The Debut

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: May 18, 2000

DVD Release Date: September 9, 2003

Plot 411: A Filipino-American boy struggles to accept his culture and rebels against his father's attempts to control him.

Review: This is a unique movie simply because of its topic and the people who came together to see it get made. It stars Dante Basco (otherwise known as Rufio in Hook) as Ben, a Filipino-American teen who is caught between two worlds - the culture and beliefs of his parents and the culture in which he lives right now. He is a great artist and wants to go to college to pursue his art, but his father (Tirso Cruz III) wants him to go to medical school. Father and son both think they know best and fight each other without really listening to one another. Caught in the middle are Ben's mom (Gina Alajar) and sister Rose (Bernadette Balagtas). Desperately trying to distance himself from his family and roots, he emmerses himself in the American culture and befriends to white guys. He's ashamed of who he is and doesn't want to expose his friends to the weirdness of his family. It's not until Rose's debut party that Ben finally opens up and experiences what being Filipino means and just who he is because of it. Most of the acting done in this film is amateurish, except for the some of the supporting roles that are done by well-known Filipino actors. However, a lot of the interaction done by the younger actors is quite stiff and obviously not subtle at all. Despite this, the movie is worth a look see because its themes are still prevalant, especially in Hawaii where so many cultures and immigrants converge. The idea of filial piety conflicts with the American notion of independence. Do you sacrifice your dreams in order to comply with your family's hopes for you? Because, look how much they've sacrificed for you. How spoiled you are to disagree with plans and a life that has been set for you. Or do you hurt the people closest to you by following your dreams - dreams that do not quite fall into their idea of what a successful person is?

Watch It: If you're an immigrant's child. No matter what color you are, you'll be able to relate to the struggle for identity.

Skip It: If you can't see beyond the so-so storytelling and bad acting. I mean, the acting is really pretty bad at some points.

Biker Boyz

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 21, 2003

DVD Release Date: June 10, 2003

Plot 411: Underground racing combines fast rides with big egos.

Review: After the success of The Fast And The Furious, bikers needed their own adrenaline-pumping movie so this flick was made. Of the two, I prefer the plot of Fast but to each his own. There are some technical flaws in both movies that I think real car and bike enthusiats will pick up quite quickly. However, for the layperson (like me) all the flash, sizzle and vroom vroom was pretty cool. Laurence Fishburne is Smoke, the reigning biker king in the underground world of sport bike racing. He is challenged by many up-and-comers, including Kid (Derek Luke), constantly and he must defend his turf and title from them. There is a thin thread that ties the story together, but it's probably not worth mentioning. The acting is pretty horrible, but the actors do what they can with what they are given. Luke was way better in Glory Road. Other stars in this film include Orlando Jones, Kid Rock, Larenz Tate, Djimon Hounsou, Lisa Bonet, Dante Basco and Tyson Beckford.

Watch It: If you like fast action and stunts with a background of hip hop music.

Skip It: Your focus on plot and character development cannot be distracted by shiny metal things.

Hook

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 11, 1991

DVD Release Date: March 21, 2000

Plot 411: Peter Pan returns to Neverland as an adult who doesn't remember his past as leader of the Lost Boys.

Review: I remember loving this movie as a kid because of all the magic and wonder. It was also fun and action packed, telling a well-known tale with a twist. However, after watching this trailer, the movie feels outdated. The CGI has definitely be surpassed by today's technology. Robin Williams plays Peter Banning, the former Peter Pan who left Never Never Land to live in the real world. Since then, he has become a workaholic who rarely spends time with his family. He has lost all memories of his former self and the joy and freedom he used to possess. When Peter's son and daughter are kidnapped by Hook (Dustin Hoffman), Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts) takes him back to Neverland to save them. The movie is a follow up to the original film and addresses issues such as love, work/life balance, adventure and freedom. I think it has a nice overall message and advises people to stop and smell the roses once in a while. This movie also stars Maggie Smith as Wendy and Dante Basco as Rufio.

Watch It: To pause and think about what is truly valuable in your life.

Skip It: In favor of the 1953 animated version.

Take The Lead

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: April 7, 2006

DVD Release Date: August 29, 2006

Plot 411: A ballroom dancing teacher takes a bunch of detention kids and whips them into dancing machines.

Review: This is one of those movies based on a true story about a teacher with good intentions who takes a bunch of underachieving kids and makes something of them. Based on this premise, I'd say this isn't the best movie of that genre. However, if you're into dance, then this might be up your alley. Antonio Banderas plays Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom dance instructor who falls into the job of supervising a class of students sentenced to detention for the entire year. They see themselves as losers and are not disillusioned by this title. Dulaine tries to inspire them through classical dancing and prep them for an upcoming competition. After a lot of effort by Dulaine and the students, they begin to work together rather than fight one another. They face many challenges but continue to practice and learn to blend their style of hip hop with classical dance. This movie covers themes like gang violence, poverty, the educational system, self-esteem, goals and accepting change. Rob Brown, Alfrie Woodard, Dante Basco and Jenna Dewan also star in in in this film.

Watch It: If you're a die hard dance fan.

Skip It: Banderas' bad attempt at being "hip." It's just awkward all around.