Terminator Salvation

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 21, 2009

DVD Release Date: September 9, 2009

Plot 411: John Connor msut find his teenaged father in order to fulfill the prophecy that he will be the world's savior.

Review: Christian Bale stars as 30-something John Connor, a soldier in the Resistance fighting against the machines of Skynet. According to his mother's tape-recorded messages, he must make sure his father Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin) is safe and can carry out his destiny. At this point in time, Reese is a mere teenager and John is older than he is. However, he is to grow up and travel to the past where he will meet John's mother, Sarah Conner. Yes, it's kind of confusing. You just might want to watch the original Terminator films to get a grasp on things. I didn't bother doing that so I can't really expound on the whole time travel plotline. However, in this film we're introduced to Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a prisoner on death row who donated his body to science. He reawakens many years later during John Connors era only to discover that things are suspiciously wrong. For some reason, he didn't look like the same Sam Worthington from Avatar. Physically, he seemed bigger than he was in Avatar. Also, his face looked different to me. Maybe I wasn't really paying attention to him during Avatar? I also noticed that he'd slip in and out of an accent, which was a bit annoying (He's originally from the UK and schooled in Oz, so I guess it might be hard to shake an accent.). There's a storyline with him and Moon Bloodgood that could've been scrapped entirely. While the effects were pretty great during the set pieces and battles, the plot kind of dragged for me. I found myself wondering when this thing was really going to begin. Helena Bonham Carter and Common are also featured in this film.

Watch It: For a CGI-packed action flick and a cameo of young Arnold.

Skip It: If Bale's guttural Batman voice annoys the hell out of you. He too slips in and out of this throughout the film.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: May 24, 1991

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2006

Plot 411: A young girl dreams of excitement and longs to be part of a traveling horse diving show.

Review: This movie is a tragedy . . . not because of anything in the plot, but because this is Michael Schoeffling's (aka Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles) last acting role to date. Sigh. The film is based on the true story of Sonora Webster (Gabrielle Anwar), a teen who headlined a traveling show of diving horses during the Depression. After many difficult weeks of proving herself to Dr. Carver (Cliff Robertson) and training with his son Al (Schoeffling), she trains for the show. The film highlights her determination, guts and passion. It adds a dose of romance when Al and Sonora fall for one another. It adds a touch of drama when Sonora loses her sight in an accident. But, overall, it's a nice, feel-good movie that's great for Disney. I remember watching this as a kid and enjoying it. As an adult, it just feels like an afterschool special-type movie. The CGI effects of the diving horse and rider are pretty lame, but it was the '90s. No Avatar technology was available. Anwar is beautiful amidst the grass, dirt and sunshine that surrounds her character's poverty.

Watch It: For a sweet love story and an inspiring female empowerment flick.

Skip It: And pop in Sixteen Candles instead.

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.

Avatar 3D

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 18, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: The military sends in an undercover agent to learn the ways of the natives and convince them to give up their lands.

Review: I watched this movie last night and am still in awe of the cinematography and CGI used in it. This is probably the first film in 3D that was worth the extra cost for the glasses. At the heart of the film and plot, this is really just a recycled idea of cowboys vs. indians. There were so many similarities between this film and the Westerns of old. However, I'd have to say that technology has revitalized the genre. I cannot even describe to you how pretty everything looked. For over two hours, I found that I was caught up in the world of Pandora and the lives of the Na'vi. As a staunch non-sci fi moviegoer, I wouldn't normally watch this type of film. However, I was convinced by a friend and must now eat my words. The movie is pretty amazing. Of course, there are a number of flaws, but all of that is really forgotten once you're pulled into the world of the Na'vi. I can't even tell you who the actors were and I didn't find myself caring all that much. In the throes of love, do you really stop and ask yourself the hows and whys? After a bit of research, the stars include Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez and Giovanni Ribisi.

Watch It: Because it's pretty darn awesome. It's probably my favorite movie of 2009.

Skip It: If you think you might get motion sickness from the 3D effect. If so, catch it without the 3D. I'm sure it's just good.