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.

The Dark Knight

Dark is not the word. Black would be more like it. While entertaining, this film is very, very, grim. Heath Ledger is brilliant and carries the film, but his untimely death adds an aura of additional darkness to an already bleak tale.

As Batman, Christian Bale continues to prove he's the best choice for the role. He does a terrific job as the tortured cape crusader but is overshadowed by Mr. Ledger. Most of the supporting cast from "Batman Returns" are also back although Maggie Gyllenhaal has replaced Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes and Aaron Eckhart is introduced as DA Harvey Dent. Both welcome additions to the film.

The action sequences are very exciting and well staged. The plot tends to get very thick though and is a bit confusing at times. Was a sequence in Hong Kong really necessary? The themes of the film are very adult and the visuals can be scary for children, especially in a scene where a child is directly in harms way( but makes an amazing recovery in the next scene).

For my money, the top superhero of the summer remains Iron Man.

Mamma Mia

Unless you are an Abba fan, there really is no reason to see this film. It's got some star power (Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Christie Baranski, Julie Waters and Colin Firth) but the flimsy plot collapses under the weight of everything Abba.

It's perfectly entertaining if you don't expect much but upon closer examination, it leaves little to desire. Meryl Streep looks like she's having a blast but she's embarrassing to watch. Pierce Brosnan is always dashing but when he sings, there are lots of unintentional laughs from the audience. The film turns on a plot point that is never satisfied but rather made immaterial. The cinematography is very spotting and it's poorly edited. When in doubt, turn up the music to mask another flaw.

There are some fun production numbers and Ms. Streep does an excellent job on "The Winner Takes It All" but overall, it just doesn't work as well as the Broadway show.One of the biggest charms of the show was audience participation which just doesn't work (although Ms Streep tries hard during the credits) on film.

Hellboy II : The Golden Army

Hellboy II The Golden Army is strictly for the fans. It is a visual treat written and directed by Guillermo del Toro based on the comic character created by Mike Mignola. Ron Perlman returns as Hellboy as does Selma Blair, Doug Jones, and Jeffrey Tambor in all their respective roles from the first film.

This time around the art direction and fantastic creatures are left overs from the imaginative world of "Pan's Labyrinth". The story is silly and rather dull (shoot the giant plant...yawn). The "Golden Army" of the title look interesting enough but in the end, don't pose much of a threat. A good deal of the film looks like it takes place in the Cantina from "Star Wars IV". The best part is the opening moments in the auction house. It goes downhill from there.

The actors try hard but the script brings them down. Still, it all looks pretty cool and will definitely appeal to a young male teen crowd.

Tell No One

Absolutely one of the best films of the year. Run, do not walk if this film is playing in your area. Based on the American novel by Harlan Corban, the film version has been made in France but retains all the twists, turns and suspense of this terrific thriller.

Eight years after Alex is beaten and his wife murdered on their country property, two more bodies are discovered. This sets off a chain of events that lead the police to think Alex may have murdered his wife and Alex to believe his wife may not really be dead at all.

The film works on every level. The direction and editing are superb. The acting is first rate and even the songs and music add and blend perfectly into the story.

The film is an adult rollercoaster ride that will have everyone discussing it long after it's over. I'm telling everyone to see "Tell No One". In French with English subtitles.

Wall-E

I must admit I had reservations about seeing this and wrote it off as another cute summer kids flick that didn't deserve my time. After reading all the positive reviews, I changed my mind and I'm certainly glad I did.

This film is simply brilliant. The animation is superb. There are times it doesn't even seem animated, especially in the early sequences on a desolate earth thousands of years in the future. The plot starts as a simple boy meets girl story (substitute robots) but soon you come to realize there is a much larger message here.

It is a story that is heartfelt and tender yet filled with gentle laughs and surprising action. What the film has to say about consumerism and ecology is deliberately scary and will go over the heads of small kids. In fact, "Wall-E" really shouldn't be seen by anyone under 10 years old.

"Wall-E" doesn't pander to it's audience and is filled with many stunning sequences. It is a film that adults can appreciate even without bringing the kids.

The Wackness

An Indie favorite from this year's Sundance Festival, "The Wackness" is a snapshot of NYC during the summer of 1994, seen through the eyes of Luke, a teenage drug dealer just trying to get by.

Luke is a white middle class 18 year old trying to find himself in the short time between high school and college. He deals pot for a living and looks for meaning through visits with his shrink, played by Ben Kingsley. Framed by a great rap soundtrack, we follow Luke, played by Josh Peck (all grown up now) through his life pursuing the girl of his dreams, Stephanie, played by Olivia Thirlby.

Mr. Kingsley has lots of fun with the role of Dr. Squires, a shrink who is in dire need of his own analysis, taking pot as payment from Luke's sessions. The film soon turns into a twisted kind of buddy comedy between the two and there are some very funny moments.

This is a fond remembrance to New York when it was both "dope" and "wack" and a heartfelt glimpse of a young man finding himself.

Hancock

Will Smith is a very engaging actor but even he can't save this meandering script. The first half hour of Hancock delivers on the promise of the trailer, a boozy bum of a superhero who doesn't seem to really care about anything. This premise is fresh and there is plenty of action and some good laughs as well. The problem is where the story goes from there.

The plot quickly takes a very strange twist and the film heads down an entirely different road. The tone becomes darker, the comedy is gone and suddenly we have a serious drama unfolding. The last act of the film introduces a ridiculous villain, a less than a spectacular fight scene, and an unlikely hero in a character that up until the end seemed to be in a different movie. The ending just fizzles away like extinguishing a firecracker before it explodes.

Jason Bateman is perfectly cast as the PR man who tries to change Hancock's image but he's basically playing Michael Bluth from "Arrested Development". Charlize Theron overacts because she is a serious actress miscast in a confusing role. Will Smith tries to carry the weight of the film on his shoulders but this time out, it just collapses back on him.

I'm sure this will be a huge audience favorite, easily #1 at the box office but...it's just not that good.

Wanted

Check your logic at the door and strap yourself in for quite a ride. "Wanted" borrows liberally from the stunt work begun in "The Matrix" but raises the bar considerably.

James McAvoy plays Wes, a nobody in a dead-end cubicle job who is recruited by Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman into a secret society of assassins. The plot is secondary to the action and there is plenty of it. Ms. Jolie basically plays the same role as she did in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" only with more of an edge. Mr. McAvoy is well cast as the assassin in training who slowly comes to believe in himself.

The stunt work is nothing short of spectacular and you will do yourself a disservice if you don't see this on a big screen. An early car chase is breathtaking and a train crash later on, while just impossible to believe, is still amazing to watch.

"Wanted" is a perfect action packed summer "popcorn" movie.

Get Smart

Way too many TV shows get remade as feature films and fail miserably. I'm happy to say, "Get Smart" doesn't fall into that trap. It is a fun, updated homage to the TV show starring Don Adams but it "smartly" avoids the pitfalls that have caused so many to crash and burn at the box office.

Steve Carrell is the perfect choice to play Maxwell Smart, Agent 86. Mr. Carrell doesn't try to mimic Mr. Adam's role but instead finds an original voice while staying true to the character. Even the familiar catchphrases are spoken as casual remarks without any forced fanfare. Ann Hathaway assumes the role of Agent 99, originally played by Barbara Felton and she too breathes new life into the character while remaining true to the spirit. Alan Arkin plays the Chief as more of a departure from the original but is still quite effective. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is well cast as Agent 23 and there are quite a few surprise cameos.

Taking a 1/2 hour comedy to the big screen requires the filmmakers to up the ante for action and special effects. The film delivers on all fronts. There is plenty of action, terrific stunt work and lots of legitimate laughs.

A very enjoyable summer comedy that works... and sets up the inevitable sequel.

The Incredible Hulk

A vast improvement over the Ang Lee version from a few years back but still strictly for fans of the comic. The story closely follows the comic with a few minor changes.

Edward Norton is perfectly cast as Bruce Banner and William Hurt makes a fine General "Thunderbolt" Ross. Liv Tyler tries too hard and doesn't really do justice to Betty Ross. As Emile Blonsky, Tim Roth adds his usual blend of psychosis and gravitas. Tim Blake Nelson has a small but pivotal role which, if the sequel gets made, will become much more important.

The action sequences are nicely balanced with the human drama and the final battle between The Hulk and The Abomination had the audience actually clapping and cheering. The CGI Hulk is also an improvement over the Lee version but still too obvious.

There are some holes in the plot but also a few pleasant surprises, setting up a Marvel movie franchise for years to come.

You Don't Mess With The Zohan

I was sucker punched by a pretty funny trailer. There's no need to mess with The Zohan as it's already a mess. By far the crudest and most pointless Adam Sandler comedy yet. I wish I could say the film has some potential but, from the start, it's horrible and goes downhill from there.

The film is jammed with star cameos that are completely wasted, except a pretty funny line from Mariah Carey. The point of the film, can't we all just get along, is buried in bad taste Arab and Israeli jokes. Countless penis and crotch jokes, sex with senior citizens, the abuse of an cat (thankfully an obvious fake) and Lannie Kazan's bare rear-end will have you running from the theater.

Personally I never walk out on a film. I'd hate for someone to tell me the last ten minutes were pure genius. No worries here. Save your money and don't even walk in.

Sex And The City

I admit it. I'm in touch with my feminine side and enjoyed this series very much. The film is a very satisfying visit with old friends.

Michael Patrick King does a nice job mixing the various sub-plots of Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte while still keeping Carrie in the spotlight. The girls have aged a bit and are all dealing with various new issues but King doesn't stray too far from the box and keeps everything very familiar.

The cast wear their characters like their wardrobe...fabulous, and all your favorite supporting players turn up...to support. New York still sparkles like the fairytale version depicted on the TV series.

Half the fun of watching the film in a theater is listening to the audience reactions during the screening. Besides the expected laughing and crying, you'll probably hear many comments you weren't expecting and much of it is unintentionally very funny.

Redbelt

The latest film from writer/director David Mamet has him returning to the world he loves best...doubling dealing and the art of the con, this time set in the world of Martial Arts. I believe I read somewhere that Mr. Mamet practices Martial Arts and so it was only a matter of time, he explored that world in one of his films.

Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Mike Terry, A Jiu-Jitsu instructor who is struggling to keep his school up and running. An accident on a rainy night puts into motion a series of events that drastically alter his life , forcing him to compete professionally for the first time.

While the background is Martial Arts, the real story is typical "Mamet". An innocent finds himself thrust into a wolf's den of con artists, double crossers, and everyone on the make for something. The supporting cast features many of Mr. Mamet's regulars including Ricky Jay, Joe Mantenga, David Paymer, J.J. Johnston, and of course his wife, Rebbeca Pidgeon. The film also stars Emily Mortimer, Tim Allen, and Alice Braga. It's a great cast doing what they do best, interpreting Mamet's rhythms and dialog.

"Despite a rather abrupt ending (that does manage to satisfy to some degree), the film didn't get it's just due for a theatrical run and will probably be out on DVD soon. If you are a Mamet fan, don't miss it.

The Fall

Director Tarsem, coming off his debut film, the visually interesting but empty, "The Cell", returns with another visual stunner. This time with a much more fulfilling story.

The film is about a young child recuperating in a Los Angeles hospital who befriends another patient, Roy, who begins to tell her a fascinating story filled with romance and adventure. He fills the story with characters taken from people in and around the hospital.

Shot practically all over the world, "The Fall" is breathtaking to watch. Apparently most of all the visuals were real and not CGI and they are amazing. This is a visual treat. The swimming elephant alone is worth the price of admission.

Tarsem paints a beautiful canvas but as a director needs to work on his pacing and action sequences. "The Fall" is a big improvement over his last effort and it's good to see him growing as a director without losing his flair for visual imagery.

OSS 117: Nest of Spies

A French comedy that has been on the Indie circuit for a while now, OSS is a very funny satire of early '60 spy films. The film takes place in 1955 Cairo but has a look and feel of Sean Connery era James Bond meets Maxwell Smart by way of Napoleon Solo. If you aren't familiar with these names, this isn't the film for you.

A suave yet bumbling secret agent, OSS 117 manages to do everything wrong but come out on top. Much of the comedy is based on the history of the times but even if you have no idea of 1955 Egyptian politics, there is still plenty to laugh at.

Jean Dujardin stars as 117 and he is terrific in the role. The cinematography and direction gets the look and feel of the film just right. I hope this is the start of a franchise. If you miss it in a theater, catch it on DVD.

Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of The Cyrstal Skull

"Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the blah blah blah...."

After twenty years, it's fun to have Indiana Jones swing back into our lives but shortly after a rush of nostalgic adrenaline, the film quickly turns to a bloated rehash of pieces of The "Indy" trilogy with a little "Stars Wars" and "Close Encounters" thrown in.

Harrison Ford still makes a striking hero but even he looks bored in certain scenes. There is way too much exposition to explain the convoluted plot and how many times do we have to go into scary caves and wipe away cobwebs?

Shia LaBeouf was cast to attract a younger audience and possibly keep the franchise going. Cate Blanchett vamps it up as a Russian villain but keeps misplacing her accent. Karen Allen is a nice addition if only to remind fans how much fun and magical "Raiders of The Lost Ark" really was compared to this retread.

There are some exciting moments but unfortunately the magic is gone. Enough with the sequels. It's time for Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Lucas to really thrill us again with something new and original.

The Visitor

Anchored by a terrific performance by Richard Jenkins, "The Visitor" is a gem of an Indie film buried among the arriving Hollywood blockbusters. This is the second film from writer/director Tom McCarthy, who's previous film, "The Station Agent", was an Indie hit a few years back.

This is the story of Walter Vale, a character worn by Mr. Jenkins like a second skin, a college professor sleepwalking through his life. An unusual encounter with two young immigrants begins a journey of discovery for Walter, jumpstarting his life.

"The Visitor" has a lot to say about second chances, friendship and even Immigration laws but is never heavy-handed about any of it. The film moves at a leisurely pace constantly surprising us with little moments of clarity.

Much like "the Station Agent", "The Visitor" is filled with memorable characters and a story that will linger with you for days.

Iron Man

It is so satisfying when they get a superhero movie right. Director Jon Favreau must be a fan as the plot and direction are very faithful to the original comic and as a fan myself, I really appreciate the effort. The best thing about Iron Man, aside from the special effects, is the brilliant decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark aka Iron Man.

Robert Downy Jr. brings an edge to the character that other actors would have missed. He is perfectly cast as are much of his co-stars. Gwyneth Paltrow not only brings "Pepper" Potts to life but he actually resembles the way Pepper is drawn in the comics. Terrence Howard plays Tony's friend Rhodey who we should see a lot more of in the sequel. And as the villain, Jeff Bridges does a great job without being too over the top (even when he's operating a monstrous version of Iron Man ).

Since this is an origin story, there is much to fill in about how Stark becomes Iron Man but rather than boring back story, the early part of the film is rich in character and detail, only updating the location from Vietnam to Afghanistan for a more contemporary connection.

The story is fast paced, filled with humor and suspense, and some excellent CGI work, particularly when Pepper sticks her hand into Stark's chest. The recreation of Iron Man's armor should win an academy award by itself. It's a perfect rendition of the comic book brought to life.

I can't wait for Iron Man 2.

Baby Mama

Basically a 90 minute Saturday Night Live skit strung together with pieces of "Baby Boom" and "The Odd Couple". I was disappointed by the weak script which gave us all the good parts in the coming attractions. While the film was written by an ex-Saturday Night Live scribe, it wasn't Tina Fey and that's pretty clear throughout the film ( a mushy sentimental ending, oh please).

As if to overcome the script, "Baby Mama" stuffs itself full of well known co-stars. Steve Martin plays Ms. Fey's new age boss. Sigourney Weaver is the owner of the Surrogate Service that tries to help Ms. Fey and Greg Kinnear plays her love interest. Mr. Martin is amusing, Ms. Weaver is over the top and Mr. Kinnear sleepwalks through the film. And of course, anything with Tina Fey has to have cameos by some of her SNL buddies, which is distracting and makes it feel even more like a TV skit.

Amy Poehler is probably the funniest woman on the planet right now and she does her best with the flimsy material. Tina Fey plays smart funny and the two women make for a great comic duo. One day they will make a truly funny buddy movie (if Tina Fey writes it). "Baby Mama" isn't it.

The Forbidden Kingdom

Jackie Chan and Jet Li star together for the first time in this American written and directed version of an Asian Martial arts epic. The film doesn't try for any thing original except for the pairing of these two superstars. It's a combination of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" ,"The Karate Kid" , "Lord Of The Rings" with a bit of " The Wizard of Oz" thrown in for good measure.

The story itself is entertaining but suffers from anemic dialogue. The sparks do fly with every action sequence, especially an early fight between Mr. Chan and Mr. Li. The legendary fight choreographer, Woo Ping Yuen is not content to have his actors battle on the ground. There is more wire work in this film that a mouth full of braces. Even so, the action is fast and furious and fun to watch. Michael Angarano does his best Ralph Macchio impression learning to fight from the two masters while trying to find his way home.

If you enjoy this genre, you'll appreciate it more on a big screen. The locations are a visual treat, even if there is no logic to the trek between forest, desert and mountaintop. The desert sequence appears to have been written solely as a set up to a crudely humorous visual joke. Most of the humor in the film is provided by Mr. Chan and contrasting his style against the more serious Mr. Li is what makes the film fun to watch.

The Ruins

I really Enjoyed Scott Smith's "A Simple Plan", both the book and the film adaptation.
This lead me to read his second book, "The Ruins". A quick read that was disappointing after such a great debut. Having read the book though, I finally decided to check out the Hollywood version.

The film follows the book pretty faithfully with a few minor changes. The biggest difference is the lack of any character development in the film. Therefore, you couldn't care less when bad things start happening to good people. The horror here turns out to be a pretty silly thing but the film does manage some suspense along the way.

The acting is minimal and the biggest name in the cast is Jenna Malone, who usually does a great job in Indie films. The story starts out with a decent premise but what eventually happens is never explained. Hollywood also tinkers with the ending.

Be warned, there are some gruesome scenes. One character has their legs amputated under less than ideal conditions and another character goes mad and mutilates their own body.

A good idea...ruined.

Leatherheads

George Clooney goes for a touchdown but comes up short and settles for a field goal in this period piece about the early days of football. Co-starring Rene Zellweger, John Krasinski, and Jonathan Pryce, the film is well cast but it's fault lies in it's director, Mr. Clooney.

Trying to recreate a "screwball" comedy of the period, the banter between Mr. Clooney and Ms. Zellweger seems forced and both actors try to hard to compete with the great comic battle of the sexes that have come before them. As a director, Mr. Clooney's comic timing is way off and there are stretches of film that border on dull and unnecessary. The football sequences are fun but in short supply.

Peter Gerety adds some real spark late in the film as the new commissioner of Pro Football. It's a shame he has only a few scenes.

"Leatherheads" is worth a look if you're a football fan otherwise better saved for a DVD rental.

The Countefeiters

Winner of the Academy Award for best foreign film, "The Counterfeiters" tells the little known true story of Jewish prisoners forced to counterfeit money for the Nazi's.

The film is seen through the eyes of Salomon "Sally" Sorowitsch, the "King of the Counterfeiters". Sally is living the good life in Berlin until he is arrested and sent to a concentration camp. When the Nazis learn of his skill, he is transferred to Sachsenhausen where along with other prisoners of similar skills, he is put to work forging English pounds and American dollars in order to weaken the allied economy.

The film is grim and utterly realistic. It recreates a horrible period when people would do anything to survive. The acting is amazing, especially Karl Markovics, who plays "Sally". His gaunt frame and dark demeanor suit the character perfectly. Mr. Markovics is so convincing in the role, you'll think you're watching an actual documentary, rather than a scripted story.

This is a remarkable story of survival that should not be missed.

The Bank Job

Sorry for the lag time between reviews, dear readers, but there just isn't a lot of quality out there right now worth my time or money (or yours for that matter). However, "The Bank Job" is definitely worth a look.

Based on a true story about a very infamous British crime, the film stars Jason Statham and Saffron Burrows. The rest of the cast is made up of British acting regulars mostly unknown in the US. Fans of Mr. Statham's action films may be a bit disappointed by the lack of the car chases and fights he is known for but he still has a great screen presence and carries the weight of the film solidly on his back.

There is a good bit of humor sprinkled throughout and lots of suspense as things get even more complicated after the robbery. Director Roger Donaldson does such of great job of creating a 70's retro feel, you'd think the film was actually made in 1971. The acting and script are solid although the dialog is very distinctively British.

If you miss it in the theaters, definitely rent it on DVD. You won't feel robbed.

In Bruges

In the February wasteland of new films, there is usually one that breaks out and stays with you for a while. This year, that film is "In Bruges". It opened the Sundance Film Festival and it's lots of fun if you're a fan of dark comedies.

Written and directed by playwright Martin McDonagh, "In Bruges" stars Colin Farrell and Brenden Gleeson as Hit men hiding out in the real medieval town of Bruges, located in Belgium. Mr. Farrell is Ray, a goofy sort riddled with guilt over a botched hit. Mr. Gleeson is Ken, a seasoned professional who is taken by the old world charm of the city. There is great chemistry between them and it makes for an enjoyable buddy film with a new perspective. The film also stars Ralph Fiennes as Harry, the hit men's boss and while he doesn't have much screen time, he is a commanding presence and crucial to the story.

Mr. McDonagh writes primarily for the theater and his plays are know for their dark humor and shocking flashes of violence. "In Bruges" is very funny, primarily due to Mr. Farrell and yet, there are moments of violence that are pretty graphic. Also be warned, Mr. McDonagh writes from the gut and there is a liberal amount of "foul" language in the dialog. The film also takes plenty of shots at "ugly" Americans which some in the audience may find insulting.

Cloverfield

"Cloverfield" allows us to relive 9/11 in the safety of a movie theater using a never explained Godzilla-like monster to represent terrorism. Real subtle.

This 75 minute exercise in "Blair Witch" camera theatrics uses the shaky video camera POV to make us physically and emotional queasy as we watch downtown New York, once again, reduced to rubble.

The camera follows a small group of friends who are one minute are enjoying themselves at a farewell party, only to be thrust into the carnage as the ridiculous "monster" attacks for no reason.

There is nothing redeemable in this mess except for terrific special effects destroying Manhattan block by block. As good as the effects are, it's hard to admire them as their result is unnerving and disturbing.

There are many famous monster movies prior to 2001 featuring the destruction of New York and they're always fun to watch because you thought nothing like that would really happen. In a post 9/11 world, it's just not fun anymore.

Cassandra's Dream

Shooting "Matchpoint" in England revitalized Woody Allen. It didn't last long however, as "Snoop" was a disappointment and now comes "Cassandra's Dream" another rehash on the consequences of murder.

While we've seen the story before from Woody, he does manage to capture terrific performances by Collin Farrell and Ewan McGregor as brothers Terry and Ian. The brothers find themselves in dire straights and turn to their rich Uncle Howard (always good Tom Wilkinson) for help. The drama turns on his proposal.

Mr. Farrell plays against type as the meeker of the two brothers and it's refreshing to see him in a role like this. His chemistry with Mr. McGregor is excellent and you can easily believe they are brothers caught in tangled web of their own making.

Mr. Allen remains an excellent writer and director. Refreshed by England's change of scenery, he must now turn to a new muse for script inspiration and give us something original.

There Will Be Blood

No doubt about it, this is a magnificent performance by Daniel Day-Lewis. The film centers completely around his character, Daniel Plainview. In fact, Plainview is written as such a vivid force of nature that everyone else in the film barely exists. This is the major flaw in a powerful film about the early days of the oil business.

Paul Dano co-stars as Eli Sunday and his mysterious brother Paul Sunday (a minor character never quite fully explained). Eli is the young preacher who is at odds with Plainview throughout the film. Mr. Dano gives a terrific performance and holds his own in powerful scenes with Mr. Day-Lewis. However, aside from these two, every other character in the film is completely underwritten. Dillion Freasier plays Plainview's young son, HW but even he exists more as a plot device than a fully realized character.

The cinematography is fantastic, beautiful and raw. The first 20 minutes of the film are very unique. Kudos to writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson for such a bold move. Much has been said about the score. It too, is very unique and some will say irritating. While there may be some truth to that, it is very deliberate and fits the film perfectly.

The blood and soul of this film is Mr. Day-Lewis who breathes life to an unforgettable character. But in the end, the film is diminished by his overpowering presence, which just may have been the point.

Best & Worst of 2007

Happy New Year to all. Another film year in the books and my theatrical viewing continues to drop (67 films in theaters this year). More and more I tend to wait for DVD and should really start doing a separate list for that. Anyway, here's my best and worst of 2007.

The Best-

No Country For Old Men- Brilliant film adaptation, perfectly detailed and perfectly acted.

Atonement- Another terrific adaptation with a powerful story and great acting. Haunting.

Sweeny Todd- Still another adaptation, this time from Broadway. Perfectly executed by Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

I'm Not There- With no coherent plot, the film still blows you away with sight, sound, and an amazing performance by Cate Blancett.

The Bourne Ultimatum- This third in a series, improves upon each of it's predecessors and sets a new standard for action films done the old fashioned way without CGI.

Eastern Promises- David Cronenberg shows us a world rarely seen and Viggo Mortensen gives a bravura performance as a Russian mobster in conflict.

3:10 To Yuma- I'm a sucker for a good western and this remake was terrific. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale shine.

Black Book- Very exciting WWII film based on a true story of a Jewish woman who falls in love with the Nazi commander she is sent to spy on.

Gone, Baby Gone- Ben Affleck gets everything right in his directorial debut. This Boston crime drama about a missing child is right on the money.

Hairspray- And yes, another adaptation. From film to Broadway and now, back to film, this version of Hairspray was fun start to finish. Singing, dancing, social message and John Travolta in drag. Just a good time at the movies.

Honorable mention-

Juno

Into The Wild

Talk To Me

Superbad

Best DVD- Ratatouille- A brilliantly animated film with intelligence, humor, warmth and charm that doesn't dumb down it's audience

The Worst-

Smokin' Aces -waste of talent

Meet The Robinsons- waste of Disney talent

Mr. Bean's Holiday-waste of time

Go Go Tales- sad waste of Abel Ferrara

Pirates of the Caribbean 3- bloated waste of time

Spiderman 3- bloated waste of what could have been

Margot At The Wedding- self indulgent waste of talent

Nancy Drew- waste unless you were a 12 year old girl.

Alpha Dog- waste of Justin Timberlake

We Own The Night- waste of real potential.

Sweeny Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

This should be sub-titled "There Will Be Blood". Director Tim Burton executes a wonderful screen version of the dark musical with rivers of blood as an extra character. But don't be put off by the excess. It is a terrific film that had me grinning ear to ear, even as Sweeny Todd sliced his victim's throats ear to ear.

Johnny Depp as Sweeny Todd and Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett have never been better. They are simply delicious together with a deeply forged chemistry. The majority of dialog in the film is done in song and both Mr. Depp and Ms. Bonham Carter admirably hold their own along with Alan Rickman, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Timothy Spall. The rest of the cast is excellent as well, especially Ed Sanders as Toby Ragg.

The production faithfully recreates a dark, dirty England and Mr. Burton's stylized direction fits the grim tale of revenge perfectly. Despite themes of madness, murder and cannibalism, the film is really a lot of fun to watch. Strip away the violence and it really is a love story that works on many levels.

"Sweeny Todd" is a musical like no other and the film version does it's Broadway ancestors proud.

The Diving Bell And The Butterfly

Directed by Julian Schnabel, the film is based on the true story of Elle Magazine editor, Jean-Dominique Bauby, who was paralyzed by a stroke at age 43. Unable to move any part of his body except for his left eye, Bauby learns to communicate through a series of blinking the alphabet. And in doing so, "writes" the book that becomes "The Diving Bell And The Butterfly".

With the help of a translator, Henriette Roi, Bauby manages to communicate his thoughts through a very repetitive process that, while a triumph for him, begins to grate on the viewer. What saves the film, is the imaginative way Mr. Schnabel shows us what is going on in Mr. Bauby's mind. His imagination and memory are the only things that sustain him. The artistic flashbacks and dream sequences that connect all the elements of the film are very well done.

Mathieu Amalric gives an outstanding performance as Bauby. To express oneself though only one eye is remarkable. It's also his witty and emotional voiceover that guides us and allows us an intimate link to the character.

The film is in French with English subtitles.

The Orphanage

Goosebumps. You want a ghost story to give you Goosebumps. "The Orphanage" delivers them big time. In an era when "horror" movies are nothing more than torture porn or gory remakes, a film finally reminds us of how to be truly frightened at the movies.

Produced by Guillermo Del Toro, many are calling it this year's "Pan's Labyrinth". Nothing could be further from the truth. That's a marketing ploy that is unnecessary. "The Orphanage" is closer to Del Toro's film, "The Devil's Backbone" or another Spanish ghost story, "The Others". It scares you with atmosphere, implication and anticipation, rather than cheap shocks and gore. Although there is at least one "jump out of your seat" moment that was unnecessary but scary just the same.

The film stars Belen Rueda as Laura, an orphan herself who is adopted in the prologue and then returns to her orphanage 30 years later with her husband and young son, Simon. It is their intention to renovate the place and make it a home for special children.

Know that the film is in Spanish with English subtitles. To say anymore would be spoiling the experience but know that Ms. Rueda gives a tour de force performance as a woman unraveling when the past, literally, comes back to haunt her.

Atonement

You know you're watching a film of merit when it unfolds like a good book and you get lost in the story. "Atonement" is adapted from the book of the same name by Ian McEwan. I didn't read the book but I have read others by Mr. McEwan and I can only imagine that the screenplay for "Atonement" faithfully follows the book. Mr. McEwan is a gifted author who writes powerful novels. This is a powerful film.

It is a sweeping story of depth, filled with romance, and devastating drama. There is great chemistry between it's lead actors, Keira knightley and James McAvoy. Saoirse Ronan is a wonder as Ms. Knightley's 13 year old sister who sets the story in motion with one horrible lie.

This is a period film set in England and war torn France in the late 1930's. The cinematography, sets and costumes are all wonderful. There is an amazing single tracking shot on the French beach that is remarkable in it's beauty and horror at the same time.

"Atonement" has already been nominated for many Golden Globe Awards and will surely garner many Oscar nominations as well. It deserves all of them. Once it ends, it will haunt you for days. It will have that kind of impact.

Charlie Wilson's War

This film is a strange mix of serious politics and light comedy. Written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Mike Nichols, "Charlie Wilson" plays like an episode of "The West Wing". The dialog is fast and furious. Much of the political nature of the film may go over the head of the casual viewer. The story, however, is an amazing one especially when you consider it's based in truth.

Those expecting a light hearted romp with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts will be surprised by the turn of events when Congressman Wilson visits an Afghanistan refugee camp. The sights and sounds will shock the audience just as they do Charlie. It's that turn of events, spurred on by a wealthy Texas socialite (played by Ms. Roberts) that moves Wilson to begin a covert war aiding the Afghan people against the Russians. He is aided in his mission by a unorthodox CIA agent played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, who steals every scene. Mr. Hanks exhibits both charm and gravity as Charlie Wilson. He's a terrific actor and both he and Mr. Hoffman are adept at inhabiting their roles.

The story is remarkable and will certainly hold your attention. The ending should anger you, especially if you stop and consider what has happened in Afghanistan since it's liberation from the Russians. The quote that closes the film could not be more haunting.

Juno

A sharp script and terrific performances highlight this comedy about a pregnant teenager. The film is intelligent and there is never a false note in the performances.

The film stars Ellen Page as Juno, the 16 year old learning about love and life even as a new life begins to grow inside her. Ms. Page was terrific in "Hard Candy" and and with each new film, she continues to show a maturity beyond her years. "Juno" also stars Michael Cera as "Bleeker", Juno's best friend, responsible for impregnating her. Mr. Cera owns the part of the sweet, awkward teen whether it's "Superbad" or "Arrested Development". No one does it better.

As for the adults in the film, J.K. Simmons and Allison Janey play Juno's understanding dad and caring step-mom. Jennifer Garner and Jason Batemen play a childless couple looking to adopt Juno's baby. The entire cast is just perfect and all show a new side to the type of characters they usually play.

Besides the clever writing, the film also boasts a terrific soundtrack, with original songs provided by Kimya Dawson, of the band "Moldy Peaches". "Juno" captures the language and rhythms of today's teenagers in a very honest way and the music is a perfect compliment to the story.

The Savages

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney return to their Indy roots in this intimate film about a brother and sister dealing with their father's failing health.

The film is a cross between the 70's comedy "Where's Poppa" and the drama, "Affliction". A strong screenplay balances the serious subject matter with moments of unexpected comedy. Mr. Hoffman recently received a Golden Globe nomination for his work in this film and while he is excellent as always, the film really belongs to Ms. Linney. Wendy Savage is the more complex role and Linney gives a wonderful performance, balancing a very complicated character. Actually stealing the film out from both of them is the remarkable Phillip Bosco as their father, slipping into dementia yet revealing a hint of sanity that refuses to go.

"The Savages" is an offbeat film, not for everyone but a nice alternative to the holiday blockbusters.

I Am Legend

I am boring.... After an extremely promising start, "Legend" slows to a crawl until the big finish, which frankly, didn't really thrill me.

Will Smith is very good in the lead and almost only role. It's a different Will Smith, more serious, yet emotional and heroic. His German Shepherd companion is an extremely well trained and expressive animal.

The special effects are amazing and really give you a sense of a deserted New York City. The problem is, after the initial "wow" factor, you get used to it pretty quickly and the effect loses it's punch. The same can be said for the night creatures. They are terrifying at first and then just annoying.

There is one really terrific sequence outside Grand Central Station that was truly exciting but Will's loneliness and boredom is so realistic that it carries over to the audience.

The one truly frightening thing about the film is that many doctors believe the premise of the film will actually come to pass. It's not a question of what if, but rather, when.

Into The Wild

Based on the non-fictional bestseller, "Into The Wild" is the story of Chris McCandless, a college graduate who leaves behind a privileged life for one of self discovery and adventure. Sean Penn has adapted the screenplay and directs the film.

Not having read the book, I can offer no comparison and just take the film at its own worth. After graduating, Chris decides to drop out of society and go off on his own journey across America, ultimately to Alaska. He changes his name and ceases any communication with his family. The people he encounters and his own self discovery form the basis of the film, recreated by his journals and the memory of those who knew him.

Visually the film is breathtaking with many of the Western states and Alaska providing the natural background for the story. Songs and music by Eddie Vedder compliment the story perfectly. As Chris, Emile Hirsch does his best work to date, in a physically and emotionally demanding role. The film also stars Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaughn, and Catherine Keener as the people Chris meets and impact his life. In addition, Marcia Gay Harden and William Hurt play Chris's parents and Jenna Malone, his sister.

Mr. Penn charts Chris's journey with love and affection for the character. But in the end, "Into The Wild" is not a celebration but rather just an observation of one man's life. It is ultimately a sad story but not as haunting as it might have been.

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.