Hostel

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January 6, 2006

DVD Release Date: April 18, 2006

Plot 411: Three American guys backpack through Europe and find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Review: Probably the most gruesome and mentally disturbing film I've ever watched, this movie is one of my faves. Sick, I know, but I like that it's unnerving on so many different levels and really makes the viewer think about the possibility that this could actually be happening somewhere in the world. This film is scary on so many levels that it actually makes you have a physical reaction to the grisly acts that occur. It makes you appreciate what you've got, even as it makes you shiver at the thought of traveling abroad. In essence, three guys are lured to a hostel where foreigners are hand-picked to be the recipients of any number of tortures brought upon them by paying customers. It's the ultimate game of kill or be killed.

Watch It: If you like your horror served up with some warped mind games.

Skip It: If you've got a weak stomach for torture and pain.

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Finding Nemo

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: May 30, 2003

DVD Release Date: November 4, 2003

Plot 411: When Nemo gets caught by human divers, his clownfish dad swims to the depths of the ocean and the far reaches of the sea to find him.

Review: This was really one of Disney and Pixar's best movies, in my opinion. It was filled with adventure, danger, humor and a great moral for kids. What else could a movie possibly need? The colors of the ocean are naturally awe-inspiring so when it is so vividly alive like this, one can only sit back and enjoy it. It's amazing how far animation has come in the last decade. Simply amazing. Similar to a road movie, this one is about Marlin's journey to find his son Nemo. Along the way he meets a helpful, if not completely bonkers, Dory. Together they cross the seas in search of Marlin's son.

Watch It: For a cute underwater adventure and lots of laughs.

Skip It: Only if cartoons aren't you're thing. This is one of the best out there.

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Mongol

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 20, 2007 (Russia) / June 6, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: October 14, 2008

Plot 411: The early beginnings of Genghis Khan.

Review: This was an awesome, awesome movie. The landscape was incredibly harsh but beautiful. It matched the lives and lifestyle of the characters. The movie follows Temujin throughout his early life. He lives the life of an orphan and slave just trying to survive from day to day, which makes it an even more astonishing feat that he became the ruler Genghis Khan. There are vicious battles and deaths but also a deeply moving love story. The movie really captures you and doesn't let you go. It's foreign, so you'll need to read subtitles. But, don't let that discourage you from viewing this one. It's moving in so many ways. The title role is played by Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano, who has also acted in Zatoichi.

Watch It: For a slice of the nomadic warrior's life.

Skip It: If you're an idiot. It's too good to miss.

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