US Open Tennis

No, this isn't a movie. But I have to critique it because of the Andre Agassi match that lasted 3 some hours last week. I've been lucky to go to the US Open almost every year for the past 7 and out of those, most of the time, I got to see Andre play. He's meant a lot to the sport and deserves mention here on my movie blog and across news outlets worldwide. Why? Because there's nothing better than watching and emotionally participating in a true-to-life story. Hollywood can't make that up- well, they try, but many times fail. Life, truth, skill and conviction make great moments and great legends. The human drama of Thursday night's match was typically Andre- part of what has made him a legend and made fans want to cheer and gasp at every point. You always get a great game when you watch him because he's an expressive player that gives each game his all- no matter what his age. And I would sit and watch him play till all hours of the night not because I'm a tennis fan but because I am a fan of the human spirit. I'm sad to see him go. I hope another American steps-up like he did. Maybe it'll be Roddick or Blake, only time will tell. But there will only be one Andre. And Andre, I love you. And everyone will miss you at the Open.

Snakes on a Plane

I'm not going to see this movie. I saw this skit on Saturday Night Live where they had snakes on a plane and it was hilarious for 15 minutes with Wil Farrell like years ago. So look for it on re-runs of the show.

I do like Samuel L., so I know this movie is entertaining but shouldn't be dragged on for an hour and 1/2 with this premis. But probably some good action scenes and CGI snakes. Without seeing the movie I'd like to say, hey he should re-do his Pulp Fiction speech: The path of the righteous man... and blow some snakes away.

Anyway, I'll see it on the movie channel in about 6 months.

Worth the money rating: $$$ (for almost novelty but a great title)

Million Dollar Baby

Yes, I know I should have seen this movie a few years ago but I just saw it on one of the movie channels the other night.

Hillary Swank isn't my favorite actress based on the types of roles she chooses (I tend to like more fun or edgier stuff not just plain drama and struggle) but I met her once at a US Open Tennis match and she was very kind and gave me an autograph. Chad was a little more reluctant but she had a very big smile and a very pleasant, down-to-earth dimeanor.

I'm not sure why she always plays these gut-wrenching characters with major issues but she does. I didn't see Boys Don't Cry either and doubt I will.

But I do like Morgan Freeman, so I decided to watch this. I remember my roommate a few years ago said this was a real tear-jerker so I grabbed the kleenex and sat down in my big chair to watch the show. All prepared for what was to come.

Hillary wants to be a boxer and she bugs Clint until he says yes to training her. Clint has an estranged relationship with his very own daughter and so he treats Hillary as his daughter and takes care of her through thick and thin. Hillary under his tutiledge does well as a female boxer and is faced with a tough match that changes her life. This is where the kleenex would come in. Hillary was trying to prove herself to her mother and her family and to herself and through it all finds a lasting bond and friendship with her trainer, Clint. And the two become a family- father/daughter relationship.

I won't ruin the story for you, but I didn't cry. I just wanted the movie to be over but I did want to see how it ended. It wasn't horrible but you knew what was coming pretty much- all the drama.

But I think it was well acted on Eastwood, Swank and Freeman's part. And well shot. So if you're in the mood for a drama-filled movie, this is for you. Or perhaps you could do back to back Hillary movies and then watch an old episode of Melrose Place for a pick-me-up.

Worth the money: $$$

Superman Returns

Four friends tried to decide on a movie to see and through the process of elimination we picked this movie, since 3 out of the 4 hadn't seen it yet. They like me waited to see the movie because we couldn't imaging how this Superman movie could be any better than the original with Chrisopher Reeve or better than Smallville on the WB? Did it have a new story to tell?

Well, this movie wasn't better but it was entertaining. Kate Bozeworth was too young to be playing Lois Lane and the whole cast was too young compared to the villian, Lex Luthor. So that irritated me. Kevin Spacey didn't have enough good lines and I think his acting abilities were wasted in this movie. But I do love Parker Posey and she was right on funny somewhat like her character in Scream III.

However, I did like the special effects and the retelling of the same storyline was interesting with the new villianous plot to hold new land up to the highest bidder. But superman looked flawless on screen and even for a superhero his face looked too perfect like he was a 3D creation and not a person- well not an actor playing a hero anyway.

So basically, Lois has moved on from her love of Superman into the arms of the newphew of her boss at the Daily Planet. He's a good guy. One of my friends said, he was too nice, it was irritating. Yeah, I guess men being irritatingly nice would be a turn off compared to a superhero who saves you from a sinking ship or from being squashed from a building- where's the excitement? Hmmm. Well, anyway Lois has a normal life and with superman in her life again (thus the superman returns) she asks, where were you? Have we all been wondering where Superman has been? With everything going on in the world? It's nice to know Superman hasn't forgotten about all us little people and has returned because we all need our own heros to believe in to get through the bad stuff. But Lois struggles with her feelings and whether or not she needs Superman in her life again.

There's drama and action and if you're emotional, some sentiment and tears. But in the end, we were all surprised this was a good movie for it's gendre. My friend who really wasn't into seeing the movie at all said with enthusiasm and awe, "THAT was a GOOD movie." My other friend said, "I really enjoyed it!" And the third, who saw it for the second time said, "Still okay this time around." And I say, "Everytime is like the first time- when it comes to Superman."

Worth the money: $$$

The Devil Wears Prada

How cute was this movie?! Ann Hathaway is charming and fun in this adaptation of the book, that I didn't read. Meryll Streep is a convincing Editor at a voguesque mag and the cast is entertaining- though I would have liked to see more of Stanley Tucci.

Basically the story is about a girl who graduated from Northwestern with a degree in journalism who goes through the assistant pool and ends up in an interview with the devil herself, Amanda Priestly. Hathaway shows some pinache and ends up with the job as second assistant. She struggles to meet Amanda Priestly's expectations and loses herself in the world of fashion and experiences the heartlessness of the industry. In the end she has to choose between her career goals and her current job and her sanity.

The fashion is fun in the movie but not outrageous enough for this Voguesque lover- well conceptually I mean. I wanted it to be more off the pages of Vogue and it's cutting edge style but there wasn't a lot of that. I guess I wanted it to be more out of the box as a backdrop for the storyline. There were some cameos from models such as Giselle that were fun. But for the most part, it's Hathaway in a role somewhat like her character in the Princess Diaries, only here, she has a boyfriend ,and yes, she does have implied sex with him in the movie.

As far as the movie goes, I'm glad there weren't a ton of sex scenes or naked women, etc. But then again, it's about a fashion magazine so why weren't there naked models around?

It was entertaining but I felt it lacked something which made it come off a bit cliche and it so could have been fabulous. Oh well.

For a fun time passer this movie is cute. Oh and it has Entourage's Adrian in it. So it has some eye candy for everyone.

Worth the money: $$$ 1/2

Pirates of the Carribean, Dead Man's Chest

2 hours and 45 minutes. Way too long for an action movie that was B-O-R-I-N-G. I don't know where the storyline was, well, okay I do know what the storyline was but it was clear that this movie only cared about the action scenes and we're not talking inventive Crouching Tiger-like quality here. Okay, maybe one scene was cool involving a water wheel.

The first movie was great because it was a good mix of action, romance, discovery , comedy and, of course, pirates. One cool pirate in particular brilliantly acted by Johnny Depp. Unlike the first film, Orlando and Kiera just didn't seem to sizzle together, probably because of the lack of good lines and good plot to begin with. I felt very passive watching this film. I wanted to cheer or really laugh or really get excited but it was a flat line- lots of them.

I think this is just a typical case of why there's no need to make a sequel. A winner is a winner because it is original. It's just Hollywood's greed that keeps them churning out movies this lame. And they wonder why people don't want to spend money to go see movies outside of Blockbuster anymore.

The previews just said- pirates, pirates, pirates. I guess they did deliver on that, sort of. And dead man's chest wasn't a lie either. Guess you'll have to watch to know what I mean.

So I guess if you want something to pass the time, it certainlly does. If you're looking for something better to watch, wait for Miami Vice. (just kidding)

Worth the money rating: $$

The Break Up

Jennifer looks great in this film. Vince looks very chubby and I have no idea how this type of guy would have attracted this type of girl. Age-old mystery I guess. From the previews, this movie looks like it would be funny but those moments are few and far between. Unfortunately watching this movie is really like an hour and half of concentrated relationship arguments everyone has had in one or more of their relationships; only you can't walk away from it and play tennis or something to de-stress. So if you're not in the mood to feel lousy, don't go see this movie.

The ending is realistic in a way. It shows how really hard being in a relationship is and how most of us don't communicate things in ways the other person in our relationship understands. I did like seeing Jason Bateman in this movie vs. The Sweetest Thing. Keep picking better roles Jason.

Parts of the movie were really boring. No music or too much dialogue and not enough comedic breaks.

But if you want to stay in your current relationship, go see this movie with that person. The consequences for unclear communication are in technicolor and will make both of you think maybe the stuff you argue about is or isn't stupid.

Worth the money rating: $$$

Friends with Money

Okay, so it's another Jennifer Aniston movie. Her character reminds me of the one in The Good Girl. She's dowdy, weird and has no personality in this movie.

Someone said to me that no matter what they do to her, Jen will never look bad. I thought she looked like crap. As she was supposed to. So good going girl.

Anyway, the movie was interesting. It was more about relationships and not really about money. But I suppose the title wasn't just about money.

There's three very different married couples and then there's Jennifer who's alone; she's a maid because she quit her job as a teacher. She's struggling emotionally and wants a no-brainer job. Her friends try to justify her maid status by making excuses for her but wonder whether they'd be friends with her if they hadn't met her in their early less successful years.

All the couples struggle with their own issues. Some problems gets resolved, some don't- true to life.

It wasn't a depressing movie but it wasn't uplifting either. It was kind of - yeah that's life and there are parts that are good and parts that are bad. But in the end we have our friends or hope to have our friends.

I'm not sure it should have won any awards but it was an interesting movie. And it had a good cast.

Worth the money rating: $$$

X-Men- The Last Stand

This was a summer blockbuster. I was at Kinkos and I said I'd come back to pick up my stuff after the movie and the guy said, "You're going to go see X-men, right?" And I said, "Yeah, how did you know?" And he said, "Everyone wants to see that movie." I agreed.

I was excited watching a screen of mutants. The powers were cool and you wanted to know what happened to Jean and the Phoenix.

The storyline made you think, "Is it better to fit in or be happy that you're special and have unique powers?" Seems when you're different from the masses, you're persecuted. I guess all of us have had times when we were ridiculed for being different or thinking different- like high school.

I'm glad the mutants in this movie were humane. It is insane to wipe out differences. That's what creates progress.

As for the actors in this movie, they looked like they were having fun and they made you care about them. The screen was action-packed and you couldn't help but route for the mutant guys with the battle they were about to face.

Even if you're not a pure entertainment junkie, be a mutant and see it anyway.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

The Da Vinci Code

Just saw this movie. It was boring. I read the book knowing nothing about it but the book was worth it. I'm a huge fan of Ron Howard and for the most part the cinematography was really good. Obviously the locations were beautiful but the chemistry between actors was not.

Tom Hanks played the scholar, Langdon, but with little emotion. In tune with the character, but I wish he would have shown more charisma or machismo or something throughout the movie. His counterpart's character, Princess Sophie, was cute but not convincing as a problem code-deciphering heorine . I don't know why really, she just didn't make me feel anything one way or the other.

This movie seemed flat in general. I heard through the grape vine that it wasn't very good. But I wanted to see the locations and how the cripple actually explained the holy grail on the big screen. I preferred Ian M's character more in X-men as Magnito but he clearly outdid his co-stars in this movie. Perhaps he had the more interesting role. Playing the villian is always more fun and interesting, so the actors say on Inside the Actors Studio.

I suppose the hype for a movie and the controversy probably made expectations high for most people. I didn't have high expections going in but I was still bored. About 4 or 5 people walked out of the movie, they were so bored. I haven't seen that since Moulin Rouge; I think 1/2 the crowd walked out in the first 1/2 an hour of that movie. This one, they waited till the middle and packed it in.

I give Ron Howard kudos for making the movie. He knew it would be judged harshly by religious critics as well as movie critics and book buffs. Perhaps he should try making Angels and Demons into a movie. I'd like to see the Vatican diamond burning on the big screen.

The movie does make you want to see Paris though, so maybe they could re-edit it and use it for a tourism video.

Worth the money rating: $$$

Annapolis

It was a few months ago when I saw this, I think. This movie wasn't memorable. It had some fatal flaws. It tried to be too much like An Officer and a Gentleman. And who can really be better than Richard Gere? The acting was horrible, not sure if it was the material or the lack of emotion on screen. Sure army life is tough everyone knows that. But where' the human story we can all route for?

The actor from Spiderman and the girl from Fast and the Furious co-star. There wasn't much chemistry between the two and there was no sex scene so wasn't sure why this attraction element was added to the film, well maybe I do. I think it's just so they could rip off the pick up scene from Top Gun where Maverick doesn't know who his teacher is and tries to pick her up in a bar. Only Top Gun had that singing and it was 1000 times better.

Okay, unless you want to waste $11 bucks. Skip it altogether.

Worth the money: $ 1/2

Glory Road

Not sure what the guy's name is who plays the lead, Joshua something from Sweet Home Alabama. He plays a basketball coach who wants to lead a AA school to victory. In order to coach in this premium league he has to go to a HS that offers very little money and conviences. What he finds is something money can't buy - heart. He takes a group of rough players and teaches them the skills to be better men on and off the court. It's based on a true story and offers some good excitement and lots of mellodrama including racial tension.

It's an uplifting story. Just as in life, in the movies, you want to see people who've worked for success obtain it. You already know the ending but it's entertaining to get there. You may cry a little, and laugh a little, just the kind of stuff a movie should have you do every once in awhile.

Worth the money: $$$$

Inside Man

Clive Owen is sexy in this new bank robbing film. He plays your not so typical head bank robber who takes on Denzel Washington, a negotiater with the NYPD, who wants to make Detective 1st grade. What I like about this film is that there's no sex scenes to break up the momentum of the movie. And it's about two things, what are they robbing from the bank? And how is a past wrong, righted? What kind of guy is Clive Owen's character? You have to watch to find out. Can a bank robber be good and bad?

Jodi Foster is in this movie for like 10 minutes. I could have lived without her role because I don't feel her reason for being in the film isn't what made the movie compelling. It's a guessing game at a leisure but sort of tense pace. It's entertainig enough to have you watch till the very end but you may guess the ending before it comes.

If you're a Denzel fan or Clive or even Jodi, you'll enjoy it.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

Harry Potter

Well, we're on movie 3? or is it 4? I've seen them all, and this one wasn't my favorite. Not sure if it's because the actors are older or that the story lacked in places.

Sorry, but I haven't read any of these books but I'm sure there is a debate as to which is better. But I'm sure the book was great compared to the movie.

In the Goblet of Fire, Harry finds himself in the Tri-Wizard Tournament which is a skills competition between a school of girls, a school of rough boys and Hogwarts. The challenges faced at the different stages of the tournament bring out Harry's virtues and fears. He faces Lord Voldemort again. Lives are lost. And Harry gets his first crush.

I would have liked to have seen more of the romance but I guess at 14, what is there to tell?

The adults in this film like Alan Rickman as Professor Snape are great. Although I do miss the old Dumbledor. The special effects are fun and well done.

The ending was flat.

Worth the money: $$$

Pride and Prejudice

This movie was awesome. Jane Austen's novel was brought to life on the big screen, exactly as it should be. Keira Knightley was a believable "Lizzy" and Mr. Darcy, Mathew Macfadyen or "MM" was Mr. YuMMy- well in a brooding, dark sort of way. His eyes gave way to his soul- a bitter-sweet guy. Just the kind we all want to be our Mr. Darcy in real life.

Anyway, it's sad to think that's all women had to think about was finding a husband but this tale is certainly entertaiing. The time period costumes were fun and I liked hearing Knightley banter with her quick wit, hurried speech and that twinkle in her eye. This is probably the best role I've seen her in. Much preferred to her Excalibur role, though Clive Owen was one hot Arthur. Which would have motivated me to be in that film as well.

It's a fun tale of love for the holiday season. Eat it up, but remember you can always purge after the holidays are over if you're not of that sort.

Worth the money: $$$$

King Kong

It was 11p.m. Friday night when I went to see this movie. Who knew it was 3 hours long? Needless to say, it wasn't worth staying awake for.

I didn't see the original King Kong. But the famous scene of him being on the Empire State Building everyone knows. This movie was laughable. I say that because Naiomi Watts was over the top as the "beauty" in this movie. The scenes she shares with King Kong seem somewhere out of a storybook Disney movie while the others seem like a Jurassic Park re-do.

The special effects are quite good in areas, and unbelievable (being bad) in other area. I found myself laughing through the island scenes and the savages found on Kong's island were from yet another movie it seemed.

The ending was flat and overdramatized. It all seemed like a bad silent film and the dialogue made it worse.

This is the first time I've seen Jack Black cast in a more serious role but I'd rather watch him again in School of Rock.

This movie is a loser. And not worth your attention for 3 hours no matter what hour you start.

Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2

Flightplan

Jody Foster's character reminds me of the character she played in "Panic Room". An over-protective mother. We don't know if she's crazy and imagining her daughter on board the plane or not. So the set up of the movie for 3/4 is only about that. Everyone looks suspicious. Then the truth comes out. For a blah ending at best.

This is a boring movie though Foster tries to make it believable. And the script lacks dialogue as well as action. It's just Foster yelling at everyone and panicking.

There are some good actors here, not to mention Christianson from Traffic and the guy from Garden State who's one of Braf's friends. Can't remember his name. But their roles were just not at all interesting as support actors.

It did pass the time but I'd wait for this on rental. It's not worth 11 bucks to see it.

Worth the money rating: $$$

Two For the Money

Matt fans will love this movie. So will Pacino fans.

Two for the money is about Brandon (McConnahey) an X-college football star that needs a new occupation due to a bad injury, so he gets a part time gig placing bets for people at a small company. Due to his success, Pacino offers him the big time and he brings him to NY. Pacino's character is very much like the one in THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE. He gives McConnahey choices that lead him down a dark path and in the end McConnahey has to choose between his soul and money.

Rene Russo is in this film for a short time. Luckily she's not naked like in THE THOMAS CROWNE AFFAIR. Though that was a good movie for obviously other reasons. Her role is less than secondary. I don't know why she's really in the movie at all. I am glad this movie has no sex scenes at all. What it does have is lots of football and not so surprising insights on the gambling game.

This movie plays a formula with some fun witty words. When you're up you're up, when you're down, you're really down.

I like Matt and Al too much to be down on this film. It's not the most original story I've ever seen but I'm a betting kind of gal, so I say, take a chance.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

Red Eye

Wes Craven's Red Eye was not so great. I wanted to like this movie because I loved his Scream movies but here's wasn't a ton of gore in this movie or enough suspense to make it very engaging or scary. I thought Rachel McAdams wasn't bad but there wasn't enough of the storyline for her to work with to make it interesting. I didn't expect it to be Nightmare on Elmstreet but it was too cutsie for me.

McAdams plays a woman who works at a five star hotel in Miami who goes to Dallas for her grandmother's funeral. There she runs into a nice guy (the psych doctor in Batman Begins) in the line waiting for a delayed red eye flight. They chat for awhile and end up sitting next to each other on the plane. Nicities turn into an assassination plot with her father as collateral. McAdams has to choose between her father's life or someone else's. On the plane she tries more than once to get away but is stopped by her tormentor and counts the minutes before the flight lands.

The ending is somewhat reminscent of Scream where Sydney says, "Not in my movie." But not as good. No surprises or intricate plot twists. Way too predictable.

I don't feel as though any of the characters were developed enough for me to care. The man who plays McAdams' father is flat. Previously he was King Agamemnon in TROY. I can only imagine that this actor didn't have enough lines or scenes for us to really care about him.

Anyway, you can wait for this one on rental. And if you fall asleep before you finish, you don't have to worry about missing anything.

Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2

Peace One Day

Tuesday September 20th is the eve of a day of peace that the whole world celebrates. Jeremy Gilley (Dir./Prod./Writer Peace
One Day) chronicles his mission to get the world to agree to observe one day a year without fighting and bloodshed.

I saw this documentary last year and it was a moving film. It was amazing how much he had to go through to get governments and leaders to agree on one date in Sept. I recommend everyone to see it if they can this year.

Learn more at www.peaceoneday.org
e-mail: info@peaceoneday.org

God of War

I probably wouldn't have gone to see this movie but one of my friends wanted to go. It ended up being pretty darn good.

In the war-filled times we live in, this storyline really hits home and leaves you to wonder who the War Lords really are- those that sell guns or those that direct people to sell guns.

Nicolas Cage plays a second generation Russian from Little Odessa in NY who wants to do more with his life than live in his neighborhood, so he sells his first gun. This opens him up to selling to bigger players- Russian mafia- and ultimately to rulers of nations to meet their political agendas.

My friend who saw this with me said the movie felt like a documentary. I agree it had that quality. It literally takes you through a decade of political upheaval and truck/plane-loads of guns in remote locations. It's crazy how the selling of weapons was always a constant whether countries were at war or not at war. That's a frightening thought.

Cage marries his dream girl and has a cute as a button kid. But can't seem to keep it all together but enjoys the game so much he's willing to sacrifice them. He's also pursued by a law-abiding, rule-following detective played by Ethan Hawke. Although Hawke is only in the movie for short periods of time, I thought his performance was good. Much like his character gone hard in Training Day. He also symbolizes the futility of stopping corruption when it is so ramped and backed by governments.

This movie portrays what a man that sells weapons has to give up and what he has to gain. And how can he justify selling weapons to countries that will kill women, children and even themselves?

This movie was well shot with gritty scenes reminiscent of Traffic without the wobbly hand-held style camera work. I also liked how beautifully, corrupt the locations looked and how all of it seemed unbelievably real. Probably because war is real and whether it's a movie or not, the truth about its effects can't be hidden.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

I usually don't see horror flicks unless they're slasher films like Scream but the courtroom aspect of this movie intrigued me so I said what the hell- and because my friend made me go so she'd have someone to scream with.

Anyway, this is supposedly based on a true story about Annaliese Michel, a woman from Germany who died after priests spent eight months trying to exorcise demons from her body. According to the movie, Brunner (the defense attorney) handed over her case files so that this movie could be made and Emily Rose's story could be told.

Erin Brunner (Laura Linney) is hired to represent Farther Moore (Tom Wilkinson) against prosecutors who say Emily Rose's death was a negligent homicide based on medical evidence. As you know, exorcism is not based on medical facts but on spiritual factors, and Father Moore needs to find a believer in an agnostic Brunner in order to win his case.

As the tale unfolds through courtroom witnesses, a normal Emily Rose, 19, going to college for the first time, starts behaving strangely and is diagnosed to have everything from epilepsy to schizophrenia and is given medication by physicians in order to cure her condition. Her condition worsens and she leaves school to join her parents. Her parents being devout Christians believe Emily is possessed. They trust their fate to God and to their parish priest, Father Moore.

The Vatican doesn't want Father Moore's testimony to cast shadows on the church and Linney is hired by them to make sure she tries his case with the least amount of publicity. As series of events happen and Linney learns more about Emily Rose's case and she finds her faith tested by more than demons—her bosses, her common sense and her instincts.

I have to be honest, I thought the courtroom scenes were quite good except for Campbell Scott who plays the DA but he comes off flat and odd looking with a mustache. His lines weren't that good but he just was wrong for the part altogether. I didn't believe he was a compelling Christian DA. On the up-side Linney and Wilkenson held up about equally in their performances.

The scenes of Emily Rose going through the exorcism are reminiscent of THE EXORCIST of course and any other creepy movie you've seen regarding this matter. There are less special effects and more psychological stuff going on in this movie, so although 1/2 the time my hands were over my eyes, I didn't miss the storyline.

The end of the movie was interesting. It left you to think about what you believe not only as a Christian but also as a human being when it really comes down to it.

I'd say see this movie even if you're a scary movie wimp like me. I enjoyed the trial scenes and message of this movie. And you can always go see it with someone who makes you laugh and reminds you that it's just a movie and not real life- or is it?

Worth the money rating: $$$

The 40 year old virgin

I saw this at least a week ago. I think I was in a good mood when I saw this but... I didn't love this movie. I thought parts of it were funny but it was pretty much formula the whole way. Maybe I just hate male virgins. Who knows.

Anyway, I forgot the character's name and the actor who played him. But obviously the story line is about a guy who never lost it. He collects models and action figures and rides a bike- doesn't drive. I'd say virigin doesn't have to equal geek but in this case, I guess they're synonomous.

So once his virginity is announced at the electronics store he works at, his co-workers are on a mission to get him laid. Of course, they give him bad advice about relationships and sex. And he ends up pursuing one woman who sells things on E-bay.

The ending is sappy and basically the whole movie is stupid. But if you like sappy, stupid movies this one is for you.

If I had to choose between this and Wedding Crashers, it's Wedding Crashers hands down. I just thought this movie was boring and again stupid. But I did hear that he got a real waxing and filmed it live- guess that's worth something

Worth the money rating: $$$

Must Love Dogs

I remember Diane Lane in Streets of Fire when she was like 18 with the guy from the Eddie and The Cruisers movie- Michael Peir (Pare?) whatever and The Fabulous Stains where she played this screwed up rock-n-roller (if my memory serves me correctly.)

Seems odd that she's playing a divorce or Mom- she was a mom in JACK with Robin Williams where he plays a boy who's body grows up unbelievably fast but his mind doesn't. Anyway, Lane plays a divorce, here, with the typical nosey large family who keeps trying to set her up. Her sister puts her profile on Perfectmatch.com and she embarks on the world of dating again. One of the men she meets is her father- weird- and the other, John Cusak. He has been recently divorced and is scared as well to get back on the dating scene but seems to find Lane a charming mess when he meet her for the first time in an awkard first date with their dogs at the park.

The movie goes through miscommunications and you don't really know why these two people like each other. They go out on a few dates. Maybe this is real for the movies and perhaps in real life, but it wasn't compelling enough for me to root for them to be together.

This is a cute movie. A time passer. Definitely a video rental when you want to wear your jammies and eat some Ben and Jerry's not because you're feeling bad, but because you just feel like watching a movie and eating full-fat ice cream.

I've been a Cusak fan forever since, Say Anything, Better Off Dead and The Sure Thing are my favorites. He plays the same characters all the time- that nice guy with some quirks who you can lose your virginity to, talk all night with, pound a beer in a hotel room to CA with, who'd still respect you in the morning. After being on the dating scene, finding someone who cares about you is exactly what this movie tried to tell you. But it'd probably be more fun to go out there and experience this for yourself. Unless, of course, you were on a date watching this movie.

Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2

The Dukes of Hazzard

I used to love this show when it was on TV. Beau had this soft accent with curly blond hair and Luke was the nice guy. They both wore tight Wranglers and muscled up some fun craziness in a boring, Sourthern town. I hated Johnny Knoxville as Luke. And this movie had zero charm. It missed what the original series had- that fun Sourthern appeal and little bit of mischief.

I suppose when a single story-line show tries to be an hour and 1/2 long movie, it most doubtely would be boring. This movie dragged and was just plain stupid. The only scenes I liked were when the scenes would freeze and the voice would come on and ask a question for emphasis— like in the original series. I thought Jessica Simpson looked good but acted stupid as usual. She's no Catherine Bach. But I thought she was better than the other actors in this movie because she didn't try to be something she wasn't. She was just eye candy in the movie; wish the boys would have been better looking. Their scenes on an Atlanta campus just didn't seem to fit the premise of this movie. It took it out of Hazzard County and into modern times— not at all like the backwards hillbilly type vibe it should be.

The General Lee was the best part of this movie and some of the car stunts were fun. I thought this movie would be a fun ride in general but sorry Charlie, this movie is a total stinker even if you loved the original Dukes of Hazzard.

Worth the money rating: $

The Island

This movie was a loser. I say that because it seemed like a rip-off of The Matrix— not the action scenes but the people for spare parts idea, like food for the machines in pods etc.

Anyway, Johanson and McGregor are hot actors but not very good actors in this film. McGregor is a clone who starts questioning the artificial world he lives in which he address to the almighty doctor that runs an underground shelter world where McGregor lives. McGregor and Johanson have an attraction to each other and when she learns that she is chosen to go to the Island by the weekly lottery, he stops her from going. He had learned earlier that day that there is no Island. It's an illusion and he fears for Johanson's life, so they leave the underground shelter community chased by a bounty hunter and his associates.

They get out into the real world assisted by a friend with the idea that they should find their real counterparts to tell them that they, as clones, are real people and that surely their extinction should be stopped. The pursuit ends by McGregor going back to the arificial world where her came from. There we find out whether or not the Doctor who created these clones really has a "God complex" and whether or not his money making insurance policies should be elimiated.

Guess who wins. Snore. There were a ton of action scenes and it was sort of entertaining but the bad storyline just made everything mediocre for me. So, if it's 1000 degrees out like it was the day I saw this, it's worth it going to the movies, even if it's a bad movie.

Worth the money rating: $$$

Wedding Crashers

Even if you're not a wedding lover, you'll find this movie fun and sort of unexpected.

I love Owen Wilson and he plays his loveable self in yet another "guy" movie. The charm he brought to Shanghai Noon shines through in his romantic scenes as he fumbles through finding love. Vince Vaugh plays the funny best friend to Wilson and the two crash weddings just to get laid but find that they may be in over their heads.

A high class wedding is the finale to their wedding crashing escapades. Vaugh finds a crazy young woman and Wilson finds a reserved but fun-loving girl. Through the course of spending time with the two women, who belong to the same well-to-do family, they get into one mishap after another. Some of the scenes were really funny and I don't want to ruin them for you, but it was silly and surprising and just the stuff real life is about- when you're a wedding crasher.

It's an entertaining, feel-good movie that you can watch with your buddies and just have a good time.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Tim Burton rocks! This movie was awesome- a total eye orgasm. It may not appeal to some though, since the characters are over the top and very odd—Wonka being the oddest. Depp does an awesome job of staying in character and being a driven businessman all-consumed by candy.

Burton brings the factory alive with magic and a cool update on the 70's film with Wilder. I have to admit I haven't seen the original in years but now I'll have to see it again just to compare. The original was great, this was very Tim Burton right down to the Oompa Loompas. Their songs were hilarious and I laughed through the whole movie. The original kind of spooked me a little and it seemed very serious. This one was actually funny, off-beat, and heart warming.

I'm not going into detail about what happens, the storyline is already known. But I'd recommened a blue rasberry slushie to go with it. I had the large, and it really set the mood.

It's a little intense in scenes for really really young kids but most of the kids in the theatre were giggling and seemed to enjoy the show. Get to the theatre early. I had to go to two different theatres in order to see it because it was sold out.

I loved it so much I'm going to go see it again. Just for fun or maybe it's for another slushie- well, maybe for a jawbreaker that'll last forever.

Worth the money rating: $$$$$

Bewitched

It was hot and rainy out today, the perfect day to see a magical film. This movie was cute, and very simple and cheesy. And Nicole Kidman was stiff and over played her character Isabelle.

Kidman wants to be human. She's tired of dating warlocks and people like herself. So she gets a house in the suburbs, a Volkswagen and gets discovered to play Samantha on a show tabooed by witches- Bewitched. Will Farell playes her opposite, Darren, but is a washed up movie star turned TV actor. He's a selfish, egotistical Hollywood type guy with Schwartzman (loved him in Rushmore) as his agent.

Kidman, Isabelle, wants to really fall in love and experience "real" things like friends and jobs and turning the sprinkler on in her front yard. She tries hard not to use her powers but after feeling as though, Farell is playing her, she turns real witch.

It's a cute premise and with or without the nose twitching, this movie was like cotton candy, and by the end you were gagging on its sweet goodness. If you like that sort of thing, then you'll like this movie.

There were some guys there, most likely because Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was sold out, probably dragged as well. Unless your man is a sap, do him a favor and send him to Wedding Crashers.

Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2

The Fantastic 4

The only good thing about the Fantastic 4 was that it had three hot people in it. The rest of the movie sucked ass. It tried to be as entertaining as X-men but failed. Jessica Alba isn't much better in this movie than she was in Honey. But at least I liked the music in that movie.

The guy who was in Cellular last year is nice eye candy. He tries at some funny lines but he's like that annoying guy who thinks he's "all that" 24/7- he gets annoying. The guy from Nip/Tuck plays an okay bad guy but I liked him much better as Balthazar in Spelling's "Charmed" TV series.

The special effects weren't bad. The rock character was pretty interesting to watch. And some of the crash 'em up scenes were okay, although most of them were on the trailer.

The movie is about a scientist who is so engrossed in his work that he sells his idea to a colleague from MIT who has built a successful company and the only invention that can bring about reconstructing DNA or something scientific like that. They go out into space and an experiment gone awry changes their molecular structure. After they find out by accident what their powers are, they work around the clock trying to get rid of them.

Alba used to be in love with the scientist but is now with the successful suit, which causes a love triangle to form. I didn't care who ended up with whom because the movie was just too boring. I couldn't believe how bad it was. But even at that, it was better than War of the Worlds. But that's not saying much. No Oscars here folks.

See this movie if you're bored and want to get out of the heat! It's definitely a rental.

Worth the money rating: $$ ½

An oldie but goodie---Spellbound

Alfred Hitchcock is still one of my favorite story tellers. Spellbound was on the other day and I had to watch it. It stars Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck and takes place in an asylum- well as crazy as in-patient care was in the 40's.

Bergman plays a psychiatrist who has a cold demeanor but who is very dedicated to her psychoanalysis of her patients. A new famous shrink who comes into town, played by Peck. Bergman. She suddenly thaws in his presence and a romance ensues. The twist is that Peck could be a murder masquerading as a psychiatrist and Bergman uses her expertise to help him snap out of his convenient amnesia. But will it reveal an innocent patient or a murderer?

Even though I'm used to past-paced action scenes with things blowing up and super witty dialogue in order to create suspense, this movie still holds my attention and I didn't feel as though I missed a thing. There were no elaborate screams or special effects, just some good old entertainment.

Some of my favorite Hitchcock works are: Strangers on a Train, Vertigo, Rear Window, North by Northwest and Notorious. And if you've never seen ROPE, see it. It takes place in one apartment for the whole movie but the suspense is not lost. This goes to show you that a good story can hold up against today's blockbusters. And sometimes it's just nice to bring the sex, violence and bad language down a few notches.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

On video--A Taxing Woman

This movie is a Japanese film by director Juzo Itami from 1987. It won 9 Japanese Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor & Best Actress.

A Taxing Woman is exactly what the title says. Ryoko is a female tax inspector. She lives for her work. Many big business owners in Japan try to hide their tax earings since the tax rate is so high. Ryoko finds Gondo, a tax cheat, who owns "love hotels" all over and is on the hunt to bring him down. She is promoted to be an inspector and chases Gondo to uncover his shady dealing and money hiding stunts. The two form a friendship as only adversaries can. Who will win? You'll have to watch to find out.

This movie was funny in that it had interesting cat and mouse music, bad outfits and nudity for no reason. It was fun to watch but a little slow in parts where you could definitely go get a slice a pizza but you'd miss the subtitles and then where would you be? I rewound a few times but after awhile you kind of know what's going on without them.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

On Video-- Raise the Red Lantern

I decided to watch a few foreign films that a friend gave me on video. This one was nominated for Best Foreign Language film in 1991. It's a film by Zhang Yimou- I have no idea who this person is. But the film was excellent.

The movie is set in 1920's China. A 19 year old girl, who was at the University, is now the Fourth Wife to a wealthy man who has to share her husband with 3 other wives that live in the same household. Each wife has a differerent house and when the husband spends the night with one of them lanterns are lit at their house. This is one of the many traditions that are followed. The more the husband spends with the wife, the more priviledges she gets. Each wife does her best to get the husband to spend all his time in their beds. The Fourth Wife learns of the other wives and servants manipulation and plots against her for her husbands affections. And soon she decides to join in the game to win the household for herself.

Even though it was in another language, the subtitles were easy to read and the story was well acted. It flowed naturally and kept you hooked. The cinematography was beautiful and I believed I really was a part of this screwed up household.

Worth the money rating: $$$$$

War of the Worlds

I have mixed feelings about this film. I saw this at an old theatre that had the sound coming from behind the screen and all the sharp sounds made my ears hurt. The blood and guts and the aliens made my eyes hurt. The aliens in this film looked stupid even though they tried to follow the original War of the Worlds.

Tom Cruise plays a Dad that isn't a very good Dad. His son and daughter rely on their mother and this particular weekend they're staying with their Dad to spend some quality time together- all parties reluctant. In the back yard a strange storm is brewing– at first cool then creepy. Cruise goes to the center of town to see what's going on and realizes that they're being attacked.

Cruise flees with his son and daughter in the only working vehicle just a few minutes ahead of the aliens. But they catch up. The whole movie is about survival. How is Cruise going to survive and bring his kids through this, if there is, in fact, a way to escape being eliminated.

This film has the destruction of 9/11 and what we'd imagine the end of the world looking like. The only acting I found to be compelling was Dakota Fanning, Cruise's daughter. She's a good screamer. And we see mostly how this attack affects her.

The ending to this film was major cheese after the intense hours of special effects and destruction. You really didn't care whether or not anyone died. There was no routing for the common guy to win- not even when the world was ending.

So, if you're in the mood for an alien film, watch E.T. or Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Better aliens. Better stories. Better movies.

Worth the money rating: $$

Batman Begins

How sweet was this movie! It rocked. Christian Bale was hot and dark and strong and did I mention hot?

Batman Begins goes into more depth about the ramifications of Bruce Wayne's parents dying. It shows how Bruce's fears have always made him feel alone and lost. He travels to Asia and learns combat under the guidance of Liam Neeson. But can't commit to the rules of his new tutors and returns home to Gotham. The city is flooded with crime and the board at Wayne Enterprises is going public, leaving Wayne searching to find a way to save himself and the city by becoming Batman. With the help of policeman, Gordon, and an inventor at Wayne Industries, Bruce takes on the biggest villain in the city- the Scarecrow. Katie Holmes plays a persistent Assistant District Attorney whose passion for justice puts her in danger and right into the arms of the man she loves.

Danger, Asian mystique, cool cars, beautiful people, and bats– this movie has it all. It's a thrill ride that's on the dark side of a story we all know so well. This is by far the best Batman movie made.

Worth the money rating: $$$$$

Cinderella Man

Ron Howard rocks as the director of Cinderella Man. He depicts the Great Depression with such realism that you could taste it. Like Apollo 13, this movie has a different kind of enemy- life, in this instance the Great Depression. It was strong enough to break many men and families apart but not even extreme poverty would tackle Jim Braddock.

Boxer, Jim Braddock finds the strength to box better than he did before the Great Depression because he was man with nothing to lose. He boxed for the welfare of his family. He boxed for the morale of his country. And he boxed because he was willing to give it everything he had to beat the odds. He was a true hero, not because he was super human but because he was a man. A man that loved his family, his life and knew that things could be better.

I saw an interview with Ron and Russell after the movie sneak peak. They spoke of how every boxing scene told it's own story just like Howard had done for the fires in Backdraft. And how this movie could have been seen without any words at all.

Crowe did a magnificent job of acting as did the whole cast. Here is a story I hope parents tell their children in place of fairy tales. It's better because it actually happened.

Worth the money rating: $$$$$

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

This film is based on the book by Fortune Magazine reporters Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind. It's written and directed by Alex Gibney. He examines the rise and fall of Enron tracing it from as far back as 1987.

The film opens with the question WHY?

The film tries to show the greed, the motivation and the catalysts of the world's seventh largest company- how it took years to build and two months to destroy. The key Executives were Kenneth Lay and Jeff Skilling. They created an atmosphere where the only objective was to make money by any means necessary– even if that meant shutting power plants down in California. The brokers laughed why they dictated to Wall Street what was profitable and what was not. Enron's "aggressive accounting" philosophy made it appear that the company was highly profitable when it was millions in debt. One lie masqueraded another and soon a female whistle-blower led to the fall of this highly ambitious business and major manipulator of stocks, ethics and capitalism. This movie shows how empires are made and what kind of people contributed to this corporate animal- it wasn't politics as usual. It was peculiar accounting, abnormal stock traders and the influence of the Bush White House.

At the end of the movie, Gibney calculates what the Enron executives made vs. what was lost in 401K's, pensions and jobs, not to mention years of loyalty. It's sick to see how much money people lost, so that three people could gain.

Obviously the subject matter was interesting to start with, but Gibney added moments of laughter. Truly the greed and corruption that goes on in Corporate America and Enron's CEO's denials of truth are comical. In Gibney's eyes, Enron may be the first to get caught but won't be the last Goliath to overtake Wall Street. Let's hope investors add their numbers much better next time and learn to say NO.


Worth the money rating: $$$ ½

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Here's a movie where I actually read the book first. The book was great. The movie was cute. The casting was right on. I often find that the books are better than the movies so I tend to not read them so I can just see the movie and have no expectations. I think if you haven't read this book, the movie will seem better.

Four girls are best friends since birth. Their mothers met during a pregnancy exercise class and now the girls are in their teens leaving each other for one summer for the first time. They form a pact that a pair of jeans, that magically fits all of them, will be sent from one girl to the next and they will write on the jeans what happened when they wore them.

One girl goes to soccer camp. Another girl goes to catch up with her divorced father. The other goes to Greece to visit grandparents and sketch. The last girl stays at home to make a documentary film on the people who work at a convenience store. Each girl runs into situations that makes them grow and they share these experiences by letters to the other girls all summer.

It's a coming of age story about different kinds of love and how friendship helps you deal with it. So if you're not in the mood for sentiment, don't see it. It is mushy and soft.

A second book came out last year. I think I'm going to wait for the movie this time to see what happens.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

How hot can the screen get? In this case... luke warm.

Even though the lead actors were Angelina and Brad, there wasn't enough sizzle to make me hot. Perhaps I'm a hard sell. But I expected a lot more of this movie.

Jane and John are married for about 5 or 6 years. They explain how they met and how boring married life-complacency is. The action is slow to start and has breaks that kill the momentum of the movie. There were pauses for laughs and some winks and some forced comedic scenes. Seeing Angelina shoot guns and be tough isn't a new thing since she's done two Tomb Raider movies. I had the same problem with those movies, too slow of a pace. I was bored by those films and bored by this one.

The storyline lacked. There wasn't even enough sex. The movie was PG13 but I felt teased by only having one sex scene. What are movies for if not to fantasize? Maybe 2 hot people don’t make a hot movie. Kind of like two beautiful people don't make a cute baby.

Anyway, some people clapped for joy that it was a fun ride when it ended. I think Mr. and Mrs. Smith was in the National Treasure area of movies, only National Treasure was a better movie. It was more fun and interesting- fresher. This movie feels as though it was just was put together to make money. And although Brad and Angelina have some chemistry, I just don't think the movie was great. It was trying too hard to be a blockbuster.

For the action sequences, see this movie on-screen. There are some fun kabooms. But this movie is definitely a rental. Angelina and Brad's off screen love affair is much more interesting. Real life often is.

Worth the money rating: $$ ½

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Finally a movie worth going to— or is it?

I'm a huge Star Wars fan. The last two Star Wars movies were total bombs- special effects were great but the the storyline lacked luster. I asked a couple people before I went to this movie whether or not this installement was worth seeing. Of course, I would have seen it anyway, because it's like watching bad reality TV, you just have to see how things turn out. The reviews were mixed- it was darker than the Empire Strikes Back and possibly almost as good as the original triology. The other review was that it was disappointing and the characters weren't developed enough like Anikan and Padme's love affair. The acting wasn't strong enough.

The road is paved with good intentions- this would hold true for young Skywalker. In an effort to protect those that he loves, Anakin decides to fight his good side and become the right hand man for the Emperor. He is angered by the Jedi counsil for not seeing the vision the Emperor has for peace and for himself- becoming the all powerful Jedi he was destined to be. His passion and ambition make him turn against his masters, Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Jedi way. Every step Anakin takes toward the dark side, makes me think how easy it is for all of us to let events in our lives change the core of who we are- our doubts make us believe the worst of people and ourselves and at the end of the day the only question is, how we got where we are and how we can never go back because we've crossed that line. Evil wins sometimes. In today's world it's fear, terrorists, those that can destroy our way of life, and how are we to fight back? Would fear cause any of us to turn the wrong way to protect what we have and not be good, compassionate people anymore?

What I've always liked about Star Wars is that it asks the question- what if? What if there was this personified war of survival against some insurmountable force? Let's not be too deep but the truth is that there is always a struggle between good and evil. Whether that's on a local or global level. But how do we judge what is the right way? In Star Wars it is clear who is good and who is evil- in real life it's hard to tell. But don't we all want peace? Security? Happiness? Anakin thinks he's doing what's right but ends up losing it all- his love, his limbs and his humanity.

I guess this movie makes us feel something different for Darth Vader than the other movies-compassion. It's hard to have that for the enemy but if we don't, do we become our own enemy? Does that change us into being more dark and evil for not being able to see another side of a coin? And can peace happen with everyone taking sides and no one bringing us together?

Yoda is kick-ass in the movie as being a spry younger Yoda with some great moves. Obi-wan bored me. Ewan McGregor didn't come off as a larger than life hero to me. There was definitely a need for better dialogue and parts of the story seemed hurried such as when Padme names her new born babies. Was Lucas in a hurry to just get done with the film? Seems so in parts. The special effects were stunning and Christensen gave a compelling performance as Vader. But everything seemed too cartoony and hollow if that's a word.

Over all this movie was entertaining. It was a dark installment in the Star Wars saga, perhaps I can agree that it is darker than the Empire Strikes Back. But no matter how hot Christensen is, he's no Han Solo. And I prefer the original triology to these new installments in general. But I guess the Force is strong enough for me to say this, "the Star Wars Revenge of the Sith, See you must."

Worth the money rating: $$$

The Interpreter

I had to see this movie because it was the only sane one to choose considering the plethora of horror flicks out. Seems Hollywood thinks America likes to be scared right now.

Anyway, this movie was better than I expected. But let me say that I didn't expect that much since the critics liked the film and it stars Nicloe Kidman. She's the same in every role, distant, cold and very Nicole Kidman.

Kidman plays a woman who is an interpreter for the UN. She was born in South Africa so she knows a language most people didn't know and happens to overhear an assassination plot one night when she's picking up a bag she left in an interpreting room. The movie tries to make you wonder if Kidman is making it all up— is she the assassin or someone else? The more Penn's character finds out, the more suspect she becomes. Penn has to deal with his own pains outside of his detective work but finds an awkward comfort in trying to save Kidman as the story unravels. There are bombs going off and plenty of action scenes and suspense but in the end not much of a surprise unless, of course, you weren't paying attention. Penn does well as usual, though perhaps he should be in a horror flick- just for something different.

Perhaps I'm tired of watching Nicole Kidman be cold. Or I'm tired of hearing about assassinations and watching bombs and wondering why people are so screwed up. Is this really interesting storytelling- seems like the same old formula to me. Maybe movie trailers reveal too much. Maybe I just had PMS. My thoughts are this-if you have nothing better to do, see it. If you have basketweaving to do, that'd be more fun. Okay that's harsh- must be the Nicole Kidman in me talking. It is more entertaining than basketweaving but a lot less useful.

Worth the money rating: $$$

Kung Fu Hustle

I haven't been to a martial arts movie for a long time. The previews to the show were cool-- A mix of happening moves choreographed with jammin' music and funny lines a.k.a. old-school slapstick-- so I had to check it out.

The story is that a big loser and his side kick want to be a part of the Axe Gang, the biggest, baddest gang in the streets of Shanghai. They encounter a bitchy landlady and her two-timing husband, plus a mix of intersting characters that live in their slum neighbhorhool, while attempting to fulfill their initiation into the Axe Gang.

When an important member of the Axe Gang gets killed, the gang is out for revenge. They pit themselves against the surprising kung fu masters in this slum. The loser and his side-kick try to prove themselves to the Axe gang but bungle everything in their path. Although this is a comedy, there are surprisingly potent action scenes and engaging special effects. Think road runner and coyote.

Yet it boils downt to this-- there is only one living soul that can truly rid the land of the Axe gang. Who could it be? A lost son? An unsuspecting kung fu master? You'll have to see it to believe it.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

The Wedding Date

My roommate wanted to go see the Wedding Date. I don't know about you, but I generally try not to see any wedding movies at all. You know they're going to be about unrealistic romance and dealing with those trying relationships with friends and family. But I suppose the Valentine's weekend wouldn't be complete without a movie like this.

Dermot Mulroney was in "My best friend's wedding" with Carmen Diaz, what five years ago or more? Anyway, I've always liked him in a tux. Here he plays an escort who agrees to go with Debroah Messing, Kay, to London for her sister's wedding. Her EX will be there and she wants her family to believe she's found a new man and is happy.

I'm not sure that these two have great chemistry on screen and the storyline is a flipped "Pretty Woman" with Mulroney deciding whether or not he's falling for Messing and wants to be paid or not paid.

The English countryside is beautiful and without rain. Which actually explains most of this movie. It's not very believable. And again those darn happy endings that couldn't possibly ever happen. But, I guess, if you're going to believe in love at any time of year, this is the time. The supporting cast is cute, some funny moments, but it felt like Four Weddings and a Funeral without the original story. But like it tried to be entertaining.

I give Dermot's ass a very nice rating. And he's sexier than sexy and a confident, smart and very kissable supporting man. So finally some eye candy for women. So if you're alone on Valentine's Day, see this movie and pretend he's your date. After all he won't talk back, hurt your feelings and you can get a good night's sleep without getting a neck cramp from sleeping on a guy's arm. Well, that's my optomistic two cents.

Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2

Hitch

This is the weekend for cheesy romances to come out in time for Valentine's Day. So I was expecting some really bad movies to come out. But I got caught up in Will Smith's charm and found myself laughing and enjoying this movie along with the packed 6:15p.m. crowd opening night on the Upper West Side.

Basically Will Smith plays Alex 'Hitch' Hitchins who's a date therapist of sorts. He helps men who can't help themselves get noticed by the women they adore. He doesn't advertise in the paper but he's accredited with many New York area weddings. He helps the men over the course of the first three dates, get noticed and get that first kiss. The rest is up to them.

On a night out with one of his married friends he meets Eva Mendes, Sara, a reporter for a daily gossip rag. He tries out his own suave and calculated moves on her and their dates end up being disasters- or do they? Mendes ends up having to choose between her job and her man due to a misunderstanding. Isn't that always the plot foiler in relationships on screen and off? We get to see how far Hitch is willing to go for the woman he loves and whether or not he really is a "Date Doctor".

Unfortunately some of the great sceens were on the previews but the supporting actors and fun mood of the film evens that out. Okay, it's a happy ending of sorts. So if you're a love pessimist don't go see it. But if you're on the border like me, then you can believe it can all have a happy ending for a few hours.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

The Aviator

There is a lot of hype about this movie, and sure enough it's everything they say it is.

Leonardo DiCapprio is brilliant as Howard Hughes. A man of vision. A man of aviation. A thinker. A dreamer. A playboy. And a madman. His performance paints an in-depth and emotional portrait of a complicated businessman who toys with making movies and making millions.

Kate Blanchet plays Katherine Hepburn who has a love affair with Hughes. Their eccentric natures bring each other happiness for a short time. Hepburn's desire for publicity and Hughes a one track mind for aviation spells disaster. He couldn't give her the attention she craved. And due to Hughes paranoia, all of Hughes love affairs with women are short lived and very explosive. But that goes with the territory of dating such an extraordinary man. Hell, it's fun to know not only was he brilliant, he was never boring.

Other than this picture being visually astounding with rich color and all the flavor of that time period, how close it follows Howard Hughes' life, who knows. I've never read about him, so as a novice to his achievements, from this movie, I feel as though I knew the man himself. And in more than one way, I'm very glad I was only an observer. As with men of great passion, there is always madness. But we all have a little bit of ambition that others may deem insane. Whether that's in love or in business. But it didn't overshadow the greatness of his achievements.

This is one movie you just have to see for yourself. Telling you things that happen in it just will ruin it for you. There are notible performances, meaning this is one of the movies that actually all the actors are up to par. So it's a real treat for everyone to watch including critics.

I'm not one for thinking stars need awards to know they're great actors. That's just a given. You are or you aren't. But I do hope DiCapprio is given the credit he deserves for his performance. And Martin Scorsese never ceases to amaze as a director and storyteller.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

On video-- Wimbledon

Okay, I love tennis. Faithful US Open attendee. This movie made tennis boring, probably because it was about a stupid love story. First of all I don't think Lizzie, Kirstin Dunst, would ever go for a guy like Peter, Paul Bettany. First of all, the guy isn't even attractive and looks awkward playing tennis on the screen. The characters have no depth and the love story happens so quickly we have no idea why they like each other, well other than sex. And relationships based on sex never last, except in movies, I guess.

There was some eye candy in the movie if you're looking for that. And if you're routing for the long-shot, well you may like this movie. Though come-backs in tennis based on love, well, that's a very long-shot if you ask me.

This movie holds little charm. But like my roommate said, "It's better than the bad movies that are on cable right now."

Basically this movie is a tad better than one of Dunst's other bad films, "DICK".

Worth the money rating: $$

On video-- The Airport

Since there's a major snow storm in New York, I thought I'd check out a few rentals.

I think Tom Hanks is one of the best actors of our time but I'm tired of seeing him just based on the sheer number of movies he continues to be in. His role in this movie has been hailed as one of his best performances since Forrest Gump. Of course, Forrest Gump can't be duplicated.

Hanks plays a forty-something man whose small country is under a revolution and no longer exists as far as the US government is concerned. This happened while he was in mid air on his way to NY. Ivan, Hanks, is forced to live within the confines of the JFK terminal until his countries' status changes. After what seems like two days, Ivan meets Catherine Zeta Jones and starts a romance. Figures, a guy with no job, no home and nothing to offer, finds a girl who is willing to date him in New York. Women out number men here, three to one. Anyway, he gains the support of eveyone who works in the terminal and has one goal for being in New York which unfolds in a sappy moment with Zeta Jones in front of an odd fountain. Does this movie have a happy ending? It's Speilberg, what do you think?

Although this movie has an interesting premise, the only delight was Hank's advisary, played by Stanley Tucci. There were some moments that were really unbelievable— meaning unrealistic. No one would wait nine months in a terminal and possibly enojy it and grow from the experience.

But if you're stuck in a snow storm, I guess the movie's right up your alley. Or should I say, if you're stuck in a terminal, it's for you.

Worth the money rating: $$$

Meet the Fockers

Okay, we've all been waiting for the sequel to Meet the Parents with Ben Stiller and Robert DeNiro. It was a packed house on Christmas eve and there were only 20 times the whole crowd laughed. I was in a good mood except for the beer battered old guy who sat next to me and smelled awful and had an equally awful laugh.

Anyway, Gaylord Focker's parents are Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman. They're an overly affectionate and open couple who embarass Stiller in front of DeNiro. Uptight DeNiro still feels as though Stiller isn't the right man for his daughter and goes into CIA mode for some expected laughs. This movie seemed way to staged and hoped for too much. Streisand and Hoffman seemed natural yet overly quirky but were much better than the other players. The baby stole the show though. You'll know why I said that when you watch.

I think too much was trying to go on in this movie that it detracted from the real comedy about the nervousness of getting married and having your parents meet each other. I feel about this movie like I did about Bridget Jones, the Edge of Reason-the elements that made the first films so classic are just strained when made into a continuing movie, though this one did better than Bridget Jones.

High expectations, don't have them for this movie and maybe you'll enjoy it more. Easy time passer but I'd wait for pay per view or video.

Worth the money rating: $$$

In Good Company

If you want to feel a little depressed and get a good dose of reality, watch this movie. It stars Dennis Quaid, Scarlet Johannson and that guy from That 70's show- can't remember his name. What's interesting is to see different actors play complete opposites. The guy from the 70's show, Carter in this movie, is a very successful young businessman who lucks out and impresses his boss enough to land his dream job by running the sales division of a sports magazine during a takeover by his company Global Com. In this day and age where everyone is merging and no one is sure of their jobs based on the economy and the bottom line, this movie is too real. Losing your job at 20 or 30 or 40 or 50 is all the same. You just have more to lose when you have a family to support. And how would you deal with that emotionally?

Carter is supposed to fire Dennis Quaid. But he's smart enough to know he can't do this job without him so he reains Quaid and fires everyone else. Carter's personal life becomes a shambles and he invites himself over for dinner with Quaid's family. He's a 26 year old who meets Quaid's daughter played by Johannson who is going to NYU for creative writing. A romance insues behind Quaid's back.

Does the movie end up bad or good? Depends on how you look at it. This movie deals with family, loss of self esteem, jobs loss and just plain struggling with who you are and what you know. How obsolete are we on any given day? And how much do we let our emtions run us?

I found Carter's character to be well played. He had hints of humanity while keeping up the facade of a strong businessman. Quaid was okay as a father but I think he over played it and was too dramatic. Johannson was sexy and strong like she was in Lost in Translation. She has a great presence on screen.

This movie gives you something to think about. Like who you really want to keep in good company. I think the title for this movie was a loser. I kept forgetting what it was. The storyline I remember. And although the movie's story is about struggle, it's good to know that we're not alone. It's totally relateable and relevant for today. Maybe a good chaser for this movie would be some vodka.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

National Treasure

I was dead tired but went to see this movie and I'm so glad I did. Okay, Nicolas Cage isn't my favorite actor, unless we're talking Raising Arizona and Leaving Las Vegas... but this was a fun movie. I say, fun because it wasn't a super great movie and it wasn't a really bad movie, it's in that grey area inbetween. That place where you're not expecting that much and are suprised that you enjoyed it since you weren't in the mood to feel really excited even if you wanted to be.

Needless to say, Nicolas plays the youngest son in the Gates family whose legacy has been chasing the mystery of this great treasure. His father spent 20 years of his life looking for it and gave up the dream but Cage just knows it really exists and lives for each clue that brings him closer to finding the treasure. He has a young side kick tech guy and picks up a beautiful art afficianado ( a geek after his own heart) and they try to find the treasure before the bad guys do. There are some interesting action scenes and witty lines but Cage figures out every clue too neatly and the ending is too mediocre for us to care. But it was entertaining. So, ask yourself if dreams are worth pursuing till you die. I suppose if you ask anyone, depends on the dream. I say, why the hell not. No one should take your dreams away from you.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

Bridget Jones, The Edge of Reason

Okay. Here's another Bridget Jones movie. Zellweger is a cutie for sure, but this movie falls flat compared to the first. Maybe it's because the novelty is over. Colin Firth is charming as cautious but less uptight, Mr. Darcy. Hugh Grant as Daniel Clever is the same womanizing jerk. And even thought we all want to see what happens after the supposed happy ending of the first movie, this is like your best friend talking over and over about her romance and you want to slap her because you get it-- they live happily ever after, well, at least as happily as an insecure Bridget Jones can be.

I wanted more out of this movie. There were no surprises and her trip to Thailand seems as though it were a different movie altogether. I'd rather imagine how she and Mr. Mark dreamy Darcy turned out than have watched this film. The film was too contrived and tried way to hard to be funny. Much like bad dates, this was easy to walk away from.

Worth the money rating: $$

The Incredibles

Pixar is incredible. They prove this over and over again. The animation was amazing and so was the twist on a typical story line--typical bad guy vs. good guy superheroes. But these heroes are stripped of their superhero status after being sued so much that it costs the government too much money. Forced to stop using their powers, they go from incredible to normal and enter the witness protection program as the family next door. The father works for an insurance company helping every sob story that walks in the office- making his money grubbing boss angry. He moonlights as his superhero self, minus the super getup, every week on "bowling night" with another superhero friend who slings ice. An evil man threatens the safety of New York City with giant robots. And the Incredible family turns back into their incredible selves to make us laugh at every turn and truly amaze us with all the strength a family possess.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

Ray

First of all, I've never heard the full story on Ray Charles so I have no idea if this movie took lavish liberties with the truth. But it certainly was dramatic. Jamie Fox brilliant as Ray Charles. The music was great. It was interesting to find out how the songs got created. And I had no idea I knew most of them. That's how much he's ingrained in our pop culture.

Ray Charles, before he lost his vision, suffers from watching his brother drown in a wash basin and blames himself for it the rest of his life. To quiet his inner demons, he starts heroin. There are many flashbacks from childhood of how he learned to deal with his blindness and instead of crippling himself, he turned his impediment into pure gold, records.

Greed and self destruction insue, which is much like the storyline of every rock star we've ever heard of. But in order to appreciate the Ray Charles legacy, it's important to know that he overcomes his inner demons and brings the world many first's-- mainly blues and gospel in a new inspirational form-- all his own.

Although the story was compelling, I got distracted by the screen swipes since they only went from left to righ as though advances have never been made in that department. But that's just the movie geek in me.

If you want to watch the internal struggle of a musician trying to make good, this is the story for you. If you're not a journeyman, pass on it. It makes you want to believe.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

Timeline

Here's a movie where I read the book after. The book was better but not by much. It's about some scientists or archaeologists who go on a dig. Their professor ends up missing. Oh the drama and mystery that brings these characters back in time to France during one of their wars. I'm not a history buff. Nor did I care. I did care that Paul Walker was in it. Though he didn't do much acting and unfortunately there wasn't any nudity involving him. Darn! At least I could have stayed awake for it. Anyway, there were wars and knights and these time travelers try to find the professor, not screw up history and make it back to the present. I didn't care if any of them died.

The film sucked.

Worth the money rating: $

Honey

Another rental I saw awhile ago startting Jessica Alba from Dark Angel and previously Never Been Kissed. It's fun to see Alba all tough and dancing but there was no storyline at all that was the least bit interesting. Watch the movie for the dancing, the music, the hip hop celebrity scene stealers and a good soundtrack. Basically you could play ping pong and watch this movie and you wouldn't miss a thing.

Worth the money rating: $$

Mona Lisa Smiles

Here's a story of Julia Roberts who's the hippie woman from California sent to a conservative school on the East coast to teach the women of the 50's about art. Even though Roberts is supposed to be an outsider in this film, I feel she doesn't even fit the film's role at all. Roberts struggles as a woman who feels that WOMEN in general should have a career and live up to their full academic potential. Julia Stiles plays a young college woman who could be the next lawyer and go to a prestigious law school but instead opts to get married. Roberts can't understand this. The films deals with some women doing what was expected and others actually finding themselves and choosing other paths. Kristen Dunst plays the angry girl in the film which creates most of the film's tension.

This films brings up interesting topics for discussion about women's roles in society for that time and today. It was an interesting film. The girls learn from Roberts and Roberts learns from the girls. I didn't learn much, but the fashion was fun.

Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2

The Prince and Me

Imagine a real Prince Charming (Prince of Denmark) and an ordinary farm girl falling in love at college in the US. Crazy? Crazy-cute. Julis Stiles is in yet another teen movie about falling in love. She's her usual sassy self and finds Luke Mably, or Eddie— short for Prince Edward or Edvard in Danish. Eddie is an odd student who has a strange side kick who fixes him eggs benedict in his dorm room. Paige, Stiles, finds herself spending time with Eddie when he gets a job working with her at the school cafeteria. She's pursuing pre-med, he's pursuing her. Through spending time with Paige, Eddie finds he's learning about more than how to be a man, but how to be the next King of Denmark. Does this story have a happy ending? Here's a secret— there was a real life wedding with the Prince of Denmark to his non royal wife, who apparently are living happily ever after.

Predictable but fun and Mably is quite charming. Fitting, don't you think?

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

Jersey Girl

No matter what anyone says about Ben Affleck and his Benniffers, I like him as an actor when he's in the right roles. Jersey girl was his kind of movie. J. Lo has the first 10 mintues with him onscreen delivering a baby and dying leaving Affleck with a daughter. Affleck having no baby experience who's used to being a big PR exec. loses his job and moves back home with his dad to New Jersey. Affleck fights with the reminants of his past life and his current life with his daughter. He meets Liv Tyler at the video store and they begin to spend time together. Affleck keeps trying to get his old life back and stumbles over the fact that he may just have a great one already.

It's a heartwarming story about a man growing up and finding out what's really important. It has Ben. It's a no brainer. Rent it.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

Big Fish

I've got to start reading books before they become movies.... Naw!

Tim Burton's film is quite good based on the book Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Southern writer/illustrator Daniel Wallace. Billy Crudup stars as the son of a traveling salesman who tells presumably tall tales of his life rather then tell the truth. Crudup is home for his father's last days, listening to more stories of his father's life starting with how he met his wife. Ewan McGregor plays the father as a young man. He's plays his part to a T. Wide eyed and sappy at times, McGregor takes us on a ride of the way life should be, interesting and full of beautifully fun people and places. Crudup wonders if there's any truth in his father's stories, he's spent more of his life fabricating than in touch with what's real. He comes to grips with his lifelong misunderstanding of his father, and he learns that there's a little of dad in himself that he can hold onto when his father passes.

It's a beautiful movie to watch with full, rich colors and imagination appeal juxapostioned with the reality of the end of someone's life. I hope we all can go out having a life like this to talk about.

Rent this. This is one big fish that's a keeper.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

The Laws of Attraction

Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore team up for a predictable movie about two lawyers who spend more time lawyering each other than doing something for their clients. Moore is an uptight marital prosecutor and Brosnan a relaxed, marital, defense attorney who work on the same case involving a rock star's divorce. This leads them to London, or was it Scotland or Ireland, whatever. Anyway, they get drunk many times in the movie and end up married. Do they stay married?

This movie tried to be entertaining and I love Brosnan but I think his last best movie was The Thomas Crowne Affair and of course, as 007. Even though he sort of sported a little of the old Remington Steele charm, this movie was flat and needed something else to make it interesting. There wasn't much on-screen chemistry between the characters which leads me to question the casting of these two.

Even if you can't get enough of love stories, I'd pass on this one unless you're really drying to see a somewhat charming love story.

Worth the money rating: $$

50 First Dates

This has been out on video for awhile. I actually saw it on video with one of my friends so I can say, it's a fun rental. Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler are a great pair. Their comedic timing is in sync enough to not over shadow the other but still individual enough to make the characters interesting. Of course, this movie is cute and off-beat, with a Hawaiin backdrop. I didn't laugh out loud like I did when I saw Happy Gilmore for the first time, but I think this movie made me feel good in only a way Sandler can. Also it's a nice notion that some people don't give up on love no matter what the circumstances and when's the last time you heard of realistically someone actually going on 50 first dates?

Worth the money rating: $$$1/2

Lost in Translation

Bill Murray fans may like this movie or may not. I think he was perfect in it. His odd-ball sense of humor came out touchingly in the way he looked and spoke to Scarlett Johansson in their scenes together. It was just them in a restaurant, on the steet without little else going on in the background, yet it was still entertaining and you wanted to hear every word.

If I would have seen this movie last year, I couldn't have related as much as I can now that I traveled to Barcelona this year and didn't know a lick of Spanish or Catalyan. Being alone in an environment you know is bad enough, but being alone in a foreign country is a new level of loneliness. You can't just start up a casual conversation with someone at a bar who speaks a different language, has a different sense of humor and who couldn't give two shits about you. And dealing with a language and custom barrier as vastly different as Japan, is difficult and frustrating, especially if you're there for a short time and don't have the ability to adapt to a comfort level with the place.

What I really liked about this movie is how real it felt. How real the characters were to me, like I could be these people. I remember loving Barcelona but toward the end of my 10 days, I just wanted to get home to the conveniences of America and what I was used to. I didn't want to have to point to food anymore and wonder what it was, or feel stupid that I couldn't ask for a sandwich. My experience wouldn't deter me to go abroad again, but knowing what I know, I'd be more prepared for the culture differences and language and obviously, bring a friend who speaks English.

Back to the movie: To fill the loneliness of being a 50-something, commercial actor, former movie star, who'd rather be doing a play, Murray meets Johansson, 20-something, who's married to a photographer working on a film. They begin exploring Toyko together. Some of the experiences are strange, and perhaps the strangest of them all, is the deep bond they form between them. For all of us who've been in traumatic experiences or have shared experiences that are out of the oridnary, bonds like this grow stronger, faster. Johannson is a newlywed already feeling ignored by her husband and bored in Japan. Murray has been married for 25-30 years with kids he rarely sees since he travels for work. Both use Tokoyo to escape their lives and create a world with just the two of them in it. And neither of them want to leave the Japan they've created for themselves. It takes two to create and carry an illusion.

It's a beautiful film not in the typical way. It's beautiful that this type of experience can be on screen for all of us to share so we know, none of us is really alone.

Definitely rent this.

Worth the money rating: $$$$$

Van Helsing

Unfortunately, I saw this in the theatre but only paid $5.50 to see it. Bad movie. Even if you're a fan of vampires and the like. The leading lady? was attractive but a bad actress. Not much to work with for her or Hugh Jackman. Frankenstein looked bad, the lady vampires flying around looked better, but this whole movie sucked ass. Most of the time this gendre of film is really fun to watch and you forgive things and believe so you can enjoy the movie. I couldn't pretend that much, and I have a great imagination.

The story is that Van Helsing can't remember his past. So he goes to Transylvania and runs into our heroine and her brother and he tries to save a town from Dracula, his wives, and his children, which are bats, in case you didn't know that. The action scenes are stale and the movie seemed to drag on.

This is a major turkey. Don't rent it even. B-O-R-I-N-G.

Worth the money rating: $

The Stepford Wives

This movie was better than I expected it was going to be. Only because I saw the original and even a made for TV version with Barbara Eden from "I dream of Jeanie".

Anyway, the town of Stepford is strange, tucked away in Connecticut with beautiful, immaculate houses and equally exquisite wives. Wives who aren't career women but excellent bakers, homemakers and great in bed. A new couple, Kidman and Broderick, move to Stepford after Kidman, a TV executive, has a nervous breakdown. She meets Bette Midler and a gay man (don't know the actor) who are not yet transformed into the culture of Stepford yet. During the course of the movie, Kidman is the last one to be transformed.

The movie didn't have a ton of surprises (just one, or was it two?) but it's humor was first rate. And though Kidman was overly dramatic with her eyes and I hated her short brown hair, I still had to watch it. In fact, I'd see it again on video.

Also check out the original version in black and white. It's been forever since I've seen it, but the comparison could make a fun night.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

Love Actually

You have to rent this movie. It's a pleaser. Fun and original. Oh and it's about love in general. It revolves around families and people trying to connect with each other at different stages and dealing with different types of love.

You have love from afar, first date love, office love, the death of a loved one, young love, stately love, brotherly love, co-worker musician love and music that makes you tap your feet and pulls you through all the forms love can take like a fun sleigh ride.

I won't ruin any part of this movie for you, except to say, watch it when you're sad, it'll make you happy. But only see it once, it's not one of those films you can watch again and again. The surprise is gone. But isn't that the same as love? It becomes comfortable and no longer surprising, but you can't live without it. And better yet, something can always come along and zing it up.

Actors: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Kiera Knightly, Emma Thompson and other people I forgot.

Worth the money rating: $$$$$

Excalibur

I suppose, along with many of you, we've seen many versions of the tale of King Arthur and his knights. I would say this is yet another, there was one detail that was different but I won't ruin the movie for you.

The girl from Bend It Like Bekham and Love Actually (can't remember her name but I remember her face) Keira Knightly? is a sassy Guinevere, unlike Julia Ormond's version in First Knight in the mid 90's or the 1981 version of Excalibur. The man who played King Arthur was much more attractive than the guy who played Sir Lancelot. Usually it's the other way around. There were way too many battle scenes. One with Guinevere wearing very little clothing and no armor. She does has a way with the bow and arrow and isn't afraid of anything, though. Progressive for her time with a warrior-like conviction, that was one woman who got what she wanted.

This tale had less magic than other tales. I'm sure they were going for that, to be different. So if you're looking for a movie about King Aruthur that wanted to be "Gladiator" with Russell Crowe, then see this one. The movie could have been cut at least 20 minutes. It was well shot and tried to please too many people with sex, voilence and too much drama. It was entertaining but again, too long.

I suppose it's too hard to ask that someone make an original movie?

Worth the money rating: $$$

Raising Helen

If I recall correctly I saw this movie while I was in Dallas house sitting for my friends in June. Anyway, if you want a cheap movie $2.50 for new releases go to the theatre in McKinney, TX. All matinees are that cheap.

Anyway, I love Kate Hudson. So when I was at Blockbuster today, I realized this was coming out on video mid Oct.

The movie was cute, as are all of her movies. John Corbet being in it didn't hurt, a sexy priest. Kate is the younger sister of Joan Cusak who's been a mother for a long time. Their older sister dies, leaving two kids (or is it three) to Kate. One is a teen girl and the other is a boy. Kate has to give up her life as promoter for a modeling agency for the family life. Upon finding a shool for her kids, she meets John Corbet. He's not the usual guy she dates-the last one wore bubble wrap to have a bigger chest in a photo shoot. She goes through the growing pains of motherhood while sporting an adorable wardrobe and, of course, giving up a fabulous Manhattan apt. to live in, I think, Queens. Does she become a great mom? Hmmm, that's a tough one.

Although predictable, it's a cute movie. No stellar performances from anyone. But it just made me feel good about the security of a loving family and it was fun to watch. It'd be a great rental for any rainy night or girl's night with Ben and Jerry's or a slumber party. Are we ever too old, girls?

Worth the money rating: $$$

Vanity Fair

Reece Witherspoon, not sure about you, but I'm tired of seeing her. Regardless, this movie wasn't bad. The costumes were beautiful as well as the decor. Time piece films are always a spendor to watch even though some of this cast was frumpy. There wasn't enough drama in this movie, there should have been more interesting things that happened to Rebecca Sharp (Witherspoon) even with the restraints of the time period. She was a social wall climber, quite convincingly was the gleam in her eye, but there wasn't enough of a story line built between her and the rich man (Gabriel Byrne) from her youth that buys a portrait of her mother from her father. I wanted to love this movie, but was sadly disappointed. It felt as though it was 3/4 finished- hurried to get it to theatres. And the ending was upbeat and too tidy.

I didn't read the book, but I reckon, it was better than the movie.

Worth the money rating: $$$

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

This movie just came out on video, starring Jim Carey. Unlike his usual off-beat, stupid characters, he's cynical, dark and insecure in this so called comedy about erasing his girlfriend from his memory. Although this sentiment is universal to all the broken hearted out there, this movie makes you really think about the consequences of doing just that. Memories are tough. Shouldn't we be tough enough to keep them? Isn't this the best road map of who we are, by seeing how we've grown in our relationships emotionally? Does it really matter that most relationships end, when we carry the experience with us in one way or another— just like everything we've learned (good or bad) from every part of life?

There's a quote that sums up the entire movie in a nice little package for you about 3/4 of the way through. It's not a tidy ending, for sure, though. I stick with this quote: 'Tis a far far better thing to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all-- well, that's how I remember it, anyway.

Make sure you're not distracted watching this movie, there's alot of dialogue and nuances that add to the drama and the pain and the mystery of love that you don't want to miss.

None of the actors look very appealing so if you're going for eye candy, don't bother.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

13 Going on 30

Jennifer Garner stars in this girl version of BIG (Tom Hanks). It has the fun 80's references, clothes, music and the growing pains of choices and dealing with the repercussions of being an adult. Unlike the rest of us, who can't change the past, Jenna Brink (Garner), can, well she tries anyway. What if you made a big mistake in the past and you realize it in the future? Would you change it? Can you change it?

Garner is sort of believeable as a 13 year old girl now 30 and editor of a magazine she idolized in her youth. She becomes disallusioned with life when her best friend, Matty, at 30 is shocked to see her appear at his door. He's hesitant to talk to her but she wins him over due to nostalgia and worry that she's crazy/going through a 30 something crisis. Numerous situations created by the premise of looking 30 but being mentally 13 makes this movie interesting to watch at times, but overall too cutesy and predicatable.

It's something to rent. I saw it in the theatre when it first came out and now recently as a rental. I wouldn't recommend watching it twice, even if you're trying to copy the wardrobe and hairstyles Garner sports in the film; which I hope you're not.

Worth the money rating: $$$

Mean Girls

Not sure how long ago this movie came out. But, it was a good movie that got a lot of hype because it was one of those teen flicks that had a message— you can be yourself and fit in. Though the sentiment of the picture is nice, I didn't think it was particuarly that original, except for maybe the Africa references— tigers attacking each other and HS girls doing the same. The Teen gendre of movie, from scary- I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scream to Jawbreaker, Bring It On, Clueless and let's not forget the Mother of all of them, HEATHERS with Shannon and Winona— are fun movies to watch when you want a no-brainer with a twist, or to laugh at overdeveloped girls having cat fights or being caddy.

I have to say, I love Lindsay Lohan. She's fun to watch as are all the sassy girls that play teen roles. So I hope the powers that be in Hollywood keep making them. I love the wardrobes and the flash back to the innocent teen days, that are not so innocent now.

If you haven't seen it yet, go see it— if for nothing else but to see the new teen queens in action.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

SpongeBob Square Pants

I'm trying to decide betten seeing this movie or Wimbledon, Kirsten Dunst's new one. No matter which movie I choose, I think the leading charaters would both be square.