Stop-Loss

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 28, 2008

DVD Release Date: July 8, 2008

Plot 411: After their final tour in Iraq, Brandon and Steve's long-time friendship is tested when one of them is ordered back to active duty.

Review: For some odd reason, this movie totally makes me think of Don Henley's Boys of Summer. I'm not exactly sure why because the themes are different. Maybe it has to do in part with the movie's theme of one's loss of innocence and the melancholy realization that it is gone forever? Brandon (Ryan Phillippe) and Steve (Channing Tatum) have completed their tours in Iraq during which time they've watched many men die. Brandon feels responsible for their deaths but looks forward to being discharged from the military. Unfortunately, because of a policy that allows the government to recall soldiers, Brandon must face his demons and return to war. He refuses to comply and becomes a deserter. Another soldier (played magnificently by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) under Brandon is guilt ridden and plagued with depression. The movie's political themes are evident, but I connected a lot more with the emotional and psychological nature of the film. The turmoil that these characters (and I assume real soldiers) face makes for an interesting, yet heart-wrenching, plot. The political implications are also intriguing and makes you reassess your viewpoints, especially when you see how politics, government, military and war affects real lives and real families.

Watch It: For a different kind of military drama that'll get you thinking and a great performance by Gordon-Levitt.

Skip It: If you're definitely pro-war/pro-military as the characters may just piss you off. You need to view this film with an open mind.

Just Friends

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 23, 2005

DVD Release Date: March 7, 2006

Plot 411: A successful music producer returns home for the holidays and must face his high school nightmares all over again.

Review: Chris (Ryan Reynolds) has really made something of himself out in L.A. But, when a trip to Paris with an up-and-coming pop star (Anna Faris) takes a detour, Chris finds himself back home in New Jersey. At home, all his high school insecurities return and only gets worse when he reunites with his best friend (and secret crush) Jamie (Amy Smart). Between babysitting the pop star and trying to get the nerve to declare his love for Jamie, Chris fumbles through the holidays and being home with his parents. This is another cute (and brainless) rom-com that's good for snuggling up in front of the TV during the holidays. It tackles issues like self-esteem and high school stereotypes. I guess you're never too far from your high school self, despite all that you may have accomplished in the world. This movie is a perfect example of the traumas of high school and their effect on you the rest of your life. Sure, it's a bit extreme but I still think it's possible. That's why there are shows like Bully Beatdown. Chris Klein and Chris Marquette also star in this film. Both Faris and Klein are pretty hilarious in their roles. Faris is notable for her normal eccentricities and over-the-top physical humor. Klein's laughs are more low key, but it's his appearance that really makes your belly ache. How did this guy go from being the jock boy in American Pie to the nerd in this one? Amazing . . . or is that just amazingly sad?

Watch It: For another run-of-the-mill chick flick.

Skip It: And spend some time with your family instead.

In The Good Old Summertime

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: July 29, 1949

DVD Release Date: April 6, 2004

Plot 411: Veronica is in love with her pen pal but dispises her boss at work. What she doesn't know is that they are one in the same.

Review: Judy Garland plays Veronica, a somewhat uptight woman seeking work at a music shop. After being turned down for the job, she upsells a customer and the owner (S.Z. Sakall) hires her. However, she immediately takes a dislike to her boss Andrew (Van Johnson) and the two have a rocky relationship. Both try to outsell and outdo one another throughout the day. The only time Veronica can let her guard down is when she's corresponding with her anonymous pen pal. Here she is truly herself. When the two arrange to meet one another, she is stood up and is further upset when Andrew arrives and sits with her for a short time. Andrew is shocked that his pen pal is Veronica and debates whether or not he should tell her. This movie is fun and filled with many enjoyable songs (although I didn't really know any). I've only seen a couple of Garland's films but I can't say this one falls under my favorites. Her character in this film is just really prudish and doesn't seem to know how to have fun. I almost feel sorry for Andrew and would also seriously debate whether to confess or not. Mostly, the movie is about opposites who attract one another. The underlying sexual tension between Andrew and Veronica is there from the jump, but of course, because of the time in which this movie was made, it isn't really as obvious as today's films. For the most part it's a quick way to pass the time. I don't think I'd watch it again though. Buster Keaton also provides comedic relief in this film.

Watch It: If you're a fan of Judy Garland.

Skip It: For Meet Me In St. Louis, which I somehow liked a lot better.