Singles

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 18, 2002

DVD Release Date: February 3, 1999

Plot 411: Seattle. 1990s. People looking for love or the closest thing to it.

Review: This movie starring, Bridget Fonda, Campbell Scott, Kyra Sedgwick and Matt Dillon, could almost be a real excerpt from the early '90s. From the clothes (grunge) to the music (grunge) to the locale (Seattle = home of grunge), it's a time capsule that we can all use to see into the past and remember what it used to be like. In the lifelong quest for love, the movie takes us through the characters' lives as they work and play with one another. In a faux documentary style, the characters (Janet, Steve, Linda and Cliff respectively), walk us through their thoughts and feelings on love and relationships. Most of the characters live in the same apartment building, which you already know is bad news. The misconceptions that men and women have, the games they play and the bad advice from friends all make this film entertaining to watch. To play games or be straightforward? To call the next day? Four days from now? A week later? To smile or not to smile? Look back over or ignore him? All of these seemingly mundane questions are part of dating - then and now. The problems that arise are also universal across time and place. Also featured or playing a cameo in this film are Bill Pullman, Eric Stoltz, Tom Skeritt, Paul Giamatti and Jeremy Piven.

Watch It: For the long hair, torn up jeans, funny hats and coffee.

Skip It: Because the plot drags a bit despite the awesome soundtrack.

Gamer

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 4, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Humans become video game pieces to be controlled by others in a life or death game.

Review: In the future, technology has advanced to the point where video games are played out in real life. People control other people in games called "Society" and "Slayer." Kable (Gerard Butler) is a convict on death row who is several wins away from being set free. He is controlled by a 17-year-old teen named Simon (Logan Lerman). The creator of both games is Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall), who also invented the mind control technology used to link the gamer to the game piece. The movie is part science fiction and part reality, an interesting speculation at what the future holds for us. It shows us a world that is disconnected from reality and emotions, where money can purchase life. While techonology can be beneficial in some instances, it can also cause destruction when in the hands of egomaniacs. Even when the public is aware that real people are being killed in "Slayer," no one seems to mind. There is no humanity left in this society and no human rights to speak of. Notable supporting actors and cameos include Kyra Sedgwick, Terry Crews, John Leguizamo, Milo Ventimiglia, and Ludacris.

Watch It: For Butler in great action sequences and a look at what first-person gaming can become.

Skip It: If you are easily affected by jerky camera movements. This was worst than The Blair Witch Project because of the rapidly changing viewpoints between live action and gaming perspectives.