Salt

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 23, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: CIA agent Evelyn Salt is accused of being a Russian spy involved in an assassination plot.

Review: Just as Russian expert Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) and her boss Ted Winter (Liev Schreiber) head home for the day, they're called back to interrogate Russian ex-pat Vassily Orlov (Daniel Olbrychski) who claims to have information about a plot to start a war between America and the world. As Salt interviews Orlov, he tells her a story about Russian children who are trained for the ultimate act of terrorism. These children were inserted into American society many years ago and await activation. One of those children was named Evelyn Salt. After this revelation, Salt must prove her innocence and allegiance to America. Despite a few plot holes and a plot that was predictable, this was an enjoyable action-packed thriller that I think many people will like. Jolie is in top physical form and doing a lot of activity - from hand-to-hand combat to riding atop moving vehicles. Despite being out of the game since 2008's Wanted, she's still got her girl power on. One thing I liked about this character is that she didn't use her sex appeal (by way of revealing or skin-tight clothes) to get the job done. She just kicked ass on her own. I found Schreiber to be just as creepy as always. For some reason, he just gives off that vibe to me. Even though I realize this is an action movie and erratic camera movement creates a sense of urgency, I found some of the shots distracting. It's hard to see the true beauty of some fights because the camera is shaking so much and so tight on the subjects. I long for the day when directors reintroduce the wide angle action sequences. C'mon directors! Take a page out of John Woo's action book. Also in this film is Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Watch It: For the wide array of action sequences that go nonstop.

Skip It: If you're susceptible to motion sickness.

Defiance

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 31, 2008

DVD Release Date: June 2, 2009

Plot 411: A group of brothers lead Jews into the forest toward salvation and fight against German soldiers in World War II.

Review: The courageous story of the Bielski brothers hasn't been told before, and this makes the film that much more important historically speaking. The movie stars Daniel Craig (Tuvia), Liev Schreiber (Zus) and Jamie Bell (Asael) as three of four brothers who helped save over a thousand Jews during the war. Despite their great accomplishments, somehow the emotion and significance of the plot doesn't really seem to translate well. You'd think I would feel very connected to these men and really root for their success. But I didn't feel it. The movie didn't draw any emotions out of me. Yes, intellectually I realized that they were in unique circumstances and were still able to overcome adversity, but I didn't feel emotionally connected to the characters. I don't know if that reflects more poorly on the film or on me. What the film did do well is to capture brilliant moments of cinematography that made you forget what you a war film. Whether it is sunlight shining through trees onto people's faces or the soft-covered trees in the middle of winter, the movie was able to capture a real artistic vision. The contrast between the violence and this beauty is ironic.

Watch It: For a new historical perspective that combats stereotypical ideas of Jews as victims. This movie shows that they were strong and resisted what was being done to them even if the odds were against them.

Skip It: If you're looking for a war movie with a lot of outrageous special effects. The bombings and shooting in this movie skew toward realism.