Milk

Utilizing archival footage and recreated scenes, director Gus Van Sant brings us the life and times of Harvey Milk (not to be confused with the documentary of the same name). Mr. Milk was the first openly gay official elected to public office back in the late 70's. His short time as San Francisco City Supervisor was a major victory for gay and civil rights.

Sean Penn, as Mr. Milk, adds another terrific performance to his portfolio. He is truly the best actor of his generation. Along with Mr. Penn, the film also features James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna, Allison Pill, Dennis O'Hare, and Josh Brolin. All are excellent in their roles with Mr. Brolin, especially adding another excellent notch to his belt coming off "No Country For Old Men", and "W.". James Franco, as well, has shown depth and diversity to every film he's been in this year and he does the same in "Milk".

While a fascinating and important time capsule of a turbulent time, "Milk" becomes a bit tedious with protest after protest and election after election. It is Mr. Penn's powerful performance that propels the film to it's inevitable end. Where "Milk" succeeds is in honoring the life of a remarkable man who helped bring change to a country very much in need of it.

W.

Oliver Stone has done a remarkable job documenting past Presidents. In "W.", he chronicles the life of a president while still in office and misses the mark of his earlier films.

W. is interesting enough, giving the viewer insight into what makes Mr. Bush tick and showing us the uneven road his life has taken to the White House but it is little more than a TV movie of the week missing much of the bombastic style Mr. Stone is best known for.

The cast is uneven. Josh Brolin as "W." is wonderful. He captures every nuance, every gesture, of Mr. Bush perfectly and at times truly resembles him. Richard Dreyfuss is a perfect Dick Cheney, also getting the mannerisms correct. Also well cast are James Cromwell as George Bush SR., Ellen Burstyn as Barbara Bush, Scott Glen as Donald Rumsfeld, and Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush. Missing the mark are Jeffrey Wright as Colin Powell and Thandie Newton as Condoleezza Rice.

The script cherry picks important moments in Mr. Bush's life (did we need the pretzel choking scene?) and range from satire to drama with a little "fairy tale" thrown in for good measure.

Once Mr. Bush leaves office, I'd like to see Mr. Stone try it again and not hold anything back.

Quantum of Solace

After a terrific debut as James Bond in "Casino Royale", Daniel Craig is shaken, not stirred into a mess of a follow-up. "Quantum" has one of the worst Bond plots ever (if you can even call it a plot). It is basically one long action sequence after another in order to distract the audience from realizing how ridiculous the whole thing really is.

Daniel Craig tries his best to live up to what he started in the previous film but there is only so much he can do when everything is literally falling apart around him. He makes a dashing Bond and certainly one of the best but he's never given a chance to develop the character beyond a human killing machine. Mathieu Almaric plays one of the lamest Bond villains in history. He should stick to what he does best, serious drama and eye blinking. Olga Kurylenko is the Bond "it" girl and while beautiful, can't decide if she is a damsel in distress or an action heroine. Judi Dench is back as M and has her usually fun with the role. And Jeffrey Wright also returns as Felix Leiter, with basically nothing to do except give Bond an address.

The action scenes are excellent but by the numbers. You can almost hear the writers..."Boat chase, check. Car chase, check. Foot chase, check. Airplane chase, check." Aside from a beautiful world tour, this is a bloated soulless Bond film. At the end of the credits, we are promised, "James Bond will return". He better be carrying a better script when he does.

Zack & Miri Make A Porno

Writer/Director Kevin Smith returns with a new comedy, that true to his nature will offend many and have others singing his praises. "Borrowing" Seth Rogan from his recent run of comedy hits, Mr. Smith has made a romantic comedy filled with the most vulgar language you can imagine.

Mr. Rogan stars as Zack and Elizabeth Banks is Miri, friends who find themselves beyond broke and looking for a way to pay the bills. Craig Robinson, from "The Office" is Delaney, Zack's friend who finances their attempt at a porno film.

Mr. Smith hides a sweet romance under mountains of offensive (to some) dialog, giving Mr. Robinson the best lines. He manages to also save some good stuff for Kevin Smith regulars, Jeff Anderson and Jason Mewes. Actually, Mr. Anderson probably has the funniest line in the movie following a particularly graphic scene.

Mr. Rogan and Ms. Banks have natural chemistry and their "porno" scene is at first very funny and then turns into something unexpected. This is a fun, silly film that is not about porno (although casting Traci Lords does add credibility) but rather friendship and true love. If not for his trademark dialog and sight gags, you would think Kevin Smith has gone mainstream. If you enjoy the film, make sure you stay through the credits.

High School Musical 3

Strictly for the tweeners, this franchise is wearing out it's welcome. The songs are forgettable, the acting is below average, and the plot is wafer thin. The only thing going for it is the choreography which, while not Bob Fosse, is enough to keep adults awake during this shameless sequel.

Only in Disneyland, will you find a high school as squeaky clean as East High. Everything about this film shines like it's just come through a car wash. The film belongs on Disney channel like it's predecessors and releasing it in theaters was strictly a marketing ploy by the Disney machine to put more cash in it's coffers. And based on it's weekend take at the box office, their efforts paid off in a big way. Biggest opening ever for a musical will surely produce "High School Musical 4: The Reunion". And as long as kids continue to grow up with Disney channel, this franchise will live forever. Heaven help us!

Appaloosa

Ed Harris pulls off a trifecta, co-writing, directing and starring in this old fashioned western, in the tradition of "Unforgiven". While not as powerful as that classic, "Appaloosa" will still satisfy lovers of the western genre.

Viggo Mortensen co-stars as Everett Hitch, Mr. Harris's best friend. The two men make their living as lawmen for hire. The relationship between these two fine actors is relaxed and natural, and their characters are men you can believe in. Rene Zellweger plays the woman who comes between them in the town of Appaloosa. And rounding out the major players is Jeremy Irons as the villainous, Randall Bragg.

Much of the screenplay has been lifted verbatim from the novel by Robert B. Parker and there is some wonderful dialogue as well as beautiful cinematography by Dean Semler. The film moves slowly but methodically and is filled with many classic western themes and clichés. There are moments of suspense and surprise and while an enjoyable film, it doesn't break any new ground in a familiar genre.

Rachel Getting Married

Ann Hathaway plays against type in the new film from Jonathan Demme. She plays Kim, just out of rehab and returning to her family's home for her sister Rachel's wedding. Last year Noah Baumbach gave us the similarly theme, "Margot At The Wedding" with Nicole Kidman. "Rachel" is the more realistic and emotional charged film.

Ms. Hathaway reaches into her dark places and pulls out a terrific performance as Kim. Newly sober and loaded with emotional baggage, Kim bursts into the wedding weekend like a bolt of lightning, striking down everything in her path. This is a intense family drama filled with both anger and happiness.

The film co-stars Bill Irwin and Deborah Winger as Kim's divorced parents. Mr. Irwin is excellent as the father overly protective of his damaged daughter while at the same time, trying to celebrate his other daughter's big day. Ms. Winger is a welcome return to the screen and makes the most of her few scenes, especially during a raw confrontation with Kim. Rosemarie DeWitt plays Rachel, torn between an love/hate relationship with her sister, which casts a cloud over her wedding plans.

Mr. Demme's direction brings out the best in Ms. Hathaway, struggling with her family and her inner demons. She carries the film and it's her performance you'll remember most.

The Wrestler

From Darren Aronofsky, the man who bought us "PI", "Requiem For A Dream" and the metaphysical mess, "The Fountain" comes a raw and powerful new film, "The Wrestler". This is not a "Rocky" or "Raging Bull" saga, but rather an intimate portrait of man 20 years past his prime trying to find his place in the world.

Mickey Rourke...that's right, Mickey Rourke, gives the performance of a lifetime as Randy "The Ram" Robinson, past his glory days and looking for worth beyond the ring. Mr. Rourke bares his soul and gives everything he has to this character. It is an Oscar caliber performance that will not be forgotten.

Co-starring is Marisa Tomei as a world weary stripper connecting, against her better judgment, with "The Ram". Evan Rachel Wood also stars as the daughter long ago left behind, angry and bitter when Mr. Rourke shows up at her door. They only have a few scenes together but they are filled with emotion as father and daughter try to reconnect.

Mr. Aronofsky films with camera work that puts you in the story, capturing every detail and bringing stinging reality to every scene. This is an honest, sometimes violent, and yet poignant film that will thoroughly surprise you.

Miracle At St. Anna

Spike Lee goes to war and leaves me confused. The film starts out in the 80's when a postal worker, working at his window, shoot a customer point blank in the chest. The police discover the head of an Italian statue in his apartment and he refuses to explain the head or his actions. A few scenes later and we flashback to Italy in WWII where the majority of the film takes place.

The story centers on a group of four African American soldiers who become separated behind enemy lines. What starts out as a war story about the Buffalo soldiers division soon turns into a more intimate tale of these four men and their impact on the Italian village where they are hiding from the Germans.

Early on there is a massacre at a river and while it doesn't equal the ferocity of the opening moments of "Saving Private Ryan", it certainly makes it's point. Mr. Lee actually drills his point home as the camera lingers far too long over the dead soldiers floating in the bloody river. His characters are stereotypes of almost any war movie including the over the top racist Major.

Eventually we learn why the postal worker kills the customer and along the way there is much death and destruction. The ending, while obvious, is still too easy and I'm still left wondering why a postal worker would bring a gun to work everyday, much less get away with hiding it under his counter.

I admire Mr. Lee's past work but this project is very ambitious and could have been shorter, tighter, and more cohesive.

Eagle Eye

Apart from his acting skills, Shia LeBeouf can really run. He's run in "Transformers", "Indiana Jones", and "Disturbia" (limited in range due to ankle bracelet). He's making a career out of running and in "Eagle Eye", he's at the top of his running game.

This is an exciting chase film that leaves much logic behind but is action packed and very suspenseful. It's a perfect Indian summer popcorn movie. Besides Mr. LaBeouf, the film stars Michelle Monaghan (his running "partner"), Billy Bob Thornton (the FBI agent running after him), Rosario Dawson ( the Military agent running after everyone), and Michael Chiklis (the Secretary of Defense who doesn't run at all but he does enough running on "The Shield").

The film borrows liberally from movies like "Enemy of The State", "any Bourne film, the last "Die Hard", "Wargames" and especially the 60's film, "Collosus:The Forbin Project" but still manages to put a spin on current technology and character twists and turns. Like it's lead character, it's not that smart but still fun to watch. One thing is for certain, you will leave the theater with a high level of paranoia.

Burn After Reading

Following the dramatic masterpiece, "No Country For Old Men", the Coen Brothers return to familiar waters in this silly, yet violent, comedy. The film plays like a cross between "Blood Simple" and Intolerable Cruelty".

Featuring an all-star cast, many of whom are Coen Brother regulars, the film is a twisted tale of cheating spouses, unlikely blackmailers, and inept CIA agents. Frances McDormand, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, J.K. Simmons, Richard Jenkins and John Malkovich all seem to be really enjoying themselves as they lie, steal, cheat, and sometimes kill with reckless abandon.

There is no depth to the screenplay. The story is set in motion when a former CIA agent, played by Mr. Malkovich decides to write his memoirs and they end up in the wrong hands. It's all superficial fun (except when 2 major characters are killed) and doesn't ask much of it's audience except to sit back and enjoy the shenanigans. It's fun to watch but 90 minutes later, you'll probably "forget after viewing".

Righteous Kill

Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino together for an entire film....Critic proof! And a good thing too because this is more ill than kill.

The pairing of these two screen icons is too good to pass up but someone should have thought about a plot worthy of acting legends, rather the the ridiculous, implausible, obvious bore that is "Righteous Kill". The film creeps along with both actors mugging their way through a serial killer plot filled with simply laughable dialog.

Along for the ride is Carla Gugino as a NY CSI, Brian Dennehy as the tough talking police Lieutenant and Donnie Wahlberg and John Leguizamo as fellow detectives following cops DeNiro and Pacino on the same case. Also in a key role is rapper 50 Cent playing a drug dealing club owner...big stretch there, Fitty.

The fast forward plot device points to one person responsible for all the murders but if you are still awake and paying attention, the identity of the killer should be pretty obvious anyway.

I expected more from the writer of "Inside Man", Spike Lee's excellent bank heist film from last year and obviously more from Mr. DeNiro and Mr. Pacino but this one is all about a paycheck. If you are a fan (and who isn't), save time and money and rent it later this year on DVD.

Hamlet 2

Written and directed by Andrew Fleming, Hamlet 2 is this year's "Napoleon Dynamite". It is most definitely a left of center comedy with flashes of brilliance but not for everyone.

The film stars the British actor, Steve Coogan, as an American drama teacher trying to keep it together in Tucson Arizona. His life is a mess. His acting career never got off the ground, his student can't stand him, his wife has become distant, and his plays (based on movies) are a flop. Things start to change as he decides to stage his original work, Hamlet 2.

Catherine Keener co-stars as Mr. Coogan's unsupportive wife. She always shines in quirky films like this and is very well cast. David Arquette plays a man sharing their home for extra income and Amy Poehler has a very funny part as an lawyer, named coincidently, Feldstein.

Mr. Coogan is terrific in the film playing a very odd character. This is a very original story with what appears to be a logical plot that veers off in a bizarre direction. It makes a great double feature with the aforementioned, "Napoleon Dynamite".

Traitor

This suspenseful new film explores what makes a terrorist and questions loyalty and religion with a conflicted lead character intelligently played by Don Cheadle.

As the film opens we meet Mr. Cheadle's character, Samir Horn as he is selling weapons to an unnamed terrorist group. Samir is a Muslim who's father was killed by a car bomb and his motives may not be all them seem. Soon he finds himself being pursued by two FBI agents played by Guy Pierce and Neal McDonough.

The action moves globally and makes for quite the travelogue as the two agents chase Horn around the world in an attempt to stop further acts of terrorism. There are some major twists that we've seen before in other films but they are used very effectively here and the film ratchets up the suspense as the terrorists plan an attack on US soil.

"Traitor" is an effective thriller heightened by the always excellent Don Cheadle. It's an intelligent film (despite some plot holes) with themes that don't always have easy answers but it's compelling just the same. It did leave me feeling uneasy as it hits close to home and could give the wrong people real ideas.

Vicky Christina Barcelona

A light summer romp from writer/director Woody Allen. "VCB" is a visual treat both in terms of the scenery and it's leading actors. The film stars Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, and Penelope Cruz as friends and lovers all romantically involved over a summer in Barcelona.

Filming in a new city seems to have refreshed Mr. Allen and the film succeeds on many levels. The cinematography paints a lovely picture of Barcelona.The dialog is fresh, clever and intelligent. The acting is perfect as everyone is very well cast. Ms. Cruz, in particular, ignites the second half of the film as Maria Elena, Mr. Bardem's unstable ex-wife. Rebecca Hall is also terrific as the conflicted, Vicky.

The film is one of Mr. Allen's sexiest, while still within PG-13 limits. To call it a comedy is a stretch but it does have some fine comedic moments and is far lighter in tone than "Matchpoint", one of Mr. Allen's most recent successes.

American Teen

A new documentary better suited for television viewing, this is the real "Breakfast Club. Directed by Nanette Burstein, the film follows a group of High School kids as they complete their senior year of school in Warsaw, Indiana.

As in "Breakfast Club", we have a jock, an outcast, a rich spoiled girl, and a misfit but these stereotypes are real kids with real dreams and real problems. The film works like most reality TV shows, taking us into their lives as they go about their daily routines. What is hard to accept is where the reality ends and where the manipulation begins. Just how much of what we are seeing is unscripted becomes the question.

While a bit long (2 hours), the film's subjects win us over as we cheer for them, cry for them and root for our favorite teen. There are lessons to be learned, love won and lost and basketball games to win.

I imagine an inner-city version would give us a different cast of characters but every school contains these stereotypes. Stay for the credits as each major teen gets their own epilogue.

Tropic Thunder

Ben Stiller sets out to make a satirical film within a film about Hollywood excess and goes over the top himself.

The film is offensive, gross, loud and very funny. There are plenty of quotable lines and great sight gags but in the end, Mr. Stiller and his partners really go to extremes and the overkill dampens the spirit in which it was made.

The film stars Mr. Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan and a thinly disguised Tom Cruise as well as a few memorable cameos. Mr. Downey Jr. ends the summer as he started it (in Iron Man), on top. His acting is just perfect as he creates an amazing character in Kirk Lazarus. Tom Cruise is hysterical as a fat, bald over the top studio executive who's dialog alone warrants the "R" rating.

The opening moments of fake ads and trailers are genius. It's a shame that the rest of the film can't sustain that creative energy. It tries very hard and there are lots of laughs but in the end, it's one explosion too many.

Pineapple Express

Seth Rogan and James Franco star in the first of it's kind stoner/action movie. Cheech and Chong made a career out of stoner movies but Mr. Rogan and Mr. Franco take it to another level.

This is a very silly but funny film about male bonding and smoking lots of dope. There is actually one positive anti-drug message in the film, when Mr. Rogan points out they can't get anything done because they are always stoned. The action is fast and cartoonish but the growing relationship between the two men is genuine and it is quite sentimental. Danny McBride co-stars as Red, the resilient middleman who almost steals the film. Also appearing are Rosie Perez and Gary Cole as the cartoonish villains.

Mr. Franco is the one who actually steals the film. His portrayal of Saul, the kind hearted drug dealer is terrific. He shows a new side as a comic actor and when he's in the spotlight the film really shines.

Much of the dialog seems improvised and everyone seems to be having a terrific time. It's not the funniest comedy of the summer but it's worth the time if you are looking for something light and silly. Be warned though, there is a fair amount of gunplay and violence especially in the second half of the film.

"Journey To The Center of The Earth 3D"

Brendan Frasier stars as a scientist looking to prove his brother's theories about the center of the earth. He takes his nephew, played by Josh Hutchison on a trip to Iceland following his brother's information. Before you can say, "look out below", they are falling to the center of the earth along with their cute Icelandic guide.

The film has a long set up, some terrific action sequences in the middle and wraps everything up neatly. What really makes the film entertaining is the 3D. It is truly exciting and fun to watch with the newest of 3D technology. Everything from yo-yo's to flying killer fish and dinosaur spit come flying off the screen and seemingly into your lap. The CGI backgrounds make for a visually stimulating environment and once our heroes begin their "journey", the action is pretty non-stop. They do borrow liberally from other films, like the ride through the mine in Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom" but the 3D takes it to another level.

Definitely a fun summer film for the whole family as long as you leave your logic at the door.

Frozen River

A new independent drama starring Melissa Leo, "Frozen River" is a bleak yet gripping drama of life in New York State, on the Canadian border.

Ms. Leo stars as Ray, a mother of two boys struggling to make ends meet. When circumstances pair her with Lila, an Indian woman who smuggles illegal's across a frozen river from Canada, their lives become intertwined in a unlikely yet necessary relationship.

Life is hard near the border and the film pulls no punches. Ms. Leo gives a raw and powerful performance as a woman running out of options to protect her family. Misty Upham co-stars as Lila, who also gives an terrific performance. The bond that develops between these two woman is the core of the story.

There are many suspenseful moments in the film and the winter cinematography will have you chilled to the bone. The subject matter may be bleak but propelled by the strong acting, "Frozen River" won't disappoint if you like good drama.