Munich

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January 23, 2005

DVD Release Date: May 9, 2006

Plot 411: When Israeli athletes are slain at the 1972 Olympics, the Israeli government authorizes a secret group to eliminate those responsible for the massacre.

Review: Eric Bana plays Avner, a Mossad agent who was selected to lead an elite team of men to seek revenge for the killings in Munich. The men, who include a driver (Daniel Craig), a forger (Hans Zischler), an explosive expert (Mathieu Kassovitz) and a clean up man (Ciaran Hinds). One by one, targets are discovered through Avner's informant Louis (Mathieu Amalric). This movie is an intense revenge story based on true events that really gets you involved. At times, I found it hard to follow the plot. However, that's more my fault than anything else. I lack a full understanding of the events because a) I wasn't born yet and b) I'm just bad at historical stuff. The movie shows you how a battle can become sloppy due to highly explosive emotions. Fighting of any kind affects all players in significant manners that may not be fully realized during the experience and can only be recognized when it is too late. The psychological and emotional pressure the team felt is palpable and yet you understand their heated desires as well. Diplomacy would've been a welcome distraction I bet. I'm sure things didn't play out in real life as it did in the movie, but it's definitely gotta make you wonder about all the Black Ops happening in the world today. Do you really want to know about it?

Watch It: Because it's seriously really good.

Skip It: If you're one for historical accuracy. Steven Spielberg has apparently taken some liberties judging by the kinds of criticisms this movie has received.

The Diving Bell And The Butterfly / Le scaphandre et le papillon

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 23, 2007 (Belgium & France) / November 30, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: April 29, 2008

Plot 411: A man is struck with a horrible disease that leaves him paralyzed and trapped in his own body.

Review: Despite being an emotionally difficult and exhausting film to watch, this movie is incredible. Based on the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor of French Elle, the movie gives the audience an all-to-real feel of locked-in syndrome. This medical phenomenon describes a person's completely normal mental abilities and non-existent physical abilities. Mathieu Amalric plays Bauby and is absolutely amazing in his performance of a man who is utterly paralyzed and only able to use one eye to communicate with the outside world. The way in which the film demonstrates this point of view is really creative and creates a claustrophobic feeling for the viewer. The film begins with Bauby waking up from a coma and his confusion surrounding his condition. This first person point of view is really jarring at first, but it succeeds in creating the right viewing atmosphere and putting the audience in Bauby's shoes. The film later opens up through Bauby's memories and we're able to see him through other people's vision. I really enjoyed how the film captured the highs and lows that life has to offer and makes you realize that your life is all too short.

Watch It: For a life-changing, yet somewhat depressing movie about the human spirit.

Skip It: Because I heard that some of the facts about this film are not accurate. It might just be more satisfying to read the book.