Gone Baby Gone

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 19, 2007

DVD Release Date: February 12, 2008

Plot 411: A child is missing and a private investigator must wade through the sordid underworld of Boston to recover her.

Review: This is the movie where Ben Affleck's baby brother Casey proves he's a much better on-screen talent and where Ben's real talents behind the camera are revealed. Casey stars as Patrick, a street smart private eye who is enlisted by a woman (Amy Madigan) to find her niece Amanda (Madeline O'Brien). Amanda was abducted while her mother (Amy Ryan) visited a neighbor. Since the cops aren't getting anywhere, Patrick takes the case and uses his local sources to uncover the truth. However, the truth is never as it seems. This movie is a crazy-good cop thriller that is, in some ways, vey much like those noir films. The seediness of the circumstances, the fine line between cops and criminals and the city all mix together to form a truly great show. The movie excellently deals with tough topics that ask you to reevaluate your moral compass. Like many aspects in life, this movie slips into a grey area rather than remain firmly planted in either black or white. Also in this movie are Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris.

Watch It: For a dark and gritty cop movie that takes advantage of its neighborhood and its culture.

Skip It: If you're not prepared to question your own morals.

Evan Almighty

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June June 22, 2007

DVD Release Date: October 9, 2007

Plot 411: The sequel to Bruce Almighty, God reveals himself to a newly elected congressman.

Review: Steve Carell reprises his role as Evan Baxter, the anchorman from Bruce Almighty, but this time the movie is set in Virginia where Evan is a new congressman. God chooses Evan as his unknowing disciple and weird things begin to happen to Evan. Animals follow him around. He receives ancient tools in the mail. His facial hair grows rapidly and uncontrollably. Finally God instructs him to build an ark and prepare for an impending flood. To the world, including his co-workers and family, Evan seems insane. Will he listen to God's word? This movie unravels in a similar vein as its predecessor, but it is definitely more heavy handed and less effective. The jokes aren't as funny. The humor isn't as great. Despite being a good physical comedian, somehow Carell doesn't fill the shoes left vacant by Jim Carrey. Also in this film are Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Goodman, Wanda Sykes and Jonah Hill.

Watch It: During a family movie night with the kids. They'll probably enjoy it.

Skip It: Completely. Pop in The 40-Year-Old Virgin instead.

Bruce Almighty

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 23, 2003

DVD Release Date: August 24, 2004

Plot 411: What would you do if God handed over the keys to the world?

Review: Despite Bruce's (Jim Carrey) ambition to be an anchorman on the news, he continues to receive assignments that are barely more than fluff pieces. After one really bad day at work, he calls God (portrayed by Morgan Freeman) out and accuses Him of not doing a good job. God hands over his power to Bruce to teach him a lesson. Bruce instantly abuses the power by granting all of his own wishes rather than helping others. Despite all his strength, he begins to lose touch with his life, including his girlfriend Grace (Jennifer Aniston). In classic Carrey form, this movie uses a lot of physical humor and relies on the star for audience buy in. Bruce (and Carrey himself) is a likeable guy who many people can relate to and is inherently good despite his shortcomings (just as most of us are). He falls victim to all that it means to be human, and we're presented with the outcome. This movie is laugh-out-loud funny, surprisingly so at times. Even the supporting actors, which include Steve Carell, Catherine Bell and Philip Baker Hall, provide a good comedic base for the film.

Watch It: For a good moral message presented with humor.

Skip It: Because, although it's entertaining, I wouldn't consider it one of Carrey's best works.

Million Dollar Baby

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 14, 2004

DVD Release Date: July 12, 2005

Plot 411: Against his better judgment, a once-great trainer takes an older female boxer under his wing.

Review: Clint Eastwood stars as Frankie, an aging boxing trainer and gym owner. When Maggie (Hilary Swank) shows up at his gym and asks him to train her, he refuses. She returns every day, proves that she is serious about the training and at last Frank relents. Through their training Maggie is able to learn the skills needed to be a great boxer. As she slowly gains notoriety, she attempts to help her financially struggling family, except they do not appreciate her assistance. Frankie also has a rough relationship with his daughter, and even though he writes to her every week, many of the letters come back unopened. Together Maggie and Frankie find in each other what is truly lacking in their lives and become very close. When tragedy strikes, one asks the other to do something unthinkable. Will their relationships be able to survive the stress? The story is narrated by Frankie's former student Eddie, played by Morgan Freeman. This is a heavy, heavy movie to watch and definitely not for the faint of heart. It confronts many things that are normally taboo in Hollywood flicks. But, I suppose it's Eastwood so he can do whatever he wants. The movie tugs at your heartstrings as well as your moral center. It simply asks you how far you'd go for someone you love. Sometimes the answer will surprise you.

Watch It: For an emotional rollercoaster of a film with powerful performances by Eastwood and Swank.

Skip It: If you're not in the mindset for some inner turmoil.

Wanted

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 27, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 1, 2008

Plot 411: Wesley, a regular Joe Schmoe, is recruited by a guild of assassins to seek revenge on his father's killer.

Review: The action sequences and CGI in this movie were pretty interesting. It almost seemed to be breaking new ground with some of the tricks, but I'm not sure if that's really accurate. There was also a lot of humor despite the serious nature of training an assassin. I wouldn't exactly say that this is Morgan Freeman's best role but it was different, that's for sure. (The last time I'd seen him was in "Bucket List." This was a total departure from that character.) I also have to admit that Angelina Jolie is looking old in this film. Normally she looks very voluptuous, but she seemed a little skinny here. I wonder if that's because of Brad or because of the kids? Also, I've had a thing for James McAvoy ever since "The Last King of Scotland," but somehow he hasn't been able to live up to my expectations in any of his follow-up roles. This one was no different.

Watch It: If you're an action junkie or love Angelina (spoiler: there's a shot of her from the rear that is a must-see for you guys . . . and some girls too, I suppose.).

Skip It: If, like me, James McAvoy spoiled you with his performance in "The Last King of Scotland." He definitely doesn't live up to his Dr. Garrigan character here.

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