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.

The Simpson's Movie

To quote Homer Simpson, "Why pay to watch something you can see for free on TV?"
Well, for starters, it's 90 minutes of commercial free classic Simpson humor. Need I say more?

If you are a fan of the show, it is a must see. A few liberties are taken with the film that can't be show on TV and for the most part, it's more of what you already love on a bigger screen. One can argue that the story could have been better developed for the film. It's full of elements we've seen before on the show. But the bottom line is that this show is currently one of the longest running shows on TV and there is only so much you can add to it's brilliant humor and satire. The writers do their best to give almost every character, we've encountered through the years, choice bits of dialog but it's hard to do without making them seem like throwaway lines. Still, even throwaway lines from The Simpson's are better than plot points in many other comedies.

If you are not a fan of the show, don't waste your time. You won't "get it". But if you've ever laughed at even one episode, make the effort to see the film. It's a lot of fun.

Talk To Me

  Don Cheadle gives a tour de force performance in this "based on a true story" film. This is the story of Petey Greene Jr, an ex-con who ends up as a radio DJ for WOL-AM in Washington D.C. in the late '60's. The film tries hard to cover a capsule view of late '60's America before and after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and for the most part works well enough to propel the story.
 
     Co-starring Chiwetel Ejiofor (so good in "Dirty Pretty Things") as Dewy Hughes,  "Talk To Me" is a very entertaining film about dark times in America and the complicated relationship of two men who desperately need each other. Not only is Mr. Cheadle terrific as Petey Greene Jr but Mr. Ejiofor matches him scene for scene as the station employee who "discovers" him and later becomes his manager. The acting is outstanding and both deserve Oscar Nominations come next year.
 
      Taraji Henson also does a great job as Vernell Watson, Petey's long time girlfriend, bringing both laughter and pathos to the role. Rounding out the cast is Cedric The Entertainer and Vondie Curtis Hall as other DJ's at the station along with Martin Sheen as the station owner and general manager.
 
      It is pleasure to watch Mr. Cheadle in any of his films. He continues to astound with his range and chameleon ability to disappear into roles. And as for Mr. Ejiofor, this film should be springboard for bigger and better roles.

Hairspray

Recent movie versions of Broadway shows have not really translated well to the screen with the exception of "Chicago". "Hairspray" does a terrific job of migrating from stage to screen, bursting off Broadway and into the streets of 1960's Baltimore. The songs and the choreography are first rate and the casting is absolutely perfect.

John Travolta, at first seemed an odd choice as Edna Turnblad but he makes the role his own and quickly disappears into the character. His singing and dancing skills still come through, even under tons of latex. Christopher Walken, Michele Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, James Marstan, and Allison Janney are all just wonderful in their respective roles.

As the teenagers, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Elijah Kelly, and Brittany Snow are all excellent. Stealing the film out from all these established stars, however, is Nicole Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad, the teenager who helps bring integration to Baltimore. Ms. Blonsky is a singing and dancing wonder who shows great promise for a long career in film or on stage.

"Hairspray" will have you smiling and tapping your feet from it's opening moments. It's a very enjoyable time at the movies and a lot cheaper than the Broadway show.

Harry Potter & The Order of The Phoenix

Film five in the series continues a trend set in the last film...the darker the better. "Phoenix" is very dark and very heavy on dialog. The action is exciting but doesn't occur very often. This is strictly a transitional film that continues a bridge toward the inevitable conclusion with film seven.

The visuals are very good and the acting continues to improve for our three central leads, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. The remaining friends and foes are played convincingly by what appears to be, every British actor living today. Imelda Staunton is a standout as Delores Umbridge.

What falters here is the direction. Besides a lack of action, the film suffers from a lack of levity as well. A few jokes at Ron Wesley's expense don't really count as comic relief. The sub-plots of the book suffer here as well. Minor plot points come and go without much explanation making this a film just for the hard core fan base. Casual fans who may not be familiar with the book will soon be lost.

You Kill Me

Looking for something different? How about a dark comedy concerning itself with an alcoholic hitman in Buffalo NY? Ben Kingsley stars as Frank, a hitman for the Polish mob in Buffalo who's drinking is interfering with his work. When he screws up on an important hit, he's sent to San Francisco to clean up his act.

The film co-stars Tea Leoni, Luke Wilson, Bill Pullman, Dennis Farina and Phillip Baker Hall. It's a great cast in a twisted tale directed by John Dahl. Much of the story involves Frank's attempts at getting sober with the help of Tom (Mr. Wilson) and Laurel (Ms. Leoni). It's an unusual script but it works on multiple levels. We are in on the joke and laugh at the situation, rather than at the expense of Frank's drinking problem. Sir Kingsley is a treat here, playing a sympathetic man with an addiction and a very bad job. The rest of the cast are very good in their respective roles, especially Leoni as Frank's love interest.

"You Kill Me" is a good alternative from the overload of sequels and kid friendly fare at the movies these days. If you are a fan of Grosse Point Blank, you'll enjoy this one.

1408

In this age of torture porn that passes for horror movies and slick remakes of marginal horror films, it's refreshing to watch a good old fashioned effective ghost story.

Starring John Cusack with a cameo from Samuel L. Jackson, "1408" is a distant cousin to "The Shining". Both come from the mind of Stephen King and both feature writers trapped in haunted hotels. While "The Shining" was a masterwork from Stanley Kubrick, "1408" works in a much smaller but effective way to send shivers up your spine.

Mr. Jackson is the hotel manager who warns Mr. Cusack to stay out of 1408. His role is short but memorable as he delivers the best line in the film as only Samuel L. Jackson can. The rest of the film belongs to Mr. Cusack as he slowly begins to unravel locked in a very scary hotel room.

As the story progresses, the film turns into a special effects roller coaster ride that plays tricks on the audience as well as Mr. Cusack. The film delivers the scares it promises and is one of the best adaptations of a Stephen King story in a long time.

Joshua

Opening this Friday in select theaters, "Joshua" is a creepy little drama that finds the horror in one family's seemingly normal life. Starring Sam Rockwell and Vera Farmiga as the parents of 9 year old Joshua and his newborn sister, Lilia, "Joshua" gets creepier and more disturbing as it goes along.

Mr. Rockwell is terrific as the average hard working dad (a big departure from his usual left of center roles) faced with an unthinkable reality and Ms. Faminga is equally good as a mother becoming unhinged by ordinary family problems complicated by something out of her control.

As the cracks begin to widen in this nuclear family, you begin to realize you are watching a very intelligent horror film, minus the gore and violence. There is nothing supernatural about the horror at work here and that reason alone makes the film even more disturbing.

"Joshua" pulls you in and keeps you on the edge as it builds to a surprising third act. It may raise more questions than it answers when it's over but it's a pretty intense ride along the way.

Live Free or Die Hard

20 Years ago, Bruce Willis redefined the action hero in "Die Hard". Now, in the age of "24" and "Jack Bauer" type heroes, Mr. Willis does his best to show these wannabes how it's really done, as Detective John McClaine.

This is a perfect summer popcorn movie. Suspend your belief at the door, sit back and enjoy the great action sequences and witty banter between Mr. Willis and his co-star, Justin Long. This is far superior to "Die Hard With a Vengeance" but still pales to the original or even "Die Hard 2".

Using cyber terrorists as a plot line and giving Mr. Willis a young hacker "partner" works perfectly here to bridge the gap between generations viewing the film. Casting Kevin Smith in a small but critical role was a clever idea but you never buy him as a character named "Warlock". He's just Kevin Smith doing a cameo. The CGI work, for the most part, is pretty good and except for a few obvious spots, makes the film a visual thrill ride.

To quote villain, Timothy Olyphant, (who's good but no Alan Rickman) Detective McClaine may be "a Timex watch in a digital world" but he takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

Nancy Drew

Emma Roberts is one spunky teenage detective, in this modern, movie version of the well known series of books. The film is perfect for 12 year old girls. It's got mystery, action, comic relief, and PG romance.

For anyone else, I would say, skip it unless you have a 12 year old daughter or a tweener niece.

Knocked Up

I wasn't expecting much when I heard about this film but I was pleasantly surprised when "Knocked Up" turned out to actually be a sweet romantic comedy that contains many "laugh out loud" moments. As with his earlier film, "40 Year Old Virgin", writer-director Judd Apatow has a great ability to mix sophomoric humor with tender moments to create an engaging comedy.

The premise of the stoned slacker winning the love of the beautiful, successful girl strains credibility but Seth Rogan's "Ben Stone" is such a lovable loser that you begin to really root for him. Katherine Heigl doesn't stray that far from her TV character, "Izzy Stevens", but does show she can hold her own on the "big" screen too.

Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd co-star as Ms. Heigl's sister and her husband and they almost steal the film. Mr. Rogan's slacker buddies are all humorous in their own way but a bit underdeveloped as full characters themselves.

"Knocked Up" ends up a pleasant surprise. Much like the results of the title. Be warned, however, there is some strong language and a graphic birthing scene.

Once

  An Indy film in the truest sense of the word, "Once" features non-actors in a simple but effective story filmed on a shoestring budget. Starring Glen Hansard (lead singer of The Frames) and Marketa Irglova as struggling musicians carving out a life on the streets of Dublin, "Once" doesn't compromise for a Hollywood audience. 
 
     As a relationship develops between the two leads, the music they produce propels the story. At times the film feels like one long music video, but overall, it's vibrant and charming. A number of scenes are very effective and Mr. Hansard and Ms. Irglova are honest and true to their characters.
 
      Music is integral to the story and many of the songs are heard repeatedly throughout the film with varying arrangements. You will probably find yourself seeking out the soundtrack after you've left the theater. "Once" is a little film with a big heart.

Pirates of The Caribbean 3: At World's End

Did you hear about the new Pirate movie? It's rated....AAARGGGH
Bloated doesn't begin to describe this almost 3 hour soulless spectacle. The few action sequences scattered throughout the convoluted plot are overdone and seemingly go on forever. I wish the film editor had walked the plank. Most of this mess is just confusing dialog with double and triple crosses that ultimately go nowhere.

Johnny Depp's "Jack Sparrow" is little more than a cameo in this story and all his charm from the other films has been reduced to ham in this one. The last few minutes of the film belong to Depp as if someone remembered he was the central character. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly have lost all their chemistry and Knightly has become outright annoying.Chow Yun-Fat is wasted as a Chinese pirate with very little to do and little time to do it.The best acting in the film belongs to Bill Nighy as "Davy Jones" and Geoffrey Rush as "Captain Barbossa". Nighy manages to convey a great deal of emotion under many layers of octopus makeup and Rush looks like he's actually having fun.

More is not necessarily better and there was probably an excellent 90 minute movie buried in this mess. On a positive note, the visuals are excellent and look great on a big screen but if you can wait for the DVD, do yourself a favor so you can watch it with your finger on the fast forward button.

Shrek The Third

Inevitably by the time you get to the 3rd film in a series, much of the magic and originality wears off. The return of Shrek and all the other familiar characters though, is like visiting old friends and there is certainly still a large amount of enjoyment to be found in their company.

Donkey and Puss make a terrific comic duo and the banter between Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas is priceless. Fiona and the other fairy tale women steal the movie as they give new meaning to girl power. Justin Timberlake joins the cast as "Artie", a young pre- King Arthur but his character doesn't really make the impact he should considering the storyline.

There is plenty of mushy sentiment this time around, much of which has to do with babies and becoming a good father and/or king. The sight gags are plenty and the animation continues to astound but like other "Part 3" films out now, the studios should give the characters a rest for a while and we'll appreciate them more for it.

28 Weeks Later

If you enjoyed the first film, "28 Days Later", you will probably want to see this sequel. Cillian Murphy decided not to participate in this one but Robert Carlyle kick starts the action as a surviving father of "the virus", reunited with his teenage daughter and 12 year old son.

From the opening moments, there are unexpected twists in the story and no one is safe which keeps the suspense level high. The camera work is frenetic and the various scenes of a deserted England are very convincing. There is plenty of violence and bloodshed as you would expect when fighting off blood thirsty zombies but there is also an underlying social commentary on the government's actions to contain the virus.

The ending leaves the door open for a third installment, probably to be known as "28 Months Later". And in this day and age of endless sequels, we'll probably have "28 Years Later" to look forward to at some point. There's always an audience for a good "zombie" movie.

Year of The Dog

From the mind of Mike White, who has given us "Chuck & Buck" and "The Good Girl" comes this very quirky comedy/drama about how just far our love for animals can take us.

Molly Shannon stars as Peggy, a woman crazy about her beagle "Pencil". When Pencil accidentally dies, Peggy's world crumbles until she meets Newt (a very good Peter Sarsgaard), a animal shelter worker and dog trainer. Newt introduces her to "Valentine", a German Shepherd with some behavior issues. Peggy adopts him and begins to spend more and more time with Newt as well. Animals take center stage in their relationship and Peggy's passion begins to overwhelm all aspects of her life.

The film also stars John C. Reilly as Peggy's neighbor, Laura Dern as her sister-in-law, and Regina King as her boy crazy girlfriend. Peggy's obsession with dogs leads to various odd scenes with all these characters as well as her boss, played by Josh Pais.

The dogs in the film are terrific and adorable. The story starts out light and fun but takes a more dramatic turn as the film goes on. Ultimately, it tells us that our happiness in life can sometimes be found in very unlikely places but we go where our heart takes us.

Spiderman 3

Well, the bloom is off the rose. If you have invested the time in the first 2 films, of course you will want to see how it all turns out but...the magic is gone. The film deserves an A for action but it also gets a B for bloated.

The seduction of Spiderman to the dark side takes too long to get going and Venom's appearance is too little and too late, showing up for the climatic battle (where Mary Jane is menaced by...a taxi cab and a dump truck...Yikes!! The dialog is sappy and many of the secondary characters have lost their zip (Jonah Jameson, for one). Toby Macguire's attempts to be dark and evil are just silly and a scene where he tries to make Mary Jane jealous with Gwen Stacy is just ridiculous.

The action sequences, however, are terrific and Thomas Hayden Church steals the film as The Sandman. His CGI is fantastic and in his human form, his acting is fresh and believable. Too bad, the screenplay messes with the original facts about the character's backstory and motivation to suit the plot. Devotees of the comic will be annoyed with that as well as the introduction of Gwen Stacy as a rival for Peter Parker's affection. Gwen's backstory is also tweaked to suit the plot and Bryce Howard is wasted in a poorly written character. Credit though, must also be given to Topher Grace who adds a breath of life to the role of Eddie Brock.

We are being teased with the prospect of Spiderman 4 (after all, Doc Connors has appeared in all 3 films so far and fans know what happens to him) but this film should make enough money to put the franchise to rest. Let's see what Robert Downy Jr. can do with next year's "Iron Man" movie.

The Air I Breathe

Another screening at the Tribeca Film Festival, "The Air I Breathe" features a great cast entwined in 4 overlapping stories. Forest Whitaker is a quiet businessman who bets his life on a horse race, a gangster's enforcer (an excellent Brendan Fraiser) sees the future, a pop star (a better than expected Sarah Michelle Gellar) gets involved with a crime boss ( a typical Andy Garcia), and a doctor ( always reliable, Kevin Bacon) must try to save the love of his life.

The director, Jieho Lee, uses the overlapping technique we've seen before in films like "Pulp Fiction" and "Amores Perros" and for the most part makes it work (although just a little too neatly).

The stories are based on a Chinese proverb focusing on the four cornerstones of life: happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love. It is a strong drama with some harrowing scenes but it does reward in little ways throughout the film.

A Dirty Carnival

Screening at The Tribeca Film Festival, "A Dirty Carnival" is about the rise and fall of a Korean gangster. The title is a metaphor for the life gangster, Byung-doo, leads on the mean streets of Seoul.

The film is an exciting crime drama filled with all the elements you would expect including greed, betrayal, violence, and tragedy. Interestingly, there is very little on screen blood for such a violent film. The weapon of choice for these Korean gangsters is a metal bat and while it inflicts much pain, it leaves the film without the usual bloodshed. In fact, there are practically no guns at all in the film, which for that fact alone, makes it very interesting to watch.

The action scenes are choreographed beautifully and are very exciting. The story has been told before but the acting and charisma of the lead characters keep the viewer involved throughout the 141 minute running time.

The film is in Korean with English subtitles. No American release date is set.

Hot Fuzz

From the folks that brought you "Shaun of The Dead", "Hot Fuzz" is a loving satire of almost every action cop movie from the 80's and 90's. Played for laughs and yet deadly serious, this British comedy works on many levels.

What makes the serious nature of the film so funny is the presence of so many distinguished English actors. Steve Coogan, Bill Nighy, Martin Freeman, Edward Woodward, Jim Broadbent, and Timothy Dalton are the most recognizable faces for an American audience and they are all terrific in both minor and major roles. The lead character, Sgt. Nicholas Angel, is played by Simon Pegg, who also co-wrote the film. His dim witted side kick, P.C. Danny Butterman, is played by Nick Frost.

Sgt. Angel is a super cop making the rest of the London police force look bad so he is promptly promoted and sent off to work in a sleepy little village in the English countryside. Of course, nothing is what it seems and total mayhem ensues. There are liberal amounts of blood and gore in the more violent moments which are so over the top, the filmmakers could only think "more gore equals more laughs" and you'll swear Michael Bay directed the last 20 minutes. If you're a fan of British humor in a "Monty Python" vein, grab a pint and don't miss "Hot Fuzz".

The Hoax

Richard Gere, Alfred Molina, Hope Davis, and Marcia Gay Harden star in the apparently true story of Clifford Irving's royal scam of McGraw-Hill in the 70's. Irving made claims that he personally knew and interviewed reclusive Billionaire, Howard Hughes. He managed to get a million dollar advance out of McGraw Hill for the publishing rights. The story has been documented many times over but "The Hoax" still manages to entertain and amuse.

Gere and Molina are a terrific team...a modern day Laurel & Hardy playing well against each other with Gere as Irving and Molina as Dick Suskind, his best friend and co-conspirator. Ms. Harden plays Edith Irving in what I can only assume is a spot on depiction of the real Edith. Hope Davis plays Andrea Tate, the lead editor at McGraw Hill who is first to be suckered by Irving.

Director Lasse Hallstrom captures the period of the 70's perfectly with costumes, makeup and an accurate and appealing soundtrack. "The Hoax" is interesting, both in subject and performance but ultimately will play just as well on DVD.

Black Book

A great return to form for director Paul Verhoeven. Going back to his Dutch roots, Verhoeven co-writes and directs this WWII story inspired by real events. The story centers on a Jewish woman hiding from the Nazi's in 1944 German occupied Holland.

After a series of horrific circumstances force Rachel Stein to join the Dutch resistance, she dyes her hair blonde and changes her name to Ellis de Vries. When she meets a high ranking Nazi officer, Ubercaptain Muentze, on a train, Ellis goes undercover as his clerk and lover. An unlikely romance begins between them and their situation become more complicated and dangerous as the film goes on.

At a very quick paced 2 & 1/2 hours, this film has it all. Romance, sex, intrigue, action, last second escapes, double and triple crosses, and terrific acting from the principle cast. Carice van Houten is wonderful as Rachel/Ellis and Sebastian Koch, so good in "The Lives of Others", stays true to form as her sympathetic Nazi lover, Muentze.

For the most part Verhoeven drives the story with some restraint towards bad taste however, be warned, there a few few scenes that push the envelope. After all, this is the same man who brought us "Basic Instinct" and "Showgirls". But don't let that stop you from a exciting and satisfying movie experience. "Black Book" is in English, German and Dutch.

The Namesake

A thoughtful and emotional drama that explores one's place in family and society. When the Ganguli family moves to America from India, their American born son, Gogol, rebels against his traditional values and drifts further and further away from his family. He changes his lifestyle, his name, and integrates himself into the life of his girl friend's family.

Events occur that force Gogol to re-evaluate his life and the story is propelled on a journey of self discovery. The film moves at a leisurely pace beginning with the arranged marriage of Gogol's parents and moves through the years with much attention to detail.

We are exposed to much Indian culture as the film divides it's time between India and the U.S. but the story, at it's heart, is a universal one. Each generation must discover their own identity and yet, maintain the traditions and values that help shape the individual they are to become.

Kal Penn, a long way from "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle", stars as Gogol with a terrific multi-layered performance. Irrfan khan and Tabu play his parents and both are excellent. The entire cast does a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life. Directed by Mira Nair, "The Namesake" is a richly woven fabric that will appeal to an audience looking for a film with depth and feeling.

Grindhouse

Certainly not for everyone's taste but if you like fast cars, blood spattered zombies, loose women and big explosions, then this one's for you. Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino have teamed up to bring you the full experience of "Grindhouse" movies from the early 70's. "Grindhouse" features great fake coming attractions for films like "Werewolf Women of the SS" and "Machete". It also includes scratchy film, missing reels, bad acting, cheesy sets and dialog, old animated ratings messages, psychedelic previews of coming attractions and lots and lots of blood.

Each director has made a "grindhouse" film and both have their appeal. The two films, "Planet Terror" and "Deathproof" are bound together by the fake coming attractions and the three hour experience is a fun return to the glory days of cult films being shown all along 42nd street in New York and similar neighborhoods across America.

"Planet Terror" stars Rose McGowan and Freddy Rodriguez battling killer zombies. If you've seen the ads, you'll know Rose ends up with a machine gun for a leg and is quite the CGI highpoint. "Deathproof" stars Kurt Russell as a crazed stuntman driver who likes to crash into and run down women. At first you think the film exploits women but Mr. Tarantino is clever enough to turn the genre on it's head and portray the women as the heroes of the film. "Deathproof" has some great Tarantino dialog and a terrific car chase climax. Rosario Dawson is along for the ride in "Deathproof" but literally takes a backseat to Zoe Bell and Tracie Thoms.

Both films have many cameos including Bruce Willis, Naveen Andrews, and Michael Parks, as well as cult horror film directors like Eli Roth and Tom Savini. For fans of the genre, Grindhouse is lots of fun and a visual treat but as I started out by saying, it's not for everyone.

Meet The Robinsons

The Disney machine cranks out another mass market advertisement for it's merchandising, theme parks, website and anything else it owns or can partner with to make a buck.

Expanding on a quote from from Walt himself, "Keep Moving Forward", "Meet The Robinsons" strings together plot points from other movies (liberally from "Back To The Future") to move the Disney machine forward. The plot is confusing for very small kids and mildly entertaining for older kids. The pop reference "in-jokes" are few and far between and the "twist" can be seen coming midway through the story.

When Lewis, the hero of the film, finally meets the Robinson family, he is introduced to a wide assortment of comic characters who are never fully developed resulting in an attitude of "who cares" about any of them. They all have individual oddities that have lots of potential which is never explored.

The saving grace for the film is the terrific animation and lively 3D effects (if you see it in 3D). Even without the 3D, the quality of the animation is still what you've come to expect from Disney. The film is preceded by a experimental 3D Donald Duck cartoon from 1953. In 3D or not, it's better than the feature film.

Red Road

Another new film from the New Directors/New Films Festival at Lincoln Center, "Red Road" centers on the particular path chosen by a lonely woman who works for the Glasgow, Scotland "City Eye" agency. Apparently Glasgow has surveillance cameras set up all over the city and "City Eye" monitors activity 24 hours a day.

When "Jackie", played by Kate Dickie glimpses a man from her past during her surveillance shift, it sets in motion a life changing series of events. To reveal more would spoil a terrific 3rd act when many answers come in unexpected ways.

The film is very slow to start. It's a deliberate act by the director to pull you into the boredom of Jackie's world. As the film progresses, the pace quickens and leads to a highly emotional payoff. This is a story of grief, forgiveness, redemption, and renewal. Kate Dickie is excellent as "Jackie", a woman longing for a closure buried deep inside her. Martin Compston, who showed promise in "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints", is volatile as "Stevie" and Tony Curran is terrific as "Clyde", a man with a terrible past trying to start again.

The strong Scottish accents are supported by subtitles for an American audience. Opens in limited release April 13th.

Salty Air

From the New Directors/New Films series at Lincoln Center comes this emotional debut feature by Alessandro Angelini. When a social worker in an Italian prison begins to suspect a newly transferred prisoner may be his father, whom he hasn't seen for 20 years, guilt, grief, and redemption collide as a family's old wounds reopen.

The acting is terrific especially by Giorgio Pasetti as Sparti, the convict forced to confront his past. Directed with authority by Mr. Angelini, "Salty Air" packs an emotional punch that will stay with you long after you leave the theater. In Italian, with no set American release date as yet.

300

Short on plot but long on action, "300" tells the story of the 300 Spartan soldiers who did their best to defend Greece from the advance of an overwhelming Persian army. The film borrows the plot from history but is literally based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller.

As shot, the film basically plays as a live action graphic novel much in the vein of "Sin City", another Frank Miller graphic novel brought to the screen. It is a dark and moody film. The cinematography is awash in blacks and grays offset by splashes of red blood. Much of the film is CGI generated but seamlessly incorporated into the visuals.

The action is ferocious, violent and a visceral treat for fans of the genre. If this type of film appeals to you, try your best to see it on an IMAX screen where it can truly overwhelm your senses.

The Lives of Others

Winner of the Oscar for last years best foreign film, I can see now why this beat out my favorite film of last year, "Pan's Labyrinth". Written and directed by Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck, "Lives of Others" is his feature film debut. Based on this outstanding drama, you would think Mr. Henckel Von Donnersmarck was a seasoned film maker with many films already in his resume.

Set in East Berlin, circa 1984, "The Lives Of Others" centers on The Stasi, the East German secret police and their hold over the populace of pre-Glasnost East Germany. When one Stasi agent is assigned to spy on a writer and his actress girlfriend, he finds himself beginning to question his own beliefs and values.

The acting is just exceptional, particularly Ulrich Muhe as the Stasi agent, Captain Weisler. Without a car chase in sight, the tension mounts as many lives hang in the balance of one man's actions. The film has so many subtle moments of emotional impact, it will haunt you for days. The last half hour, in particular, is riveting right up to the very end.

Do not miss this amazing film. In German, with English subtitles.

Zodiac

Immaculately detailed with fine acting, "Zodiac" tells the true story of the serial killer that plagued the San Francisco Bay area for almost 20 years. Director David Fincher gets everything right. The costumes, sets, props and music all faithfully recreate the period of time from 1968 through the nineties.

San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist Robert Graysmith, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, along with crime reporter Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.) and detective Dave Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) all become increasingly obsessed with the case and Graysmith eventually writes a book about it which formed the screenplay for the film.

The quality of film making here is impeccable but in order to get every detail right, the film clocks in at about 2 hours and 40 minutes. In some instances, the days and years pass quickly, propelling the story forward without missing any of the necessary details but the length of the film, filled with a great deal of dialogue, can be draining on the viewer.

While a story about a serial killer, "Zodiac" is not your typical "slasher" film. There are some violent scenes recreating the murders but the film can best be described as the finest investigative journalism movie since "All The President's Men".

Breach

Six years almost to the day of the actual events, "Breach" tells the story of the most infamous spy in American History and how he was eventually exposed and arrested. Robert Hanssen, an FBI agent of the highest order was eventually tried and convicted to a life sentence for selling secrets worth billions (not to mention a few lives lost as well) to the Russians. The film opens with footage of Robert Ashcroft's press conference about Hanssen's capture and then moves back in time to reveal how he was brought down.

Chris Cooper plays Robert Hanssen without a false note. Mr. Cooper is one of our finest character actors working today and "Breach" is one of his best performances. Playing the FBI "agent" that wins his trust but ultimately gets him caught is Ryan Phillippe, who continues to grow as an actor. His work in "Flags of Our Fathers" and now "Breach" show a new level of maturity on his part. Together they make "Breach" a great game of cat and mouse (even though you already know the outcome). Co-starring in this cerebral thriller is Laura Linney and Dennis Haysbert as the FBI agents building the case.

The film moves at a leisurely pace and is devoid of the usual spy movie "car chase" moments but there are still plenty of tense scenes. A taut script and solid acting makes "Breach" an exception to the usual Hollywood leftovers released this time of year.

The Painted Veil

A worthwhile holdover from the holiday film season, "The Painted Veil" is the second filmed version of the novel by W. Somerset Maugham. The first was a 1934 version starring Greta Garbo as Kitty Fane and now we have the modern version starring Naomi Watts as Kitty and Edward Norton as her husband, Dr. Walter Fane. I'm sure Garbo was wonderful and I will seek out the original version now for a comparison. But for now, I can report that Watts and Norton are just terrific together.

The story takes place in 1925. Norton is a infectious disease doctor living in China. He quickly meets and marries Watts, a society girl in London looking to escape her family life and brings her back to live with him in Shanghai. When an outbreak of cholera is reported in a remote Chinese village, Norton volunteers to go help the locals.

The story follows a journey of discovery for these two souls and the chemistry between them is wonderful. Ms. Watts has the more difficult role as her character moves through various life changing experiences but Mr. Norton, excellent as always, completely inhabits his character and plays beautifully against her. Liv Schreiber, Toby Jones, and Diana Rigg co-star.

The exotic setting, with it's beautiful rivers and mountains, danger of cholera exposure, tension between the British and Chinese, along with fine acting by the entire cast, keep you absorbed throughout the film. It is a terrific adult drama that is a refreshing alternative to "Norbert" and "Hannibal" and the rest of the Hollywood winter waste out there.

Smokin' Aces

A few years back, Joe Carnahan wrote and directed a taut Indy thriller called "Narc" starring Ray Liotta and Jason Patric. "Smokin' Aces" doesn't even come close as a follow up.

Starring Jeremy Piven, Ray Liotta, Ryan Reynolds, Andy Garcia, and Alicia Keys, the film is a bad live action cartoon. The characters are poorly written and what passes for acting is a downright shame. Mr. Liotta phones in his FBI agent. Mr. Garcia plays his role on sleep aids and Jeremy Piven just dissolves deeper and deeper into a messy drug stupor.
Ms. Keys does an adequate job in her first role (a strange choice) in a major film. And since his is the best written character, Mr. Reynolds outshines everyone else in the film. No wonder Ben Affleck and Matthew Fox have unaccredited cameos. The film is a mess.

The ending, in particular, is truly terrible. While it's effect is dramatic, it makes no sense at all and stretches what little credibility the film has beyond the limit. Another fine example of the junkyard January has become for movies.

Notes on Oscar Nominations

The Oscar nominations were revealed this morning and while most were expected, there were still a few surprises. Taking a look at each major category-

Lead Actor- Only surprise here was that Leonardo DeCaprio got nominated for Blood Diamond rather than The Departed, which was the far better film and role for him. He couldn't even keep his accent straight in Blood Diamond. Nice to see Ryan Gosling get recognized for Half Nelson, a terrific Indy drama. Early favorite to win- Forest Whitaker for Last King of Scotland.

Supporting Actor- No surprises here. I'd love to see Jackie Earl Haley win for a fearless role in Little Children. This is a tough one though.

Lead Actress- No surprises here either. Helen Mirren should be a lock.

Supporting Actress- Nice to see Abigail Breslin get the nom for Little Miss Sunshine but this is a lock for Jennifer Hudson.

Best Animated Film- Strong choices and I hope Cars runs over the cute penguins of Happy Feet

Best Foreign Film- Pan's Labyrinth should run away with it but could be upset by The Lives of Others. I'm pulling for Pan.

Best Director- A very tough category as all nominees are extremely strong. Personally I'd go with Clint Eastwood but many think this is Martin Scorsese's year.

Best Film- Probably the toughest choice to make. All five nominations are well deserved. babel took the Golden Globe but I think it's going to come down to a fight between Clint & Marty again. I'd like to give the edge to Letters From Iwo Jima but Departed may just take it.

Tears of The Black Tiger

Strictly for film aficionados, "Tears" is a Thai film that has finally found a U.S. distributor. Stealing liberally from '60s filmmaking and multiple genres, "Tears" is part tragic love story, western, gangster film, and soap opera rolled into one vivid Technicolor visual treat.

The story concerns a young pleasant boy, Dum, who falls in love with Rumpoey, the daughter of a wealthy family. Of course their love is forbidden and sets the stage for a melodramatic tragic love story. Dum grows up to become a bandit known as "The Black Tiger" and Rumpoey grows up as the daughter of the Governor and fiancé of the local police captain.

Filmed in a vivid color palette, the film is visually stunning. Stylistic camera work adds to the fun, including slow motion shootouts with liberal blood splatter ala Sam Peckinpah. Sergio Leonne inspired music coupled with a traditional Thai score and songs make for an eclectic soundtrack.

This is a film, the likes of which, today's American audiences have never seen. If you are interested in sampling something truly unique, you can't go wrong with this Thai treat. Unfortunately it's only playing at the Film Forum on Houston street but if this review has you intriqued, make the effort to venture downtown.

Alpha Dog

It's January and the tradition of dumping the Hollywood trash continues with the release of "Alpha Dog". Another in a long line of films about wealthy disaffected California youth, "Alpha Dog" is memorable only for a decent turn by Justin Timberlake and the scary thought that's based on a true story.

In 1999, A lowlife drug dealer "kidnapped" the younger brother of a druggie who owed him money. This is the story of that incident in all it's tattoo'd glory. Emile Hirsch is miscast as Johnny Truelove, the dealer with a dopey plan. If this is supposed to be based on a real person, I don't know how he ever became a successful dealer in the first place. Playing Frankie, his right hand man, is Justin Timberlake. With tattoos all over his body, Timberlake brings life to his pseudo-gangster and acts as the somewhat moral center of the story. Playing the "kidnapped" teen is Anton Yelchin, best known for playing Birdie on Showtime's "Huff". Yelchin is a very good one dimensional actor. If you need a naïve, innocent, virginal character, he'd be the first one to call. As his drugged out and really scary older brother, Ben Foster continue to shine in very edgy roles. Picking up a paycheck is Bruce Willis as truelove's father and Sharon Stone as Yelchin's step mom. I'm sure they, along with Harry Dean Stanton, only did this film as a favor to director Nick Cassavettes.

If you're attracted to reenactments of true crime tales or a major fan of Mr. Timberlake's, then wait for the DVD otherwise adopt a different film than "Alpha Dog".

The Good German

Director Steven Soderburgh newest film staring George Clooney and Cate Blanchett is an interesting experiment in filmmaking. Shot in black & white using old style cameras and cinematography, Soderburgh strives to recreate a 1940's melodrama. For the most part he succeeds but whether or not today's audience will embrace a film like this remains to be seen.

The story takes place in Berlin just at the end of the war. Clooney is a war correspondent who comes to the city to cover the peace talks and instead finds himself caught up in the murder of a G.I. and helping his old girlfriend, played by Blanchett, get safely out of Germany. The film also stars Toby Maguire and Robin Weigert (Calamity Jane from HBO's Deadwood).

The closing moments of the film deliberately mirror Casablanca's ending. Clooney channels Humphrey Bogart and Blanchett, Ingrid Bergman. The mood, lighting, score and seamless integration of stock footage all contribute to a faithful film noir of the period. The only thing that breaks the mood is the contemporary use of explicit language and one scene of a topless dancer.

"The Good German" is intriguing and well acted. Blanchett is an amazing chameleon (especially after just seeing her in "Notes From A Scandal"). Clooney is the classic stoic hero and Toby Maguire tries hard to shed his "Spiderman" image. If you're looking for something different besides sequels, remakes, and teen comedies, this "retro" drama fits the bill.

Notes On A Scandal

Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett give a master class in acting as they go head to head in this intimate little drama of secrets, desires, and their consequences.

Dame Dench is a single teacher at a middle school in England who is befriended by Ms. Blanchett when she comes to teach at the same school. When Dench discovers an ugly secret about Blanchett (an unfortunate subject happening more now than ever), rather than tell, she decides to use the information to further her relationship with the younger teacher for her own purpose. Ms. Blanchett becomes trapped between her family, her secret, and the older woman's increasing intrusion into her life.

There are amazing moments between the two women as their forced relationship continues to build and finally boil over. Dench, who narrates the film, speaks volumes with just a look and Blanchett's growing anxiety is painfully real. Bill Nighy plays Ms. Blanchett's husband and more than holds his own in the company of these two wonderful actresses.

It's a smart script and wonderful acting. To reveal more would be scandalous.

Dreamgirls

What seemed like a dream project on paper doesn't quite turn out that way on screen. Don't get me wrong, "Dreamgirls" is very entertaining but it fails to raise the bar for movie musicals the way "Chicago" did a few years ago. The screenplay and direction by Bill Condon basically portrays the Broadway show on film. Having an opportunity to use the medium to enhance the story, Mr. Condon plays it safe and doesn't bring anything new to the screen. If you missed the play, you will probably appreciate the film all the more for it's accurate reproduction. For me, this was the same problem with the filmed version of "The Producers". "Chicago" got it right by adding a new dimension to the story and actually made it better.

The cast of "Dreamgirls" put forth a mighty effort and standouts include Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy. Beyonce is a wonderful singer but her acting is pretty stiff. Jamie Foxx shines early in the film but as his character ages, his initial energy diminishes. Danny Glover does a fine job as the road weary manager. The costumes, dancing, and singing are terrific but bursting into song/speak rather than dialog stops the story dead rather than moving it forward. As written, the story and pace follow the stage performance perfectly. You realize the end of act one and almost expect the intermission sign to light up.

If nothing else, see "Dreamgirls" to discover Jennifer Hudson. A loser on "American Idol", she proves they made a mistake by lighting up the screen with her acting and singing. If the name hadn't been already taken, "Dreamgirls" could have been called "A Star Is Born".

For Your Consideration

Christopher Guest's latest comedy, while not up to the high standards of his earlier work, is still a fun send-up of Hollywood with solid work from his usual ensemble of actors, including Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy (who co-wrote the film with Guest), Parker Posey and Harry Shearer.

The story concerns a small budget film, "Home For Purim", starring Ms. O'Hara's character, Marilyn Hack. When a tiny article appears on the internet calling her work "Oscar Worthy", a buzz begins to grow about the film and it's stars. Soon, Oscar buzz is growing not only for Ms. Hack, but for Mr. Shearer's character as well as Ms. Posey's. Producers, publicists, managers, and TV talk show hosts all get in on the growing buzz which builds towards the actual day nominations are announced.

The rest of the large cast, including some fun cameos all contribute to the satiric script. Fred Willard and Jane Lynch, in particular, are very funny as a clueless "Entertainment Tonight" duo. There are many laugh out loud moments but the subject matter may be too much of an inside joke to the general public.

"For Your Consideration" has all but disappeared from theaters but is definitely worth checking out in a few months when it hits DVD.

Best And Worst of 2006

THE BEST

10) 13 Tzameti- Excellent yet disturbing film commenting on the decadence of man and how low we can go.
9) Little Children- Desperate Housewives meets Happiness. Strong work from Kate Winslet and a heartbreaking Jackie Earl Haley.
8) The Departed- Excellent crime drama from Martin Scorsese. Great work from a great cast and an American version of a Asian hit that actually worked.
7) The Queen- Helen Mirren is brilliant as Queen Elizabeth dealing with the death of Princess Diana and Britain's complicated relationship with the royal family.
6) Babel- Terrific human drama connected by a single element dealing with both intimate and global issues.
5) Apocalypto- Say what you want about Mel Gibson, he’s a great filmmaker. This is a well crafted, exciting, powerful adventure and a wild ride.
4) The Proposition- Gritty and realistic Australian western with beautiful cinematography and great acting by Guy Pearce, Danny Houston and Ray Winstone. It recalls early Sam Peckinpah.
3) Crime Novel- Brilliant Italian film about three friends who become notorious gangsters in Rome during the 70’s.
2) Flags of Our Fathers/Letters From Iwo Jima- Excellent individual films examining themes from the same battle from American and Japanese perspectives. Taken together, a masterpiece on the futility of war.
1) Pan’s Labyrinth- Simply amazing. A perfect blend of fantasy and reality creates a captivating and remarkable adult fairy tale.

Honorable Mention

Man Push Cart
Little Miss Sunshine
The Illusionist
Casino Royale
The Last King of Scotland
United 93
Inside Man
Volver


THE WORST

10) The Fountain- Full of leaks. A metaphysical mess.
9) Poseidon- Used the wave from "The Perfect Storm" to do a lame remake.
8) All The King’s Men- Sean Penn tries to keep it interesting but dull and miscast remake.
7) Crank- Bad live action road runner cartoon.
6) V For Vendetta- P for Pretentious.
5) Running With Scissors- Some strong acting but depressing story and non-likable characters. Good 70’s soundtrack though.
4) Kettle of Fish- terrible comedy with miscast Gina Gershon and Matthew Modine.
3) The Omen- Shot for shot remake without the suspense. Rent the original.
2) The Wicker Man- Lame, lame, lame remake of the British cult thriller. Rent the original.
1) Lady In The Water- The worst movie of the year. What were actors like Paul Giamatti and Jeffrey Wright thinking? Shyamalan sinks to new depths.