun-toting good time.

Skip It: Perhaps in favor of the original?

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.