An American Tail

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: November 21, 1986

DVD Release Date: January 20, 2004

Plot 411: An animated film about the immigration of the Mousekewitz family to America, a land where there are no cats.

Review: I used to love this film when I was younger. Fievel (Phillip Glasser) is a young mouse who is separated from his family when he gets washed overboard on the ship to America. His family believes him to be dead, but Fievel makes his way to America in a glass bottle. When he arrives, he meets all kinds of people - some honest, some devious. As he continues to look for his family, Fievel becomes wrapped up in a political rally against the cats that he now realizes are also in the new world. Fievel served as a strong protagonist because despite his small stature he had a big heart. He made you fall in love with him through his determination (not to mention his huge ears) to find his family. You cheered for him. You were upset with him. You were frightened for him. However, looking back on the plot now it's easy to see all the larger implications that were overlooked when I was a child. This story could've been a subplot in Gangs Of New York because it deals with the same time period and issues. I find it amazing that socio-political themes of the time could be translated into a children's film with such ease. All the same prejudices, poverty and corruption were there.

Watch It: For the inspirational jouney of one mouse in a land of many and to reminisce about the hand-drawn quality that was so prevalent in the '80s.

Skip It: If you like your animation to be more of the CG variety.

Gangs Of New York

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 20, 2002

DVD Release Date: July 1, 2003

Plot 411: A battle between natives and immigrants erupts in the 1800s just as the Civil War breaks out.

Review: When Amsterdam (Cian McCormack) sees his father get killed by Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis), he vows to seek revenge and take up his father's cause. As an adult Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio) returns to New York and learns the inner workings of Bill's illegal activities by becoming one of his henchmen. A weird father-son relationship develops despite Amsterdam's hatred for the man. As he becomes closer to Bill, he is privy to the power that Bill wields and the influence he has on the community. He also learns that many of his father's compatriots are now in Bill's pocket. During this time, Amsterdam also falls for a girl named Jenny (Cameron Diaz) who is a pickpocket and con artist. But, when he learns that she is Bill's on-again-off-again companion, he feels betrayed. When his identity is revealed, Amstedam calls Bill out to a formal fight and bloodshed ensues. This is an action-filled historical piece based on a non-fiction book about the times. Prejudice (or patriotism depending on your take) runs rampant within the Five Points area of New York. Unethical politicians run a corrupt system and have control of the citizens. As the Civil War commences, the warring between local and foreign gangs flares with passion to create a gritty, bloody battle. The grime and filth of the city is captured nicely in the wardrobe and set dressing. Day-Lewis portrays Bill the Butcher with tremendous ferocity and intimidation for a really great performance. DiCaprio is also magnetic and many of his monologues make you want to join his cause.

Watch It: For a rare performance by Day-Lewis. The actor is very cautious about the roles he accepts, but he seems to make very good choices as the characters he plays are all very strong.

Skip It: If you're not into a bloodbath.