American Gangster

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 2, 2007

DVD Release Date: February 18, 2008

Plot 411: An honest cop goes after one of New York's most infamous drug dealers.

Review: Originally from the south but living and working up north as the right-hand man for a major drug lord, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) quickly learns the ins and outs of running an illegal empire. When his boss dies, he decides to take over the territory and has no qualms about killing anyone in his way. He soon grows his empire by purchasing heroin directly from the source, something no one has done before, and marketing the product as blue magic. His product is cheaper and better than his competitors and he soon holds the largest market share. His nemisis in this movie is Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who is an honest cop in a sea of corruption. Despite his failing marriage, undercover work and lack of popularity on the force due to his Boy Scout ways, he manages to be promoted and put in charge of stopping the spread of drugs in New York. This is a movie based on true life, which already makes it a lot more interesting than some other flicks. Washington and Crowe are like to seasoned heavy weights going at it. Even though they lead separate lives for much of the film, you can still see how they are connected. I love how the filmmakers contrast good and evil, right and wrong thoughout the movie. It makes you see that people are complex beings and cannot only be judged from one perspective. Also in this film are Josh Brolin, Chewetel Ejiofor, Ted Levine, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding Jr, Armand Assante and Idris Elba.

Watch It: For a gritty, noir-like film about drugs, corrupt cops and capitalism.

Skip It: And its unapologetic violence.

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.