Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

First of all, I saw this film in standard 2-D and saved the seven dollar 3-D extra fee. I don't think it made much of a difference as either way, the film is so dark, it might as well have been called "On Darker Tides". There were times I wished I had a flashlight to see any detail. Even the daylight scenes were poorly lit.

As for the story, it's pretty standard for what we've seen before from this franchise. You'll have no trouble following the plot as there is so much exposition, everything is constantly explained (even if it doesn't make much sense). Johnny Depp's charming rogue, Jack Sparrow wears out his welcome in the bloated two hour race to find the Fountain of Youth. He is at his best in the first third of the film. Geoffrey Rush is back as Captain Barbossa and he seems to be enjoying himself very much. The same can be said for Ian McShane who plays Blackbeard. You get the sense everybody is having fun playing pirate, including Penelope Cruz as Jack's rival/love interest.

The subplot of the handsome Christian falling in love with a Mermaid is an absolute waste of time and doesn't make up for the loss of Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly. Keith Richards, however does make another cameo as Jack's father but is smart enough to jump ship after one scene.

I've heard Johnny Depp enjoys playing Jack Sparrow so much, he's already signed on for a fifth film. Stop before it's too late. Abandon ship. This franchise has sunk.

The Hangover, Part II

The original "Hangover" was clever and very funny and of course made a ton of money which made a sequel inevitable. "Part II" takes us to exotic Bangkok for basically a retread of the first film. The filmmakers needed an exotic location to hide the fact their script is weak and their actors are lazy.

Ed Helms is back as Stu and his wimpy, screaming tantrums are funny the first time but become as tedious as Bradley Cooper's Phil who's dialogue consists of cursing in every situation. Zach Galifianakis plays the very strange, Allen who's man-child schtick also grows old. A golden opportunity is missed by not giving Justin Bartha more to do. Understandably he was the missing groom in the first film but here is wasted as a minor character on the sidelines. I've seen Mr. Bartha do comedy live on Broadway and he can be very funny. Leaving him on the sidelines was a big mistake.

Ken Jeong is back as the maniacal Mr. Chow, an even more embarrassing stereotype here but effective as the driver in a well done car chase. A two scene cameo by Paul Giammatti just gives him an excuse to mug for the camera and forget he can act. The best actor in the film is the drug dealing monkey who becomes central to the story. I loved his Rolling Stones vest buy scenes of him smoking a cigarette border on animal cruelty.

No one in the film really exerts any effort. Even when a character loses a finger, it doesn't even garner more than a shrug from anyone including the character himself. There are a few funny situations and one or two great lines but they are far and few between. The audience laughed more at the trailer for "Horrible Bosses" than all of "The Hangover II". Pack it in, Wolfpack.

The Double Hour

This is a terrific new Italian film that is difficult to review without revealing any of it's secrets. In basic terms, it can be described as a romance, a robbery and a mystery. But it is so much more that that.

When Sonia (Ksenia Rappoport) meets Guido (Filippo Timi) at a speed dating session, a romance develops but events take a very unexpected turn soon afterwards. It is best going into this film without knowing anything else and take pleasure in deciphering the multi-layered puzzle it soon becomes.

The chemistry between the leads is excellent and so important to the story. Ms. Rappoport carries the majority of the film and she admirably pulls off what becomes a very complex role. The direction and editing keep things well paced and the viewer engaged. This is important as the film demands your attention. Entertaining and thought provoking, "The Double Hour" will garner much conversation well after it ends.

Thor

You don't have to be versed in the comic book or Norse mythology of Thor to enjoy a reasonably exciting adaptation of the Marvel comic character, "The Mighty Thor". You do, however, need to enjoy mindless action adventure filled with cartoonish violence.

Director Kenneth Branagh infuses just enough Shakespearean gravitas to add human drama to the story but "Thor" is no "Dark Knight" and for most of the film, keeps things light and moving quickly. After all, this "origin" film is just a set up for next year's "The Avengers", which will star most of the recent influx of Marvel screen characters.

The film stars Chris Hemsworth, who is well cast as the fallen God banished to Earth in order to prove his worth. He is banished by Odin, the allfather, played with much pomp and circumstance by Anthony Hopkins. Natalie Portman plays the love interest, Jane Foster (a nurse in the comics who has morphed into an astro-physicist for the film). A nice surprise is Tom Hiddleston, who plays Thor's half-brother, Loki. He is very well cast as the God of Mischief who's schemes drive the plot.

Most of the story is adapted intact from the comic source with some minor changes that may disturb purists but simplify the plot to keep it moving. The special effects are disappointing and 3-D is once again wasted, adding nothing special to the visuals. If anything the film is actually darker and harder to see with the glasses on. See it in regular 2-D if you can. You'll save at least $3.50 and never miss the effect.

If you do go, stay past the credits as you will be rewarded with a clip that adds another piece to the "Avengers" storyline. And also keep you eye out for Jeremy Renner in a cameo that sets up another Marvel hero.

Incendies

Nominated at this year's Oscars for Best Foreign Film, "Incendies" well deserved the honor. This is an intense epic drama with a jigsaw puzzle of a plot that will draw you in and leave you reeling. It begins with the mysterious last wishes of a deceased woman and ends with a family changed forever.

A set of French Canadian twins are given two envelopes by their mother's attorney. The daughter is charged with finding their father (a man thought dead) and the son is charged with finding their brother (a brother they never knew existed). The daughter's search takes her to a unidentified Middle Eastern Country where she finally traces her father's path. Her brother soon joins her and he eventually discovers the truth about their long lost brother. Between their quest, there are flashbacks to their mother as a young woman that set the story in motion and plot her own course in this "Greek tragedy" of a tale.

The mother's story is both heartbreaking and remarkable. It is filled with sorrow and violence but also embraces the bond of love and family. Lubna Azubal portrays the mother, Nawal Marwan and she is fantastic in a very difficult role. The twins, Simon and Jeanne, are played by Maxim Guadette and Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin and they are both excellent, especially Ms. Desormeaux-Poulin as Jeanne.

The complex story pulls you in like a great novel that you can't put down. The revelations at the end and the final images will stay with you long after you leave the theater.

Water For Elephants

Having enjoyed the original novel by Sara Gruen, I was somewhat disappointed by the film version. Whenever a popular novel translates to the screen, sacrifices have to be made and there are subtle changes here that may bother fans of the novel. Now if you haven't read the book, you will probably enjoy this period love story set in a Depression era circus.

Robert Pattinson tries in vain to break free of his Edward Cullen (Twilight) persona. I give him credit for trying to break the mold he has created for himself but he comes up short. Playing the lead character, Jacob, Mr. Pattinson spends much of the film brooding much like his "Twilight" character minus the fangs. His love interest, Marlena, is played by Reese Witherspoon who does an admirable job with the animal cast but lacks chemistry with Mr. Pattinson. And the villain of the piece is well cast by the presence of Christoph Waltz, as August, Marlena's husband and the circus ringmaster.

The best casting decision is Tai (II) as Rosie, the elephant. Tai steals every scene she's in and has great chemistry with everyone. Her lemonade scene alone is worth the price of admission. While Rosie's sub-plot is both heartbreaking and rewarding, the love triangle between the leads lacks the passion conveyed in the novel. The film is hampered by a poor musical score that tries too hard to heighten the various moods and ends up bogging down the film.

There is still enough here to move an audience to break out in applause but it's not "The Greatest Show on Earth".

Your Highness

Even for the target audience, this medieval stoner comedy fails to bring the big laughs and ends up "Your Lowness". Danny McBride and James Franco try to recapture the laughs and silliness of "Pineapple Express" but spend too much time on juvenile jokes that fall flat and plot lines that veer off into just plain weirdness.

Starring as an odd couple of brothers, Fabious (Mr. Franco) and Thaddeus (Mr. McBride) embark on a quest to rescue Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel) from the clutches of the evil Wizard, Leezar (Justin theroux). Along the way, they meet Isabel (Natalie Portman) a feisty warrior woman with her own agenda for Leezar.

Ms. Portman looks great and ends up funnier than everyone else because she actually bothers to act and takes her character very seriously. Everyone else is just enjoying each other's company and having a grand old time at the expense of the audience.

Meek's Cutoff

Director Kelly Reichardt (Wendy & Lucy) teams once again with actress Michele Williams in this minimalistic "western" about a small band of pioneers lost in the Oregon wilderness. The year is 1845 and guide Stephen Meeks has led three families off the main artery of a wagon train heading west. Ms. Williams plays Emily Tetherow, the young bride of Solomon Tetherow played by Will Patton.

Meeks is played with bluster by Bruce Greenwood (hidden under long hair and scraggy beard) who insists he can lead the group to a fertile valley. The other families are played by Paul Dano and Zoe Kasdan as The Gateleys and Shirley Henderson and Neal Huff as The Whites. The White family also has a young son, Jimmy played by Tommy Nelson. These are the main characters we watch struggle with their daily existence low on water and food. Halfway through, there is a twist on their situation that creates new tensions. There are endless shots of their wagon train enduring hardships across a barren landscape as they put their faith in Meeks to lead their way.

The film is beautifully shot with wonderful cinematography and the acting is very authentic. You find yourself forgetting there is a film crew all around these people and believe in their loneliness and struggles. Ms. Williams, as usual, shines in her role as the most assertive of the women. Not much happens as the narrative is not your typical Hollywood plot. Audiences will be very divided on this film but it does have it's charms if you accept it for what it is, a journey more than a destination.

Jane Eyre

The seventh (I believe) version of the Charlotte Bronte classic stars upcoming actors Mia Wasikowska as the title character and Michael Fassbender as Edward Rochester. Star crossed lovers in the classic sense, their repressed passion builds slowly fueled by intelligent word play and soulful stares.

Both actors do an admirable job of expressing the love that grows between them but it is Ms. Wasikowska that really shines as Jane. She is in almost every scene and she is has a unique beauty that is hypnotic to watch. This classic love story also features Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins and Jamie Bell and plays out against a gorgeous windswept landscape in the English countryside.

The cinematography is excellent with lighting, in particular, playing an important part. Many scenes are lit solely by candlelight enveloping the viewer in Bronte's world.

Did the world need another version of "Jane Eyre"? Probably not, but for a younger generation, it's a great introduction to the classics.

Hanna

Saoirse Ronan plays the title character, "Hanna", in this new action thriller. Unfortunately, while she is fascinating to watch, the film doesn't really thrill. With a score by the Chemical Brothers and a few set action pieces, the film tries hard but it's a thin story that's violent and ultimately senseless.

Hanna is trained as a child to become an unbeatable assassin by her CIA rogue father, played by Eric Bana. They live in a secluded forest in Finland cut off from civilization. Completely naïve when it comes to human contact, Hanna is a stranger in a strange land once she makes that contact. All she knows how to do is survive and lives by the mantra "adapt or die".

Upon learning of her existence, CIA agent, Marissa, played by Cate Blanchett hunts Hanna and her father, worried that they will expose her past secret experiments. It's all flimsy nonsense about creating super soldiers with poor plot twists you can easily see coming. Marissa is a strange character, (she has a weird obsession with clean teeth) and she employs an even stranger character, Issacs, played by Tom Hollander to do her dirty work.

The only saving grace is Ms. Ronan, who continues to hone her acting with each new role. There is something magnetic about her and as Hanna, she equally balances her naivety with her killer instincts. It's hard not to root for her, even when nothing makes too much sense.

Insidious

I had such high hopes for this new horror film after reading many other reviews. Maybe I've just been spoiled by too many good ones over my lifetime but "Insidious" just didn't give me sweaty palms and heart palpitations like "The Exorcist" or "Poltergeist" and certainly didn't send me to the nearest bar for a much needed drink after the original "The Omen".

Don't get me wrong. The film works very hard to scare you and definitely has it's "jolt" moments so if you are easily affected by these kinds of films, you will have a screaming good time. But for the true fan of the genre, this is nothing more than a poor rip-off of "Poltergeist". The film gives away to much in the trailer and even the poster so it's no surprise to say it's not the house that's haunted but rather a young family member.

The parents are played well by Rose Bryne and Patrick Wilson but they are stock roles (the worried mom and the disbelieving dad) until the last act when they both turn it up a notch to save their son. The film is rated PG-13 so there is isn't the usually gore factor to scare and repulse you. Instead the film relies heavily on atmosphere to pull you in and keep you nervous. Looking for an original angle, it's odd that the central evil presence looks exactly like "Darth Sidious" from "Star Wars". Was the makeup department budget slashed because too much money was spent on the fog machines?

If you are really looking for a good scare, invite some friends over, turn out the lights and watch "The Exorcist" or "Poltergeist", still two of the scariest movies ever made. Even, the original "House On Haunted Hill" (starring the great Vincent Price) surpasses "Insidious" for real goose-bump inducing horror. Until the next attempt, you just can't go wrong with the classics.

The Lincoln Lawyer

Matthew McConaughey stars as Mick Haller, the title character, who operates his law practice from the back seat of a Lincoln Continental. The film is from the bestseller by Michael Connelly and it translates very well to the screen. Mr. McConaughey is perfect for the role of the streetwise lawyer and I can foresee this becoming a franchise for him as long as Mr. Connelly keeps churning out bestsellers.

The first rate cast also includes Marisa Tomei, as Mick's ex-wife, Ryan Phillippe, as the predominant client, William H. Macy, as Mick's legal investigator, Josh Lucas, as the District Attorney and John Leguizamo, as a shady bail bondsman. Also included are Frances Fisher, Michael Pena and the return of '80s star Michael Pare. Everyone is working an angle and this legal thriller, while revealing it's hand early, still has some aces up it's sleeve.

I was a little disappointed in the role of Earl, Mick's driver who doesn't have much to do and seems wasted. But that point aside, the plot and the acting will keep you engaged. Mr. McConaughey has done his share of lazy films but when he feels like really acting, as he does here, he can really carry a film.

"The Lincoln Lawyer" would make a terrific TV series if the producers ever decided to go that route. It's got the kind of characters you would easily enjoy seeing again. For now, it's those characters that drive "The Lincoln Lawyer" to a victory lap.

Source Code

"Source Code" is a twisty action-thriller with elements of "Inception" and "Groundhog's Day". Directed by Duncan Jones, this is an exciting and suspenseful film that is anchored by a terrific Jake Gyllenhaal. His performance alone, sells the story.

When Mr. Gyllenhaal wakes up on a commuter train, he is in the body of another man. Initially confused, he slowly remembers why he is there. Sitting across from him is Michelle Monaghan, who once again plays the pretty love interest in peril. She has become quite adept at these roles and here, performs admirably. Apparently Mr. Gyllenhaal is a soldier taking part in a Government experiment to stop a terrorist from blowing up a train. As the audience, we learn along with him as plot points are slowly revealed.

Overseeing the experiment is Vera Farmiga as his "handler" and Jeffrey Wright as the creator of the "source code". There is a lot of sci-fi mumbo jumbo as to how the source code works but even if it goes over your head, you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Beyond the four leads, the rest of the cast is fairly unknown so that makes figuring out the identity of the bomber all the more fun. Usually a name actor will make it pretty obvious but that's not the case here which really helps propel the story.

I can't say enough how natural and believable Mr. Gyllenhaal is in the role of Colter Stevens. He really makes you root for the character and believe the situation, even when it gets fairly unbelievable.

Tyrannosaur

Actor Paddy Considine writes and directs his first full length feature, based on a short he made a few years ago. He gathers together a first rate cast with Peter Mullen, Olivia Cole, and Eddie Marsan in the lead roles. Mr. Mullen plays Joseph, a man full of anger that he wears on his sleeve. When he meets Hanna (Ms. Cole), he ever so slowly awakens new emotions to replace his rage. Their relationship is not what you expect, evident enough when we meet Hanna's husband, James (Mr. Marsan). Hanna has problems of her own, hidden below the surface and her marriage is not what it seems.

This is a serious drama with moments of raw violence against people and animals (two dogs do not fare well in the film) but it is also powerfully acted in an arc towards redemption and optimism. Mr. Considine's camera loves Mr. Mullen. He has always done fine work but this may be his best role and the way the camera lingers on his subtle expressions can be breathtaking.

The story is not complicated. It is character driven and well paced. Mr. Considine looks to have a long career behind the camera. I saw this at the New Director's/New Films Festival at Lincoln Center so don't look for it in theaters just yet. I'm not sure of it's release date but once it's released, it's worth a look, especially if you are a fan of gritty British drama.

Win Win

Writer/Director Tom McCarthy hits the trifecta. It started with "The Station Agent", followed by "The Visitor" and now "Win Win'. He is a master at telling small stories filled with memorable characters and rewarding moments. Not to mention, always finding the perfect cast.

This is the story of Mike Flaherty, a small town lawyer who also coaches the local high school wrestling team. Mike is played by Paul Giamatti, who notches another wonderful performance as a loving but flawed "everyman". Amy Ryan disappears once again into a role as his wife, Jackie, with a perfect New Jersey accent.

As his business falters and needing money, Mike becomes the guardian to one of his elderly clients, played with his usual gruff exterior, by Burt Young. Along with the job comes a monthly stipend that Mike desperately needs. Of course, things don't go quite as planned and get complicated in an unexpected way.

Co-starring as Mike's best friend is Bobby Cannavale, who is the source of much humor especially in his scenes with Mr. Giamatti and Jeffrey Tambor, the assistant wrestling coach. The three of them are truly funny together. Between the "laugh out loud" scenes are some terrific dramatic and tender moments from a rich script delivered by fine actors. I predict big things for Alex Shaffer.

You expect the story to be predictable and it's not. It's low key but thoroughly enjoyable. You can't lose with "Win Win".

The Adjustment Bureau

Take a little "Wings of Desire", "City of Angels" and add in some "Monsters Inc." and you've got "The Adjustment Bureau". You anticipate a Sci-fi type thriller based on the trailer but what you really get is a love story layered with spiritual arguments of free will vs. pre-destiny.

Matt Damon stars as a man who "sees behind the curtain" and finds out his life is not really his own. He meets and falls in love with Emily Blunt but is told by his "adjusters", their life together is not meant to be. Defying God (The Chairman), he refuses to give up on their future together. This, in turn, angers John Slattery and Terrence Stamp, "adjusters" trying to keep Mr. Damon on his pre-destined course.

Mr. Damon and Ms. Blunt have genuine chemistry and you believe in their love. It's the only thing that keeps you interested as not much happens and the actions of the adjusters are just ridiculous. You'll leave the theater debating whether or not your own "book" has been written which may prompt more lively discussion than the film does. What holds your attention are the New York City locations and Mr. Damon's likable "everyman" acting. The premise is a good one but it's laughably executed.

Carancho

Actor Richardo Darin (so good in "The Secret In Their Eyes" and "Nine Queens") returns in this Argentinian drama about an ambulance chasing lawyer who's tired of the insurance scams and is looking for a way out. When he meets a new doctor on the ambulance late shift, they begin a relationship that gives him hope for a better future. The doctor is played by Martina Gusman and while their relationship begins innocently enough, both discover they have secrets that will impact everything.

Approximately 8,000 people die every year in Argentina, according to the prologue and insurance fraud is a major industry preying on the victims and their families. The film, written and directed by Pablo Trapero, sheds light on these tragedies through a fictional story that cuts close to the truth. This is a dark drama fueled by the excellent work of Mr. Darin and Ms. Gusman. There is considerable bloodshed and the film is obviously in Spanish with subtitles but it's interesting subject matter and definitely worth the effort over the February Hollywood throwaways out there now.

Unknown

It's slim pickings in the dark days of February, once you've exhausted all the Oscar nominated films. You would expect a Liam Neeson action film to bring a little light to that darkness. You could do worse than "Unknown".

Mr. Neeson is becoming quite good as the guy to turn to when you are trouble in a European city. Here, he is Martin Harris, in trouble himself, after a car accident leaves him with spotty memory loss and a wife who no longer knows him. January Jones, so icy good on "Mad Men" plays basically the same role in contemporary clothes as Mr. Neeson's wife. Diane Kruger plays a cab driver with "too good to be true" survival skills who helps Mr. Neeson get his life back.

Frank Langella shows up late as a friend with a secret and Adian Quinn rounds out the American cast as "the other" Martin Harris. Everyone seems to have a secret agenda and nothing is quite as it seems. The central plot twist is a good one but there is too much exposition and so many plot holes, the film should have been called "Unbelievable" instead of "Unknown". There are a few good action sequences, particularly a car chase through the snowy streets of Berlin, but they are far and few between.

A cross between "The Bourne Identity" and "Taken" with a dash of Hitchcock thrown in, there are enough twists and turns to keep you interested but it's all rather forgettable once the lights come on.

Biutiful

I am a big fan of writer/director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. His films are always poetic and emotional. "Biutiful" continues his exploration of the human condition but rather than a multiple cast of characters like his previous work, his focus here is on one man's struggle through life.

Javier Bardem gives a towering performance as Uxbal, a man struggling to raise two small kids, providing for them through the underbelly of the Barcelona underworld. He lives on the edge of a criminal life dealing with illegals and counterfeit products only to keep his family together. When he becomes ill, he becomes even more desperate to provide for his children. Mr. Bardem's performance anchors the film. He is in almost every scene and his on screen presence is so powerful, he's just a force of nature commanding your attention.

The cinematography is outstanding but the direction is erratic at times. Subplots dangle and seem unnecessary but to Mr. Inarritu's credit, there are still moments of absolute heartbreak along with scenes of pure beauty.

This is intense story with difficult moments but the humanity and strength in Mr. Bardem's performance is worth every minute. A well deserved best actor Oscar nomination.

Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune

This is an entertaining and important documentary about Phil Ochs. Mr. Ochs was a political folk singer popular in the 60's who's most famous songs were "I Ain't Marching Anymore" and "Small Circle Of Friends".

His circle of friends included Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, and Peter Yarrow. He was the most "political" of his contemporaries and never really had a "hit" record. "Pleasures From The Harbor" was probably his most commercial album and yet his music was the voice of a generation. This new documentary gives Mr. Ochs his due and at the same time capsulizes the turbulent 60's.

The film is full of songs and images as well as contemporary interviews with Mr. Ochs's family, friends and acquaintances. It provides insight into Mr. Ochs who, while they were friends, always felt overshadowed by Bob Dylan. It explores the inner demons that drove him to drink, his terrible bout with depression, but also celebrates the man's life and music.

The documentary is in limited release in NY but will open in other major cities throughout February and March. If you believe in the power of music as a tool for change and want to learn more about an unlikely American hero, this is a must see.

The Green Hornet

Michael Gondry, at first seems like an odd choice for a Seth Rogan action comedy but actor and director are on the same page for this juvenile and silly film. It is not without it's certain charms and will probably appeal to the 14 year old boy who may still be lurking in your adult mind.

Seth Rogan fans are sure to enjoy the sophomoric dialog and mass destruction. Some of the action sequences are actually exciting and there are a few "laugh out loud" moments as well. Where the film falters is the casting of Cameron Diaz, who is completely wasted and just shows up for the paycheck. After the disaster of "Knight & Day", Ms. Diaz's career seems to be going in the wrong direction. Also wasted is Christoph Waltz who basically plays the same role from "Inglorious Basterds" without the Nazi uniform.

What does work is the "bromance" between Mr. Rogan and his "sidekick" Kato played by Martial Arts master Jay Chou. Their relationship has depth and believability and drives the film (no pun intended).

Another in a growing line of gimmick 3-D films, "The Green Hornet" could easily have been 2-D saving it's audience the extra bucks. The 3-D does nothing to enhance the film except for adding some interesting depth to the closing credits. I can't tell you how much I hate this trend which shows no sign of going away anytime soon.

This film will never win over critics but it will appeal to an audience looking for a summer "popcorn" flick in the middle of winter.

The Way Back

Director Peter Weir returns with this extraordinary tale of survival based on a true story. It's 1940 and a small group of multi-national prisoners stage an escape from a Russian Gulag in Siberia. They proceed to walk 4000 miles south to freedom in India. All the tension and suspense lie in who will survive.

The film stars Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Saoirse Ronan, and Colin Farrell. While the story holds your attention for two hours, it's the tale itself that bears watching and not the acting. This is man against nature at it's worst and while everyone is solid in their part, there is no opportunity to develop the characters and they become almost interchangeable. Mr. Harris is stoic, Mr. Sturgess is determined, and Mr. Farrell does a terrible Russian accent but still manages to appear menacing. That's the extent of it. When Ms. Ronan joins the group, she is the tragic figure who manages to get the men to open up a bit about themselves.

Aside from the characters lack of depth, the cinematography is gorgeous and the story is harrowing. Mr. Weir convincingly makes you feel every bit of icy cold and all the heat of the blistering sun.The ending is a bit rushed but ends on a sentimental note. It's an old fashioned adventure story filmed on location without the use of CGI and that alone makes it a breath of fresh air in what is usually the January dumping ground of movies.

Casino Jack

Kevin Spacey stars as disgraced Washington "super lobbyist", Jack Abramoff in this "inspired by real events", docudrama. During the first Bush administration, Jack Abramoff was a lobbyist mostly involved in the gaming industry and in particular, Native American casinos. He had his fingers in many pies though and this is a fictionalized account of his fall from Washington grace and subsequent imprisonment.

As written, much of the film is played for laughs and it would probably be even funnier if most of what was going on at the time wasn't true. The situations are real and I would hope that the characters are enhanced "Hollywood" versions of themselves for entertainment value. Whether or not that's accurate, the film does have an essence of truth as to what goes on behind closed doors in Washington and that makes it scarier than amusing.

Mr. Spacey is great as Mr. Abramoff. He is so adept at playing these kinds of characters. He is also backed by a fine cast including Barry Pepper as his partner, Michael Scanlon, Kelly Preston as his wife Pam, and Jon Lovitz as Adam Kidan, a sleazy business partner. Mr. Lovitz is a terrific casting choice who balances comic relief and pathos in a serious part. Graham Greene and Rachelle LeFevre round out the major roles.

The film was directed by George Hickenlooper, who passed away two months before the film's release. He left behind a small but noteworthy body of work capped by the very entertaining "Casino Jack".

Blue Valentine

Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling star in a story of a failing marriage. Early on we realize things are not going well between Dean and Cindy and we watch as their marriage begins to fall apart. The film takes us to various moments in their relationship to show us the good times as well as the bad. We learn how they meet, fall in love, marry and raise a daughter. I was particularly impressed with the editing of how they meet which was very unique.

Both actors are incredible. They match each other for powerful, raw performances that don't hold anything back. The film cuts back and forth in time and it is difficult to watch the hurtful, angry moments after experiencing the early tender, loving ones.

The film was directed and co-written by Derek Cianfrance. I suspect many of the scenes went off script and were improvised as so many reaction shots seem genuine and even full of surprise. If it was all scripted, credit even more, the brilliant acting by Ms. Williams and Mr. Gosling as well as Mr. Cianfrance's direction.

This is not an easy film to watch but it does reward you with two outstanding (sure to be nominated) performances.

Best & Worst of 2010

BEST OF 2010

10) Winter’s Bone- Chilling realism. A glimpse into the underbelly of contemporary rural America with outstanding performances.

9) City Island- Extremely enjoyable light comedy with a great performance by Andy Garcia.

8) Toy Story 3- Superb animation and a fun filled, heartwarming story. It’s still the best.

7) The Fighter- Crowd pleasing true story of boxer Mickey Ward and his crazy family. Excellent performances all around.

6) Micmacs- French comedy from Jean-Pierre Jeunet that is an an absolute delight.

5) Black Swan- A seductive and controversial ballet thriller with a great performance by Natalie Portman.

4) Inception- Christopher Nolan does it again in this visual mindbender. We're still debating "the top".

3) The King’s Speech- Fantastic performance by Colin Firth as well as Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter in this true story of King George VI.

2) 127 Hours- Actor James Franco & Director Danny Boyle team up to create an amazing journey from a least expected situation.

1) The Social Network- The smartest and surprisingly entertaining film of the year. Great script, direction and acting.

Honorable Mention-

Let Me In- A very different sort of vampire movie.

Barney's Version- Terrific drama starring the amazing Paul Giamatti with strong support from Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Driver and Rosamund Pike.

The Secret In Their Eyes- Rich, absorbing and intelligent, drama.

WORST OF 2010

10) Shutter Island- very disappointing mess from Martin Scorsese.

9) Middlemen- Luke Wilson is terrific in a very mediocre movie.

8) Alice In Wonderland- Very disappointing. Johnny Depp lifeless as the mad hatter and Tim Burton landscapes are rehashed from previous work.

7) Robin Hood- Give me Errol Flynn.

6) Jonah Hex- Don’t bother. God knows the actors didn’t.

5) Resident Evil: "Afterlife"- There isn’t any and the 3D was lame. Even fans of the series have to admit enough is enough.

4) Knight & Day- Awful action mess. A big misstep for Cruise and Diaz.

3) Killers- Ugh. Kill me now.

2) Clash of The Titans- Boring and terrible in 3-D. Only three decent moments.

1) Cop Out- Possibly the worst "buddy-cop" movie ever. Bruce Willis just showed up for his paycheck.

The Fighter

Based on the true story of Mickey Ward, a welterweight boxer from Lowell Massachusetts, this is a sure crowd pleaser and Oscar contender in multiple categories. Mark Wahlberg stars as Ward and he is the anchor of the film. Standout performances are all around him in the form of Melissa Leo as his mother, Alice, Christian Bale as his brother Dicky and Amy Adams as his girlfriend, Charlene.

While the film is about fighters, it's center is really about family. For years, Mickey has let his mother be his manager and his brother, his trainer. It hasn't gotten him anywhere except for multiple losses. He is fiercely loyal to his family but decisions have to be made.

David O. Russell directs and takes his camera directly into the eye of the hurricane of this highly dysfunctional family. Dicky had his shot in the ring but his life choices have led him astray. Mickey's last shot is redemption for both of them and the last act of the film takes us to a rousing finish.

The film also has a terrific soundtrack. Who would have thought I'd be humming "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake, as I left the theater.

Another Year

Writer/director Mike Leigh's latest drama is an intimate look into the life of Tom and Gerri, a middle-aged, middle-class London couple that literally transpires over the course of a year. Divided into the four seasons, "Another Year" examines the impact and contrast of Tom & Gerri's happy, content life with the lives of their friends Mary and Ken as well as their son, Joe. The brilliant cast is led by Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen as Tom and Gerri.

Mary's life has been a series of failures and she clings to the warmth of her friend's marriage as a lifeline with one hand on the rope and the other wrapped perpetually around a wine glass. Played by Leslie Manville, Mary's downward spiral is hard to watch but heartbreakingly real. It's the standout performance of the film. Ken(Peter Wight), on the other hand has also had his failures. However, instead of fooling himself into thinking he's still got a chance at happiness, he's resigned himself to being a chain smoking, overweight drunk. Ken's attempt at courting Mary is only one of the many painful scenes throughout the film.

The counterbalance to the heartbreak and pain is the positive anchor of Tom & Gerri. Theirs' is such a strong, happy marriage that it almost falls into caricature. Can anyone be that happy? And can that happiness be absorbed by others? Credit Mr. Leigh with casting actors that never look or feel like they're acting. Furthermore, directing them with an improvisational style that gives the viewer a sense of watching real people navigate their lives... for better or worse.

All Good Things

Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst star in this "truth is stranger than fiction" crime drama. This is the fictionalized account of the Robert Durst scandal in New York during the '80's. Mr. Durst was the wealthy son of a New York real estate magnate who was suspected of killing his wife but never charged as her body was never found. The story got stranger as time went on and the film captures all of it with a knockout performance from Mr. Gosling as David Marks (aka Robert Durst).

The film also stars Frank Langella as Sandford Marks, David's father and the wonderful Philip Baker Hall as Malvern Bump, a man David befriends later in life only to get him caught up in his nefarious actions. Lily Rabe also co-stars as another important woman in David's life. Mr. Langella is so good at playing the strong-willed, overbearing patriarch and Mr. Baker Hall is woefully sympathetic as a man driven to circumstances beyond his control.

The story starts out simply enough as David and Katie (Ms. Dunst) meet, fall in love and marry but as the years progress, David's mental instability begins to come to the surface and and the "good things" take a turn for the worse. The film is directed by Andrew Jarecki, who's last film was the documentary "Capturing The Friedmans". It's a fascinating story and will definitely make you curious about the actual events. Thank goodness for Wikpedia.

The Tourist

European in style and Hitchcockian in nature, "The Tourist" will come as a disappointment for most mainstream audiences. The problem occurs when you attach two of the biggest stars on the planet (known mostly for action films) and you don't give them the big "Hollywood" action film the audience expects. Earlier this year, George Clooney failed for the same reason in "The American".

Angelina Jolie is the mystery woman Elise and Johnny Depp is Frank, the title character. Ms. Jolie is actually terrific in the role, glamorous, mysterious, and dangerous all at the same time. Mr. Depp is terribly miscast as Frank and their lack of chemistry proves the point. Mr. Depp can be many things but coming across as a mild mannered math teacher from Wisconsin is not one of them.

The film is directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmark, who did a brilliant job on "The Lives of Others". Here, as a European director, he is asked to do an American remake of a French film that will appeal to American audiences. This is not Mr. Henckel von Donnersmark's strength and he ends up with a hybrid of styles that ultimately fail. The only star here that really shines is Venice (where the film takes place) as the beauty of the city is revealed through the director's eye.

Some foreign films, in the wrong hands, just don't translate well into American films. If you were intrigued by the idea of "The Tourist", seek out the French original, "Anthony Zimmer". I hear it's terrific.

True Grit

I love a good western and "True Grit" is a good western. Is it great? No, I don't think so. In my humble opinion, The Coen brothers didn't need to do their own version of this film. I'm a huge fan of their work but this time out, they really don't infuse the story with their signature style. Even though they have tackled many genres, there is always something about their films that is distinctively "Coen Brothers". Their only mark on the retelling of "True Grit", is the fantastic cinematography of Roger Deakins.

Casting Jeff Bridges as "Rooster Cogburn", they might as well have called the film, "True Grunt". It's almost impossible to understand his dialog and subtitles would have been a blessing. As for his acting, he does redefine the role made famous by John Wayne but he plays it like an early ancestor of his "Crazy Heart" character, "Bad Blake". Matt Damon does a stalwart job as "LaBouf", the Texas Ranger. Josh Brolin gets top billing along with the others but his role is nothing more than a two scene cameo. The real praise must be given to Hailee Steinfeld as "Mattie Ross". Ms. Steinfeld won the role after apparently 15,000 girls auditioned for the role. The filmmakers got it right. This is her first film and she steals the movie with maturity and a natural charm.

The Coen brothers insisted this was not a remake but rather their own version of the book but if you watch the original film, you will still see that many of the scenes are shot for shot in the new version. I was hoping to heap accolades upon this film but I would give them to "A Serious Man", the Coen Brothers last film released in 2009 with an original story and better acting.

Black Swan

Darren Aronofsky brings us another minor masterpiece with "Black Swan". Using the same hand held technique he did in "Requiem For A Dream", he creates a claustrophobic world of ballet seen through the eyes of Nina Sayers, the dancer picked to play the Swan Queen in a new production of "Swan Lake".

Natalie Portman plays Nina. She is wonderful in a complex and difficult role as she slowly succumbs to the pressure of the lead. She also does an admirable job with her dancing as it is obviously her in many of the ballet sequences. Vincent Cassel, plays the controlling and manipulative dance company director and Barbara Hershey plays Erica Sayers, Nina's mother who has issues of her own. Winona Ryder has a small but pivotal role as Beth MacIntyre, the lead ballerina forced out by Cassel.

A real revelation (besides Ms. Portman) is Mila Kunis, who until now has not had any really significant parts. Here, she plays another ballerina who befriends Nina and yet is a rival for the Swan Queen. She shows a new maturity and depth to her acting. Ms. Kunis also does much of her own dancing quite well (at least to my untrained eye).

Mr. Aronofsky leads us into the world of ballet and then builds the suspense to a breaking point of an ending. The film has it's moments of beauty, shock and controversy and expect to be caught in it's seductive power.

TRON:Legacy

"Tron: Legacy" in IMAX 3-D is less a movie and more an amusement park ride. You are totally immersed in the digital world of the grid and it truly stimulates the senses. The audio and visual effects are wonderful and it really is quite the ride.

On the other hand, the plot is thin and the acting fairly robotic (especially considering two of the major characters are non-human). Jeff Bridges does double duty here as his image from the original film (some 30 years ago) is digital reproduced as the villain, "CLU" and he also plays his current age as Flynn, the inventor of Tron, trapped in his own creation. Garrett Hedlund, plays Sam, his adult son, drawn into the digital world who reunites with his father to bring down "CLU". Mr. Hedlund handles himself well in all the action sequences and also gets some help from the digital creation "Quorra", played by Olivia Wilde. The film also brings back Bruce Boxleitner (the original Tron) in a sentimental small role. Rounding out the major cast of characters is Michael Sheen, playing a digitally androgynous character named "Castor" who comes across as David Bowie circa "Ziggy Stardust".

Aside from the obvious father-son connection, the thread of a plot is concerned with "CLU" invading the real world with a digital army. There's lots of cyber speak and Mr. Bridges, as Flynn, talks a lot of Zen philosophy but you don't go to see Tron for the plot. This is all about the visuals and they are stunning. The "games" and various chase sequences are lots of fun and if you don't try to hard to understand the story, you will have a good time "lost" in this digital landscape.

The Company Men

Last year, "Up In The Air" showed us what it was like to fire people in a downsizing economy. "The Company Men" gives us an idea of the receiving end of those pink slips. Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones and Chris Cooper are three levels of executives downsized by their company during the economic crash of 2008.

The film is both scary and depressing as writer/director John Wells holds a mirror up to the harsh reality of the employment crisis in this country. The film does have some redeeming moments though, most notably in the acting of it's three leads, each handling their situation in a different way. The script tends towards the melodramatic extreme in the case of Mr. Affleck and his family as their life crashes around them in less than a year but everything else about the film feels real.

A big surprise in the film is Kevin Costner, who shines in a supporting role as Mr. Affleck's brother-in-law. Out of the star spotlight, he can relax and just act naturally in his best role in years. Rosemary DeWitt is also excellent as Mr. Affleck's wife, standing by her man, even as everything they have is stripped away.

"The Company Men" is a hard sell as escapist entertainment when the subject matter is all round us but if you appreciate good acting, see it for the cast. They do their best to help the rest of us cope.

The Warrior's Way

A mash up of a samurai sword epic and a classic American western, this psychedelic genre crasher is a lot of fun. Filmed in New Zealand but mostly CGI green screen work, the film looks great and the stunts are plentiful.

The film's name stars are Geoffrey Rush, ("slumming" after what will be an Oscar nomination for "The King's Speech") as a drunken marksman, Danny Huston as the outrageous villain (disfigured face and all), and Kate Bosworth as the plucky love interest, good with blades of all kinds. Diminutive actor Tony Cox also has a key roll as "Eightball", the little person with a big heart. The real star, however, is the Asian actor Jang Dong-Gun, who makes intricate swordplay look easy.

When you take a semi-deserted town, throw in a bunch of circus rejects, add a bunch of villainous cowboys and ninja warriors, you get one crazy mix of a movie but writer/director Sngmoo Lee makes it work. It's got plenty of comic book violence, colorful characters and the most expressive baby I've ever seen.

If you're looking for something really different, "The Warrior's Way" fits the bill.

Barney's Version

Released in a very limited run (probably for Oscar consideration), this is a little Indie film with a big emotional payoff. Based on the novel by Mordecai Richler, this is the story of Barney Panofsky and the journey through his adult life. It's dramatic with some comedic moments and you will quickly find yourself emotionally invested in Barney's life through all his ups and downs.

Paul Giamatti plays Barney and his rich, layered, terrific performance pulls you in and keeps you there for the entire ride. It's easily one of his best roles. Supporting him are Dustin Hoffman as Izzy, his father, along with Minnie Driver and Rosamund Pike as two important women in his life. Mr. Hoffman is a joy to watch as he makes the most of his supporting character (he gets most of the laughs). Ms. Driver portrays a Montreal "Jewish American Princess" very accurately and Ms. Pike is a breath of fresh air in a role I will not reveal.

Richard J. Lewis directs this gem and condenses an adult lifetime into little more than two hours running time without sacrificing major plot points. Watching the film, you can imagine the complexity of the novel but the edited screenplay still captures the heart of the story and Mr. Lewis moves things along at a comfortable pace.

What makes everything work so well is Mr. Giamatti's portrayal of this fascinating character. I hope the release strategy pays off and he is recognized for his fine work here.

The King's Speech

The true story of King George VI of England, who reluctantly becomes ruler when his brother abdicates the throne in 1936. His reluctance is due to a terrible stammer that destroys his confidence to rule. His wife, Queen Elizabeth finds speech therapist, Lionel Logue to help with the King's problem. Lionel's unconventional treatments eventually lead the two men to a life-long friendship.

Colin Firth stars as King George and Geoffrey Rush plays Lionel Logue. These two actors are at the top of their game and are wonderful to watch as they bond over the King's problem. Mr. Firth is marvelous in a role with such vocal difficulty. Mr. Rush also shines as the commoner, not afraid of royalty but rather committed to helping a man in dire need. They should both easily get Oscar nominations for this film. Also outstanding is Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth. She makes the queen regal and yet, so human as a wife and mother.

Director Tom Hooper captures the period along with all the pomp and circumstance of the royal family perfectly. He directs an all star cast that also includes Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambon and Sir Derek Jacobi. The film is obviously very British but the story holds a universal appeal. With perseverance, one can overcome handicaps and go on to great things.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Let's be real here. We're up to film number seven in the series. At this point, you're either a fan or couldn't care less. And if you are a fan, the film is pretty much critic proof. Warner Brothers decided to split the last book into two films. They claimed it was to enrich the story. Since we're being real here, let's be honest and realize they are milking the Harry Potter cash cow to the last drop.

The film picks up where we've left off with Harry and his friends on the run from the forces of Voldemort, trying to find the Horcruxes that will destroy Voldemort's power. The most original thing about the film is how it opens up the story from the confines of Hogwarts and ends up a travelogue for the British Isles. Otherwise, it's all the characters you've come to love (or hate) doing what they do best.

The film could have been done in one part if it didn't need to include countless scenes of Harry, Hermione, and Ron sitting around beautiful locations contemplating their next move in the war against Voldemort. There are some well done action sequences but they are far and few between. The look of the film is consistent with the others in the series. Dark is the operative word both figuratively and literally.

It's been fun to watch stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rubert Grint grow up and mature with each film. And as for the supporting cast, I think every British actor (with the exception of Hugh Grant) makes an appearance in "Part 1". There's still time for Hugh to show up in "Part 2".

I have to hold off complete judgment until "Part 2" next year when the series finally comes to an end. Wow, think of all the British actors who will end up "on the dole" after that.

127 Hours

Director Danny Boyle and actor James Franco team up for an unforgettable experience. The film is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, an extreme sports enthusiast and in the hands of another director, it could easily have been a two hour bore. Utilizing similar techniques first seen in "Trainspotting", Mr. Boyle takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotion watching James Franco try to survive, trapped in a rocky gully in the Utah Canyonlands.

Mr. Boyle mixes audio and video imagery to create a non-stop rush of flashbacks, hallucinations, and agonizing close-ups of Mr. Franco's efforts to free himself from an seemingly impossible situation. There is a scene late in the film that is definitely not for the faint-hearted and by film's end, you will feel drained and exhausted as if you were actually there.

Credit Mr. Franco with his best role to date, bringing you into Aron's world and experiencing every moment of joy, agony, and everything in-between. He is in almost every frame and it is simply an amazing performance.

I won't explain any plot points or individual scenes. Try to see this film with little or no knowledge of what actually happened to Aron Ralston. "127 Hours" will reward your time and come next year, Oscar will surely reward "127 Hours". Danny Boyle has done it again.

Fair Game

"Fair Game" is an uncharacteristic dud from director Doug Liman, best known for the "Bourne" films. This political drama is based on a true story of an exposed CIA agent during the Saddam years in Iraq. The film stars Naomi Watts as agent, Valerie Plame and Sean Penn as her husband, former Ambassador, Joseph Wilson.

The first hour is all background information on Valarie's operations around the world and our government zeroing in on supposed WMD's in Iraq. We get to the crux of the story when Joe writes a piece in The New York Times, calling the Bush Adminstration liars after he finds no WMD's on an overseas mission. The government then exposes Valerie in an attempt to deflect attention to their impending Iraq invasion. The story was a mild sensation for a moment and Mr. Liman tries in vain to create a "thriller" out of it. The closest the film comes to excitement is whether or not their marriage will survive the exposure and it's consequences.

Naomi Watts gives it her best as Valerie as does Sean Penn as Joe. I'm sure Mr. Penn was excited about a role where he gets to criticize the government multiple times. Their scenes together are strong but there is just not enough of a story here to keep an audience thoroughly engaged. Yes, you will be angry at what Mr. Bush and his "henchmen" do this family but the film brings nothing new to the story. In the end, the most interesting thing about "Fair Game" is Mr. Penn's haircut choice.

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest

The original Swedish "Millennium Trilogy" films have reached their conclusion. What started out in "Dragon Tattoo" as a enthralling mystery, continued in "Played with Fire" as an action thriller, now concludes with "Hornet's Nest" as a "talking head" thriller designed to wrap up all the loose ends.

The screenplay once again trims much of the book down to the central story, eliminating sub-plots and details. There is also some tweaking of story elements as cinematic timesavers. Reduced to the basic plot, it still provides closure for the fans and star Noomi Rapace never falters in her perfect performance as Lisbeth Salander.

If you haven't read the books or seen the first two films, "Hornet's Nest" will hold no interest for you even though there is much exposition to bring the audience up to speed. The political tone of the book tries to be replicated but everything about "The Section" is sliced thin to save time. What does remain, is the regrettable first half that find Lisbeth confined to a hospital bed, switching much of the story to Blomkvist and his quest to clear her name and expose "The Section". This read well in the book but slows things to a crawl in the film. The action picks up in the final act during Lisbeth's trial and even just sitting in the courtroom, Ms. Rapace lets her minimal facial expressions do all her necessary acting.

It will be interesting to see how David Fincher will reinterpret the story in his English versions which are filming now with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. But for those fans who can't wait, the original Swedish films are now complete and it will be hard to imagine anyone else as perfect as Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist than Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist.

Devil

A smart marketing campaign tells you this film is "from the mind of M. Night Shyamalan" so of course you are mildly interested since he has done good work in the past. However, while he wrote the story, he neither wrote the screenplay or directed the film. You would think in the hands of others, his material (which always starts out strong) would not fall apart at the end. "Devil" is a silly premise that is well executed and while it doesn't completely fall apart, the ending could have been stronger.

The story concerns five people trapped in the elevator of a high-rise office building and the various people trying to get them out. We learn early on that one of them is the devil in disguise. What works best here is the lack of superstar casting. You will recognize most of the cast but they are not your typical "A" actors and for that reason alone, the film will keep you guessing as the bodies begin to pile up.

The camerawork is very well done and has some unique perspectives. In particular, the opening credits disorient you right from the start. Keeping most of the action within the tight confines of the elevator, the camera keeps things fresh as we view everything from different angles and monitors.

In the end, this is just an extended "Twilight Zone" episode with all it's morality. A more exciting ending would have taken it to another level.

RED

Not a documentary about an music distribution company (although that would probably make a fun film), but rather a silly, over the top but very enjoyable action comedy. "RED" is based on a graphic novel, and it's enjoyment is based on watching four very capable actors come out of CIA retirement to find out who is targeting them for assassination. "The Expendables" employed a similar idea earlier this year, taking action heroes of the '80's and dropping them into one last warzone. "Red" is filled with explosions and gunfire but the pedigree cast adds humor and class to all the noise around them.

Who can resist Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren bringing down the police departments of multiple states as well as corrupt CIA agents? Throw in Brian Cox as a sly Russian agent and Mary Louise Parker as Mr. Willis's reluctant girlfriend, dragged into the chaos and you have a dream cast that is obviously having as much fun on screen as we are watching them. And it's good to see Richard Dreyfuss and especially Ernest Borgnine back on screen.

We've seen this plot before but it moves at a rapid pace and is never dull. The action is completely unbelievable and yet, with these pros at work, it's still a lot of fun.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Michael Douglas reprises his role as Gordon Gekko in this entertaining sequel. While his name is above the credits, his role is secondary to that of Shia LaBeouf, who steals the movie as Jacob, a hungry young financial "player" who tries to balance his financial lust with his love for Gekko's daughter, Winnie, played by Cary Mulligan.

Oliver Stone once again directs but while fun, the film doesn't have the impact of his earlier work. There are far too many tracking shots of Manhattan trying to emphasize how the city is the center of the financial world. The acting for the most part is good, although Cary Mulligan is miscast as Winnie. Josh Brolin makes a very good villain and Frank Langella is impactful in a small role.

What really shines is the script. Even if you are not a financial "wiz", the story is easy to follow and laced with terrific dialog. However, I did have a problem with two plot points. When we first see Gekko, he is being released from prison. The film then jumps 8 years to 2008. That makes sense as the story is set during the worst financial collapse since 1929. However, we never understand how Gekko climbs back and learns to navigate in the new digital financial world. My other problem is understanding why Winnie would be attracted to Jacob in the first place, since she abhors everything about her father's world.

"Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" is a decent investment of your time. And yes that was a bad pun but it's also a key theme of the film.

Let Me In

A Hollywood remake that actually gets it right and is as good or possibly even better than the original, "Let The Right One In". This is a atmospheric, creepy and at times, horrific vampire movie that sets itself apart from any other vampire/horror film coming out of the Hollywood machine today.

As lonely 12 year old Owen befriends the mysterious Abby, brutal killings begin to occur. Writer/director Matt Reeves, known for "Cloverfield", does an terrific job, first adapting the screenplay and then slowly building the suspense, driving excellent performances from his young actors. Kodi Smit-McPhee plays Owen and he acts way beyond his years with heartbreaking conviction. Chole Grace Moretz (the breakout star of "Kick-Ass") plays Abby, with a winning seduction of both Owen and the audience. One of the creepiest character actors working today, Elias Koteas, plays the fairly normal role of the policeman investigating the killings. And the wonderful Richard Jenkins also stars in a very pivotal role which I will not reveal.

Mr. Reeves sets up wonderful camera angles, unusual points of view, and makes great use of both the light and the dark. While much of the film is a slow build of dread, there are enough flashes of horror to jolt the viewer through to its inevitable conclusion. I can't imagine this film doing great box office as today's horror audiences want quick shock value. "Let Me In" will reward a patient audience and may haunt you long after it's over.

The Social Network

Timely and relevant, "The Social Network" really does define a generation. Director David Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin have created an remarkable film based on the creation of Facebook. Mr. Sorkin's source material was "The Accidental Billionaires" by Ben Mizrich and using his talent for intelligent, rapid fire dialogue, and sharp wit, he, along with Mr. Fincher, have brought the story to life in a very smart and entertaining film.

Mr. Fincher's direction is crisp and economical. Nothing is wasted and every scene sparkles with great dialogue and terrific acting. He continues to astound us with remarkable digital work, creating the important characters of identical twins by overlapping one actor's face and voice over the body of another. It's a seamless digital trick that is incredibly realistic. But his work with the other actors is just as strong. Jesse Eisenberg stars as Mark Zuckerberg, the computer genius but socially inept creator of Facebook. Mr. Eisenberg is perfectly cast and this takes his signature style to another level. The film also stars Justin Timberlake as Napster creator, Sean Parker and Mr. Timberlake continues to grow as an actor with a real star quality. Armie Hammer co-stars as the aforementioned identical Winklevoss twins who sued Mr. Zuckerberg over the idea of Facebook. And another star in the making is Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, Mr. Zuckerberg's partner who also ends up suing him.

The action moves back and forth between the past and the two lawsuits as we watch Mr. Zuckerberg bring Facebook to life while ironically alienating everyone else around him. He is brilliant but totally lacking in social skills, as we painfully discover in the opening scene. A scene in which we are also introduced to Roony Mara, the young actress Mr. Fincher cast as Lisbeth Salander in the upcoming American version of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". Skeptical at first of this casting decision, after watch her in this film, I look forward to her portrayal of Ms. Salander.

The film works on so many levels. How much of it is actually true will be left to debate but as a source of entertainment, it is outstanding. Expect a "Best Picture" nomination and see it before you read all about it on Facebook.

The Town

Ben Affleck is developing a nice second career as a director. "The Town" doesn't have quite the character development of "Gone Baby Gone" but it's a taut crime drama with well done action sequences and some original moments.

Mr. Affleck directs himself and he is actually quite good as the bank robber with a conscience. Jeremy Renner, plays his childhood friend and partner in crime, "Gem" with a psychotic attitude and realistic menace. The film also stars Jon Hamm, as the FBI agent tracking them but it's hard to think of Mr. Hamm other than Don Draper from "Mad Men". He tries too hard to shed his signature character. Rebecca Hall and Blake Lively co-star as the women in Mr. Affleck's life and it's always good to see Pete Postlehwaite on screen, even if it's a minor role.

There are some exciting chase sequences through the streets of Boston and Fenway Park features prominently in the finale. The cinematography is crisp and for the most part, the editing is sharp. A definite recommendation.

Resident Evil: Afterlife 3-D

If you are a fan of this seemingly endless series, then you will make it your business to go. If not, stay as far from this worthless piece of celluloid as you can. Milla Jovovich returns as "Alice", the physically enhanced zombie fighter along with Allie Larter, as her zombie killing partner.

The film is a tired retread of all it's previous incarnations, ripping off "The Matrix" along the way. The gimmick, this time, to sell tickets is that it's in 3D. Unfortunately, this is the worst 3D film since "Clash of The Titans". The film is dark, the effects are cheesy and the medium is wasted.

Just remember, I see these films so you don't have to...

Who is Harry Nilsson (and why is everyone talking about him)?

Many people know the songs (Without You, Everybody's Talking, Coconut, One, Me And My Arrow, etc...) but not everyone knows the name. Writer/Director John Scheinfeld remedies that with this new documentary.

Using rare, never seen before film clips as well as home movies and personal photos, Mr. Scheinfeld weaves an intimate portrait of the artist and the man. There are also dozens of interviews with friends, family and celebrities including Yoko Ono, Robin Williams, Brian Wilson, Eric Idle, Randy Newman, Jimmy Webb, the Smothers Brothers and many others.

The film starts with his early years growing up in Brooklyn, New York and moves through his career path showing us the highs and lows along the way. Mr. Nilsson reached his greatest success with "Nilsson Schmilsson", his most widely recognized album, produced by Richard Perry. There is some wonderful film footage of them in the studio as well as recollections by Mr. Perry of their years together. The Beatles had called Nilsson, their "favorite group" and the film has some great moments documenting his close relationship with both John Lennon and Ringo Starr.

After the success of "Nilsson Schmilsson", Mr. Nilsson's life began a terrible downward spiral and the film takes a honest look at the gifted artist on the road to self destruction. Mr. Scheinfeld balances the destructive "bad boy" with the loving family man and really answers the title question. It's a labor of love filled with great music and visuals that even a casual fan will enjoy.

Machete

Based on his fake trailer, writer/director Robert Rodriguez crafts a film filled with mayhem, violence, girls with guns, nudity, explosions, lots of fake blood and Robert DeNiro. Sometimes a film like "Machete" is just what the doctor ordered. Designed like a '70's exploitation film, "Machete" is the type of film best enjoyed in a drive-in as a double feature with "Piranha 3-D".

This mindless "popcorn" movie is actually a lot of fun when you go in knowing what to expect and get exactly what you pay for. It's great to see character actor Danny Trejo finally get star billing and his hard, weather beaten look is just perfect for the title character. The supporting cast is really amazing. When will you ever see a film again with Robert DeNiro (as a sleazy, racist, senator), Steven Segal (as a Latin crime lord), Don Johnson (as a racist vigilante), and Lindsey Lohan (shooting up people dressed in a nun's habit)? The movie also stars Jeff Fahey, Jessica Alba, Michele Rodriguez and Cheech Marin as one character more outrageous than the next.

Lost in the mayhem is a point about immigration laws and illegal immigrants (mostly from Mexico) but "Machete" makes too much fun of itself to be taken seriously. This film is so over the top, it's halfway down the other side.

Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (Part Two)

The French crime epic "Mesrine" has been split into two separate films here in the U.S. but I'm not sure how it played in France. Having now seen the entire story, it could have been edited into one three hour film that probably would have worked even better. Part two, "Public Enemy" picks up moments after the start of the first film and like the first, dissolves into flashbacks to bring the story full circle.

Vincent Cassel continues an electrifying performance as the title character. As part two takes place in the '70's, we now find Mesrine older, heavier and a complete attention seeking egomaniac. Having made a daring escape from a courtroom (a terrific sequence), Mesrine's infamy continues to grow and he feeds off the fame with even more daring robberies and escapes.

Along for the ride this time is Mathieu Amalric as Mesrine's partner in crime, until even he is fed up with the antics of the publicity seeking criminal. Again, there is a daring prison break and also a great car chase through the streets of Paris. However, here is where part two begins to falter. While the first film moved at a kinetic pace, the second takes a different approach and slows down the story with much longer sequences. It begins to get repetitive and has more tedious moments in between the action. This is where more editing could have consolidated both films into one.

Having said that, it's still important to see both films and experience the full story. Mr. Cassel brings Mesrine to life and even through the slow spots is still mesmerizing to watch.

Mesrine: Killer Instinct (Part One)

Part one of a two part epic, this crime drama plays like a French "Scarface" as it charts the rise of Jacques Mesrine, a notorious French gangster in the '60's and '70's. Loosely based on real events, "Killer Instinct" introduces us to Mesrine as he returns to France from the war in Algiers. He begins his rise through the French underworld under the guidance of an older mobster, Guido, played by Gerard Depardieu.

Mesrine himself, is played by Vincent Cassel and he is electric in his best role yet, understandably winning the French equivalent of an Oscar for his role. Mr. Cassel lights up the screen with a multi-layered performance that captivates the audience. He turns Jacques Mesrine into such a charming rogue that you root for him to succeed in his criminal ways.

The film is directed by Jean-Francois Richet, who also won the French award for best director. The film moves very quickly with Mr. Richet keeping each scene short and concise, leaving the viewer to fill in the gaps between the editing. While this may turn off some viewers, it keeps the action going and ratchets up the suspense. There are some wonderful set pieces including an jailbreak in broad daylight and memorable bank robberies. The screenplay is based on Mesrine's autobiography which, while very colorful, is probably filled with much exaggeration but all of it, true or not is captured in the film.

Most of "Killer Instinct" takes place in the '60's and the costumes, sets, music and cinematography all work in concert to evoke the times. There are some scenes of brutal violence and the film is in French with English subtitles.