Into The Wild

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 21, 2007

DVD Release Date: March 4, 2008

Plot 411: Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a guy who gave up almost all of his possessions to finally be free.

Review: Holy crap, I cannot believe I haven't reviewed this movie yet! It is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Perhaps it's because it tugs at the hidden idealism within me? Perhaps it's because it calls to my hidden adventurer? I don't really know, but when I first saw this film I had to learn more about Christopher McCandless, the person upon which this movie is based. I watched the documentary, The Call Of The Wild, and set Google ablaze with all my searches. Emile Hirsch plays the starring role, and for me, this is his best effort to date (even though I like him in many other films). Chris was a college student who embarked on a journey of self-discovery, independence and freedom. Being disillusioned with the capitalist world he lived in, he donated half of the money his parents gave him for college and took off to see the world. He hitchhiked around the U.S. and took odd jobs here or there. His life alternated between solitude and society. His ultimate goal was to test himself in Alaska. The themes are pretty heavy in this movie, but I found them quite inspirational. On one hand, Chris is the ultimate dreamer who went after those dreams. He didn't let anything stand in his way. Leaving all your worldly possessions behind, overcoming society's pressure to live a certain way and creating situations where you can only depend on yourself are all pretty huge deals. The fact that this guy did it is pretty amazing. Of course, the rational part of your brain is shouting what an idiot Chris was. Also in this film are Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart and Zach Galifianakis.

Watch It: If, like me, you're not normally a risk taker or even an idealist. This will give you something to think about.

Skip It: If, perhaps, you're more of a realist as some of Chris' actions are definitely illogical and foolhardy.

Life As A House

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 26, 2001

DVD Release Date: March 26, 2002

Plot 411: A man learns that he has terminal cancer and reassesses his relationship with his family.

Review: Kevin Kline is George, a model maker for an architectural firm who is let go after 20 years of service. Mere steps from the door, he collapses and is diagnosed with terminal cancer at the hospital. He vows to reexamine his life and amend the relationships that he has let slip away throughout the years. The most important relationship he hopes to reestablish is the one with his son Sam (Hayden Christensen). Sam is an angry teen rebelling against any and every kind of authority. He doesn't acknowledge his mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) or his stepfather (Jamey Sheridan) and gets into all kinds of drugs. This movie was interesting because it deconstructed the stereotypical OC family to reveal authentic issues that all families face. I liked how it told universal truths and addressed a difficult coming-of-age story. I gotta say that I actually liked Christensen with the blue hair, piercings and major 'tude. Also featured in this film are Mary Steenburgen, Jena Malone, Scott Bakula and Ian Somerhalder.

Watch It: For pretty amazing performances by Kline and Christensen.

Skip It: Because it's a bit slow the entire time and there are bits that don't transition smoothly.

The Ruins

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 4, 2008

DVD Release Date: July 8, 2008

Plot 411: Two college couple enjoying a vacation in Mexico venture off the beaten path to explore a Mayan ruin.

Review: Lame, lame, lame! This movie is lame. Depsite the numerous possibilities that present itself with this premise - college kids, foreign country, alcohol and "ruins." This movie could've been great, but instead, it's lame. The movie stars Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Laura Ramsey, Shawn Ashmore and Joe Anderson. The characters are quite annoyingly juvenile and unlikable throughout, espeically Malone's character. Ashmore is completely unnoticable, unlike his X-Men performances. The kids go hiking off the grid to a archeological dig and get accosted by the locals when they discover a Mayan ruin. The locals won't let them leave and the kids are stuck atop the ruins. Then the "horror" begins.

Watch It: To check out the special effects maybe? All the gruesome stuff was actually pretty interesting.

Skip It: Because the horror aspect is pretty dumb.

Stepmom

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 25, 1998

DVD Release Date: April 13, 1999

Plot 411: A woman struggles to win over her boyfriend's children despite all her good intentions.

Review: Isabel (Julia Roberts) is dating a man (Ed Harris) many years her senior and finds it almost impossible to become friends with his children (Jena Malone and Liam Aiken). The kids are hurt and angry due to their parents' divorce and think of Isabel as the enemy. They don't like her and don't respect her. The ex-wife, Jackie (Susan Sarandon), also despises her because she is so young and inexperienced. However, when push comes to shove, the welfare of the children take precedence and everyone learns to live, love and work together. This was an incredible movie that was made during Roberts' heyday. I feel like during this time she could do no wrong. Everything she touched turned to gold as she was America's sweetheart. The movie cleverly juxtaposes sadness and hope. It demonstrates the simple power of love and the importance of family. Sarandon and Roberts worked so well together. This is definitely a tear jerker.

Watch It: And you'll want to phone your mother just to tell her you love her.

Skip It: Unless you don't have any plans the following day. Otherwise, you'll have to find a way to make red, puffy eyes the hottest fashion trend.