Kung Fu Panda

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 5, 2008 (Russia, South Korea, Ukraine) / June 6, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: November 8, 2008

Plot 411: When the Valley of Peace is threatened, a master must select a kung fu master who can protect the special scroll from falling into evil hands.

Review: I had a great time watching this animated action comedy starring Jack Black as Po, a fat, uncoordinated panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. Po, the son of a noodle shop owner (James Hong), and doesn't have training in martial arts. But when a prophecy predicts that Tai Lung (Ian McShane) will come to their village in search of the Dragon Scroll, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) must find someone worthy enough to protect it. Among the talented martial artists are Po's heros, the Furious Five - Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross). The reason I enjoyed this movie is because it engaged the entire audience. Mimicking live action kung fu movies out of China or Hong Kong, this plot is driven by Po's transformation from a nobody to a somebody. His journey is filled with ups and downs, and it isn't till he finds it within himself to be the best that others begin to respect him. Both adults and children can understand the desire to be more than one appears. Rarely do we have the chance to prove ourselves like Po does, and the audience is able to accompany him on his hero's journey.

Watch It: For a fun, action-packed movie for the entire family.

Skip It: And you miss a movie that simply, yet effectively, promotes good moral themes for kids.

Salt

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 23, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: CIA agent Evelyn Salt is accused of being a Russian spy involved in an assassination plot.

Review: Just as Russian expert Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) and her boss Ted Winter (Liev Schreiber) head home for the day, they're called back to interrogate Russian ex-pat Vassily Orlov (Daniel Olbrychski) who claims to have information about a plot to start a war between America and the world. As Salt interviews Orlov, he tells her a story about Russian children who are trained for the ultimate act of terrorism. These children were inserted into American society many years ago and await activation. One of those children was named Evelyn Salt. After this revelation, Salt must prove her innocence and allegiance to America. Despite a few plot holes and a plot that was predictable, this was an enjoyable action-packed thriller that I think many people will like. Jolie is in top physical form and doing a lot of activity - from hand-to-hand combat to riding atop moving vehicles. Despite being out of the game since 2008's Wanted, she's still got her girl power on. One thing I liked about this character is that she didn't use her sex appeal (by way of revealing or skin-tight clothes) to get the job done. She just kicked ass on her own. I found Schreiber to be just as creepy as always. For some reason, he just gives off that vibe to me. Even though I realize this is an action movie and erratic camera movement creates a sense of urgency, I found some of the shots distracting. It's hard to see the true beauty of some fights because the camera is shaking so much and so tight on the subjects. I long for the day when directors reintroduce the wide angle action sequences. C'mon directors! Take a page out of John Woo's action book. Also in this film is Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Watch It: For the wide array of action sequences that go nonstop.

Skip It: If you're susceptible to motion sickness.

Mr. And Mrs. Smith

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 7, 2005

DVD Release Date: November 29, 2005

Plot 411: An unassuming married couple discover that they're spies for competing agencies.

Review: I know I should hate Angelina Jolie for causing the break up of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston with this movie, but somehow I just can't do it. Jolie plays Jane and Pitt plays her husband John. The couple live somewhere in suburbia, own a minivan and have a manicured lawn. However, despite appearances, Jane and John actually lead very exciting lives. They are both secret spies who work for secret agencies. They are so secret that they do not even know the other is a spy. Intriguing yes? The movie is filled with tons of action and humor. It's no wonder Pitt ran off with Jolie after making this film. Their chemistry is very apparent in this movie, which makes it all the more entertaining to watch. The lightning-quick action does not always occur with guns blazing. It's also present in their banter back and forth. Overall, a good time will be had by all. Also in this film are Vince Vaughn, Kerry Washington, Adam Brody and Michelle Monaghan.

Watch It: For the butt-kicking action sequences and witty humor.

Skip It: If you're on Team Jen. It'll only make you angry.

Gone In Sixty Seconds

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 9, 2000

DVD Release Date: November 28, 2000

Plot 411: Fifty hot cars are stolen in one night to prevent a murder.

Review: Nicholas Cage stars as Memphis, a former car thief who is forced out of retirement when his kid brother Kip's (Giovanni Ribisi) life is threatened. After a botched job for crime pen Calitri (Christopher Eccleston), Kip, Memphs and their old crews must steal 50 cars to fulfill the contract. To avoid capture, they decide to steal them all in one night. The crews - which includes Sway (Angelina Jolie), Otto (Robert Duvall), Sphinx (Vinnie Jones), Tumbler (Scott Caan) and others - stake out all the high-end, hard-to-get vehicles and plot their heist. Hot on their trail are two of LA's finest - Castlebeck (Delroy Lindo) and Drycoff (Timothy Olyphant). This is fast-paced heist film that's captivating because of the things that are being stolen. Rather than jewels or money, cars are the centerpiece of this movie. The ways in which the car theives boost the vehicles are interesting, especially if you're not of that world. Who would've thought it'd be so easy to do? Cage performs as he normally does in these action-type movies. No surprises there. Jolie does okay as the sole female in the bunch, even with her blonde hair. She was definitely young in this film. Will Scott Caan ever be able to avoid being typecasted? He's always a thug, an obnoxious jock or some other miscreant. Overall, it's an action-packed movie that'll let you escape for a couple of hours from your ho-hum life. Isn't that all most of us ask for?

Watch It: If you're a car enthusiast since some sweet rides get stolen.

Skip It: If you're a real car enthusiast because I'm sure all the engine and revving sound effects probably don't match the vehicles accurately.

Changeling

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 24, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 17, 2009

Plot 411: A woman's fight to find her missing son during a time of increased police corruption in Los Angeles.

Review: This film was based on the true story of Christine Collins, and it captures her strength of spirit and will. Angelina Jolie portrays her as a strong woman and dedicated mother, and Jolie no doubt brings her own maternal instincts to the film as well. The depiction of police corruption of the 1920s is so blatant that it's quite unbelievable that this could have really happened to someone. But, I also think the corruption was a reflection of the times as well as circumstances. The Great Depression may have played a role in the loose morals and unscrupulous acts of law enforcement at the time.

Watch It: For a moving journey of a single woman fighting against the power and authority of corruption.

Skip It: If you only watch Angelina in "sexy" roles because there is nothing alluring about a mother in pain. (However, there is an appalling scene in a psych ward where she does show some skin . . . if that's you're thing.)

Trailer:

Wanted

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 27, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 1, 2008

Plot 411: Wesley, a regular Joe Schmoe, is recruited by a guild of assassins to seek revenge on his father's killer.

Review: The action sequences and CGI in this movie were pretty interesting. It almost seemed to be breaking new ground with some of the tricks, but I'm not sure if that's really accurate. There was also a lot of humor despite the serious nature of training an assassin. I wouldn't exactly say that this is Morgan Freeman's best role but it was different, that's for sure. (The last time I'd seen him was in "Bucket List." This was a total departure from that character.) I also have to admit that Angelina Jolie is looking old in this film. Normally she looks very voluptuous, but she seemed a little skinny here. I wonder if that's because of Brad or because of the kids? Also, I've had a thing for James McAvoy ever since "The Last King of Scotland," but somehow he hasn't been able to live up to my expectations in any of his follow-up roles. This one was no different.

Watch It: If you're an action junkie or love Angelina (spoiler: there's a shot of her from the rear that is a must-see for you guys . . . and some girls too, I suppose.).

Skip It: If, like me, James McAvoy spoiled you with his performance in "The Last King of Scotland." He definitely doesn't live up to his Dr. Garrigan character here.

Trailer: