The Backup Plan

I admit I've seen some of J. Lo's movies including The Wedding Planner and Maid in Manhattan. This one was in the same vein as her movies usually are— light or mildly funny.

I found this to be a little boring. It's what I expected but I guess I'd rather have seen it on pay per view than pay $15 to see it. On second though, seeing Alex O'Loughlin without his shirt off might be worth at least that. Not sure I've seen him around before. But he at least made the movie bearable. The puppy dog looks he gave J. Lo were adorable, though not as good as the ones Ewin McGreggor gave Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.

If you're into cute things such as babies, toys and the things that go with it, you might enjoy this movie. Not saying I dislike those things but it was pretty cliche so I found myself not routing for them to be together. I knew they would because that's what the movie was about. I also knew it'd have a tidy ending. So, if this is still out in theaters and you want to see it, be sure to drink a soda to keep you awake for the scenes without O'Loughlin in them. J. Lo wasn't bad. Just the story kinda was ridiculous in places.

I'm sort of thinking Leap Year is in the same vein as this movie. I'm going to rent that one though since I missed it in theaters. I think at least I could get a tour of Ireland in that one.

Worth the money rating: $$

Confessions of a Shopaholic

I know this isn't a recent movie, but when I saw Sex and the City 2, it made me want to see this movie again. I have it on DVD and watch it whenever I need a pick-me-up.

This is one movie where I read the book first. Sometimes I do that and it ruins it for me, but this adaptation didn't. It was different than the book for sure in many ways, but I love Ilsa Fisher and I was really just like her character Becky - a shopaholic.

Rebecca Bloomwood wants to write for a Vogue-like magazine after her magazine goes under. On her way to an interview she sees a green scarf in the window of a department store and maxes her credit cards to get it - $20 bucks on this card, $40 on that card etc. She gets to the interview only to find out that it has been already taken by an internal candidate, but is turned onto an interview for a money magazine. From that moment on the fun begins. Rebecca is soon torn between money, love and her dream job.

Hugh Dancy is hot in this movie. The first time I saw him, he was in a movie with Claire Danes - now they're married. But anyway, he's so nice to look at and his character is so earnest. We all wish we had bosses like that for sure.

Well, this movie has a great sense of fashion and takes place in NY. So if Sex and the City 2 isn't doing it for you, try this one out. Or rotate it with the Sex and the City series.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

Robin Hood

I'm glad Russell Crowe is back in an action movie. It seems he's been gone off the big screen for awhile or maybe I just missed his movies somehow. Not sure how that could be. But it happens.

In this version of Robin Hood, the story is much like you remember— harassment by the sheriff, tax collection, poverty, battles, merry men, Friar, King John etc., but here's where it gets interesting. The movie starts with Richard the Lionheart dying. He won't be coming back at the end of the movie like he has done in previous versions. And there's no Will Scarlet.

What this movie does have is Russel Crowe— yeah! He plays a tough Robin Hood, who has a soft spot for Lady Marion. He also is a fair man with the conviction that every person has the right to hunt and provide for his family on any open land -even if it's the King's land. With King John now in power taxing the poor peasants of Sherwood what is Robin Hood to do? Steal from the rich. Well, we don't see him doing that very often, but we do see Crowe learning about who he really is, who his father was, and how he fulfills his destiny.

There was only one thing that I disliked because it was reminiscent of Jack Nicholson's line from A Few Good Men - "You have to ask me nicely". But other than this film was was gutsy and fun to watch. The supporting cast was good - Blanchett as Lady Marian, although I liked her better in Elizabeth the Golden Age. Regardless, with Ridley Scott teaming with Crowe again, it makes for a great start to summer blockbusters.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

Sex and the City

I was a big fan of the series. I watched it religiously with my roommates every Sunday night. We made food and laughed at the similarities between the shows characters and us as NY single girls dealing with love, loss, work and finding our own style. But the movie versions just haven't lived up to the series. But how could they really?

Sex and the City 1 at least was going to give me the grand couture wedding and let me know how the character's lives would progress. But this one barely had an interesting storyline. The clothes were outrageous. Who wears that in Abu Dhabi? Although I did like Carrie's outfit when she saw Aidan again, it was still was very out of place there. Samantha's lines were the worst. I felt sorry for her that she had to say them. And for 2 1/2 hours, it was a long, hot, drawn out, snoozefest. On the bright side, there were a few things I did like. Carrie and Big's NY apartment/decor, and Chris North still had some sex appeal.

For those of you who loved the series, I'm with you. I even went to a party recently where we had cosmos and watched them again. Celebrate what the show used to be. Not what the bad movies have made it become. These movies came too late after the series ended and I think they've outlived their time. Now the characters are just caricatures of themselves. Sad but true.

Worth the money rating: $$

Letters to Juliet

For those of you who want a summer romance, this movie was made especially for you. It takes place in Verona and is centered around, none other than Juliet, a long-standing figure for romance. This movie, however, is not tragic. It's lighthearted and fun. It also has delicious food, lots of Italians, and great scenery.

Amanda Seyfried, formerly of Mama Mia and the dumb blond in Mean girls, plays Sophie an engaged girl who takes a pre-honeymoon trip to Verona with her fiance. Unfortunately, he's more obsessed with meeting vendors and making connections to help launch his restaurant in NY than he is in having a romantic vacation with her. This leaves Sophie to wander Verona alone and to discover a wall where letters are written to Juliet. These letters involve many different relationship questions, but all hoping for answers.

Sophie meets a group of volunteers who respond to the letters women have put on this wall. One in particular is found from 1957. Sophie takes it upon herself to write back to the woman who left her love, Lorenzo, almost 50 years ago. In doing this, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) comes to Verona to find him at last with her skeptical grandson Charlie (Chris Egan). In sort of Shakespeare style, the comedy starts as these three travel to find Lorenzo and show us the meaning of "true love".

I don't know about you, but this movie makes me want to go to Verona. And it was nice to think about falling in love - no matter what your age. Man, that sounds cheesy. Anyway, I did see some couples at the film. Not sure if the guys were dragged there or not because Iron Man and Prince of Persia were sold out. But I'd like to think deep down, they enjoyed it too.

I definitely wouldn't go to this thinking this is the best romance ever written. There's no real drama here. But it was entertaining and it is a good way to start your summer romance with the movies.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

Definitely, Maybe

This movie was so cute. Ilsa Fisher was adorable as well as Rachel Weiss. It's light hearted and basically just like the movie trailer. In fact, you could probably come in at the end of the movie just to see who the mother really was and who he chooses at the end because most of this movie wasn't that interesting.

We've all dated before and this movie doesn't say anything special about dating, except men can be jerks and choose the wrong woman more than once in their lifetime. Finding the true person that fits us is always a challenge, though, and this movie tries to show that men can actually figure out who they really love and who loves them best regardless of past mistakes.

Anyway, the story is, a young girl wants to know why her Dad isn't happy. So he tells her about his three main loves and she tries to figure out which girl in the story really was her Mom. The three women are vastly different and he is getting divorced when the story opens.

His daughter figures out who the woman in his story is and as she does, she encourages her Dad to seek out the love of his life and reconnect.

This is a sappy movie in parts and neither extremely witty nor moving, but it is warm-hearted and a nice romantic comedy. So, basically go to the movies with your girlfriends, cry a little and wish the leading man was your boyfriend when he's all straightened out.

Worth the money: $$$

Enchanted

McDreamy is once again dreamy in this fairy tale turned real life movie. The girl who plays sleeping beauty is ridiculously happy and simple and dreaming of her prince. This turns jaded New Yorker, Dempsy, into a real like prince- maybe. He has a daughter, a messy apt. and is a divorce attorney... hmmm doesn't sound like Prince Charming to me. The real Prince Charming follows Sleeping Beauty into Manhattan trying to rescue her. Beauty learns there's more to relationships than romance, like dating and eating hot dogs. She bites the poison apple and falls into a deep sleep. Will Prince Charming or McDreamy save her? Gotta watch to find out.

It almost made me think you can fall in love in a day and make it last happily ever after, but I am a New Yorker so...

Worth the money: $$$ 1/2

National Treasure

Nick Cage should give up making movies. His hair plugs were very noticable and he's getting old to follow on adventures. The woman in the film is way to young to be with him and this movie is on the slow-paced boring side, just like the first one. There were some good action scenes but they yet again find the great treasure and everything is happy ever after.

If you're in the mood for an action film with a cheesy love story and a little bit of history, then see this movie. If not, wait for it to be on TNT and watch it inbetween doing your laundry.

Worth the money: $$$

The Golden Compass

This was a cute movie and better than the reviews said it was. It wasn't Harry Potter, but we've sort of grown up with him so it's not fair to compare the two fairy tales.

The animation in this movie was great and Nicole Kidman wasn't bad as the evil element in this film. The movie builds from learning what "dust" is to how it will affect every world in the universive and what a young girl, Lyra, has to do with all of it. Unfortunately the movie ends before the big battle scene and leaves you hanging until the next movie so Disney can make more money.

It was interesting and different so, if you're in the mood for another mystical-type adventure, see it.

Worth the money: $$$ 1/2

Charlie Wilson's War

Apparently there's the real life story of Charlie Wilson on the History channel. I haven't been able to watch it. The Hollywood version was good, though.

Tom Hanks plays Charlie Wilson, a man from Texas who charms the pants off of people. In the movie, he doesn't really do any charming. In fact, it seems way too easy for him to get money to help the Afghanastans, but what do I know. Maybe that was the point.

Julia Roberts is way too skinny. Her face looks weird and she looks awful as a blond. And I would have preferred someone more Charliez Theronish, but who looked older. Anyway, you don't know if she's married in the movie and why it's okay to have an affair if she is is beyond me, but she is the one who convinces Wilson that he must get involved in the fight.

Not sure if Tom Hanks was the right person for the role either but I can't think of who I'd rather play Charlie Wilson. Guess after I watch the real history, I could decide better.

I don't believe this movie should be nominated for 5 Golden Globes, but compared to what else is out there, maybe.

It's a fun movie anyway, though I didn't particuarly like either main character, real history or not.

Worth the money: $$$

August Rush

This was a great movie. It's sappy and unbelievable in many ways but I loved the premise. And you have to just believe to enjoy the movie.

Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers play two young musicians and lovers who meet by chance in New York City. After their meeting, they are soon parted and struggle the next ten years with who they are and what they lost.

Their son ends up at a boy's home for 11 years and believes that he can hear his parents through the musical connection we all have to the universe. He leaves the boy's home and heads out on the journey to reunite himself and his parents by composing a song his parents will reconize. Never having played an instrument, Evan learns to play and compose in a short time... Did the stars align to bring this family back together through the gift of song? You'll have to see it to find out.

The music is classical and contemporary and Jonathan is some nice eye candy! I'm getting the soundtrack pronto!

Worth the money: $$$$ (Becasue music really does connect us all)

Beowolf: 3D

This was very interesting. I waited the whole time to see what Angelina would look like as Grendel's Mother. They put more pounds on her in 3D, she's like 100 pounds right now, so that was nice. I remember reading the book but hating the old English and was foggy on the storyline but as the movie played on, it came back to me. This movie was gross, so it you hate gore even animated, then don't see this movie.

The 3D was cool in some spots but it was hard to watch the movie all the way through with the 3D glasses. Just not used to it, I guess. I got tired of the bloodshed. The story was too simple. The CGI was cool but I like real actors... Still, it was fun to see something different to start the holiday movie-going season.

I won't ruin what little bit of the storyline there is for you. If you like stories on heros and lots of gore, this is the movie to see. Be ready to pay $15 to see it. Gotta pay for the glasses.

Worth the money: $$$

Michael Clayton

George Clooney is great as Michael Clayton. He's hotter than ever and playing a lawyer in this thriller.

Clooney is a veteran of a law firm in which he is the fixer, a position he doesn't like but is stuck with. With his personal life in ruins, his restaurant closing and he gets thrown in to fix the patner of his law firms deeds with one of their high profile clients.
He's great friends with the partner of the law firm, but can't help think along with everyone else that his friend is going mad. It takes him 3/4 of the movie to figure out what is reality and what isn't. Meanwhile, the client is fighting battles of its own- image, reputation and morals. Who's right. Who's dead? Who'll end up winning the case? You'll have to watch to find out.

This was a fun thriller. No hype needed. Check it out. Form your own opinion and be thankful you're not a lawyer, well at least, not Michael Clayton.

Worth the money: $$$$

We Rule The Night

Marky Mark plays another cop in this movie. Can't say I've seen all of his movies, but tough guy seems to be his typical role nowadays. As shown in the previews, Mark Walhberg plays the son of a police cheif; his brother plays a night club owner. Their two world collide when Bobby, Phoenix, is recruited for help in capturing a Russian drug dealer who attends his club. At first Bobby says no. He likes his world and his girlfriend. But then his brother gets shot and he realizes that blood is thicker than the nightlife and risks his life to bring the drug dealers down.

This movie is just what I expected, dark, loud and expected with sex scenes thrown and foul language. Unless you're a die hard Phoenix or Walhberg fan, I'd wait for the rental. It's a depressing movie and could be fairly good entertainment on a rainy night.

Worth the money: $$$

Elizabeth, The Golden Age

I remember vaguely Elizabeth the first movie that Kate Blanchet was in a few years ago. She makes a great Queen in this movie as well. The costumes were beautiful and if you love Clive Owen, you'll love this movie more than ever. He plays a hot Sir Walter Raleigh who's passion and candidness help the Queen through her trying times before England's Golden Age.

In this movie, Queen Elizabeth is tortured by her thought of Mary Queen of Scots taking over her throne. She is also lonely as the Queen without a male companion. She married England and the people are her children, yet Sir Walter Raleigh intruiges her and makes her feel like a women. Her first lady in waiting, also Elizabeth, is her favorite and does her bidding to speak with Sir Walter Raleigh. To him, the Queen shows her vulnerability and fears. And he in return shows his affection to her lady in waiting.

Hearing of a plot to assinate her, Elizabeth decides to have Mary Queen of Scots beheaded. This leads Spain to declare a religious war on England. Elizabeth has beheaded a true heir and religous monarch, Mary. A great fleet is sent to conquer England. Spain is confident it will win.

Court intrigue heigtens. There are deaths and betrayls. Elizabeth is the pillar of strength for her court and her country though she is scared to her wits end.

This was a long movie, but well worth it. I especially like time period pieces, so it held extra charm for me going in.

Worth the money: $$$$

Harry Potter

This was great as the last movie in the Potter series. The minstery of magic takes over Hogwarts making it a dictatorship. No magic is allowed. All rules must be obeyed. Fear runs the land.

Harry finds himself leading a secret rebellion of students and getting his first kiss. Love, betrayal and loss plague Harry throughout this movie. And evil isn't far behind. It's hard to describe how cold and serious this movie ended up. It makes you want to read the book to find out what happens in the very end. Does Harry live or die? I still have to get my book to find out.

You'll enjoy seeing Harry struggle through the negative and still come out swinging.

Worth the money: $$$$

Transformers

I laughed at my friend when he said he wanted to see Transformers when I wanted to see Harry Potter. I ended up seeing Harry Potter and then this show next.

I was surpised as to how cool the transformers were. And this movie was really funny. The movie follows a kid in HS trying to get his first date with a hot girl while finding himself in the middle of a world power struggle between the Decepticons and the Transformers. The chase goes through secret miliatry hide outs and out of this world powers. It's a fun ride. So, see it.

Worth the money: $$$$

I know who killed me

I saw this movie at 10:30 in the morning so maybe I wasn't in the mood for a thriller but this was just plain stupid. I wish Linds had more sense to take on a good movie role instead of trying to be a sex object and party girl. Her performance in Georgia Rule was much better. Though, I guess she didn't pole dance in that movie. It was just 5 guys in the theatre and me, so I guess the pole dancing bit got some men to see this teen murder mystery.

A murderer is on the loose in a small town and it's not soon before Lindsay's character is captured and limbs start getting cut off. But unlike other stories, Lindsay loses her memory and tries to fit all the pieces together to solve her own murder. She goes wild pole dancing and having sex... would girls who get kidnapped by a crazy person start doing these things or not? Hmmm... what a mystery. Anyway, she discovers the secret of her murder and goes out to capture the crazy person. Does she survive? Guess you'll have to see it to find out. But I wouldn't recommend it at all. It's gross but the killer is easily identifiable at the beginning. So not much of a surprise.

Worth the money: $ 1/2

Bourne Ultimatum

How good was this movie? It takes you into the action right away with Borune being chased with gunfire. The other two Bourne movies has Jason trying to get his memory back. In this chapter he does. Flashbacks plague him during the movie and he starts remembering how he got started being Jason Bourne.

This is the kind of movie where I just have to recommend seeing it. It's mostly action so describing the car pile ups and conspiracy phone calls just doesn't do it justice.

If you want an action-packed adventue, this is by far the best I've seen in a long time.

Worth the money: $$$$

Georgia Rule

I had to see this movie because Linds was in it. Oddly enough, her character in the movie is how I actually picture the real Linds, a rebel, a smart ass yet deep down sad, troubled and craving affection.

Jane Fonda is Georgia, Rachel's (Linds) grandmother. Rachel's mother dumps her in Idaho to get some old fashioned mothering and a house full of rules, thus Georgia Rules.

Idaho is boring. Rachel brings her anger and rebiliousness to this small town and shakes it up a bit, including turning on a Mormon love interest. As the movie progresses, you find out the secrets that make Rachel rebelious and her mother drink to cope.

Linds does a convincing job of playing the troubled teen. She looks great and is compelling on screen. The story about the mother hating her mother and in turn perpetuating the same misunderstanding with her daughter makes for a lot more drama than needed. Bascially they learn to understand one another enough to reconcile at some level. Guess mothers and daughters always have that tension. Mothers seem to bring that out in their kids- that over-protective, rule giving, stern parent who shows she cares by instilling rules and being autocratic. And daughters hating it and not knowing how to cope.

This movie may make you cry. It'd probably be a better rental- somewhere in the realm of Terms of Endearment and Steel Magnolias- so get the tissue out and prepare to be tad depressed. Or if you see it at a theatre now, go to Spiderman afterwards for some action.

Worth the money: $$$ 1/2

Spidy

Okay, I had to run out and see this movie on opening weekend. I haven't been able to write about it yet, so thus the late posting. It wasn't the greatest film I've ever seen but there were parts of it that I really liked. And I'm sure, you'll enjoy the little twists as well.

One of the things I liked was Spidy's dark side. No goodie two shoes for Peter Parker. It was fun to see Toby MaGuire strut his stuff and I loved seeing Topher as well as the corporate climber at the Bugle. Kirsten Dunst looks very plain Jane in this film and I'm really bored with her character in general, so I was glad she wasn't in the movie all that much.

It's a long movie, 2 and 1/2 hours and most of the affects are expected. The pearcing sound peaks drove me nuts so bring some ear plugs if you're in a smaller theatre.

I love to see how stories turn out, usually by episode III, they're really boring, except for the Star Wars Trilogy and possibly the Indiana Jones series.

I'd see this film if you're a Spider Man fan, a Toby or Topher fan, or just want some mind-numbing action to watch. In the realm of comic books on the big screen, Spider Man is entertaining and it's still got that little bit of wanting to be a web-slinger action going on.

Worth the money: $$$

new ventures

Hi everyone,

Been taking a summer break. Will be back in action shortly.

Volver

My friends and I went to see this movie before the Oscars. I haven't been a fan of Penelope Cruz so I thought this could be her best performance to date and maybe I could change my perception of her. What I found was a cleavage-bearing Penelope who wore tight skirts and a character that wasn't very charming.

The story is about a woman, her daughter, her sister and a ghost of sorts. It had an interesting storyline but it didn't seem to have the drama I was looking for or enough energy to make you want to see how it ends. I did stay till the end only to find a tidy ending. It wasn't an endearing movie and none of the characters stood out for me. I rarely see subtitle movies because often you're busy reading and not watching the interpretation of the words. So if I knew Spanish, perhaps I would have gained more in that area and liked the film better.

What I did like was the ghost idea and how the film touched on the inner-workings of the famillly dynamic. Penelope's performance was okay, I didn't think it was Oscar worthy. It seems the Academy agreed with me.

I am glad to see a foreign film get some US appeal. I did ask the ticket sales guy which movie was better, Pan's Laberynth or Volver and he said Pan's hands down. I should have taken his advice. Next time.

For those of you who don't see foreign films a lot may like this one. It's not too complicated and if you went out for popcorn you wouldn't miss much.

Worth the money: $$$ 1/2

Dream Girls

This was a great movie. The singing was spectacular and for once, I agree with the usual critics that Jennifer Hudson should win an Oscar. Talk about a diamond in the rough- minus the rough. I didn't see her on American Idol but I guess, when one door closes another opens. So, good for her.

I never saw the Broadway version of this story but I image that was great. The songs for this movie, the Broadway ones, were already favorites, but the new songs were equally as good. I'm glad when I watch the Oscars this year, that some of the songs will actually be good and not bizarre like they've been other years.

Eddie Murphy and Jamie Fox were very believable in this movie and likeable as flawed men in the music biz.

Hudson's character is clearly the leader and song master of the group of 3 girls who encompass Dream Girls. But because of her strong personality and challenging ways, Hudson gets outted and replaced by a "yes" woman. The new Dream Girls make hits for a few decades and with their fame there are many losses.

Get ready to cry and cheer. This is finally a Hollywood blockbuster that is worth the movie budget.

Worth the money: $$$$

Blood Diamond

Leo is awesome in this movie. The character he plays isn't one you like at first, but he redeems himself in the end as best as he can. The horrors of the diamond industry are fully developed through following one man's search for his family, especially his son. A large pink diamond is found in the river. There are many people who want to use it to fulfill their dreams. Who wins out? You have to watch but I bet you can predict it.

Although I think this movie was well made and brings attention to the cruelty of the diamond industry in poor nations, the predictability of the plot was unfortunate. That and the fact that the romantic relationship between Leo and Jennifer C. who plays an idealistic journalist, isn't believable. You wonder what she's doing there. Granted a nosy journalist makes sense, asking the two to be romantic doesn't.

There is much voilence and destruction, morally and otherwise. It's a tough movie to watch but it has a hopeful ending. Be in the mood to see something sad and definitely don't go after dinner.

Worth the money: $$$ 1/2

The Good Shepherd

Hmmm, not sure what to say about this film since this guy I was talking to on New Year's Eve said to me, "do you know what movie was really really long?' and then went on to say "and boring?"

It was boring and not really believable. I don't believe Angelina was a housewife who becomes an alcoholic due to her husband being in the CIA. She's not even in the movie long enough for you to care about her at all. A few clips here and a few there. Although there's lots of whispers and Matt Damon having a stoic face, it wasn't interesting enough to watch all the way through. Also, I thought the guy they cast as his son was ridiculous. Not a good actor and geeky to look at. Yeah, I know he's supposed to be a geeky, self-consious young man but it's the movies, with a mom like Angelina, you'd think the kid would turn out better looking.

As far as movie content, I like DeNiro, always have. I just think it could have been more interesting even though it's a thriller and not an action movie. I get covert but I don't get boring.

It's getting good reviews so someone must like this movie and maybe I expected more, I live in NY after all.

Anyway, the scenes were beautifully shot but you just didn't care about Damon, Angelina or anyne in the movie. So I just don't care to endorse seeing this film.

Worth the money: $$ 1/2

The Pursuit of Happyness

This was a great film. My friend and I had the tissues ready and started crying the first five minutes of the movie. Not because it was sad - yet. But because we were already cheering for Chris Gardner to make it.

Will Smith is awesome and has really grown as an actor. I used to watch him on the Fresh Prince and laugh. He was just being himself, of course. But he's always been fun to watch. Here, he is more than fun, he's moving. This story is better than fiction, because it's real. Gardner goes through many trials in order to get his dream job. But he doesn't do it just for money, he does it becasue he wants a better life for himself and for his son. And he's willing to risk it all to make it happen.

During the day, he is a trainee and at night he's homeless. A born salesman, he builds his brokerage accounts and beats out all of the applicants in the internship program and gets hired for real.

I am avoiding mentioning his trails because the preview says it all. The movie is about your right to pursue happiness as a citizen of life and that no matter how hard it gets, you should never lose hope. And if I told you everything that happens, you couldn't go on the tear-jerker ride that makes you very very happy at the end.

See this movie. Will's son is a cutie and funny- got a little of dad in him.

Worth the money: $$$$

Casino Royale

007 the pre-years. Daniel Craig is great as a rough James Bond. He makes errors and gets emotional and it's a fun ride on both sides of the screen.

I wasn't sure I'd like a blond Bond. He wasn't thin or dashing or super suave, but I didn't seem to mind. He was charming, hot and definitely a risk-taking sharp shooter and a Bond we can all relate to.

I saw this opening weekend. The theatre was packed and everyone was amazed that it was so good. I love Bond movies in general even if they tend to be too long and the lines more punny than cheecky most of the time- such sas "I thought Christmas only came once a year" etc. But this one was refreshingly different, edgier with more poignant music and good villans.

Taking raw talent and shaping it is always fun to watch. The movie had a good mix of everything people go to movies for. And if you're looking for a good time, see this movie.

Worth the money: $$$$

Stranger Than Fiction

This movie was really fun. It was inventive, interesting, inspirational and a little sappy. A very good mix of life and love and the reasons that make our lives, our lives.

A boring IRS agent learns that he is being killed off in the novel of his life. A famous author is dictating what his life has been and now he realizes that his life is no longer his choice but someone else's. He tries to change the outcome of his demise and finds love in the process.

This is a movie you have to watch. Dustin Hoffman is great in this, in fact, the whole cast is spot on.

During a depression holiday season for some, this movie will pick you up and make you feel a little bit happier.

Worth the money: $$$ 1/2

A Good Year

Russell Crowe is very charming in this light-hearted film. While this movie's storyline is pretty generic, the French countryside was spectacular and very romantic.

Crowe plays a stock trader who is at the top of his game in London. He drives fancy cars and has a luxrious apt. and has everything life could offer- or does he? When his Uncle Henry dies, he has to take time off from his busy life to reconnect with his past. While being investigated for his trade dealings, he stays in France for a few days. There he relives memories of a happier time and finds a new love.

The ending was tidy and he obviously chooses "the better life" but it was slow in parts and not really interesting in others. I wished there was more of his ruthless trading ways to build up the story at the beginning.

This movie was neither good nor bad. There was no violence and just hints at sex, sort of like an old movie from the Cary Grant days.

I'd wait for this on video so you can watch it on a cold rainy day or to get you into the mood to travel and eat some French food. Or if you can't travel, go toa bistro near you with someone you find enchanting and make your own romance.

Worth the money: $$ 1/2

The Prestige

How fun was this movie? Unbelievable but fun. Christian Bale was great. So was Scarlet. The story is about two magicians who started out as friends but then an accident happens and their friendship becomes a bitter rivalry neither can let go. I guess this movie takes the concept of an eye for an eye quite literally. Each magician tries to top the other with the best magic trick and in the end they destroy each others lives.

The two women in their lives stuggle with each magician's obsession. A true magician gives up everything for their craft. This movie shows how much they are willing to give up in order to be the best.

The ending was interesting although far fetched. But you're either a believer in magic or you're not. So think about what's true magic or a great trick and measure this movie as one or the other.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

Marie Antoinette

I think the last time Sophia and Kirsten made a movie together it was Virgin Suicides. And based on content, I think Virgin was a better movie.

What Sophia does well is show the grandeouse nature of the time period, poke fun at the ridiculous rituals of the royal court and portrary how Marie's less than conservative personality rubbed against the grain of the restraints and expectations of being Queen of France.

Marie, becomes wife at age 15 to the heir to the French throne. He's a shy and awkward boy who doesn't speak much to his wife or have any passions other than his key collection. Bored out of her mind, Marie finds other fun festivities to engage in, including friends that are entertaining but not approved of by the courts.

Her problems arise when the King of France dies making her queen at age 18. Not knowing how to deal with the pressures and obligations of her new status, including producing an heir to the throne, her formerly accepted fun-loving ways are shunned and then blamed for the country's economic distress.

The film was too long, even though is was visually appealling. It didn't express anything new or even pit nobleman vs peasants. There wasn't much internal tension or intrigue and the storyline lacked dialogue. It made me feel bored as, I imagine, Marie was- but I only had to watch for an hour and 1/2 and didn't have to live it.

Dunst wasn't a bad Marie based on what she had to work with, but I would prefer to see her in Interview with a Vampire again or even Spiderman.

The movie trailer made this film seem like it would be an edgy Marie Antoinette with hip music and an interesting viewpoint. But it was just a let down.

Go for the scenery, or go if you want to make out. It's kind of like a soap opera, if you miss a year or two, you still know the storyline and can catch up well before the credits.

Worth the money: $$ 1/2

The Guardian

When will Hollywood come up with a new story? I mean, really new? Well, it's not with this movie. This is a remake of every "older experienced mentor going through a struggle teamed with a young hot shot who needs to be straightened out but they bond and become best friends, yada, yada, yada" movie ever made.

Kevin Costner plays a swimmer for the Coast Guard in this movie who should be retired but can't seem to give the life up until an accident happens. Then he takes a job as an instructor for the Coast Guard academy. He has his own rules on how to train these new, would-be swimmers. Ashton Kutcher is the hot shot swimmer ,who was recruited by every ivy league school on the planet, but decided he wanted to save lives instead. Costner runs the trainees through "real life" exercises to show them what saving lives in horrible conditions may be like. And he speaks of how one chooses, who lives and who dies on missions. Kutcher learns by trial and error what makes a good swimmer and what doesn't. And he and Costner start bonding as mentor to student and as friend to friend.

This movie reminded me of Annapolis (a carbon copy of An Officer and a Gentleman) but it's about swimmers and not soldiers. And it's reminscent of Top Gun a little bit with the struggles and lives of these poor devoted men to their jobs and not their personal relationships without the fun sound bites "I feel the need for speed" and the serenading of Kelly McGillis and other elements that made Top Gun a fun movie back in the day.

The action scenes were okay but not enough to see the movie on the big screen and pay for it. It's a rental, like G.I. Jane and other movies about the military. It's nice to see Ashton play a serious role but I'd rather see him in something a little bit crazy and out there as a departure from his partier, pretty boy, punk'd, older-woman-loving self. Not sure Hamlet would be it, but playing a total loser or someone dispictable that you wouldn't like and bring another side of himself to - his intellilect or a super emotional side or a deranged side.

Kosner wasn't great in this movie either. I loved him in No Way Out, Dances with Wolves, Tin Cup and Bull Durham. But I guess with all the replay scripts out there, he was bound to be in a movie like this. Don't do it again Kevin!

It wasn't great, it wasn't super poor, it was just kinda there like a big black hole you get sucked into despite your efforts to get free. It wasn't really entertaining but not really boring either. You knew how it was going to end but you still wanted to see the ending. Guess that's probably human nature and not a compelling script in this case.

So I'm just kind of up in the air about the movie in general. There wasn't enough depth to the characters to make you care and there wasn't enough drama or action to engage your other emotions. But if you want a real time passer that you only have to yawn at once or twice (which was sign from the Queen of England back in the day of how short your play would run) I guess this is a watchable movie.

Worth the money: $$

Grey's Anatomy

Can't help but report on the season opener of Grey's Anatomy. One of my friends said this show is a "girl's show" - funny he said that because when I asked him who Meridith should pick he said, "The vet." Apparently this show has everyone talking even those that don't want to admit that it's too girlie for them to watch.

Izzie lays on the floor in her gown from the prom for a few days. The gang rallies behind her to help her mend her broken heart. The show talks about time; how we all wish for more time to find our answers and to be with the people that matter to us. Unfortuntely, time doesn't care and keep moving us forward whether we're ready or not.

Merideth has no idea who to pick. She's wanted Derek for so long that she gave up and was ready to be with Fin. But now she has a choice to make because Derek finally admits that he loves her. The side of dirty mistresses is coming out in Merideth's favor and she doesn't know what to do. Fin also throws his hat into the ring and says, count me in- making Merideth even more confused. He's perfect for her and hot and a great guy. What's not to like about Fin?

Addison finds Merideth's underwear in Derek's cheap tux suit pocket and pins it on the bulletin board at the hospital. She realizes her marriage is over and takes a day off to drink. Dr. Baily won't speak to Izzie about her state of baking because she doesn't want to admit that she got weak and wasn't taking care of her interns as she should have.

Christina and Burke are going smoothly until Moma Burke steps in and keeps Christina away from her boyfriend. She talks about the future and marriage and how the two aren't compadible personality wise and she want's more for her son. Christina starts to wonder if she's too selfish to deserve Burke.

Drama, drama, drama-- this is an awesome show. And if you have your own life drama going on, you can feel better when you watch this show because it reminds you that other people, although fictional, have crappy lives too.

This show is an additction but it won't hurt you- so go ahead and OD. Ambition meets broken people and we hope it all gets fixed inside the action/packed walls of Seattle Grace.

The Last Kiss

Zach Braff is very cute asshole in this film. I say that because men freaking out about having kids and getting married makes them assholes- in this movie anyway.

The girl from THE REAL WORLD, Jacinta, is in this film. Not sure if she's been in movies before this. She wanted to be a model back then and wasn't up to the task of early morning shoots etc. Now she's in a movie with Napoleon Dynomite as well this year.

Anyway, the two here are a happy couple in their 30's who are having a baby but not ready to get married. Michael (Braff) goes to his friend's wedding and meets Kim (Bilsten) and Kim pursues him. She's a college girl who reminds Michael of the best time of his life - his college years. And although only 8 years older, his world is getting very adult and he feels as though there aren't any more surprises. His life is what he planned it to be and he wonders if that's enough for him. Will this really be his last kiss?

Through the process of spending time with Kim he realizes what's really important to him. The people around him are also dealing with relationships and marriages. In this show everyone struggles with their own fears and expectations. And like life, the outcome isn't always a happy ending.

Apparently this movie is a remake of an Italian Film. Braff is a charming asshole in this movie which he fully admits as his character Michael on several instances. Turning 30 with a lot of grown up responsibility and are you ready to really be an adult? is what the film questions and answers.

I liked this film much better than THE BREAK UP for many reasons. First not as depressing and also because Braff just is a likeable guy and comes off as someone you want to like on the screen even if his character is flawed. But I guess we can all relate to him since we're all flawed when it comes with dealing with other people. It's true men do things on their own time. When they're ready they're ready and there's no rhyme or reason and it drives women nuts.

Anyway, this film might make you cry, make you angry, or make you hopefull - what else could you ask for?

Worth the money: $$$

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