The Runaways

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 18, 2010

DVD Release Date: July 20, 2010

Plot 411: The first all-girl rock band explodes onto the scene but fame tears them apart.

Review: This is a biopic about the first girls to rock onto the scene in the 1970s. The movie focuses on guitarist Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and lead singer Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) as they form a band called The Runaways with three other teens from the Valley. They are managed by eccentric Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon), who uses extreme measures to get the girls ready to perform. The young girls leave their families to tour the country and soon become absorbed in the world of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Their success becomes their demise. Before watching this flick, I wasn't familiar with this group. I'd heard of Joan Jett and Lita Ford (lead guitarist in the group), but I'd never really heard their music from the '70s. The power of their music is pretty awesome, especially during a time when rock and roll was a male-only genre. If you're a fan, I'm sure this movie will solidify that for you. Excluding the music, I love the message of individuality and female empowerment that the movie emphasizes. It's really about a group of girls growing up amidst the mayhem of rock stardom. They have everything at their fingertips - legal and illegal - and stand on top of the world. The contrast between this and their life at home is very drastic, especially for Currie. Stewart and Fanning put on great performances, and I think they were able to capture the spirit of their characters well. I never really liked Stewart's acting (especially in the Twilight films), but she's converted me with this performance. She truly embodies Joan Jett.

Watch It: For a very aggressive girl-power message.

Skip It: Because this movie is pretty raw and in your face. The movie opens with blood dripping down Fanning's leg.

The Blind Side

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 23, 2010

Plot 411: A well-to-do Memphis woman takes in a homeless kid who grows up to become an NFL athlete.

Review: The movie was really emotional, endearing, inspirational and heartwarming, but I don't know if Sandra Bullock really deserved the Oscar. I mean, she did a great job in a difficult role and pulled off the bossy, no-nonsense character, but I don't think the performance was exceptional. Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a woman who saw a child in need and extended her hand to help. She took in Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a boy from the other side of town who had been in and out of system. His mother was a drug addict. He was essentially alone. Tuohy opened up her family and their home to help him succeed. She supported him when no one else would. She fed and clothed him and even became his legal guardian. This is a story about love. Also great in this film is Jae Head, the actor who plays Tuohy's younger son. He is precocious and extremely funny. Tim McGraw, Lily Collins and Kathy Bates round out the cast.

Watch It: Because Bullock's character is extremely likable despite her pushy ways.

Skip It: If you're looking for a football movie because that's not what this one's about.

Eat Pray Love

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 13, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: After a bad divorce, a woman travels to Italy, India and Indonesia to find her balance.

Review: Liz (Julia Roberts) realizes one day that the life she lives with her husband Stephen (Billy Crudup) is not the life for her anymore. She has grown apart from him despite her love for her. She files for divorce and struggles to find herself but ends up falling into the arms of another man (James Franco). She struggles to find herself after years of co-dependency and decides to take a yearlong vacation to revitalize her spirit and give herself a new perspective. Unfortunately, even Julia Roberts cannot save this movie. I was hoping to walk away refreshed and inspired with a feeling that I could fulfill my dreams. I was hoping this movie would show me that Liz overcame her obstacles and was able to climb mountains afterwards. But this movie was a lot more subtle than that. It was a lot more introspective than I was expecting. The movie didn't profess any kind of wisdom. It didn't call to my spirit of adventure like a lone wolf howling into the night. I think this kind of journey is something that can only be experienced firsthand. It definitely was not captured on film. Also in this film are Richard Jenkins and Javier Bardem.

Watch It: For a quick trip around the world to three very different countries.

Skip It: And get out there and have your own spiritual journey.

Rescue Dawn

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 4, 2007

DVD Release Date: November 20, 2007

Plot 411: A U.S. pilot is shot down while on a combat mission and is taken prisoner.

Review: In 1966, Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale) is out on his first top secret mission when his plane is shot down. Barely surviving the crash, he wanders the jungles of Laos and is captured by the local army. He soon meets a group of POWs who have been captured for years. The group consists of fellow armed forces members as well as the flight crew of a commercial airline. Dengler immediately begins to plot their escape to the disbelief of everyone else. They have been physically and psychologically tortured to the point that they have become complacent and do not believe they can survive outside the torture camp. This is an intense portrayal of the human spirit and one's will to survive. The events are almost too horrible to be true and yet they are based on real events (though there is some contention to the accuracy of the movie). As the movie unfolds you witness how easy it is for your spirit to be broken. Simple things that are taken for granted in every day life are treasured and longed for in extreme situations. People's true natures are revealed under such stressful situations. The actors did a tremendous job dropping their weight to portray the starving POWs. Physically being able to embody the extremes really enhanced the visual effects. This, in addition to the set dressing and surrounding landscape, really helped center the movie and bring the audience back in time. This really is an excellent film. Also in this film are Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies.

Watch It: For a really intense and harrowing depiction of life as a POW.

Skip It: And brush up on your history before watching the film. This may really help to enhance your understanding of the film and make the experience better.

American Gangster

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 2, 2007

DVD Release Date: February 18, 2008

Plot 411: An honest cop goes after one of New York's most infamous drug dealers.

Review: Originally from the south but living and working up north as the right-hand man for a major drug lord, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) quickly learns the ins and outs of running an illegal empire. When his boss dies, he decides to take over the territory and has no qualms about killing anyone in his way. He soon grows his empire by purchasing heroin directly from the source, something no one has done before, and marketing the product as blue magic. His product is cheaper and better than his competitors and he soon holds the largest market share. His nemisis in this movie is Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who is an honest cop in a sea of corruption. Despite his failing marriage, undercover work and lack of popularity on the force due to his Boy Scout ways, he manages to be promoted and put in charge of stopping the spread of drugs in New York. This is a movie based on true life, which already makes it a lot more interesting than some other flicks. Washington and Crowe are like to seasoned heavy weights going at it. Even though they lead separate lives for much of the film, you can still see how they are connected. I love how the filmmakers contrast good and evil, right and wrong thoughout the movie. It makes you see that people are complex beings and cannot only be judged from one perspective. Also in this film are Josh Brolin, Chewetel Ejiofor, Ted Levine, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding Jr, Armand Assante and Idris Elba.

Watch It: For a gritty, noir-like film about drugs, corrupt cops and capitalism.

Skip It: And its unapologetic violence.

Innocent Voices / Voces inocentes

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 10, 2004 (Puerto Rico) / October 14, 2005 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 9, 2007

Plot 411: A young boy and his family are caught in the middle of the Salvadoran civil war of 1980.

Review: Based on the life of Oscar Torres, this movie focuses on the lives of innocent people who are caught in the crossfire of a civil war. Chava (Carlos Padilla) is an 11-year-old boy who lives with his mother, sister and brother. Chava's father left them when the war first broke out, forcing his mother to work nights while he stays home to care for his siblings. Despite still being a child, Chava is forced into adulthood as he watches the war develop from the sidelines. Each night the Salvadoran army and the guerrillas shoot up his home and surrounding neighborhood. Armed soldiers patrol the streets near his school. U.S.-backed government soldiers recruit 12-year-old boys for their army. The contrast between the youthful games Chava and his friends play and the violence and death that is happening around them is shocking. However, even in this unstable environment life goes on. It is amazing to see people adapt to such unthinkable circumstances. This is the true strength of the human spirit.

Watch It: Because it gives you a dose of life so unlike that of the average American's. It'll open your eyes.

Skip It: And get down to business. Google the civil war and read up on the real events.

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.

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.

The World's Fastest Indian

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 13, 2005 (New Zealand) / February 3, 2006 (USA)

DVD Release Date: June 13, 2006

Plot 411: A New Zealander dreams of speed and travels to Utah to test the mechanics on his 1920 Indian motorcycle.

Review: Anthony Hopkins plays Burt Munro, a man who never gave up on his dreams. Always dreaming of speed and ways to go faster, Munro steadily worked on his Indian motorcycle for years. He was famous in Australia and New Zealand for having the fastest bike, but he was determined to prove this to the world. After facing much ridicule and doubt from his neighbors, Munro makes the trip to America where he hopes to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Upon arriving in the U.S., Burt runs into numerous issues that hold him up. However, his good nature and straightforward attitude win many people over and he's able to make his way to the races. What I really liked about this movie is that it proves once again that through hard work and determination one can achieve their dreams. Munro is faced with many issues that commonly discourage even the best of us, such as being physically too old or weak, not having the "right" stuff (In Munro's case, this is racing an ancient bike), clashes of culture or a wall of red tape. Despite all of this, Munro never gives up on his dreams. Some may think he's a looney, but genius is oftentimes mistaken for it too. The fact that this is a true story and Munro's record still stands today is a testament to one's own fortitude when faced with doubt, discrimination and ridicule.

Watch It: For inspiration to take your hobby to the next level.

Skip It: And miss out on one of Hopkins' great performances.

Julie & Julia

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 7, 2009

DVD Release Date: December 8, 2009

Plot 411: Two women learn lessons about life and find themselves through a love for cooking.

Review: This film, starring Meryl Streep as Julia Child and Amy Adams as Julie Powell, tells the story of two women who find themselves through cooking. In parallel stories, we watch as Julia and her husband Paul (Stanley Tucci) accquaint themselves with Paris just as Julie and her husband Eric (Chris Messina) also move into a new place. The women's lives mimic one another despite the decades of time that separate them. In Paris, Julia enrolls in the famous Cordon Bleu Academy after trying several other hobbies that fall flat. Here she truly enjoys herself and her enthusiasm is incredibly palpable through Streep's performance. It is here that she unites her love for eating and French food. Shortly thereafter she meets two women who are writing a cookbook and the three friends collaborate on the project. Sixty years later, Julie is on the verge of her 30th birthday and decides to take on a project of her own by cooking all of Julia Child's Mastering The Art Of French Cooking in 365 days. She starts a blog to document her food journey but ends up really uncovering many truths about life. Throughout the film I found myself really enjoying the Julia segments and wanting to know more about her life. Julia, via Streep's performance, was so alive and almost larger than life (metaphorically and literally speaking). For a woman of those times, she was really something. The Julie plot line was just mediocre at best. I mean I love Amy Adams, but somehow I just couldn't get into her little mid-life crisis and meltdowns.

Watch It: For Streep's amazing performance. She completely embodied the character of Julia Child and looked like she was having fun while doing it.

Skip It: For the rather "blah" plot of Julie Powell. While I definitely think her Julie/Julia Project was a massive undertaking, it didn't seem to translate well to film.

The Diving Bell And The Butterfly / Le scaphandre et le papillon

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 23, 2007 (Belgium & France) / November 30, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: April 29, 2008

Plot 411: A man is struck with a horrible disease that leaves him paralyzed and trapped in his own body.

Review: Despite being an emotionally difficult and exhausting film to watch, this movie is incredible. Based on the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor of French Elle, the movie gives the audience an all-to-real feel of locked-in syndrome. This medical phenomenon describes a person's completely normal mental abilities and non-existent physical abilities. Mathieu Amalric plays Bauby and is absolutely amazing in his performance of a man who is utterly paralyzed and only able to use one eye to communicate with the outside world. The way in which the film demonstrates this point of view is really creative and creates a claustrophobic feeling for the viewer. The film begins with Bauby waking up from a coma and his confusion surrounding his condition. This first person point of view is really jarring at first, but it succeeds in creating the right viewing atmosphere and putting the audience in Bauby's shoes. The film later opens up through Bauby's memories and we're able to see him through other people's vision. I really enjoyed how the film captured the highs and lows that life has to offer and makes you realize that your life is all too short.

Watch It: For a life-changing, yet somewhat depressing movie about the human spirit.

Skip It: Because I heard that some of the facts about this film are not accurate. It might just be more satisfying to read the book.

Kandahar

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: December 14, 2001

DVD Release Date: May 13, 2003

Plot 411: A semi-autobiographical story of a woman's journey into Afghanistan to save her sister.

Review: This was a really enlightening and eye-opening film about the plight of the Afghani people, especially the women. Based on true events in star Nelofer Pazira's life, the film reveals the severe restrictions and poverty that Afghan people faced after the Russians left the country. Something as simple as being able to drink clean water becomes an enormous challenge. The oppression that women face daily is quite unbearable - wearing burkas that covered you from head to toe, not being able to travel alone, being stopped by the military or some other type of guard, being stripped of all possessions by thieves, not being able to go to school and always the heat of the sun across the dessert. The story is haunting to say the least and really makes you appreciate what you have. It takes movies like this to shake Americans up out of their daze of self-centered nationalism sometimes. Definitely rent this one.

Watch It: For a horrifically clear picture of what the Afghan people live with every day.

Skip It: If you prefer to live a sheltered American life.

Trailer:

The Three Faces Of Eve

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: September 23, 1957

DVD Release Date: October 5, 2004

Plot 411: A true story about a married woman with dissociative identity disorder.

Review: The movie was shot like a historical reenactment with a narrator throughout the entire piece. He even opened up the movie to clarify that this was indeed a true story and not one simply based in truth. Joanne Woodward did a pretty good job portraying a woman tormented with three separate personalities. However, some of the scenes were really hard to believe. For instance, when she switched from one personality to the next it seemed that the process was what everyone expected rather than how it might actually happen in real life. I'm not psychiatrist or doctor but I'm pretty sure it doesn't happen by simply putting your head down or instantaneously upon command. The contrast between today and when the film was made was really evident in some scenes and actually bothered me a bit. I realize that you have to take things in historical and cultural context and not pass judgment using today's standards, but it was really annoying to see how Eve's husband treated her. The film showed how completely male dominated the world was back them. Even the complete faith Eve and her husband put in the doctors and their word shows an America and Americans who were more innocent than we are today. I'm not sure whether that's a good or bad thing.

Watch It: For what seems to be an interesting case study of a woman with three personalities.

Skip It: If you're just looking for a good black and white period piece. I'm sure there are others that are more interesting than this one.

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Milk

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 26, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 10, 2009

Plot 411: A gay San Francisco merchant runs for political office and becomes a leader in the gay community.

Review: This was an inspiring and touching movie about the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office. Sean Penn plays the lead and completely reinvents himself in his portrayal of a man who changed lives. Milk's life was a testament to what one person can do to evoke real change in a community, political system and world. Fighting not only for gay rights, but for minorities, seniors, the disabled community and everyone in between, Milk ultimately died for his cause. The film's mix of reenacted and historical footage added to the authenticity and emotion of the characters and setting. This movie's focus was not primarily on gay rights, but something much more universal - human rights and equality. Also starring in this film are Josh Brolin (whose career has definitely skyrocketed since his time on the series "Young Riders"), Emile Hirsch (who I loved in Into the Wild and Lords of Dogtown), James Franco (who is quite possibly cuter as a gay man in this film than he is as a rich one in Spiderman) and Diego Luna (who I loved along with Gael Garcia Bernal in Y tu mama tambien).

Watch It: To be inspired to get up and make a difference and to learn about a social leader not covered in text books.

Skip It: Only if you absolutely must. Stick it in your queue until you find some time to watch it.

Trailer: