The Lion King

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: June 15, 1994

DVD Release Date: October 7, 2003

Plot 411: As a young lion, Simba is ousted from his homeland and returns as an adult to claim what is rightfully his.

Review: I can't believe this movie is over 15 years old. However, I still enjoy it now as I did then. There are great life lessons in this movie that children should learn from and the soundtrack is great. As a young lion, Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick) is tricked into believing he caused the death of his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). He is chased out of Pride Rock by a pack of hyenas, who are under orders to kill him. Unknown to Simba or the rest of the pride, Scar (Jeremy Irons), Simba's uncle, has plotted against them in order to take control of the pride. As a grown lion, Simba meets his old friend Nala, who with the help of Mufasa's advisor Rafiki (Robert Guillaume), convinces Simba to return and take his rightful place. This movie is pretty powerful for a kid's show. There are many great themes, like honor, loyalty, greed, betrayal and friendship, that are front-and-center in this show. Despite being complex emotions, these concepts are presented in youth-friendly ways that teach while being able to entertain. The characters are memorable, especially Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), two of Simba's friends. Even though animation techniques have obviously progressed since the making of this movie, I still believe this film holds up. Compared with some of today's computer-generated animation, I prefer the simplicity of this old Disney style.

Watch It: For great family entertainment.

Skip It: Because like most Disney shows there's a lot of singing and dancing going on.

Rescue Dawn

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 4, 2007

DVD Release Date: November 20, 2007

Plot 411: A U.S. pilot is shot down while on a combat mission and is taken prisoner.

Review: In 1966, Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale) is out on his first top secret mission when his plane is shot down. Barely surviving the crash, he wanders the jungles of Laos and is captured by the local army. He soon meets a group of POWs who have been captured for years. The group consists of fellow armed forces members as well as the flight crew of a commercial airline. Dengler immediately begins to plot their escape to the disbelief of everyone else. They have been physically and psychologically tortured to the point that they have become complacent and do not believe they can survive outside the torture camp. This is an intense portrayal of the human spirit and one's will to survive. The events are almost too horrible to be true and yet they are based on real events (though there is some contention to the accuracy of the movie). As the movie unfolds you witness how easy it is for your spirit to be broken. Simple things that are taken for granted in every day life are treasured and longed for in extreme situations. People's true natures are revealed under such stressful situations. The actors did a tremendous job dropping their weight to portray the starving POWs. Physically being able to embody the extremes really enhanced the visual effects. This, in addition to the set dressing and surrounding landscape, really helped center the movie and bring the audience back in time. This really is an excellent film. Also in this film are Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies.

Watch It: For a really intense and harrowing depiction of life as a POW.

Skip It: And brush up on your history before watching the film. This may really help to enhance your understanding of the film and make the experience better.

Predators

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: July 7, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A group of killers are dropped into a foreign jungle and come face to face with even bigger killers.

Review: The movie opens as a man (Adrien Brody) awakens to find he is falling through the air and unable to open up his parachute. What a way to kick off this film! We soon learn he is not the only person to live through the experience when he meets up with seven other people. They are all fierce soldiers in their own way, some who are traditionally trained, like Nikolai (Oleg Taktarov), and others who are just bad asses, like death row inmate Stans (Walton Goggins). There's also a female operative (Alice Braga), a doctor (Topher Grace) and some other trained killers. As the group tries to figure out where they are and what is going on, they are attacked by foreign creatures. They learn that the tables are switched and the hunters are not the hunted. I thought this was a really good way to reboot the Predator franchise. It's a new imagining of an old favorite. I found some of the action hard to follow though because of all the shaky cam jerkiness. Also, the plot and dialogue wasn't all that great. My biggest critique is that despite being named Predators, it takes a long time for a predator to show up on screen. How is this possible? The special effects aren't mindblowingly good either. Also in this movie is Laurence Fishburne and Danny Trejo.

Watch It: If you're a fan of sci-fi action flicks.

Skip It: If you're expecting this new film to make incredible use of technology.

Into The Wild

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 21, 2007

DVD Release Date: March 4, 2008

Plot 411: Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a guy who gave up almost all of his possessions to finally be free.

Review: Holy crap, I cannot believe I haven't reviewed this movie yet! It is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Perhaps it's because it tugs at the hidden idealism within me? Perhaps it's because it calls to my hidden adventurer? I don't really know, but when I first saw this film I had to learn more about Christopher McCandless, the person upon which this movie is based. I watched the documentary, The Call Of The Wild, and set Google ablaze with all my searches. Emile Hirsch plays the starring role, and for me, this is his best effort to date (even though I like him in many other films). Chris was a college student who embarked on a journey of self-discovery, independence and freedom. Being disillusioned with the capitalist world he lived in, he donated half of the money his parents gave him for college and took off to see the world. He hitchhiked around the U.S. and took odd jobs here or there. His life alternated between solitude and society. His ultimate goal was to test himself in Alaska. The themes are pretty heavy in this movie, but I found them quite inspirational. On one hand, Chris is the ultimate dreamer who went after those dreams. He didn't let anything stand in his way. Leaving all your worldly possessions behind, overcoming society's pressure to live a certain way and creating situations where you can only depend on yourself are all pretty huge deals. The fact that this guy did it is pretty amazing. Of course, the rational part of your brain is shouting what an idiot Chris was. Also in this film are Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart and Zach Galifianakis.

Watch It: If, like me, you're not normally a risk taker or even an idealist. This will give you something to think about.

Skip It: If, perhaps, you're more of a realist as some of Chris' actions are definitely illogical and foolhardy.

Red Cliff / Chi bi

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 30, 2008 (South Korea) / November 25, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: July 29, 2009 (Finland)

Plot 411: Two leaders join forces to fight against the corrupt Prime Minister.

Review: For the record, I watched the American release of this film. I hope to watch the international version and compare the differences. This film was epic in scale and was set during the Han dynasty. A power-hungry, self-appointed prime minister named Cao Cao forces the emperor's hand to decree war against two other clan leaders. Cao Cao seemingly does so for the prestige it will bring him, but we later find out it is all for a woman (an homage to Helen of Troy?). The clan leaders, Liu Bei and Sun Quan, decide to join forces to defeat the corrupt Cao Cao despite their severe shortage in warriors. Their main military men are strategist Zhuge Liang and viceroy Zhou Yu. This film is rivals the artistic beauty and plot of 300. It is able to capture the beauty and ugliness of war, the selfless sacrifice of soldiers and the skills of quality leaders. The large set pieces are amazing! Even though you can tell CGI is being used, the Chinese somehow make it look artistic rather than hokey. Starring in this film are Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi and Chang Chen.

Watch It: For its realistic battle

Skip It: Because you might want to watch the international version instead. I hear it's four hours long!

The Jungle Book

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 25, 1994

DVD Release Date: December 19, 2001

Plot 411: After a tiger attacks a camp, a boy is lost and raised by wolves.

Review: Jason Scott Lee stars as Mowgli, an Indian boy accompanying his father into the field where his father serves as a guide for the British military. When a tiger attacks the camp, Mowgli is separated from the men and is never seen again. Mowgli grows up among the animals of the jungle, which include a bear named Baloo, a jaguar named Bagheera and his faithful wolf named Grey Brother. As an adult, he encounters Kitty (Lena Headey), the daughter of the military colonel Mowgli's father was assisting. She doesn't recognize him at all and wishes to civilize him. He returns with her to the city where he learns to speak and read. However, Mowgli's two worlds collide and he must choose where he belongs. The first thing I noticed about this movie is how skinny Cary Elwes was. However, I guess I shouldn't have been since this movie was done only a year after Robin Hood: Men In Tights. Overall, this was a fine adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic book. I think it could become a Disney favorite in many households because there's a good deal of humor, animals and action involved. There are, of course, villians in the movie but they are killed off screen most of the time. Some of the special effects in this movie don't hold up at all (like the scene where Mowgli jumps off a cliff and into the pool at the bottom of a waterfall), but I still found it charming in its own way. Also in this movie are Cary Elwes, Sam Neill and John Cleese.

Watch It: For a live-action version of a classic tale.

Skip It: Because I actually prefer the animated version better.

Sin Nombre

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: September 1, 2009

Plot 411: One family works together to find a better life; another turns on one of their own and is out for blood.

Review: In this gritty drama, two families are put to the test on a long train ride from South America bound for the U.S. The first family, a father who has come back to help his daughter (Paulina Gaitan), is seeking a better life that can only be attained in America. They risk it all for a chance of a future. The other family, bound by gang hierarchy and mentality, hunts a wayward brother (Edgar Flores) who has killed one of their own. These two groups intersect on the northbound train, where anything can happen. This movie feels very real and captures the immigrant experience and gang life in vivid detail. Everything is so raw and exposed that you feel as though you're on this journey with the characters. It's almost a road movie, except we travel mostly by train. It's a coming-of-age story in which the characters are faced with life-altering choices. The movie has a similar feel to City Of God/Cicade de Deus because its honest portrayal of gangs, poverty and violence. The movie is a powerful example of how life can be harsh when there are no options left. Innocent bystanders are killed while criminals roam free. Some people, who are looking for acceptance, embrace the violence to fulfill their loneliness. Others are punished for deciding that there is more to life than killing.

Watch It: And successfully be transported to another life, where life and death are interchangeable.

Skip It: And risk missing a great film by Asian American writer/director Cary Fukunaga.

The Brothers Bloom

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 15, 2009

DVD Release Date: September 29, 2009

Plot 411: Two brothers commit their last con ever.

Review: This is a quirky little comedy flick starring Mark Ruffalo as Stephen and Adrien Brody as Bloom, two orphaned brothers who found conning early in the game. As adults, they turned it into an artform and made their way around the world through it. The cons were always elaborate plays concocted by mastermind Stephen. Bloom, always the more reluctant participant of the two, usually ended up playing his roles superbly. When Bloom finally reaches the end of his rope and quits, Stephen entices him into doing one last con. With their silent but deadly partner Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi), the boys set out to pull one over on an eccentric millionaire named Penelope (Rachel Weisz). As the plot progressed, I found myself getting more intrigued. I think it's a well-written script and the actors were all great. I especially think Weisz did a wonderful job. Ruffalo and Kikuchi were master comedians, despite the fact that Kikuchi played a mainly silent role. The humor and witt of this movie was amazing. Because Stephen and Bloom's lives have been one continuous con after another, the line between reality and fantasy is blurred. You're never quite sure what's part of the plan, who's in on it and how things will play out. This is a testament to Stephen's ability for scheming. I also loved the overall feel of the movie - from the cinematography to the sound design. The set design was also great, especially since the brothers are ardent globe trotters.

Watch It: For really great stuff from Ruffalo and Brody.

Skip It: Because while it's definitely taking you on a journey, it takes a while to get there. You definitely need to wait for the reveal and some might not have that kind of patience.

4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 12, 2007 (UK) / June 15, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 2, 2007

Plot 411: A non-human being scouts Earth for Galactus, a planet-consuming entity hungry to swallow up life.

Review: The Fantastic Four have become celebrities and while some are basking in all that this means (Johnny, played by Chris Evans), others find it hinders their lives (Susan, played by Jessica Alba). When a super-human being enters Earth’s atmosphere, the government is eager to discover what it is. Reed (Ioan Gruffudd) is called upon by the government, but he refuses because he and Susan’s wedding plans have already been postponed numerous times. However, secretly, Reed does invent a machine and the foursome must capture and confront the Silver Surfer. Michael Chiklis and Kerry Washington return to their roles as Ben and Alicia. Um, yeah. I didn’t really like this movie at all. I felt like there was so much more going on with the Silver Surfer character that was not shown on film. Because I’m not familiar with the comic, I can only guess at what other subplots surround him. But this movie felt quite shallow in terms of the Surfer’s character and his link to Galactus. As for the Fantastic Four team, again I felt they lacked character. They all seemed a bit one note.

Watch It: If you're looking for some comedy and fun action sequences.

Skip It: If you're a fanboy because the lack of character development will probably rub you the wrong way.

Crank 2: High Voltage

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 16, 2009 (Germany) / April 17, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: September 8, 2009

Plot 411: A guy with an artificial heart runs around the city trying to get his real one back and kicks some major ass along the way.

Review: This movie is a Jason Statham ass-kicking fest. Statham reprises his role as Chev Chelios, the man who just doesn't die. The Chinese Triads have sedated him, removed his heart and replaced it with a fake one just to keep him alive long enough to harvest his other organs. While this is happening, Chelios is quite vaguely aware of what's happening. When the Chinese docs go for his hoo-ha, he finally gets with the program because no means no. The rest of the movie follows Chelios across L.A. as he tries to get his heart back from one person or other. He leaves a trail of broken and dead bodies along the way. Making this even more difficult is that his fake heart is battery operated and needs to be charged frequently. But don't worry. Chelios finds unique ways to keep his old ticker ticking. Other notable peeps in this movie are Amy Smart, Dwight Yoakam, Bai Ling, Keone Young (Yay, a local boy), Clifton Collins Jr., David Carradine, Corey Haim (RIP) and Geri Halliwell (Girl Power?).

Watch It: For over-the-topness that is exploding silicone and sex at a racetrack.

Skip It: Because this movie is made by guys for guys. Everything you can think of that is demeaning to women is right here, yet somehow I still found this movie awesome.

Race To Witch Mountain

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: March 11, 2009 (Egypt) / March 13, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: August 4, 2009

Plot 411: Two kids recruit a cab driver and a scientist in order to get back home.

Review: Two aliens in the shape of children named Seth (Alexander Ludwig) and Sarah (AnnaSopia Robb) crash their spaceship on Earth. While avoiding the government and an alien set on killing them, they jump into Jack's (Dwayne Johnson) cab and enlist his help. At first he is skeptical and think they're runaways. But he soon discovers their unique attributes and has a run in with the killer alien. In this family-friendly action adventure flick, I could only find a couple tihngs enjoyable and worth watching. The first and best (in my opinion) is the small role played by Garry Marshall. In the short scene or two that he's given, he puts on a master class for the other actors. The second cool thing about this movie is the 3D visual of space, which, of course, is created with obvious CGI. The CGI was really distracting in this movie. You'd think that in a movie about aliens with astounding technology, they'd front the money for better effects. Do they think kids won't notice the difference? As far as the acting goes, I felt Robb did a satisfactory job, especially with her facial expressions. Ludwig just looked constipated the entire film. And Johnson still hasn't shown that he can make in on the big screen. While all his fight scenes may look legit, the rest of his acting desperately needs Marshall's master class. Also in this film are Carla Gugino, Tom Everett Scott and Chris Marquette.

Watch It: Only for the reasons I pointed out above.

Skip It: Instead of wasting 90 minutes of your life.

The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: April 28, 2005 (UK) / September 29, 2005 (USA)

DVD Release Date: September 13, 2005

Plot 411: This is a space comedy based on a book of the same name that incorporates humor, space travel, aliens and destruction.

Review: Before Earth is destroyed, best friends Arthur (Martin Freeman) and Ford (Mos Def) leave the planet by hitching a ride on the destroying spaceship. Ford is an alien who has been writing a hitchhiking guide. The two friends are discovered and forced into space without any oxygen. Luckily, they are saved by Ford's half brother Zaphod (Sam Rockwell). Arthur and Ford's journey only gets weirder and weirder as they travel to distant planets with Zaphod, who is searching for the ultimate question. I swear it's better than I'm making it sound. I'm not really sure how to describe this quirky jumble of sci-fi and British humor, adventure and geekiness. All I can cay is that I loved it. Also in this film are Zooey Deschanel, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Helen Mirren and Stephen Fry. If those names don't get you to watch this one, then it's probably not a movie for you.

Watch It: Because it's smarter and funnier than you expect.

Skip It: And it's roundabout logic that only sci-fi fanboys can untangle.

2012

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 13, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 2, 2010

Plot 411: The end of the world has come. Run for your lives!

Review: This film was pretty similar to all the other end-of-the-world/apocalypse/disaster movies that came before it. Most audiences who enjoyed those will also like this one. The idea of actually enjoying a disaster flick is pretty twisted when you really think about it, but that's for some other blog. In this one, we talk about movies so I'd say the CGI both made and broke this film. With such a gigantic scope as the of the world, audiences are already prepared for a whole lot of CGI. This component is probably the most significant aspect of the film, even beyond the actors, which included the likes of John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet (whose face is quite odd looking in this movie), Danny Glover (Mr. President), Thandie Newton (cute as ever), Oliver Platt and Woody Harrelson (playing a nutjob . . . surprise, surprise). The massive earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and complete destruction of society as we know it was definitely a huge undertaking for all those animators. It really is amazing to see little people dangling off of freeways and toppling buildings, chunks of earth and lava hurtle toward you and famous landmarks crumble to the ground. However, despite all their efforts, the quality of the CGI is still not advanced enough to render a good image. It's completely obvious that these events were created on a screen. There's absolutely no doubt that they didn't use practical effects. The fact that we can tell is the disappointment. As for the plot, refer back to the 411.

Watch It: On a large screen with surround sound if at all possible to get the full effect.

Skip It: Because if you've seen one of these types of movies, you've seen 'em all.

How To Train Your Dragon

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: Marhc 26, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A young Viking doesn't fit in with the rest of his people and befriends their long-time enemy.

Review: Jay Baruchel voices Hiccup, the son of a Viking leader named Stoick (Gerard Butler). Everything about Hiccup screams the antithesis of a Viking. He is scrawny and weaker than his peers, which adds to the ridicule he receives from just about everyone in town. He just isn't able to fit into his society depsite all his best efforts. However, this attribute turns out to be his saving grace. I won't say any more because it would ruin the already quite predictable plot for you. Needless to say, this film isn't touting any new moral lessons for us, or our kids, to learn. Still, the action was really enjoyable and there were some definite funny moments. Craig Ferguson is good as Gobber, an old warrior who must teach the next generation to fight dragons. The best part for me was the animation. How do they manage to make clouds, water and fire look so real? It even looks like you can reach out and touch Hiccup's hair as the ocean breeze blows it around. These tiny details make you realize that DreamWorks is definitely the studio leading the pack. Also providing voice support in this film are America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Kristen Wiig.

Watch It: Because it's definitely better than the trailers make it out to be.

Skip It: If you usually turn on the subtitles so you can understand all UKish dialects. You might want to wait for the DVD for this one.

Terminator Salvation

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 21, 2009

DVD Release Date: September 9, 2009

Plot 411: John Connor msut find his teenaged father in order to fulfill the prophecy that he will be the world's savior.

Review: Christian Bale stars as 30-something John Connor, a soldier in the Resistance fighting against the machines of Skynet. According to his mother's tape-recorded messages, he must make sure his father Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin) is safe and can carry out his destiny. At this point in time, Reese is a mere teenager and John is older than he is. However, he is to grow up and travel to the past where he will meet John's mother, Sarah Conner. Yes, it's kind of confusing. You just might want to watch the original Terminator films to get a grasp on things. I didn't bother doing that so I can't really expound on the whole time travel plotline. However, in this film we're introduced to Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a prisoner on death row who donated his body to science. He reawakens many years later during John Connors era only to discover that things are suspiciously wrong. For some reason, he didn't look like the same Sam Worthington from Avatar. Physically, he seemed bigger than he was in Avatar. Also, his face looked different to me. Maybe I wasn't really paying attention to him during Avatar? I also noticed that he'd slip in and out of an accent, which was a bit annoying (He's originally from the UK and schooled in Oz, so I guess it might be hard to shake an accent.). There's a storyline with him and Moon Bloodgood that could've been scrapped entirely. While the effects were pretty great during the set pieces and battles, the plot kind of dragged for me. I found myself wondering when this thing was really going to begin. Helena Bonham Carter and Common are also featured in this film.

Watch It: For a CGI-packed action flick and a cameo of young Arnold.

Skip It: If Bale's guttural Batman voice annoys the hell out of you. He too slips in and out of this throughout the film.

Hook

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 11, 1991

DVD Release Date: March 21, 2000

Plot 411: Peter Pan returns to Neverland as an adult who doesn't remember his past as leader of the Lost Boys.

Review: I remember loving this movie as a kid because of all the magic and wonder. It was also fun and action packed, telling a well-known tale with a twist. However, after watching this trailer, the movie feels outdated. The CGI has definitely be surpassed by today's technology. Robin Williams plays Peter Banning, the former Peter Pan who left Never Never Land to live in the real world. Since then, he has become a workaholic who rarely spends time with his family. He has lost all memories of his former self and the joy and freedom he used to possess. When Peter's son and daughter are kidnapped by Hook (Dustin Hoffman), Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts) takes him back to Neverland to save them. The movie is a follow up to the original film and addresses issues such as love, work/life balance, adventure and freedom. I think it has a nice overall message and advises people to stop and smell the roses once in a while. This movie also stars Maggie Smith as Wendy and Dante Basco as Rufio.

Watch It: To pause and think about what is truly valuable in your life.

Skip It: In favor of the 1953 animated version.

An American Tail

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: November 21, 1986

DVD Release Date: January 20, 2004

Plot 411: An animated film about the immigration of the Mousekewitz family to America, a land where there are no cats.

Review: I used to love this film when I was younger. Fievel (Phillip Glasser) is a young mouse who is separated from his family when he gets washed overboard on the ship to America. His family believes him to be dead, but Fievel makes his way to America in a glass bottle. When he arrives, he meets all kinds of people - some honest, some devious. As he continues to look for his family, Fievel becomes wrapped up in a political rally against the cats that he now realizes are also in the new world. Fievel served as a strong protagonist because despite his small stature he had a big heart. He made you fall in love with him through his determination (not to mention his huge ears) to find his family. You cheered for him. You were upset with him. You were frightened for him. However, looking back on the plot now it's easy to see all the larger implications that were overlooked when I was a child. This story could've been a subplot in Gangs Of New York because it deals with the same time period and issues. I find it amazing that socio-political themes of the time could be translated into a children's film with such ease. All the same prejudices, poverty and corruption were there.

Watch It: For the inspirational jouney of one mouse in a land of many and to reminisce about the hand-drawn quality that was so prevalent in the '80s.

Skip It: If you like your animation to be more of the CG variety.

Princess Mononoke / Mononoke hime

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 12, 1997 (Japan) / October 29, 1999

DVD Release Date: December 19, 2000

Plot 411: A young prince must convince humans and forest dwellers to find peace in their hearts in order to save the Forest Spirit.

Review: Prince Ashitaka (Billy Crudup) is cursed when he kills a demon that is enroute to destroy his village. Ashitaka must travel to the demon's homeland to find a cure. However, once he arrives he discovers a battle between humans and forest dwelling animals and spirits. The humans, led by Lady Eboshi (Minnie Driver), are clearing the land to search for more iron. They are harming nature in the process, which is upsetting the animals and spirits. The Moro clan of wolves is led by a mother wolf (Gillian Anderson) and her cubs, which includes a human girl San (Claire Danes). There is a lot of animosity between the Moro clan and the humans and San does not trust any human, despite being one herself. Ashitaka must find a way in which humans and nature can coexist, not only to save his life but to save everyone's future. You can obviously see that there are tons of themes coursing through this film. On one level, it is far more superior that the recent imitations like Avatar. There's a depth to it that leads to further discussions solely about Hayao Miyazaki's meanings. However, the animation is marvelous as well. It is something at which Miyazaki completely excels and there's no denying his influence on modern day animators. The world he creates is magical, and while the techniques used to portray his visions are different from James Cameron's recent work, it is just as awe inspiring.

Watch It: For a truly whirlwind experience through a magical world.

Skip It: If you're just looking for a fun time. If so, see Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs instead. Despite being a kid's flick, this movie will make you think.

Tropic Thunder

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 13, 2008

DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008

Plot 411: An action comedy satire about a group of actors filming a Vietnam war movie that quicklly leaves the location and becomes reality.

Review: This is a hilarious movie that comments on the entire Hollywood scene. There is the money grubbing producer, the highly acclaimed, award-winning actor, the old action star, the newbie, the drugged-out comedian and the zealous agent. The movie portrays each role to the nth degree and clearly shows us the ridiculousness that surrounds celebrity and the movie business. This is definitely a fun film to watch despite what some critics claim are offensive portrayals and remarks. The movie was also shot on Kauai, so support a film that helped bring revenue to the Islands. In the film, a movie production crew is shooting a Vietnam War film based on the memoirs of John "Four Leaf" Tayback (Nick Nolte). When the cast isn't able to get along during the shoot, Tayback and director Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan) decide to drop them off in the wilderness where cameras are rigged to shoot guerilla style. Action star Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), Australian actor Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey, Jr.), comedian Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black) and some others are airlifted to the middle of the jungle. This area is controlled by a heroin-producing gang, but they believe it's all part of the movie. Even when their director is blown up, they continue along as if it's all part of the script. The film unwinds from there and it's a laugh a minute. The movie is irreverent and crass at times, which makes it even better. Don't take it too seriously and you'll have a great time.

Watch It: For an unbelievable cameo. Hopefully you don't know what I'm talking about because it'll make your first viewing so much better.

Skip It: If you're overly sensitive to digs on race, mental illness and other politically correct topics.

The Day After Tomorrow

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 17, 2004 (Mexico) / May 28, 2004 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 12, 2004

Plot 411: Environmental changes around the world cause great devastation and millions of fatalities.

Review: When scientist Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid) presents his findings on global warming, his words are not taken seriously by anyone except his colleagues, a Scottish professor and a NASA meteorologist (Tamlyn Tomita). They build a model that forecasts global devastation is imminent. At the same time, weird weather phenomenon is already happening and it is causing great confusion around the world. Jack and his group relay their findings to authorities and he and his colleagues set off for New York to find his son Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal). Sam and his classmates are in NYC for a school trip and must find a place to take cover when a massive tidal wave crashes down on the city. They join many other people in the library as the temperature outside drops dramatically and ice and snow replace the sudden ocean swell. Can the group stay alive long enough for Jack to come to the rescue? I'm not sure why people are so fascinated with end-of-the-world movies. yet every couple of years there's a new one that portrays worldwide destruction, and with the advances in technology, the depictions become more and more real. This movie is typical of this genre and contains lots of CGI, action and drama. It leaves you gripping the armrest of your chair with each and every close call. What is really awesome is the power of nature and how it is demonstrated in this film. Many of the tallest buildings are dwarfed by the tidal wave. Entire buildings and structures are buried beneath the snow. Even the Statue of Liberty doesn't have a chance against Mother Nature. The movie is exciting and dramatic, but I don't know how real the science behind the plot actually is.

Watch It: For gigantic CGI effects that still hold up.

Skip It: Because why would you want to witness the end of the world? That's just so disheartening.