Into The Wild

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 21, 2007

DVD Release Date: March 4, 2008

Plot 411: Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a guy who gave up almost all of his possessions to finally be free.

Review: Holy crap, I cannot believe I haven't reviewed this movie yet! It is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Perhaps it's because it tugs at the hidden idealism within me? Perhaps it's because it calls to my hidden adventurer? I don't really know, but when I first saw this film I had to learn more about Christopher McCandless, the person upon which this movie is based. I watched the documentary, The Call Of The Wild, and set Google ablaze with all my searches. Emile Hirsch plays the starring role, and for me, this is his best effort to date (even though I like him in many other films). Chris was a college student who embarked on a journey of self-discovery, independence and freedom. Being disillusioned with the capitalist world he lived in, he donated half of the money his parents gave him for college and took off to see the world. He hitchhiked around the U.S. and took odd jobs here or there. His life alternated between solitude and society. His ultimate goal was to test himself in Alaska. The themes are pretty heavy in this movie, but I found them quite inspirational. On one hand, Chris is the ultimate dreamer who went after those dreams. He didn't let anything stand in his way. Leaving all your worldly possessions behind, overcoming society's pressure to live a certain way and creating situations where you can only depend on yourself are all pretty huge deals. The fact that this guy did it is pretty amazing. Of course, the rational part of your brain is shouting what an idiot Chris was. Also in this film are Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart and Zach Galifianakis.

Watch It: If, like me, you're not normally a risk taker or even an idealist. This will give you something to think about.

Skip It: If, perhaps, you're more of a realist as some of Chris' actions are definitely illogical and foolhardy.

Mystic River

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 15, 2003

DVD Release Date: June 8, 2004

Plot 411: The lives of three childhood friends are forever changed when one of them is abducted while playing in the street.

Review: This was a gritty drama about three friends Sean (Kevin Bacon), Dave (Tim Robbins) and Jimmy (Sean Penn). When they were children, Dave was taken into a car by two men acting as policemen. He was subsequently held and abused for four days until he escaped. This event shaped the lives of the boys forever. As men, Sean is a police officer, Dave is a blue-collar worker and Jimmy is a former burglar who now owns a grocery store. When Jimmy's daughter Katie (Emmy Rossum) is found murdered, Sean pursues the case with his partner Whitey (Laurence Fishburne) and Jimmy uses his back alley channels to get information. The same night that Katie is killed, Dave comes home bloodied with a slice across his stomach. His tells his wife Celeste (Marcia Gay Harden) that he was mugged and may have killed a man. Dave's psychological health quickly deterioriates and Celeste becomes afraid that he may have done more than he claims. The movie takes a close look at themes like honor, friendship, love and mental health. It poses questions about fate and asks us to contemplate how our small actions may or may not lead to larger consequences. This film also features Laura Linney as Annabeth, Jimmy's wife.

Watch It: For an emotional performance by Penn and an unrecognizably fat Robbins.

Skip It: For another crime drama in Boston based on another book by Dennis Lehane called Gone Baby Gone.