My Life In Ruins

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 28, 2009 (Greece) / June 5, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 6, 2009

Plot 411: A disenchanted Greek tour guide contemplates her life's plan and whether her decision to move to Greece was right.

Review: Georgia (Nia Vardalos), an out-of-work university professor, is forced to make her living in Greece as a tour guide. Unhappy with how her life is going, she fights with herself over what she should do next. Her love for Greek history and culture makes being a guide unfulfilling because most of her tours consist of people (shockingly) who just want to have a good time on their vacation. When she meets Irv (Richard Dreyfuss) on one of her tours, he makes her realize what she's missing out of life. His wisdom opens her up to new experiences and she actually begins to enjoy herself. I enjoyed this film for what it was worth - a pretty simple romantic comedy set among the beautiful ruins of Greece. Vardalos is lovely and real, just as she was in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. However, this movie was in no way of the same caliber. I also found it quite cheesy that the moviemakers would use a gimmick like shedding layers of clothes to mirror a character's transformation (ie. letting loose, becoming less-tightly wound). Other than that, it was nice to see Greece's mainland highlighted in a film. Those darn Greek islands always steal the show (like in Mamma Mia! or The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants).

Watch It: If you're a woman going through some kind of mid-life crisis or are just a schmuck for rom-coms.

Skip It: In favor of something better made.

American Graffiti

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: August 11, 1973

DVD Release Date: September 16, 1998

Plot 411: One last wild night filled with love, cars and rock and roll before two friends leave for college on the east coast.

Review: To use an era-appropriate saying . . . This movie was boss. For me, the plot was second to the rock and roll soundtrack that permeated throughout the film. There were barely any other sound effects besides the jump and jive music. I loved it all and will probably pick up the this soundtrack real soon. This George Lucas film showed us his love for cars and cruisin' the strip. It was like an homage to his days in high school and junior college, when main street was the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. The movie is a coming-of-age film that takes place during one night in 1962 and touches upon a lot of different issues that young adults still face today. High school sweethearts, Steve (Ron Howard) and Laurie (Cindy Williams), are confronted with the prospect of being separated for long amounts of time. Will their love survive the separation? It also focuses on Curt (Richard Dreyfuss), who has dithered about whether or not he's going to college. Is it right for him right now? Another interesting character is John (Paul Le Mat), who is a few years older than everyone else and seems to be stuck in a time warp with no real future. The choice between staying at home or venturing off into the world is a heavy one for these kids as it continues to be today. Despite the idyllic world captured in this film, with all its burgers, fries and cherry cokes, I think it still remains current. Teens still seek out excitement on the roadways to test out their engines and their egos. They still try to fit in with everyone else or tease others when they don't. They still stay out late, sneak sips of booze and try to go all the way. This film really captures the vibrancy of this era in all its neon glory.

Watch It: For the bitchin' soundtrack and righteous hot rods.

Skip It: If you're looking for sex, drugs and rock and roll.