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.

Cinderella Man

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 3, 2005

DVD Release Date: December 6, 2005

Plot 411: During the Depression, one man came to represent the fighting spirit of Americans everywhere.

Review: James Braddock (Russell Crowe) is an aging boxer whose time in the ring has seemingly come to an end when he breaks his hand. He is forced to take any job he can get as times are tough and money is sparse. His wife Mae (Renee Zellweger) is both relieved and worried with the turn of events. She disliked the danger and violence of the fighting, but without it, money is even harder to come by. In a twist of fate, James' manager Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti) offers him a chance to make a little money against a contestant ranked number two in the world. An underdog all the way, James surprises everyone with a knockout. He continues to win and slowly makes his way up to the number one contender Max Baer (Craig Bierko). With nothing else to bolster their spirits, Americans everywhere soon get behind James' amazing rise. He becomes a shining light during a time that is filled with darkness. Will James be able to beat the odds by rising to the top one more time? This film was pretty emotional and upsetting, but I suppose it is a good representation of the life and times of those who lived through the Great Depression. People were really struggling and survival became a daily task. Putting food on the table to feed hungry mouths became a priority above all else. During this time of struggle, people needed a hero and James Braddock came to represent one for Americans.

Watch It: For a movie based on the true story of one of America's most inspirational, but least known, athletes.

Skip It: If you think inspirational sports movies are for saps.