I Capture The Castle

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: May 2, 2003 (UK) / July 11, 2003

DVD Release Date: December 23, 2003

Plot 411: A once-brilliant British writer and his family fall into poverty and his eldest daughter plots to marry the rich American who owns their property.

Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie in all its post-Jane Austen glory. The plot is pretty similar to most of Austen's work - a family in poverty, daughters of marrying age and eligible beaus. However, the setting to this film was the '30s. Bill Nighy is brilliant as always. His character is a writer who hasn't written a word in 12 years. He struggles with inspiration despite all the love and support of his family. When two American men arrive to claim their inheritance, which includes the land on which the family lives, Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald) decides it's time to help her stepdaughters find a husband in order to save the family from ruins. The eldest daugther (Rose Byrne) quickly assumes the role of most eligibe bachelorette and sets her sights on Simon (Henry Thomas). Younger sister Cassandra (Romola Garai) is the intellectual of the group, who keeps a diary and is the narrator of the film. Marc Blucas plays younger brother Neil. The plot twists and turns and loops around as romantic hurdles develop. It's a coming-of-age romance set in a landscape that is reminiscent of the 1800s despite being clearly set in the 1900s. I loved the starkness of the familhy's castle home and the open spaces of the surrounding woods. I wished there was a bit more conflict in the plot, which would've created a steeper story arc. Still, I liked the overall storyline and eventual resolution.

Watch It: For a Pride And Prejudice-like coming-of-age romantic drama that doesn't quite live up to Austen's genius.

Skip It: If you're seeking a dynamic plot and lots of upheaval.

Miami Vice

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: July 28, 2006

DVD Release Date: December 5, 2006

Plot 411: The movie version of the 1980s TV show.

Review: I loved watching this TV show as a kid. The clothes were bright as hell but that added to the charm. Colin Farrell is Sonny Crockett and Jamie Foxx is Ricardo Tubbs in this remake of the '80s TV show. Overall, I'm not really impressed with them in these roles. Somehow they can't live up to Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas. The plot focuses on a Columbian drug cartel that the FBI is trying to infiltrate. The FBI signs Crockett and Tubbs onto their team and the partners pose as drug dealers in order to get intel on the group. Crockett becomes attached to the kingpin's advisor (Gong Li) and they have an affair. Because of this, Tubbs is worried that they're getting in to deep. His fears are confirmed when one of their own is kidnapped and strapped with explosives. Crockett and Tubbs must rescue her and confront the cartel before the drugs hit the streets. I liked the cinematography of this film. The cool, steely colors created a somber mood that completely contrasted with the vivacious nature of Miami. It separated the seedy underworld from the rich and famous people. Farrell's accent is horrible. His acting isn't much better. Foxx's acting is on par with his performance in Stealth and no where near his ability in Ray.

Watch It: If you're looking for big explosions and gunfights.

Skip It: If you're looking for a quality remake.

Drag Me To Hell

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 29, 2009

DVD Release Date: October 13, 2009

Plot 411: When Christine rejects the extension of an old woman's home loan, she finds herself cursed and damned to hell.

Review: This was probably one of the best horror flicks I've seen in a long time. It had enough supernatural horror and B-movie gore to satisfy my needs. However, I just want to disclose that I watched the director's cut or unrated version . . . whatever it's called on the DVD that is not the theatrical version. This might've made a difference. I'm not sure. Alison Lohman is Christine, a bank loan officer who is fighting for the position of assistant branch manager. To show her boss that she's got the skills to pay the bills, she rejects an old woman's (Lorna Raver) request for an extension. The woman, Sylvia Ganush, causes a scene in the bank and is forcefully escorted outside. After work, Mrs. Ganush confronts Christine and a huge girl-on-girl battle ensues. The outcome is that the Mrs. Ganush curses Christine and within three days she will be dragged to hell by the devil. Christine's professor boyfriend, played by Justin Long, is a total disbeliever and relies on logic to explain the world. Christine seeks the help of a psychic to rid her of the curse but it seems the curse is stronger than he is. There were scenes in this film that I thought were perfect horror moments. But, within the same breath, there were also other scenes that were too over-the-top to be taken seriously. What made this movie good was the gore factor. Some of the things that the main character experiences are just completely gross. It makes you cringe in your seat. Also, Mrs. Ganush is really creepy. Don't mess with little old ladies! Long's part is pretty non-existent. He plays Christine's doting boyfriend.

Watch It: If you're a fan of director/writer Sam Raimi's other works.

Skip It: If you're looking for a straight horror film. This movie has a lot of tongue-in-cheek moments.