Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain: Set in the 1960’s the story revolves around 2 cowboys who are hired to herd sheep. A relationship starts between the two men, something they need to keep secret. Both men go on with their lives, both meet women and start families, but they continue their relationship by meeting every few months to go “fishing”. I did say FISHING. The whole story and the idea if it will work falls on the shoulders of Heath Ledger – a throw away actor…..so I thought. His performance here is outstanding (him or Hoffman will win Oscar)! The rest of the cast is great as well, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Williams both turn in strong performances. This story is a tough sell to most people, I included. That being said – it was one of the best movies I have seen all year. The sex scene is a bit graphic and a little shocking. The story is so well told however I think all will like!

* * * and ½

With a running time of 134 minutes
This film is rated R

Memoirs of a Geisha

Memoirs of a Geisha: A sprawling epic that is empty inside. Based on Author Golden’s novel of the same name, the story centers around a young girl who is sold to a life of servitude by her parents. We watch all the twists and turns of her life as she grows up to be a Geisha. The story is set in 1940’s Japan – the culture of that time and place is a very big element of the film. The actors do speak English and no subtitles are used. I am actually a little mad at this movie, because everything about it is done so well, but yet the product as a whole falls short. The acting is great, and the cinematography and costumes are just beautiful - may be the best of the year. The biggest part missing was the emotional tie to the story as we watch it unfold. I sat there wanting more out of it….and that is not a good thing. Still as I mentioned before the movie did a lot right…..so if you were interested in seeing this I still would….if you were on the fence….wait till video.
* * and ½

With a run time of 142 minutes
This movie is rated PG-13

King Kong

King Kong: Peter Jackson remakes this classic tale, we all know the story of Kong….but we have never SEEN it done like this. The movie’s run time is 3 hours, with the 1st hour dedicated to character development and the last 2 hours showing pure cinema delight. When the movie crew arrives at Skull Island you already know you are in for a treat. The visuals of the island and Islanders are awesome, creepy, and even scary. From the time Kong grabs Ann (played by Naomi Watts) the action is none stop. We see everything from Kong fighting dinosaurs and bats to the film crew taking on prehistoric insects and bugs. Later Kong takes on 1933 Manhattan, biplanes, and the empire state building. The film does everything right – gives us interesting characters, a ton of action, and wraps it all around a great story. Kong looked fantastic, which is the key to drawing in our emotion to the story. Peter Jackson proved he is at the top of his game and the rest of the industry is looking up. This is an Event film that truly should be seen at the theaters. // Side note, for all those of you who feel movies are too expensive……Paying $8-9 to see this movie is really a bargain. Enjoy!

* * * *
With a running time of 187 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Syriana

Syriana: George Clooney and Matt Damen star in this interesting thriller about the way Oil business is conducted in the Middle East. The film mirrors the movie Traffic – in that it shows you many different points of interest, characters, and story lines regarding the same subject. Everything about this movie is high grade. The story lines take time to develop, but keep drawing you in. It may start out a bit confusing with all the jumping around the film does, but the joy of it is how it all comes together. The acting is superb – with George Clooney turning in his first great performance of his career. What I liked most was the film did not take an American point of view, instead it showed how all sides are doing wrong – and shows us just how big the problems are. In a time when wars are fought over oil and oil prices are threw the roof – this movie is a must see.

* * *
With a running time of 127 minutes
This film is rated R

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Based on the beloved novel by C.S. Lewis, we journey along 4 kids as they travel through a wardrobe to the timeless land of Narnia. What made the books so loved is the way it pushed your imagination to the max, could a movie have that same magic – I am glad to say YES! The 1st to enter the land of Narnia is Lucy, who is the youngest. She quickly runs into Mr. Tumnus, a faun and the adventure really picks up from there. The Magic of Narnia is that there are no humans there and it is the animals that control the land. - That all changes when the 4 kids enter Narnia. They are guided by a knowledgeable lion, who informs them of their importance in this mysterious world. You could not even think about making this movie 10 years ago, but with today’s technology the sky is the limit. The effects are the key to this whole movie – we have people talking to animals the entire time and it needs to be done in a fantasy/believable way. We do have to remember that the story is for kids -- the movie does hold back on violent scenes, but that is not the point anyway…….the point is to BELIEVE…….and I did!!
* * *

With a running time of 140 minutes
This Film is rated PG

North Country

North Country: Based on the true story of Josey Aimes, who was involved in the 1st major sexual harassment case in the United States back in 1984. Charlize Theron plays Josey, who gets a job as a miner in upstate Minnesota. The mining company already is upset that they have to employ women; some of the guys working there do things to extreme to make the women uncomfortable. The acting by Charlize Theron proves that her role in Monster was no fluke…….she is absolutely excellent in this movie! (Oscar nomination) Frances McDormand also turns in a great role as a co-worker stricken with Lou Gehrig disease who comes to her friend’s side to fight. The story is powerful and has layers to it that the director handled perfectly. We even get a little court room drama mixed in. The focus is not on the job itself, but on the life struggles and triumphs some must go through.
* * * *

With a running time of 121 minutes
This film is rated R

The Squid and the Whale

The Squid and the Whale: This small independent movie focuses on a family of four going through a divorce. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney play the parents separating; both are intellectual writers who in some ways have lost touch with reality. The film is mainly a comedy actually, with drama sinking in near the end. Their two boys are the ones affected the most, as we see each kid take a side. The reason this film works is the great characters on the screen. This is Jeff Daniels best performance, playing a writer who has had nothing published in some time, works at a school teaching, and thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. He really carries the film and supplies plenty of laughs. Both the kids are excellent as well, some of the things they do and say are just shocking…….but real at the same time. The film is shot with the look of a documentary recorded with a video camera; this also helps submerge you into the story. If you are looking for something small, something different – this is an excellent choice. * Note, Noah Baumbach wrote this movie based on his childhood //// The move is produced by Wes Anderson.

* * * and1/2

With a running time of 88 minutes
This movie is rated R

Goodnight, and Good Luck

Goodnight, and Good Luck: George Clooney gives us an informative look back at Edward R. Murrow’s crusade against Senator Joseph McCarthy. Shot completely in black and white, we have an Oscar like performance from David Strathairn as Murrow. Mixed in is the real stock footage of press conferences, McCarthy, and congressional hearings. The McCarthy era was “red listing” many individuals who they thought were communist and as a result were a threat to our country. Problem was McCarthy had crossed the line of individual rights, there were no fair trials and it turned into a witch hunt of sorts. Murrow stood up against him and called out his wrong doings on the news. The Subject matter is vitally important and intriguing. – The Idea that medium of Television can be used for so much more than entertainment, it could focus on things like education and the sharing of information. The movie itself on the other hand was just ok, it felt we were watching the history channel more so than a dramatic film. For this reason I break my star system like this.
Content - * * * * Movie * * and ½ Overall - * * *

With a running time of 116 Minutes
This Film is Rated PG

Mr. Miyagi; Pat Morita has died at the age of 73

As a huge fan of the Karate Kid, this news saddens me immensely. His performance as Mr. Miyagi penetrated pop culture and to this day is still so well known. You will be missed!!!! --

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Actor Pat Morita, whose portrayal of the wise and dry-witted Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" earned him an Oscar nomination, has died. He was 73.

Morita died Thursday at his home in Las Vegas of natural causes, said his wife of 12 years, Evelyn. She said in a statement that her husband, who first rose to fame with a role on "Happy Days," had "dedicated his entire life to acting and comedy."

In 1984, he appeared in the role that would define his career and spawn countless affectionate imitations. As Kesuke Miyagi, the mentor to Ralph Macchio's "Daniel-san," he taught karate while trying to catch flies with chopsticks and offering such advice as "wax on, wax off" to guide Daniel through chores to improve his skills.
He lost the 1984 best supporting actor award to Haing S. Ngor, who appeared in "The Killing Fields."
"The Karate Kid," led to three sequels, the last of which, 1994's "The Next Karate Kid," paired him with a young Hilary Swank.

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Our 4th installment of Potter is the darkest yet. This year Hogwarts is hosting a tri-wizard tournament….the winner is deemed eternal glory. Mysteriously Potter’s name is chosen to compete in the tournament, which most feel is over his head – he is a just a 4th year student. The special effects are outstanding, however the story seemed a bit rushed. Keep in mind this was the biggest Potter book, but the 2nd shortest movie. I felt things were happening in the movie that needed more explaining, more time. We are introduced to another new teacher, Madeye Moody, who is a fantastic and entertaining character - we are always unsure on his intentions. The rest of the cast is back and are older and more humorous. Overall this is a fun movie to see in the theater, but I would say I liked the last one better overall.
* * *

With a running time of 148 minutes
This movie is rated PG-13

Must Love Dogs

Must Love Dogs: If I ever run into John Cusack…….. I will punch him in the face for making this film. Diane Lane also stars in this crappy romantic comedy. She plays Sarah, who has recently been dumped and had her heart broken….boohoo. One day her sister has a bright idea to put a personal ad on the internet for Sarah. In the ad she mentions “Must Love Dogs” -> Title of film…..oooooo. They meet one day at a dog park even though neither character owns a dog…..the date lasts 3 minutes, but somehow Cusack’s character feels someone is taking his breath away. What a joke. The characters, the acting, and the story all rank as the worst I have seen all year. The climatic scene has Lane jumping into a river and swimming to Cusack who remains seated in his boat…..oh the laughter……problem is that it was not suppose to be funny.
0 stars - a true stinker

With a running time of 98 minutes
This movie is rated PG-13

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice: Another take on this classic novel by Jane Austin, this time Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen. The story revolves around the Bennett family, 5 sisters in all, and all are looking for a man of wealth to marry them. The story is very complex and if anything this film version simplifies it, which is actually a good thing in this case. Elizabeth (Knightley) is the one sister who is looking for true love, something she thinks she will never find. Mr. Darcy (MacFadyen), meanwhile is a very wealthy man who is very standoffish....will sparks fly when they meet? The two leads carrier this movie and make it worth seeing, Knightley in particular is fabulous in this role. The rest of the cast do a fine job and the cinematography is just beautiful. I do have to note that I am sick of seeing Judi Dench in these types of movies and doing the same role. Prejudice succeeds in bringing this classic story to the big screen for wide appeal.
* * * and 1/2

With a running time of 123 minutes
This movie is rated PG

Madagascar

Madagascar: Another animated comedy film geared toward the whole family. This one deals with Zoo animals in a NYC zoo - who decide they want out of the zoo and to see the wild. Well they do escape and an adveture ensues. We have a giraffe (David Schwimmer), a lion (Ben Stiller), a zebra (Chris Rock) and a Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith). All are played well and very funny, however Chris Rock as the zebra is a little to close to Eddy Murphy’s donkey. The story is a little bland, but that is made up by all the great characters in the film. Jokes are plentiful and they even reference other movies, from the original Planet of the Apes to American Beauty. Still this was not as creative as some of the past animated features, I mean the bar has been set pretty high by Pixar. I really find most these kind of movies to be a joy to watch. Madagascar could have used a couple more laughs, but still a fun ride.
* * *

With a running time of 86 minutes
This film is rated PG

Also the DVD comes with a short film about the Penguins that played before the movie in it’s theatrical run, I recommend watching this little gem as well.

The Interpreter

The Interpreter: A thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn that takes places in the Political realm. Kidman plays Silvia, an interpreter at the UN building in NYC. One night after work she over hears a plot to assassinate a leader from a country in Africa. Wheel in Sean Penn – he plays a US Secret Service agent assigned to the case. After a quick investigation of the interpreter he finds she has many ties to this country in Africa and it’s leader. Now the question becomes – is she a suspect??? The story did a great job of drawing me in, a very suspenseful film. Because of the stranger type names of some of the people involved you do need to pay attention to get the most out of this movie. Penn's Character is the same old, cop down on life after a bad loss in his personal life. Kidman's character is a little more unique, but still nothing of note. Unfortunately the ending, like so many thrillers, sort of drops the ball and needs you to suspend belief a little. Still a highly entertaining film that I would recommend for a rental !
* * *

With a run time of 129 minutes
This film is rated R

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp take a stab at remaking this classic film………..why? I still am not sure. It is not that this current version is not entertaining it…..it is. The problem I have with it, is that it does not improve or enhance this wonderful story. Best cliché I can use – why fix something that is not broken. The story does differentiate from the original picture – giving more background into Wonka’s childhood, but not enough to justify a remake. Burton’s movies are always strong with his visual concepts and this Wonka is no exception, but again not so much more that it justifies a remake. The songs are all new and all good, but I don’t think they are better than the 1st time we visited the factory. And finally the main character – Willy Wonka, Johnny Depp does a fine job, but I am sorry - Gene Wilder’s performance is sooooo much more memorable and likeable. In the end we have a good movie that really never had to be made. Stick with the original!

* * and ½

With a running time of 115 minutes
This movie is rated PG

Shopgirl

Shopgirl: A sophisticated romantic comedy done right. Claire Danes, Steve Martin and Jason Schwartzman star in this small, truthful story of a girl looking for more in life. The characters are real, deep and interesting – which is so rare in movies of this genre. The story comes from Steve Martin who wrote the novella with the same name. Danes’ plays Mirabelle, an aspiring artist who is working at a department store selling gloves. She meets Jeremy (Schwartzman – Rushmore fame) at the laundromat and he is such an odd character that she finds some attraction to him. A couple days later she meets Ray Porter (Martin) - a very successful businessman who is much older than her. The two men are total opposites and the dates she goes on reflect all the differences. Some very funny moments provided by Schwartzman, but overall we have a very serious tone. This film is currently in Limited release. Also I want to point out the film’s score – best I heard this year.
* * * and 1/2

With a running time of 118 minutes
This film is rated R

Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars Episode III; Revenge of the Sith: The Saga is Complete or….. Complete the Sage is. This movie is so tough to review as a single film, did it do it’s job – YES!!!, it satisfied our hunger for seeing the saga come full circle. This is by far the best of the new trilogy and actually helps the new trilogy stand up next to the original – Things we want explained are. We pick up in the middle of war between the republic and the separatists, Obi-Wan and Anakin are sent to save the Chancellor who has been captured. Anakin finds himself caught in an emotional struggle from multiple sides and I think we all know what happens from there. The visuals are stunning (best of the six), the emotion is high and the story…….the story is the best in cinema history. This was my last trip to that galaxy far far away and I am so glad to have been able to enjoy it all. From the movies, to the toys, to the star wars bed sheets I slept in -- dreaming -- using my imagination fueled by the Star Wars galaxy..……Mr. Lucas, Thank You!!!!!!

* * * * - Biased ………Hell Ya
--Now on DVD, complete with 6 deleted scenes including yoda's exile to Dagobah!!!!!!

With a running time of 138 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Capote

Capote: Philip Seymour Hoffman turns in an Oscar type performance as Truman Capote. The story follows Capote as he did his research for his novel In Cold Blood. What made this so intriguing is the fact that Capote based the novel on a true crime – the murder of a family in Kansas in the 1950’s. His research brought him close to one of the murderers (Perry Smith). Talking to him Capote saw his troubled youth and saw the path he took to be able to commit such a crime. The movie did not give us enough information about Perry, instead focused on the strain all this caused to Truman Capote. The acting by Hoffman is first rate and should garnish him his 1st Oscar nomination. The movie itself is solid, but slow moving.
* * *

With a running time of 118 minutes
This film is rated R

The Weather Man

The Weather Man: Nicholas Cage stars in this very funny, very serious look at life. The Characters in this film are much more complex than I had expected. Cage plays David Spritz, a weather man, a divorced dad, and a son whose own father is a great writer played by Michael Caine. The story is really about the highs and lows of life, the expectations we have and the reality that it becomes. I do not want to make it sound “over the top serious”, because this movie has plenty of laughs -- It is really well balanced. The whole movie was shot here in Chicago which is a bonus to us Chicagoans, they did the city justice as it’s beauty showed up on screen. Over all a very funny film with a serious message – this was done right!
* * * and ½

With a running time of 102 minutes
This Film is rated R

Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown: Being a fan of Cameron Crowe I had my hopes up for his latest adventure, unfortunately it missed it’s mark. He penned this film after his father passed away and that is what the movie is about. A son returns to Elizabethtown, his father’s hometown, along the way he meets a girl who breathes new life into him. Orlando Bloom plays his son and Kristen Dunst plays the girl he meets, both do average jobs at best. The main problem is that Crowe had too much to say…..tried to cram way too much into the movie and the result is far less. Even the music is too much. Had the feeling like it was 3 movies in one. Some funny creative scenes save this from getting even a worse grade……
* *

With a running time of 136 minutes -- too long
This movie is rated PG

A History of Violence

A History of Violence: The premise for this movie is outstanding, it is also a movie where the less you know about it going in the better. Viggo Mortensen stars as Tom Stall, a family man who runs a diner in a small town in Indiana. When trouble comes into town one day, his life is turned upside down. There are some violent scenes in this movie that have a shocking and realistic quality to them, this only heightens the strength of the story. The fault of this movie is – It could have been even better. I really loved the idea, but felt the writers could have even dug deeper. Ed Harris turns in a great supporting role as does William Hurt. This is a small movie done right, could have been great, but still very entertaining!!!
* * *

With a running time of 99 minutes
This movie is rated R

Constantine

Constantine: Keanu Reeves stars as a supernatural detective in this God Vs Devil thriller. I am not a fan of Keanu at all and it kept me away from this movie until last night when I gave it a spin. He plays the same character we have come to know him as….a dolt with no emotion or acting ability who some find cool. In a way the movie can be summed up as the Neo fights the devil – Keanu’s character, which has seen hell, is caught on earth in between the war of good Vs evil. Visually, the movie succeeds – the special effects and sound are a true treat. The story I found lacking as we have seen this kind of tale before and the acting can be summed up in 2 words…..Keanu Reeves. A few awesome scenes save this movie and force me to give it a marginal grade.
* *

With a running time of 121 minutes - Out on DVD
This film is rated R

Fever Pitch

Fever Pitch: Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore star in this romantic comedy that revolves around the Boston Red sox season. The 2 characters start to fall in love during the off season, but once the baseball season starts, Ben’s (Fallon) true colors come out – a die hard Red sox fan. The thing I liked was the premise as I can relate to the idea of having to make plans around the sox games. Plus I liked the baseball humor; you will appreciate it more if you are a fan of the game. The movie does have it’s flaws, such as the fact that none of the characters really seem to be from Boston, so it does have a very fake feeling about it. The beginning of the movie, mainly the “first date” is just horrendous, luckily it did pick up from there.
* *
----- Also all this about how they filmed a new ending on the field when the Red sox won it……what an absolute waste of time, did not have to have it in there at all. In fact after seeing it I was mad they were even let on the field in the 1st place.

With a running time of 103 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

The Constant Gardener

The Constant Gardener: Ralph Fiennes stars in this conspiracy drama. The story centers around pharmaceutical companies and their testing of drugs to unknowing people in Africa. What the movie does good is present this major conspiracy in a foreign land, Africa is shot beautifully and more realistic of how things are than in past films. What I did not like was how the story was presented, we the viewers figure out what is going on pretty quickly and then watch the characters beat around the bush for answers when the truth is right in front of their faces. All the praise for this movie – I have to turn the other way on it.
* *
With a running time of 129 minutes
This film is rated R

Kung Fu Hustle

Kung Fu Hustle: Billed as “The Loony Tunes meets Kill Bill” you have a silly comedy dealing with gangsters and the art of Kung Fu. The story revolves around the dangerous Axe Gang and a housing complex they invade or ......try to invade. There were many funny, just plain silly moments. On top of that, the action scenes were done too good, by this I mean they were too good to go along with the comedy aspect of the film. I would have liked to see the action be a bit more silly than it was. Overall all it did have a solid 6-7 laugh out loud moments which makes this an easy recommend.
* * *

With a running time of 112 minutes - Now on DVD
This film is rated PG-13

Broken Flowers

Broken Flowers: Bill Murray stars in this Dramedy about a man who finds out he had a son 19 years ago, but is not sure who the mother is. Still a bachelor, Don (Murray) receives this news from an unmarked letter. Through some careful thought he knows it can only be one of 5 women. He sets out across the country and shows up at these women’s houses looking for clues if they are the mother of his child. The highlights of the film takes place in these funny Bill Murray moments – He orchestrates the audience as we wait for his reactions for a laugh. The film takes on a more series tone toward the end and this is where I felt it dropped the ball. Maybe I wanted too much, but I felt this came up short…..
* * and ½

With a running time of 107 minutes - In Theaters now
This Film is rated R

March of the Penguins

March of the Penguins: An extremely fascinating documentary that takes a look at the life cycle of the penguins. The movie is narrated by Morgan Freeman….who lets face it….does the best narrations. The film makers shot this movie near the South Pole and what you get to see is simply remarkable. It is a movie I watched with a smile, as once again I was amazed by mother nature. The film is a crowd pleaser with funny moments and plenty of “awwww” from the audience. You get to care so much for the penguins and their small chicks that you actually feel emotion from them……which is better than most actors out there today. See this movie!
* * * and ½ - (In Theaters now, out on DVD in November)

With a running time of 89 minutes
This Film is rated G

Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar Baby: Wow! This movie is getting great critic reviews and there is a reason why!!! Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, Hillary Swank and Morgan Freeman it tells the story of an oldtime boxing trainer (eastwood) and a want to be female boxer (Swank). The story centers around boxing, but like other great films is really about a whole lot more. The characters in the film have such a real feeling, the story is deep and sad. The movie is a little formulated but Eastwood does a beautiful job creating this class act film.
* * * *

With a running time of 129 minutes
this film is rated PG-13

The Life Aquatic

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou: Bill Murray teams up with Wes Anderson again for a corky film about an oceanographer. The cast is great with Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe to name a few. This movie seemed a little slower than some of Wes Anderson's previous films, but still had the humor. The film will need multiple viewings to be truly appreciated.
* * *
with a running time of 119 minutes
this film is rated R

Collateral

Collateral: Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx star in this action/drama. The movie takes place in one night, with the premise of a Hitman (Cruise) uses a cab and it's Driver (Foxx) to go around L.A. and take out his targets. Most everything about this Movie was outstanding, great cinematography, great acting, and the story was excellent. There were some things I did not like and that is what keeps it from 4 stars, but still a very highly recommended movie.
* * *

with a running time of 119 minutes
this film is rated R

Sin City

Sin City: Visually Stunning! The movie is based on Frank Miller’s graphic novels. The movie itself has about 3-4 short stories going on, I made the mistake of thinking these were going to intertwine and become one story, that is not the case. Really that was the only let down I had, the characters and the way it is shot is what makes it so good. You have Mickey Rourke as Marv…he steals the show. Bruce Willis, Benicio Del Toro, and Clive Owen were also great. If you are into comic books and graphic novels this is your movie, but even if you are not it is worth a viewing.
* * *

With a running time of 126 minutes – Now on DVD
This movie is rated R

The Upside of Anger

The Upside of Anger: Joan Allen and Kevin Costner star in this drama about loss and how people deal with difficult times. Costner plays an ex-baseball player who lives near Allen, she is a single mom with 4 daughters struggling with a few issues in her life. Both of them rely on the booze to get by. At times I thought the story was all over the place, but still got it’s point across. The characters seemed a bit hard to believe in the beginning, but as time goes on you really start to like them…..this ultimately is what made me give this film a positive review.
* * *

With a running time of 118 minutes - Now on DVD
This Film is Rated PG-13

Crash

Crash: This is a statement film - it is about racism and shows you all sides of it. One of the best written movies I have seen in years as it takes multiple character and multiple story lines and connects them all. Each story line and each character is being affected by racism from one way or the other…..it is really a fantastic look into our society. The cast is superb and to many names to list them all but the stand outs included Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dilon and Brendan Fraser. This will no doubt be on my best of the year list……so go see it and enjoy!!!!
* * * *
With a running time of 112 minutes
This film is rated R

Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man: Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger star in this true story about a boxer and his family during the great depression. Really the whole movie is successful because of how good the story is…very powerful. The rest of it all just falls into place…the acting is good, nothing note worthy and Ron Howard’s Directing gets the job done. Boxing and the Movies mix well and this is no exception, the crowd is caught up in the story, cheering for the underdog and it just make you feel good!!!!
* * * and ½

With a running time of 141 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Imaginary Heroes

Imaginary Heroes: Sigourney Weaver and Jeff Daniels star in this odd drama that tries to show some humor as well. The story is serious at the core, a family is being torn apart when one of it’s members takes his own life. The writers toss in the humor and it only works to an extent; I think it overall hurt the film in the long run. The plot gets deeper and sadder as we work through their lives. Overall the movie worked, just think it missed it’s mark.
* * and ½

With a running time of 117 minutes --- Now on DVD
This Movie is rated R

Batman Begins

Batman Begins: The caped crusader is back and this time Christian Bale is the man under the suit. As the Title of the film suggests this is the story of how Bruce Wayne became batman. We pick up with some flash backs from his childhood and the tragic events that happen to his parents. We then see him training in various martial arts and fighting techniques --this leads him back to Gotham City to fight crime. Sticking with the trend of the new super hero movies, they try to make every thing practical and work in the real world. The action sequences are good, nothing outstanding, the acting from Bale as the new Batman is solid (I liked the choice) and Michael Cain plays Alfred to the tee, the story holds up well, but failed to WOW me. This is a very solid superhero movie which is very entertaining.
* * *
With a running time of 139 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

The Machinist

The Machinist: Christian Bales stars in this strange film about an industrial worker who has not slept in a long time. His weight drops down to 112lb and for a man his height – he literally is skin and bones. The sight of his back bone and rib cage is gross and is used to draw you into the story -- why is he doing this to himself? The story does open up, but it very slow. Some may find it more intriguing, but it fell a little short for myself.
* *
With a running time of 101 minutes - On DVD
This film is rated R

War of the Worlds (2005)

War of The Worlds: Needing a bold statement?, how about this – Of all the movies I have ever seen, War of the Worlds is the most in need of seeing in a theater. If you are interested in checking it out, see it in the theater or don’t bother (this coming from a home theater guy too), cause the star of the show is the special effects and sound -period. The story is the same as the original from H.G Wells – it is simple and to the point – Aliens from another world come to our planet to eliminate us and make earth their new home. Tom Cruise plays a divorced dad and dock worker, at no point is he trying to save the world like in other disaster films, we simply see the story through his eyes. For a summer blockbuster I give this a recommendation, but most unfortunate I have to lower my grade of the film cause of the terrible Hollywood ending………just terrible.
* * and ½

With a running time of 118 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Coach Carter

Coach Carter: Samuel L. Jackson stars as the coach in this story about a school of inner city kids in Richmond, California. What I liked about the movie is the message – Coach Carter comes into the basketball program not only to coach basketball, but to set standards for these kids to go to college. He has them sign contracts to maintain grades in school and really installs the idea that there is much more to achieve in life than being able to dribble a basketball. He goes to deep measures to make sure the kids get the message and in the mean time makes national news. As for what I didn’t like -- just about all of the acting…..Jackson was over the top, the kids were blah and the crowd reaction shots to the game action was laughable. Still this movie is based on a true story…..and a good story at that.
* * and ½

With a running time of 128minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Layer Cake

Layer Cake: This movie comes to us from the producers of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. Again we have an all British cast- this time the story revolves around a drug dealer….or as he says “a middle man in the drug business”. The movie starts with an easy premise, but as the story develops the more “layered” or confusing it all becomes. I think the idea was great, but they made the mistake of trying too hard to make the story surprising…..plus with English accents it makes it even harder to follow.
* * and ½

With a running time of 106 minutes
This film is rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind: The 1st great movie of 2004!! Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star in this highly imaginative story written by Charlie Kaufman. Kaufman's stories are brilliant and need the right director to some how bring it all to the screen, Michel Gondry does just that. Carrey plays Joel who goes to a clinic to have all his memories of his girlfriend (Winslet) erased. The movie then jumps into Joel's mind as memories are disappearing, visually amazing!! Things turn dramatic and true when Joel realizes just how much memories of people mean to us.
* * * * - highly recommended

with a running time of 109 minutes
this movie is rated R

The Bourne Supremacy

The Bourne Supremacy: Now this is how the summer action movie is suppose to be done. This film grabs your attention and forces you to keep watching. Matt Damon returns to play Jason Bourne, who is trying to be on the "down low" since the last time we saw him. Then he is framed for a botched CIA job and the action and suspense heat up. Throw in one of the best car chases ever filmed(*) and you have a VERY entertaining film.
* * *
with a running time of 111 minutes
this film is rated PG-13

(*) - French connection still the best car chase in cinema history

When Will I be Loved

When Will I Be Loved: I guess in a way I am excited to write this review.....because it is not often I can write this - This is one of the WORST movies I have EVER seen!!!!!! Neve Campbell stars in this dreadful film that deals with sexuality, money, and relationships. The movie is only 1 hour 24 minutes long so don't look for any insight into the characters, The movie is so hacked together you almost think the editor accidentally edited 2 different movies together. Director: "Hey let's throw in some pointless nudity with Neve Campbell to get people talking about the movie" - Yeah, talk about how bad this crappy film is. booooooooo
0 - stars

with a running time of 84 minutes - Now out on DVD
this film is rated R

Kill Bill volume 2

Kill Bill Volume 2: Quentin Tarantino concludes his revenge story. The story picks right up right were volume 1 ended, with a little recap...Uma Thurman's character is still seeking revenge on Bill and 2 other assassins who are on her list. The format of volume 2 is the same as 1, broken into chapters, Thurman's character gets into a situation then we see a flash back or story told about the past which lead to the situation she is currently in. If volume 1 was in high gear, volume 2 kicks it down a couple notches = Much slower paced, not as much action, but even more character development and humorous moments between them - (this is were Tarantino is a genius). I still recommend, just know it is slower moving and enjoy.
* * * - Kill Bill Volume 2 opens on Friday

with a running time of 124 minutes
this film is rated R

The Door in the Floor

The Door in The Floor: Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger star in this film based on the best selling novel A Widow for 1 year. Not knowing to much about the film I was expecting a thriller perhaps, but that did not happen.....actually nothing happened in the movie. The story is about a strange older couple and how they lost their two sons in an accident. I found the movie struggling to find a path....seemed like the film makers did not really know what they wanted to say and the result was a movie that did nothing for this viewer.
* -- stay away

with a running time of 111 minutes - New DVD
this film is rated R

Secondhand Lions

Secondhand Lions: Michael Cain, Robert Duvall, and Haley Joel Osmant star in this very good, very wholesome movie. Osmant plays a 13 yr old boy who is forced, by his Mom, to live with his two great uncles for the summer. The two uncles are rich, and the rest of the family is after the money, this is why Osmant's mother wants him to stay with them....to find the money. As stories arise of how the uncles got their money a bond is formed between the boy and his two aging, heroic uncles.
* * *

with a running time of 110 minutes
this movie is rated PG-13

Radio

Radio: Cuba Gooding Jr and Ed Harris star in the true story of a retarded boy and a man who took the time to care. Harris plays the role of high school football coach in a town that puts HS football above all. Radio (Gooding) starts coming around football practice and soon Harris has him on the sidelines. The coach realizes what is more important, it takes time for others to see, but soon Radio is embraced.
* *

with a running time of 98 minutes
this movie is rated PG

Dodgeball

Dodgeball: A screw ball comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller. When one gym owner wants to buy out another's gym he has to resort to a Dodgeball tournament with a cash prize of 50k. The story is not the important thing here, it is the characters and Stiller's is great. Vince Vaughn plays the straight guy and I feel they missed something there -- Jason Bateman comes in later with a great role and the rest of the cast is good as well.
* *

with a running time of 93 minutes
this film is rated R

A Home at the End of the World

A Home at the end of the world: Colin Farrell stars in this movie based on the best selling novel with the same name. BLAH! I feel the movie rushed the story, which by half way through was a good thing, cause I just wanted it to end. Growing up in a very open minded family (Farrell) sees his brother and mother die at a young age and his father dies while he was in high school. He then lives with his best friend's family, he later gets involved sexually with his best friend (him). The film goes on to show how important Family is.......overall a Dud!
*
with a running time of 92 minutes - DVD
this film is rated R

The Notebook

The Notebook: A sad love story that spans a lifetime. Noah and Allie meet while Allie's family is at their summer home in South Carolina. Her parents do not approve of Noah mainly because of his status: poor, but that does not keep the 2 of them from falling in love with each other. What really makes this movie stand out is the 2 main characters who were cast perfectly, but at the same time big thumbs down to the casting director for their choice of actors to play the characters when they are older. Based on the best selling novel by Nicholas Sparks, the film succeeds in showing us the power of love!
* * *
with a running time of 124 minutes - out on DVD
this film is rated PG-13

Sky Captain and the World Tomorrow

Sky Captain and the World Tomorrow: Shot completely in digital, nothing in the movie is real other than the actors. The look and the sound of the film are really the reason to see this! Jude Law plays the sky captain and Gwyneth Paltrow stars as the reporter following the action, as an evil scientist has a plan to destroy the planet and start a new on his own. While watching you will notice many references to other films, which I took as an ode to cinema past - being that this film is technologically at the high point. A good home theater set up will make this film that much more enjoyable....so turn up the volume a notch and enjoy!!!!!!
* * and a 1/2

with a running time of 93 minutes - on DVD now
this film is rated PG

The Incredibles

The Incredibles: Pure Joy! Might just be the best animated feature from Pixar thus far. The story is simple; a family of superheroes is living in a family protection program because the public is sick of them. When a want-to-be superhero comes up with an evil plan, the only ones to stop him are the family of the Incredibles. Action packed animation, “incredible” sound, so well written – this is a film that makes going to the movies FUN!!!
* * * *

With a running time of 121 minutes – out on DVD
This film is rated G

Melinda and Melinda

Melinda and Melinda: Will Ferrell and Radha Mitchell star in the new film which is written and directed by the great Woody Allen. The movie is split into two different stories, in each a girl comes to a dinner party uninvited. -- One side takes a tragic look at events that unfold; the other side turns it into a comedy. The point being, how close together Tragedy is to Comedy. Will Ferrell plays the leading man on the comedy side. This is the role Woody Allen would have played himself if he was 20 years younger, and it was the highlight of the film (a glimpse of yesteryear for Woody fans).
* * *
With a running time of 100 minutes - In Theaters now
This Film is rated R

Hidalgo

Hidalgo: Loosely based on true events in the 1890’s, this film tells the story of a great horse race across the deserts of Arabia. Viggo Mortensen plays Frank Hopkins who enters the race. What we have here is a simple story that the screenwriters tried to make deeper and with more angles to it, did not work for me. I also feel that they failed to make Hidalgo (the horse) into a character that we cared about….they tried, but again I did not think it worked. What did work was the race, from sand storms to swarm of bugs – we had the feeling of an adventure in a foreign land, that was what kept me watching.
* *

With a running time of 131 minutes (to long for this type of film)
This movie was rated PG

Vera Drake

Vera Drake: Imelda Staunton stars in this very deep and power film dealing with abortions in England in 1950. Staunton plays an excellent role as Vera Drake a wife and mother who cares so much for her family, at the same time she is administrating abortions to young girls. Vera sees what she is doing as helping someone who has no one to turn to. The movie works its way in so that the viewer sees both sides of the argument and is what makes the movie so compelling. I would only recommend this movie if you are in the mood for a deep drama.
* * *
With a running time of 125 minutes - Now on DVD
This film is rated R

The Motorcycle Diaries

The Motorcycle Diaries: The title gives this one away…..it is about a trip around South America on a motorcycle. One of the 2 people making the trip just so happens to be Che Guevara – Leader of the Cuban Revolution in the 1950’s. The movie has humorous moments, but is mainly a drama. What we see is a young man realizing his destination in life. I think the more familiar you are with Che Guevara’s life the more you will enjoy the film; I did not get much out of it.
* * and ½

With a running time of 127 minutes - DVD is in Spanish with English subtitles.
This film is rated PG

My top 10 movies of 2004

Out of the roughly 60 movies I saw that were released in the year 2004, here are the top 10 worth seeing..........
10. Collateral / In Good Company - wanted to mention them both
9. Before Sunset
8. Spiderman 2
7. Hotel Rwanda
6. Garden State
5. Finding Neverland
4. The Aviator
3. Sideways
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
1. Million Dollar Baby

National Treasure

National Treasure: Nicolas Cage stars in this Treasure Hunt. Set in modern day, Cage plays Ben Gates who’s whole family down the line has been searching for this mythical treasure that has been passed down for centuries. The Clues were laid out by our founding fathers; which means they are hidden in such place as the declaration of independence and such. I am a big fan of these kind of adventure movies…..sort of had a Goonies feel to it all. Problem I had was with Cage’s character….he was not cocky enough to play the cool action guy and not dorky enough to play the kind of guy that somehow finds himself mixed up in it all – just sort of there. Still this is a highly entertaining rental
* * *
With a running time of 131 minutes – out on DVD
This film is rated PG

The Aviator

The Aviator: Martin Scorsese directs this biopic of Howard Hughes, who is played masterfully by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film covers about 25 years of Hughes' life, from his early 20's - his 40's. Howard Hughes had inherited his families wealth and with it became a Hollywood star and the greatest visionary in the field of aviation. He dated the likes of Katharine Hepburn who is played by Cate Blanchet (she has best supporting actress in the bag), and Ava Gardner to name a few. The other aspect of Hughes' life is his phobia of germs and how is caused him to ultimately become a recluse. This came just short of movie of the year, everything about the movie is done so good, the only problem is the story did not feel complete when the lights went up.....still - an exceptional film!!!!
* * * and a 1/2

with a running time of 167 minutes
this film is rated PG-13

The Life Aquatic

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou: Bill Murray teams up with Wes Anderson again for a corky film about an oceanographer. The cast is great with Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe to name a few. This movie seemed a little slower than some of Wes Anderson's previous films, but still had the humor. The film will need multiple viewings to be truly appreciated.
* * *
with a running time of 119 minutes
this film is rated R