Inception

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 8, 2010 (United Kingdom) / July 13, 2010 (USA)

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A team of extractors are hired to insert themselves into a man's subconscious in order to alter his behavior.

Review: This is truly a masterpiece in the sci-fi thriller arena. The main character, Dom Cobb, is played by Leonardo DiCaprio. He is the team leader of a group of hired extractors who can insinuate themselves into your dreams to unlock your deepest secrets. Cobb is hired by Saito (Ken Watanabe) for a job that most think is impossible. He must plant an idea into the mind of Robert Fischer, Jr. (Cillian Murphy), the heir to a corporation that rivals Saito's. Cobb's team consists of Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Ellen Page), Eames (Tom Hardy) and Yusuf (Dileep Rao). Together the create a labyrinth of dreams and must synchronize their descent into the subconscious. This is definitely a movie that is worth watching more than once. It is a cerebral film that manipulates reality and fantasy until you're not exactly sure which world you're in. The concepts are quite complex to wrap your mind around and you will leave the theater changed just a little bit. I like how DiCaprio continues to push the boundaries of fact and fiction in this newest forray into the mind.

Watch It: For an excellent effort by DiCaprio, whose performance here is a few steps better than Shutter Island.

Skip It: Because it really is a mind bender.

Shutter Island

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: February 19, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Two U.S. marshals go to Shutter Island, a facility that houses the criminally insane, to investigate a missing patient.

Review: Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) are assigned to a case involving a missing woman who is believed to have escaped the mental ward. Dr. Crawley (Ben Kingsley) is the liaison at the island and tries to help them by giving them access to the buildings, grounds and patients. The facility is heavily guarded by armed officers as only the extremely violent or crazy people get sent to the island. The film uses dreams, hallucinations and visions to jump between the past and the present, creating doubt in the audience's mind as to what is real and what isn't. There have been movies like this in the past, but I think this one was carried out very well. While the twist is nothing new and almost too easy to figure out, I still felt that the film was able to take you on a ride. I wish that Ruffalo had a bigger, better part. However, he probably did the best that he could do with what he was given. All the juicy parts were given to DiCaprio, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was nominated for some awards. Also in this film are Max von Sydow, Patricia Clarkson, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Haley and Elias Koteas.

Watch It: For a throwback to film noir that keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Skip It: If an intense Leo is a turn off. He's pretty much the focus of the show and you can't escape him or his frown lines.

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.

Cool Runnings

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: October 1, 1993

DVD Release Date: August 24, 1999

Plot 411: A story loosely based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team of 1988.

Review: This is the inspirational tale about the Jamaican bobsled team whose sportsmanship and courage gained them a bit of respect where there previously had only been derision. John Candy plays Irv Blitzer, a former Olympic gold medalist from America. After becoming involved in an Olympic scandal, he goes to Jamaica to retire. He becomes a bookie and wallows in his self-pity. However, when 100 meter sprinter Derice (Leon) is disqualified from the summer Olympics, he and some other friends (Malik Yoba, Doug E. Doug and Rawle D. Lewis) try to pursuade Irv to teach them to bobsled in time for the winter Olympics. Faced with many obstacles, like the lack of snow and inadequate equipment, the team strives to qualify for the Olympics no matter what the cost. Cool Runnings is one of those movies I still remember from my childhood. It had a great impact on me because of its inspirational message - follow your dreams. The heart shown by the team and their concerted effort to succeed is something to which everyone can aspire.

Watch It: If you're facing a new challenge and feel as though the whole world is against you. This'll give you the boost you need to strive toward your goals.

Skip It: If you're sick and tired of Disney's family sports movies like The Mighty Ducks.

Body Of Lies

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 10, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 17, 2009

Plot 411: A CIA agent uses all methods to uncover a terrorist cell and capture its leader.

Review: You've got to be a certain type of audience member to watch this type of film. It's one of those spy flicks with people double-crossing other people and you never know who is good and who is bad. For me it was tough to follow and keep my attention. That's not to say there's no action and suspense in this movie. It's just that I guess this is not my favorite genre so it only takes a little to distract me. The movie is very current as the conflict in the Middle East continues. What's scary about it is that you know this is the type of stuff going on as we, normal Americans, go about our regular day. That's really disturbing. Leonardo DiCaprio plays the CIA agent stationed in Iraq and later in Jordan and Russell Crowe plays his D.C. boss. The relationship between the two men is interesting as DiCaprio's character is firmly entrenched in the Middle East and interacts with and lives among the people. Crowe, who is planted in D.C., is so far removed from the chaos and the realities of war that he has no compassion for the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

Watch It: If you're a closeted (or not so closeted) warmonger, government conspiracy theorist or political science junkie.

Skip It: If complicated plots and subterfuge confuses you.

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