Amelie

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 25, 2001 (France/Belgium/Switzerland) / November 16, 2001 (USA)

DVD Release Date: July 16, 2002

Plot 411: An isolated girl devotes her life to making others happy and eventually finds happiness for herself.

Review: Audrey Tautou stars as Amelie, a young woman who works in a cafe. She has spent her entire life separate from other people and is always on the outside looking in. She is shy and quiet. When she finds a tin box hidden in the wall of her bathroom, she decides to find its owner and return it to him. Once she sees how much joy this causes, she decides to continue to help people and act like a guardian angel. She receives joy through their joy, even if she is unable to experience it for herself. This movie is pretty amazing from a visual and creative standpoint. One could say that this movie is odd or quirky, maybe even weird, but I think it's intriguing. It's completely obvious that Americans would never be able to make a film like this. This movie is light and funny, charming and sweet. It's almost dream-like in some scenes. I love the colors of the sets and costumes. They're so vibrant sometimes that they seem unreal, and yet this film is set in modern Paris. It's interesting how the every day is woven with the fantastical.

Watch It: If you've ever felt like you're different.

Skip It: If you're one of those mainstream-only moviegoers. This is indie AND foreign. Take that!

The Mask

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 29, 1994

DVD Release Date: March 26, 2007

Plot 411: An unassuming man finds a mask that gives him extraordinary powers.

Review: Stanley (Jim Carrey) is a nice guy who everyone walks all over until he finds a magical mask. When he puts it on, he turns into Mr. Popular, the complete opposite of his personality. With his newly found bravery, he seeks comical revenge on all his bullies. With the mask, he can bend reality and make all his desires appear. However, the police become suspicious about the mask's power and of Stanley's connection to it. The mob also wants to get their hands on the powerful maks. Can Stanley still come out on top and win the girl (played by Cameron Diaz)?These were the days when Jim Carrey was at his best. His comical facial features are hilarious, proving he was in top form. The wacky fantasy animation just adds to the hilarity of each scene and pushes everything over the top. While the animation techniques look dated, I think they're acceptable because this movie is very cartoonish. It's a fun movie that kids will still enjoy for its outrageousness. The dog is also cute.

Watch It: For classic Jim Carrey lines like, "Smokin'!" or "Somebody stop me!"

Skip It: If you like more of Carrey's sophisticated works like Eternal Sunshine Of A Spotless Mind.

Coraline

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: February 9, 2009

DVD Release Date: July 21, 2009

Plot 411: A bored little girl discovers a hidden doorway that leads her to an extraordinary life.

Review: Coraline (Dakota Fanning) moves into a new home with her parents (voiced by Teri Hatcher and John Hodgman), but they don't even have time to unpack because they need to finish writing a catalog. Bored out of her mind, Coraline explores her new home and finds a hidden doorway. One night she goes through the door and enters a new and exciting world. Everything appears to be the same but is completely better in every way. The only distractingly different thing is that her new parents have button eyes and want her to stay forever. For a children's film, this movie was extremely scary and unnerving so I don't think it's fit for younger kids. The animation is sort of Tim Burton-esque and just creepy all around. Even the opening credits are disturbing and could have actually been the opening of a horror movie. It instantly reminded me of Tales From The Crypt for some reason. This movie is definitely on the cutting edge of not only animation but imagination. It easily creates a new world into which you are pulled. The contrast in color and texture between the real world and the other world are instantly recognizable, and the moral lesson is a good one. Also providing voice talent are Keith David, Jennifer Saunders and Ian McShane.

Watch It: Because it's one of the first movies in a long time that actually gave me chills. It's just messed up that it's a kid's movie.

Skip It: If you like your cartoons all Winnie the Poohish.

Inception

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 8, 2010 (United Kingdom) / July 13, 2010 (USA)

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A team of extractors are hired to insert themselves into a man's subconscious in order to alter his behavior.

Review: This is truly a masterpiece in the sci-fi thriller arena. The main character, Dom Cobb, is played by Leonardo DiCaprio. He is the team leader of a group of hired extractors who can insinuate themselves into your dreams to unlock your deepest secrets. Cobb is hired by Saito (Ken Watanabe) for a job that most think is impossible. He must plant an idea into the mind of Robert Fischer, Jr. (Cillian Murphy), the heir to a corporation that rivals Saito's. Cobb's team consists of Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Ellen Page), Eames (Tom Hardy) and Yusuf (Dileep Rao). Together the create a labyrinth of dreams and must synchronize their descent into the subconscious. This is definitely a movie that is worth watching more than once. It is a cerebral film that manipulates reality and fantasy until you're not exactly sure which world you're in. The concepts are quite complex to wrap your mind around and you will leave the theater changed just a little bit. I like how DiCaprio continues to push the boundaries of fact and fiction in this newest forray into the mind.

Watch It: For an excellent effort by DiCaprio, whose performance here is a few steps better than Shutter Island.

Skip It: Because it really is a mind bender.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 16, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 20, 2009

Plot 411: The sequel to Twilight continues with a heartbroken and despondent Bella when Edward leaves her.

Review: This movie is simply visual and emotional porn for teen girls . . . and yet somehow I liked this better than the first movie. When Edward (Robert Pattinson) realizes that he will never be able to fully protect Bella (Kristen Stewart), he dumps her on the pretense that he no longer loves her. He believes distance is the only way to keep her safe. However, she is completely distraught over the situation and sinks into depression for months. Her friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner) is the only one who makes her nightmares and sadness go away, if only for a while. Even before I saw this movie I was firmly planted on the Team Jacob side of the line. After it, I'm still entrenched in the pack. However, I must note that both guys are provided with equally cheesy lines that simply rival one another. Still what girl wouldn't want to be caught between two dudes who were passionate about her? Even emo chick Bella feels the pull. I found the acting hard to watch because everyone was overflowing with teen angst of some kind. Everyone lived as if their world were ending. It was just too melodramatic for me. This movie also had a ton of music to underscore emotions and introduce characters. I found it a little distracting. I can't say this movie is for everyone. It's definitely better than I anticipated, but I didn't have high hopes to begin with anyway.

Watch It: For the jail bait that is Taylor Lautner and his werewolf buds.

Skip It: If Bella irritated you in the first movie. It's just more of the same here.

4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 12, 2007 (UK) / June 15, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 2, 2007

Plot 411: A non-human being scouts Earth for Galactus, a planet-consuming entity hungry to swallow up life.

Review: The Fantastic Four have become celebrities and while some are basking in all that this means (Johnny, played by Chris Evans), others find it hinders their lives (Susan, played by Jessica Alba). When a super-human being enters Earth’s atmosphere, the government is eager to discover what it is. Reed (Ioan Gruffudd) is called upon by the government, but he refuses because he and Susan’s wedding plans have already been postponed numerous times. However, secretly, Reed does invent a machine and the foursome must capture and confront the Silver Surfer. Michael Chiklis and Kerry Washington return to their roles as Ben and Alicia. Um, yeah. I didn’t really like this movie at all. I felt like there was so much more going on with the Silver Surfer character that was not shown on film. Because I’m not familiar with the comic, I can only guess at what other subplots surround him. But this movie felt quite shallow in terms of the Surfer’s character and his link to Galactus. As for the Fantastic Four team, again I felt they lacked character. They all seemed a bit one note.

Watch It: If you're looking for some comedy and fun action sequences.

Skip It: If you're a fanboy because the lack of character development will probably rub you the wrong way.

Race To Witch Mountain

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: March 11, 2009 (Egypt) / March 13, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: August 4, 2009

Plot 411: Two kids recruit a cab driver and a scientist in order to get back home.

Review: Two aliens in the shape of children named Seth (Alexander Ludwig) and Sarah (AnnaSopia Robb) crash their spaceship on Earth. While avoiding the government and an alien set on killing them, they jump into Jack's (Dwayne Johnson) cab and enlist his help. At first he is skeptical and think they're runaways. But he soon discovers their unique attributes and has a run in with the killer alien. In this family-friendly action adventure flick, I could only find a couple tihngs enjoyable and worth watching. The first and best (in my opinion) is the small role played by Garry Marshall. In the short scene or two that he's given, he puts on a master class for the other actors. The second cool thing about this movie is the 3D visual of space, which, of course, is created with obvious CGI. The CGI was really distracting in this movie. You'd think that in a movie about aliens with astounding technology, they'd front the money for better effects. Do they think kids won't notice the difference? As far as the acting goes, I felt Robb did a satisfactory job, especially with her facial expressions. Ludwig just looked constipated the entire film. And Johnson still hasn't shown that he can make in on the big screen. While all his fight scenes may look legit, the rest of his acting desperately needs Marshall's master class. Also in this film are Carla Gugino, Tom Everett Scott and Chris Marquette.

Watch It: Only for the reasons I pointed out above.

Skip It: Instead of wasting 90 minutes of your life.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 14, 2009

DVD Release Date: February 9, 2010

Plot 411: A story about a time traveler and the family he leaves behind each time he goes.

Review: I've got mixed feelings about this film and am not really sure where to begin. On a purely mushy and romantic level, the idea of a love that survives beyond all rational thought and across all forms of time is really inspiring. Even with the bittersweet knowledge that the love of your life cannot physically be with you for most of your lifetime, it's just really powerful to know that this person is still out there loving you completely. This kind of love is like something from a Jane Austen novel, where all the world is against you but love still prevails in the end. From a more technical standpoint, this movie is hell to follow because the timeline is so messed up. The plot is convoluted and confusing. You barely even get to know anyone besides the two main characters of Henry (Eric Bana) and Clare (Rachel McAdams). Even then, it's difficult to pinpoint what year they're in, how much time has passed and which Henry is from the present time. With all those issues, it's a wonder that you can get all that emotional stuff in there. Perhaps the emotion just comes from the audience's ability to walk in Clare's shoes? The plot is a simple one - a guy time travels uncontrollably and sometimes returns to places and times that are important to him. He meets a girl named Clare and continues to cross her path at random times throughout her life. They fall in love and she must deal with the fact that she never knows when he will leave or when he will return to her.

Watch It: For the beautiful cinematography. The shots of the meadow where Henry and Clare often meet are beautiful.

Skip It: If you're a sci fi geek that really follows the time/space continuum because this will probably just piss you off at how inaccurate it is.

MirrorMask

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: September 30, 2005

DVD Release Date: February 7, 2006

Plot 411: A girl enters a fantasy world in which she is mistaken for an evil princess.

Review: I don't know who suggested that I watch this (I suspect it was one of the podcasts I listen to), but man, I was kinda bored throughout the entire movie. The film is about a girl named Helena who works in her family's business, which happens to be a traveling circus. Like most teenagers, she doesn't appreciate her unique circumstances or the value of her parents. When her mother falls ill after a verbal bout with her, Helena finds herself in an alternate world. Let's just say this movie is like a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Coraline (which, by the way, is also a film by Neil Gaiman, the co-writer of this movie). Visually, this movie is a bizarre buffet of weird characters that only exist in your wildest of dreams. That's about the only facinating part about this movie. However, after a half hour of these weirdly wonderful creatures, I just got tired of them. The plot is twisted (not in a good way) and convoluted. Despite being on some kind of personal journey, I just don't give a care (haven't heard that saying in a while now have you?) about Helena.

Watch It: If you're into the Tim Burton-esque touch and feel because this is quite similar.

Skip It: If your idea of fantasy is fire-breathing dragons or hobit-like creatures. This is a fantasy, but thoroughly born from Gaiman's imagination.

Dreams / Yume

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: May 11, 1990 (France) / August 24, 1990 (USA)

DVD Release Date: March 18, 2003

Plot 411: A series of short films that are basically pro-environment PSAs delivered in the most spectacular colors.

Review: There are so many socio-political and environmental themes flowing through these short films that I don't even know where to start. Each dream is like Akira Kurosawa's interpretation of where we, as humans, used to be, where we are now and where we're headed. They're apparently based on real dreams he's had throughout his life. Interesting. It's difficult to describe this movie more specifically without going into each individual dream, because each dream can be treated as an entirely different movie. I think it may actually take away from the viewing experience to go into all the details so I will refrain from doing so now. However, just know that you are in for a feast for the eyes. There is minimal dialogue throughout the film, but the visuals are just gorgeous. There are several large set pieces with many actors, which really stick with you. In general, the dreams range from magical (with wonderful use of the smoke machine), visually stunning (clothing and color palette of the different worlds), emotional (ala my favorite short called "The Tunnel") to foreboding (hint: red Mt. Fuji). This movie makes great use of music, sound effects and lighting and they all seem to be a character rather than just an accent. The dreams may seem confusing at first, but they're really heavy handed once they get going.

Watch It: Because it's my opinion that, visually, it doesn't get any better than this. Even despite the outdated CGI portions, this film is just amazing to look at.

Skip It: Because you'll be confused as hell during it, but if you stick it out till the end, it'll be easier to connect the dots.

Alice In Wonderland 3D

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: March 5, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Alice returns to the land she visited as a child and thinks she's living a dream.

Review: Tim Burton's version of Alice In Wonderland is just so Tim Burton. The movie aesthetics and visuals do not seem like they could be done by anyone but Burton. The colors and bleakness of the settings and the dark nature of the so-called children's film are obviously Burton's signature. Watching it in 3D was probably not necessary though. It didn't have the same all-encompassing feel that Avatar did. In fact, I think it could've pulled the audience in a lot more than it did, which is a damn shame. Some of the CGI work was pretty bad. It looked like I was watching video game graphics. Despite this, I still enjoyed it a great deal. I'll probably rent it when it comes out on DVD. Somehow, I didn't find Anne Hathaway all that appealing in this movie. She really got on my nerves with all her twirling and fluttering about. I did, however, love, love, love Helena Bonham Carter. She did a perfect job as the Queen of Hearts. What does it say when I relate more with the bad queen than the good one? Of course, Johnny Depp played the Mad Hatter. Really, he was just re-doing his Jack Sparrow routine but with a snazzier-looking outfit and caked on makeup. Also providing voice acting are Stephen Fry as the cheshire cat and Alan Rickman as the caterpillar.

Watch It: For a Burton re-envisioning of all your favorite Wonderland characters.

Skip It: And watch the regular version. No need to pay extra for IMAX 3D or Disney Digital 3D.

Hook

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 11, 1991

DVD Release Date: March 21, 2000

Plot 411: Peter Pan returns to Neverland as an adult who doesn't remember his past as leader of the Lost Boys.

Review: I remember loving this movie as a kid because of all the magic and wonder. It was also fun and action packed, telling a well-known tale with a twist. However, after watching this trailer, the movie feels outdated. The CGI has definitely be surpassed by today's technology. Robin Williams plays Peter Banning, the former Peter Pan who left Never Never Land to live in the real world. Since then, he has become a workaholic who rarely spends time with his family. He has lost all memories of his former self and the joy and freedom he used to possess. When Peter's son and daughter are kidnapped by Hook (Dustin Hoffman), Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts) takes him back to Neverland to save them. The movie is a follow up to the original film and addresses issues such as love, work/life balance, adventure and freedom. I think it has a nice overall message and advises people to stop and smell the roses once in a while. This movie also stars Maggie Smith as Wendy and Dante Basco as Rufio.

Watch It: To pause and think about what is truly valuable in your life.

Skip It: In favor of the 1953 animated version.

Princess Mononoke / Mononoke hime

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 12, 1997 (Japan) / October 29, 1999

DVD Release Date: December 19, 2000

Plot 411: A young prince must convince humans and forest dwellers to find peace in their hearts in order to save the Forest Spirit.

Review: Prince Ashitaka (Billy Crudup) is cursed when he kills a demon that is enroute to destroy his village. Ashitaka must travel to the demon's homeland to find a cure. However, once he arrives he discovers a battle between humans and forest dwelling animals and spirits. The humans, led by Lady Eboshi (Minnie Driver), are clearing the land to search for more iron. They are harming nature in the process, which is upsetting the animals and spirits. The Moro clan of wolves is led by a mother wolf (Gillian Anderson) and her cubs, which includes a human girl San (Claire Danes). There is a lot of animosity between the Moro clan and the humans and San does not trust any human, despite being one herself. Ashitaka must find a way in which humans and nature can coexist, not only to save his life but to save everyone's future. You can obviously see that there are tons of themes coursing through this film. On one level, it is far more superior that the recent imitations like Avatar. There's a depth to it that leads to further discussions solely about Hayao Miyazaki's meanings. However, the animation is marvelous as well. It is something at which Miyazaki completely excels and there's no denying his influence on modern day animators. The world he creates is magical, and while the techniques used to portray his visions are different from James Cameron's recent work, it is just as awe inspiring.

Watch It: For a truly whirlwind experience through a magical world.

Skip It: If you're just looking for a fun time. If so, see Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs instead. Despite being a kid's flick, this movie will make you think.

Hocus Pocus

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 16, 1993

DVD Release Date: June 4, 2002

Plot 411: Three witches are reawakened on Halloween and seek to absorb the lifeforces of children to remain immortal.

Review: I remember this movie being a lot of fun, but I honestly haven't seen it in a long time so I don't know if it holds up. The basic premise is that three witch sisters, Winnie (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary (Kathy Najimy), were sucking the lifeforces out of children in the 1600s and were killed for this during the Salem Witch Trials. They cast two last spells though - 1) one to bring them back to life if a virgin ever lit a black-flamed candle in their home and 2) to make a meddlesome boy named Thackery Binx (Sean Murray) live for eternity as a cat. Three hundred years later Max (Omri Katz) lights a candle and unleashes the witches. They have one day to absorb the lifeforce of Max's little sister Dani (Thora Birch). The rest of the movie is a cat and mouse game between Max and friends and the witch sisters. Who wouldn't love a little bit a magic, some singing and the love between brothers and sisters? This was a really great family fantasy/adventure movie and funny as hell too. I gotta say that I watch NCIS rather frequently but didn't realize that Timothy McGee was in Hocus Pocus till I looked it up. Wow, look how far he's come. Even Sarah Jessica Parker was a surprise. I'd forgotten about her too.

Watch It: And root for the witches because other than wanting to suck out your soul, they're not that bad.

Skip It: If you've got young children. Most of this movie isn't too scary, but there is a zombie character that has his mouth sewn shut that's kind of freaky.

Jumper

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 14, 2008

DVD Release Date: June 10, 2008

Plot 411: When a teen falls through a frozen lake, he discovers he has the power to teleport.

Review: I didn't really think this was a good movie. It was a mix of sci-fi, fantasy, action and romance for the teen segment. It felt a little bit like a graphic novel come to life, but it's actually based on a regular novel. David (Hayden Christensen) falls through a lake and in his desperate attempt to save himself teleports to a library. This is his first experience with his special powers. From this point on, he lives a wild life and goes wherever he wants to with his new power. All he needs is a picture and he's there. Along the way he meets a fellow jumper named Griffin (Jamie Bell). Griffin tells David about a group called Paladins who hunt and kill jumpers. It is around this time that David experiences them for himself when Roland (Samuel L. Jackson) appears. Of course, there's always gotta be a love interest in these movies. This time it comes in the form of Rachel Bilson. The movie is average at best and doesn't really break any barriers. It feels generic, like your typical Hollywood fare. If you're into this genre or fall into this demographic, you'll probably like it. Otherwise, I think your time is better spent elsewhere.

Watch It: If you enjoyed either Transformers 2 or Wolverine. This is a typical representation of its genre.

Skip It: If you're looking for something the challenge your mind. This is a popcorn fest and a half. No brain power needed.

Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 15, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Danger threatens the students at Hogwarts and Harry must help Dumbledore uncover the truth about Tom Riddle before it's too late.

Review: All the kids are back in school, except this time they're all older and wiser. I was anticipating more puppy love romances but was disappointed that they didn't really focus on it as heavily as I thought they would. Perhaps it's in the next film. Other than that, I thought the drama and action in this movie were lacking. It could be that it's just been so long since the last film or because I don't read the books, but this movie didn't really have a purpose other than one major thing that happened. To me, its purpose was more for plot development than a stand-alone film. Yet, its run time is still extremely long. I'm sure they could've done all that in less time.

Watch It: If you're a Potter fanatic.

Skip It: If you're just vaguely familiar with the books/movies. Do not watch this one if it's your first experience with Harry and his friends. It'll be too boring for you.

Inkheart

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 11, 2008 (Germany) / January 23, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: June 23, 2009

Plot 411: When Mo reads, the pages of the book come to life and swaps places with something from the living. He must find a way to defeat the evil that he's evoked before it's too late.

Review: Honestly, Brendan Fraser isn't getting any better in his old age. Is it just me or does he seem to be fading away? His movies get worse and worse. In Inkheart, he plays a man who has the gift of storytelling. When he reads, the characters from the books come to life. Unfortunately, something from the real world must go into the book to take its place. This is how he lost his wife and he has searched for nine years to read her out of the book. What he doesn't know is that the bad guy he read to life wants him to read out an army of bad guys (but of course, what else would a bad guy want?). This movie has magic, adventure, a dog and even blossomings of first love, yet it is still unable to get with the program. This is definitely no Harry Potter.

Watch It: If you're into the magic and mystics.

Skip It: If you don't want to endure another bad Fraser flick.

Trailer: