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.

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.

Public Enemies

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: July 1, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: The story of John Dillinger and how he motivates J. Edgar Hoover to create the F.B.I.

Review: Johnny Depp plays John Dillinger, a notorious bank robber during the 1930s who was seen as a threat by law enforcement officials and a celebrity by the public. Dillinger and his friends planned and executed bank heists across the nation while the F.B.I.'s Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) tracked him down by the orders of J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup). This film seemed to delve deeper into Dillinger's character to uncover the real man. I don't know if any of it is true, of course, but it really felt more like an introspective documentary than a shoot 'em up gangster film. Because of this, the beginning was pretty slow going as if trying to build sympathy for the character. Despite being a killer and bank robber, Dillinger is also portrayed as a protective and respected friend; a showman and master publicist; and a loyal and trustworthy lover. His love interest Billie is played by Marion Cotillard. She does a good job of conveying the inner turmoil of a woman who is tempted to give in to her desires for excitement and love and embrace all the consequences that go along with that choice. Also making an appearance in this film are Stephen Dorff, Channing Tatum and Giovanni Ribisi.

Watch It: For a refreshing new look at Depp.

Skip It: If you're looking for a really good gangster flick with tons of machine gun action.