Enchanted

Disney has found a new way to mine box office gold. "Enchanted" borrows from Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and few of their other classics to come up with the tale of a cartoon damsel in distress banished to the reality of New York City.

Amy Adams is wonderful as Giselle, a lovely cartoon character about to marry her Prince Charming (or in this case, Edward) played by James Marsden. The film starts out animated but the characters soon find themselves come to life, in New York (due to the magic of the evil Queen, played by Susan Sarandon) where Giselle meets Patrick Dempsey, a single parent divorce lawyer.

Other animated characters end up in the real world too as the film rolls along to it's inevitable conclusion. There are many fun moments, especially in the beginning as the characters adjust to becoming "real". As I said, Amy Adams is wonderful as Giselle, lovely and bewildered at the same time. Mr. Marsden plays the vain and clueless Edward perfectly. Ms. Sarandon has a fine time camping it up as the evil Queen. Mr. Dempsey, on the other hand simply plays a lawyer version of his TV doctor, Derek Sheppard. To his defense, that's about what the role calls for. Indina Menzel is wasted as Nancy, Mr. Dempsey's fiancé. She simply isn't given much to do for someone with her talent.

Timothy Spall and Pip the chipmunk add comic relief. The film is colorful, features a few clever songs, and is simple fun. "Enchanted" is great for the kids and entertaining for adults as well.

Beowulf

Using a technique he debuted with "The Polar Express", director Robert Zemeckis takes it to another level with "Beowulf". The film is a combination of live action with animation layered over it. The resulting image looks like a very realistic video game. The best way to view this film is in IMAX 3-D. The images are stunning. The audio and video are a feast for the senses.

The cast is pedigree. Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, Brendan Gleeson, Crispin Glover, John Malkovich, and Robin Wright Penn all add their vocal talent as well as their animated images to the story. "Beowulf is an ancient tale told many times through the ages but with a script by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avery, it becomes a modern day sword and sorcery tale with liberal amounts of violence.

Visually amazing, "Beowulf" opened at #1, but overall has limited appeal. Fans of Norse mythology or the film, "300" will find much to appreciate here. Beyond that I wouldn't bother.

No Country For Old Men

This amazing crime drama joins the ranks of Joel and Ethan Coen's best work. The film works on so many levels, I don't know where to begin. A story of greed and violence with no easy answers, the film is a marvel from start to finish.

Javier Bardem plays one of the all time great screen villains. You have simply never seen anything like Anton Chigurh. He is The Terminator in flesh and blood. Josh Brolin (getting better in every film) plays Llewelyn Moss, a simple man who discovers a satchel of cash and sets in motion a series of terrible events. Tommy Lee Jones is absolutely perfect as sheriff Ed Tom Bell, a man weary of the modern world, still trying to do the right thing. Kelly MacDonald plays Moss's wife, Carla Jean who is smarter than she looks. And rounding out the principal cast is Woody Harrelson as Carson Wells, a wild card in this deck of violent cat and mouse.

The cinematography of Roger Deakins is breathtaking. The color palate of the Texas plains to the stark and seedy small town motels is remarkable. The sparse dialog rolls off the actor's tongues like poetry. Tommy Lee Jones, in particular, has so much quotable dialog, I need to see it again and take notes. Working from the novel by Cormac McCarthy, the Coen Brothers wrote the screenplay and capture the detail and soul of the novel, while bringing the violence to the forefront. Be warned, there is no shortage of blood in a Coen Brothers film.

Without a doubt, one of this year's best films. And by the way, if you have been paying attention, all the questions at the end will have been answered.

Before The Devil Knows You're Dead

At 83 Sidney Lumet proves he's still got his directing chops. This is a taut little crime drama that puts ordinary people into extraordinary situations when a simple robbery goes very wrong. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke play brothers, Andy and Hank, who for different reasons both are mired in money problems. Andy hatches a plan to rob their parents jewelry store and everything spirals out of control from that point on.

The film is shot in and out of sequence with a time line at the bottom of the screen keeping things in proper perspective. This allows us, via different camera angles, to view the same events from different points of view. Hoffman and Hawke are very good in their roles but not very convincing as brothers. The film co-stars Albert Finney as their father and Marisa Tomei as Hoffman's wife. Finney, in particular, is excellent.

The film is reminiscent of an earlier film (from a terrific book), "A Simple Plan", which has a similar storyline and theme. It's a stronger story of ordinary brothers who's lives unravel when a simple plan goes bad. The saving grace of this film is Finney (so strong in his quiet devastation), Hoffman (oozing desperation) and Lumet's tight direction.

American Gangster

The new film from director Ridley Scott is based on the true story of Harlem Drug lord, Frank Lucas. It is another in a long history of gangster movies with not much new to tell. A gangster rise to the top and is brought down by a relentless cop. What keeps you watching are the strong performances.

Mr. Scott captures the gritty streets of New York in the early '70's and the film has the look and feel of a "Serpico" or "Prince of The City". As Frank Lucas, Denzel Washington has never been smoother. Whether shooting someone point blank or serving Thanksgiving dinner, he inhabits his character completely but we never see much of the man behind the criminal. As Richie Roberts, the cop who eventually brings him down, Russell Crowe is just as good in the less flashy role. In many ways, we learn more about Robert's character than we do Lucas as too much screen time is devoted to a custody battle with his ex-wife and his internal struggles within the police department.

The story behind Mr. Lucas's rise to the top is actually fascinating. Thinking like a businessman and not a street thug, he devised an ingenious way to bring heroin into the US and distribute high quality drugs for low prices.

His rise and fall certainly makes for a good story but this dark film is more informative than entertaining and anyone looking for sparks between Washington and Crowe will be disappointed. They literally only have a few scenes together towards the end of the film.

Bee Movie

Animated Seinfeld is better than no Seinfeld at all in this slightly bizarre new film. It's one thing to have cute animated bees talking and acting like humans but to create an interspecies love story (even if it is chaste) takes it to another level.

The plot was reminiscent of "Antz" starring Woody Allen. A young bee isn't satisfied with life in the hive and longs for something different. This takes him out of his own environment into a new world of adventures. This is where the story takes a very strange turn. Unlike "Antz", which stayed in the insect world, "Bee Movie" takes young Barry Beeson into the human world where he is easily accepted as a "talking" bee and spends time as a lawyer and airline pilot among other things.

Rene Zellweger is the voice of his human love interest, a florist named Vanessa. Also along for the ride (literally) is Chris Rock as a cocky mosquito and Matthew Broderick, as his best bee friend. There are visual cameos from Larry King, Sting and oddly enough, Ray Liotta. Oprah Winfrey also lends her voice to the part of a judge.

Kids will like the animation and the slapstick. Adults will enjoy the Seinfeld humor but find themselves distracted by the cross-species sub-plots.

Sorry but I can't resist....I give it a B.

Michael Clayton

George Clooney tries hard to lose himself in the title character, unfortunately he just can't get past being "Clooney". He has a few strong scenes but he has reached a point in his career that makes it very difficult to lose himself in a role and that sabotages the gravitas of the film. The story is strong but complicated and forces the viewer to pay attention to fully appreciate it. The payoff at the end is strong but the film itself tries too hard to be "important".

Sydney Pollack does his one note acting as the head of Clayton's law firm. Tilda Swinton has too few scenes to really work up a sweat although she does save her best effort for the final moments. Tom Wilkinson never disappoints and does a great job as a lawyer who may be losing his mind.

Similar to the TV show, "Damages", "Michael Clayton" is a legal thriller that never sees the inside of a courtroom. It's a clever twist on the legal genre, concentrating on the characters involved in the case, rather than the case itself.

Gone Baby Gone

A very solid directorial debut by Ben Affleck. Based on the crime novel by Dennis Lehane, the story revolves around a kidnapped child and the secrets underlining the crime.

Mr. Affleck not only directed but is also responsible in part for the screenplay and in both roles, he has crafted a taut, engrossing story filled with memorable characters. He shows a flair for capturing the life blood of the Boston neighborhood where the story takes place.

The film stars his younger brother, Casey Affleck, Michelle Monhagan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, and in a terrific supporting role, Amy Ryan, as the mother of the missing child. All the acting is solid and the film takes some interesting twists and turns towards an unexpected ending.

This is a dark tale with difficult subject matter that some will probably find unsettling. It aspires to the pedigree of "Mystic River" and at times, almost gets there. Mr. Affleck has found a new home behind the camera.

Lars And The Real Girl

There is a glut of "serious" Hollywood fare out there right now...and more to come. Some are better than others and most seem to blend into each other (or so it seems). If you are looking for something different and totally engaging, "Lars And The Real Girl" is the film for you. This Indy gem is only playing in a few select theaters but it is worth the search.

Ryan Gosling (a wonderful actor who chooses his films very carefully) stars as Lars, a painfully introverted young man in a small Midwestern town. Lars's emotional baggage is so heavy, he becomes delusional to deal with life. That delusion and it's effect on his entire town form the basis of the film.

The subject matter is heavy but the film deals with it in a light comedic way. There is much humor as well as heartbreak throughout the story. Watching Lars trying to cope is painful but the absurdity of the situation is very amusing as well.

All of the acting is outstanding, starting with Mr. Gosling. In supporting roles are Paul Schneider and Emily Mortimer as his brother and sister-in-law and Patricia Clarkson as the doctor who helps Lars on his emotional journey.

Mr Warmth- The Don Rickles Project

Director John Landis has created a loving portrait of a man who has made his living insulting people. This documentary explores the life and times of 81 year old comedian, Don Rickles.

Using a recent performance as his bookends, Landis fills the film with hilarious celebrity interviews and archival footage from Mr. Rickles long career. Not only does it present rare insight into the head and heart of Mr. Rickles but it also serves as a time capsule for the evolution of Hollywood and Las Vegas entertainment from the 50's through now.

There are some amazing segments with Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson, Dean Martin and many other comics and personalities from a bygone era. And through it all, not only has Mr. Rickles survived but has continues to thrive on stages throughout the world.

At the Q & A after the film, Mr. Landis introduced Mr. Rickles to a standing ovation. His first comment- "Get the names of the people who didn't stand up". Mr. Landis also promised the DVD would be filled with a second disc of interviews and clips that didn't make the final cut. "Mr. Warmth" will debut on HBO in December.

We Own The Night

Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix star in this decent crime drama as brothers going down different paths. Mr. Wahlberg is Joseph, the cop following in his fathers' footsteps and Mr. Phoenix plays Bobby, manager of a nightclub in Brooklyn, who is getting in deep with drugs and the Russian mob.

We've seen this kind of conflict before but an early plot twist elevates the story to a different level. Robert Duvall co-stars as their father in the type of role he knows by heart. Also co-starring is Eva Mendes as Bobby's girlfriend. Everyone does their share of good acting but the film belongs to Mr. Phoenix who has his share of star quality scenes.

There are a few exciting sequences but one particular scene really stands out and it should be easy to spot if and when you see the film. The visuals and sound editing are just great and the scene has a tension and excitement that the rest of the film only shows in flashes.

Things are wrapped up a little too easily at the end but it's a solid film if you like the genre.

Margot At The Wedding

Featuring a seemingly odd choice of actors for his latest film, writer/director Noah Baumbach continues to explore dysfunctional family dynamics, as he did in his last film, "The Squid & The Whale". "Margot" stars Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Jason Leigh as estranged sisters who come together for the wedding of Ms. Leigh's character, Pauline. Playing her unlikely fiancé is Jack Black, who does a good job with a serious (for the most part) role.

You don't usually find Nicole Kidman in "small" quirky family dramas and it was good to see her digging into a real character and giving life to Margot. Ms. Leigh, on the other hand is known for smaller quirkier roles and in this film, she actually gets to be the "normal" sister (dragging her share of baggage though).

This is an intense family drama with comedic moments that break the tension but for the most part it's a sad story filled with characters who aren't very likeable.

I'm Not There

The new film from director Todd Haynes, may or may not be a biography of Rock Icon, Bob Dylan. The film is based on the life and times of Bob Dylan and features his music throughout the film, however, he is never mentioned by name and six different actors play different interpretations of him. The title of the film is perfect!

Serious Dylan fans will fully appreciate the film more than the casual fan as they will probably get more of the "in-jokes" and personal aspects of Mr. Dylan's life as portrayed on the screen. There is a very loose structure of a story that moves back and forth in time throughout different periods of Mr. Dylan's career but what really propels the film are the six actors and the cinematography.

The six actors playing Dylan-esque characters are Cate Blanchett, Ben Whishaw, Christian Bale, Richard Gere, Marcus Carl Franklin, and Heath Ledger. They are all terrific but a true standout is Ms. Blanchett, who fully captures the look and feel of a mid-sixties Bob Dylan.

The cinematography is simply amazing. Each time period is represented by different styles (and nods to other directors) with the camera capturing moments in time with beauty and realism. The film is a visual feast for the eyes. Add in the terrific Dylan songs and aforementioned performances and you have a remarkable film to experience, even if you are confused by "the story".

"I'm Not There" premiered at The NY FILM FESTIVAL and opens in NY on Nov. 21st. As an aside, the cover story of this weekend's NY Times Magazine section is all about Mr. Haynes and the film.

Go Go Tales

From New York Indy director, Abel Ferrara, comes this tale of a down on his luck strip club owner played by Willem Dafoe. While the film is set in New York, it was actually filmed in Italy which may account for the intimate setting of Ray Ruby's Paradise Strip Club. The entire film takes place either inside or in front of the club.

Matthew Modine co-stars as a silent partner in the club and his character seems to have wandered in from a David Lynch film. The film also stars Bob Hoskins, who is wasted in an underwritten role and Sylvia Miles, who shows the most life as the landlady looking for her back rent.

Except for the cache of Mr. Ferrara, I don't understand why this film was selected for The NY Film Festival. It's a quirky little film about a seedy world that has nothing much to offer it's audience. Mr. Dafoe sings, Asia Argento French kisses a dog, and there are endless shots of all the strippers doing their thing.

Go Go Tales premiered at THE NY FILM FESTIVAL. The opening date is not yet known.

Eastern Promises

The new film from Director, David Cronenberg, delivers the goods. Following up "A History of Violence", "Eastern Promises" once again teams Mr. Cronenberg with Viggo Mortensen who is outstanding in an Oscar caliber performance.

The story gives us a glimpse into the shadowy world of the Russian mob where Mr. Mortensen is a "driver" working for Vincent Cassel, and his father, played by Armin Mueller-Stahl. Mr. Cassel is excellent as the spoiled, cowardly son and Mr. Mueller-Stahl is absolutely chilling as the mob boss who goes from loving to violently cruel in the blink of an eye. As the midwife who accidentally finds herself immersed in this world, Naomi Watts holds her own with her male co-stars.

Part of the genius of "Eastern Promises" lies in the minimum acts of violence that are so graphic that they resonate throughout the film, making it seem far more violent than it really is. This is signature Cronenberg and his style breathes life into these characters like no other director. The film is intense, absorbing and aside from one plot point that bothered me, just terrific.

3:10 to Yuma

Not quite a remake but more of a enhanced version, "3:10 To Yuma" is a new take on the classic American western, based on a short story by Elmore Leonard. I have to admit, I love a good western and "Yuma" doesn't disappoint.

Russell Crowe is just magnetic as the dashing criminal, Ben Wade. Playing against him is Christian Bale as rancher, Dan Evans, who ends up part of the group escorting Wade to the 3:10 prison train to Yuma. Mr. Crowe is just terrific, whether he's turning on the charm or killing one of his own men. Mr. Bale, as usual disappears into his character, and while it's the less showy part, he brings an air of realism to the role.

The film also features Ben Foster, playing an intense sociopath (so good in these types of roles), Peter Fonda as a aged bounty hunter, Dallas Roberts, and Gretchen Mol as Mr. Bale's wife. The film is directed by James Mangold, who directed "Walk The Line".

Expect serious confrontations, lots of gunplay, beautiful scenery and even a few surprises.

Mr. Bean's Holiday

If you are the type who convulses with laughter watching Rowan Atkinson's facial distortions and physical contortions, then "Mr. Bean's Holiday" is for you. Otherwise avoid it like the plague.

The biggest mystery surrounding this 80 minute endurance test is why Willem Defoe would agree to be in it. He must really be hurting for a paycheck.

The attempts at humor are so lowbrow they barely leave the ground. In all fairness, I did snicker at the French restaurant scene, which involved a cameo by a French acting legend, Jean Rochefort. I guess he needed the money as well.

Superbad

At the heart of this raucous, silly, juvenile comedy is a warm story of friendship. "Superbad" deserves to take it's place among classic coming of age films like "Dazed And Confused", "American Pie", and "Fast Times At Ridgemont High".

It's the ultimate buddy comedy centered around Seth and Evan's attempt to buy liquor and have sex at an end of high school party. The story is simple but the visual gags and very funny dialog will keep you laughing throughout the film. Jonah Hill plays Seth and Michael Cera (from Arrested Development) plays Evan. They are perfectly cast. Mr. Cera, in particular, has such great deadpan humor, timing and delivery that he makes every scene priceless. Their friendship is tested throughout the film and it really is the soul of the story.

Seth Rogan, so funny in "Knocked Up" co-wrote the film and plays a very unorthodox policeman. Bill Hader (from Saturday Night Live) plays his partner. It seems pretty clear that the character of Seth is based on Mr. Rogan. Also co-starring in his first film, is Christopher Mintz- Plasse as Fogell, who almost single-handedly steals the film.

Produced by Judd Apatow (who has a terrific winning streak with similar films), "Superbad" is raunchy but real and very funny.

Rescue Dawn

Werner Herzog's most commercial film to date is a drama inspired by true events. This is the story of Dieter Dengler, a German American pilot shot down in Laos in the early stages of the Vietnam War.

Christian Bale is simply remarkable in the role of Dengler. His dedication to his craft knows no bounds. The hardships he endures are horrible and heartbreaking. Suffering with him as fellow prisoners of war are Jeremy Davies and Steve Zahn. Mr. Zahn, in particular, is outstanding in a role very different from his usual movie characters.

The story is riveting and will have you on the edge of your seat. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it has not lasted long at theaters and may be hard to find. If you miss it on the big screen, make it a must rental on DVD.

The upbeat ending seems tacked on and a little rushed but otherwise, Mr. Herzog has written and directed an inspiring tale of survival and the human spirit.

The Bourne Ultimatum

Picking up where the last film ended, Matt Damon is still on the run trying to figure out how it all started. Director Paul Greengrass does an excellent job of putting the viewer right into the action and maintains a solid pace throughout.

From the intense camera angles to the live action stuntwork, the film pulls you in and never lets go. The character of Jason Bourne is the ultimate escape artist as he continually finds clever ways to elude the CIA. The film tries hard to bring you up to speed if you haven't seen the first two Bourne adventures but the new film makes more sense taken in context of the full Bourne saga.

Joan Allen and Julia Stiles are back reprising their earlier roles and playing the CIA chief, with nasty secrets to protect, is the always excellent, David Strathairn. As for the role of Jason Bourne, Matt Damon has found a defining character. Given little dialog, Bourne is a man of action and Damon slips back into the character with ease and maturity.

The film travels the globe with fantastic action sequences at every turn. If you're a fan of the series, this is a threequel that delivers the goods.