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50/50

When 27-year old writer Adam: Joseph Gordon-Levitt is diagnosed with a rare spinal cancer, you are presented with a clear-eyed, matter-of-fact view of the hilarity and horror of facing cancer at a young age. Adam's raunchy best friend, Kyle: Seth Rogan supplies the humor. His therapist, Katherine: Anna Kendrick lends an understanding shoulder to lean on. Adam's girl friend: Rachael: Bryce Dallas Howard breaks off their romance when she learns of his condition. His mother, Diane: Anjelica Huston remains loyal. Set in NYC, the understated and natural acting of the lead makes him one to cheer for. Direction by Jonathan Levine makes this one of the better dramedies of this fall.. Profanity. Crude humor.

THE DOLPHIN TALE 3D

This warm hearted tale for the whole family starts when Sawyer: Nathan Gamble cuts the ropes entangling a beached dolphin who has lost her tail in a crab trap and is transported to the Florida beach animal preserve run by Dr. Clay: Harry Connick Jr. and his dad, Reed: Kris Kristofferson. Sawyer is befriended by Clay's daughter, Hazel: Cozi Zuehlsdorff who slips him in to see his dolphin, Winter (whose true story is presented here). As soon as the experts figure out that the dolphin only responds to care by Sawyer, he starts skipping summer school to tend his pet. When his mother, Lorraine: Ashley Judd finds out, she is furious. Dr. Cameron: Morgan Freeman plays a fishing buddy of young Sawyer who comes to the rescue. Directed by Charles Martin Smith. IMAX

FOOTLOOSE

Ren: Kenny Wormald is the new arrival in town who challenges the law prohibiting dancing. Ariel: Julianne Hough (Dancing with the Stars), the daughter of the Georgia town preacher, Rev. Shaw Moore: Dennis Quaid and Vi: Andie McDowell, becomes his love interest. With two professional dancers as the leads, you would expect more dance numbers. This cheesy remake near the cotton fields, while acceptable and inoffensive, rises to a rather low bar when the hokum outshines the exuberance. Directed by Craig Brewer. Profanity. Sexuality. Rough fights.

THE IDES OF MARCH

Stephen: Ryan Gosling works for the mid-corn country Gov. Mike Morris: George Clooney, whose presidential candidate campaign is guided by Paul: Phillip Seymour Hoffma.. Tom: Paul Giamatti is the campaign manager for the opposition candidate. An intern, Molly: Evan Rachael Wood gets more involved than she should and draws the attention of Ida: Marisa Tomei, political columnist for the New York Times. If you are looking for a tough drama, directed and co-written by Clooney with Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon, based on his play, Farragut North, it's one to watch at Oscar time. Violence. Profanity.

THE THING

Dr. Kate Lloyd: Mary Elizabeth Winstead has her life upturned when she suddenly is pressed into service for an expedition. Scientists from Norway and Holland are sent to Antarctica to investigate the finding of a frozen prehistoric monster. Sam Carter: Joel Edgerton is easy on the eyes as he helps battle the monster. Dr. Sander Halvorsen: Ulrich Thomsen rarely agrees with Kate on tactics. Viewers who remember the 1982 John Carpenter version will still be frightened by this film well directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. Violence. Gore. Profanity.

November 2011

ABDUCTION

High school senior Nathan: Taylor Lautner learns accidentally that he was abducted as a youth and his parents were really foster parents. His girlfriend Karen: Lily Collins flees with him when his family is killed and their home burned. In their pursuit, they have encounters with Mara: Maria Bello and Burton: Alfred Molina. It's a showcase for Lautner's muscles and acting talent. It somehow doesn't seem fresh; more like stale onions rotting. Profanity. Violence. Written by Shawn Christensen Directed by John Singleton

COLOMBIANA

When a 9-year-old girl's parents are shot in the same Bogota room with her, it's understandable why she would train to become a hit woman determined to execute the members of the Colombian crime syndicate responsible. Now grown, Cataleya: Zoe Saldana (Avatar) almost has a liquid body as she pours herself through elevator shafts and ductwork to kill the assassins. Her partner and boy friend, Danny Delaney: Michael Vartan attracts her interest and ours. CIA agent Richard: Collum Blue and mobster Marco: Jordi Mollà complete the cast. Profanity. Violence.

CONTAGION

In some ways, this sci-fi thriller seems to be following the old Irwin Allen formula of his films of the '70s. Put an all star cast in a disaster flick. It all starts when Beth Emhoff: Gwenyth Paltrow returns from a trip to China. Her hubby Mitch: Matt Damon has taken care of the kids and cannot help but notice the changes in her health. Despite the efforts of a noteworthy medical and administrative team at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Dr. Erin Mears: Kate Winslet, Dr. Ellis Cheever: Laurence Fishburne, Lyle Haggerty: Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Ehle: Dr. Ally Hextell, Elliot Gould: Dr. Ian Sussman , and Marion Cotillard: Dr. Leonora Orentes, within days there are a million victims worldwide. Note that all of web journalist Alan Krumweide: Jude Law's scenes with exteriors were filmed around San Francisco in February. Profanity. Disturbing images. Also in IMAX.

THE DEBT

In Germany, Rachel Singer: Helen Mirren, her ex-husband, Stefan Gold: Tom Wilkinson, and David Peretz: Ciaran Hinds in 1997 learn the whereabouts of the target of their earlier botched job. Flashback to 1966, a secret agent Mossad team led by young David, 29: Sam Worthington who found Nazi war criminal, Dieter "The Surgeon of Birkenau," Vogel: Jesper Chirstensen in East Berlin but failed to kill him. Rachel has been following every lead to track him down; perhaps because he disfigured her face. Directed by John Madden. The screenplay by Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman, and Peter Straughan is based upon the 2007 Israeli film: Ha-Hov, written by Assaf Bernstein and Ido Rosenblum. Profanity. Violence.

DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK

Young Sally, 8: Bailee Madison is sent to live with her father , Alex: Guy Pearce and his interior decorator girl friend, Kim: Katie Holmes in their historical countryside home, Blackwood Manor. Alex has been restoring the home to its former grandeur, when a famous painter lived there, with the help of handyman Harrris: Jack Thompson. Alex plans to get a cover story by having home magazine publisher Charles Jacoby: Alan Dale at the unveiling. Next step: to sell it at a profit. Before the opening, gnomes attack and kill Harris and terrorize Sally every night. Alex finds it hard to believe that gnomes really exist and sends Sally to a shrink. When they slice her shower curtain and draw blood while she bathes, then her father believes her. It would spoil the dramatic ending for me to tell more. See it. This very terrifying film was directed by Troy Nixey with screenplay by Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) and Matthew Robbins based on the 1973 teleplay by Nigel McKeand. Action Profanity. Scary images, Extreme violence.

DRIVE

Driver: Ryan Gosling and the sweet girl down the hall, Irene: Carey Mulligan, become more than neighbors. In addition to his stunt-driving for movies, he drives getaway cars for holdups. Always without a word, he just chews that toothpick. There are enough car chases to satisfy even the most rabid fan. The large supporting cast which delivers strong performances includes Shannon: Bryan Cranston, Blanche: Christina Hendricks, Nino: Ron Perlman, and Standard: Oscar Isaac. Rounding out the cast of the non-stop action thriller is the particularly obnoxious Bernie Rose: Albert Brooks. This high-action adventure was well written by Hossein Amini and directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. Profanity. Violence.

KILLER ELITE

Mercenary Danny: Jason Stratham is lured from retirement to rescue his mentor Hunter: Robert DeNiro from Middle Eastern captors. Former British Special Air Service (SAS) soldier Spike: Clive Owen is intent on rubbing out Danny before he can take out any more rogue SAS men. To quote Danny, "Killing is easy; living with it is the hard part." Davies: Dominic Purcell and Anne: Yvonne Strahovski are also cast. There's more dialog than in most action flicks, which in this case is not necessarily for the better. Directed by Gary McKendry in his directing debut. The screenplay by Matt Scherring was inspired by a Ranulph Fiennes book. Profanity. Extreme Violence.

THE LION KING 3D

The King of the Lions, Mufasa: v.o. James Earl Jones defends his kingdom against his evil brother, Scar: v.o. Jeremy Irons. Young Simba: v.o. Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Nala run off together when his father dies in a hyena stampede and his uncle Scar burdens him with the responsibilityof his father's death. Adult Simba: v.o. Matthew Broderick and the Adult Nala: v.o. Moira Kelly return after a couple of years so Simba can confront Scar and claim his throne. The African animal tale is given a fresh approach that makes it even more enjoyable.

MONEYBALL

This one is for all the Oakland A's fans. After losing the 2002 series to the Yankees, General Manager Billy Beane: Brad Pitt gets unique statistical data from Peter Brand: Jonah Hill which he uses to make a winning team. Team owner Art Howe: Philip Seymour Hoffman evokes tension between himself and Billy. Sharon: Robin Wright provides the romantic conflict. Bennett Miller, Capote, directs from the screenplay by Stephen Zaillian, Oscar winner for Schindler's List, and Aaron Sorkin, Emmy winner for The West Wing. Based on Steve Cherin's story and Michael Lewis's book, it was originally developed by Steven Soderbergh, before he left the project. Profanity.

OUR IDIOT BROTHER

Hirsuite Ned: Paul Rudd, lands in jail because of his pot problem. This creates conflict between his sisters, Miranda: Elizabeth Banks, Natalie: Zooey Deschanel, and Liz: Emily Mortimer and Mother Ilene: Shirley Knight. Some funny moments, but there should have been more. This Long Island comedy was directed by Jeremy Peretz and written by David Schisgall and Evgenia Peret. Brief Male & Female Nudity. Profanity.

October 2011

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

Wimpy Steve Rogers: Chris Evans can't get accepted by a draft board when he really wants to serve. Dr. Abraham Erskine: Stanley Tucci finds him the ideal candidate to test a new drug that could make him a super hero. Presto! He is Captain America with muscles and height and superpowers. His boss, Peggy Carter: Lesley Atwell, an attractive redhead, finds him drawn to her and she to him as he wins European WWII battles with a high Nazi casualty list. His titanium shield is all he needs for protection and armament. He reports to Col. Chester Phillips: Tommy Lee Jones. Phillips' sidekick is Nick Fury: Samuel L. Jackson. Capt. America and his team even invade the Nazi's secret hideaway and take on his nemesis, the Red Skull: Hugo Weaving. Violent action. Profanity.

GLEE 3-D

This is a 3-D concert movie in which some of the TV cast performs before a live audience while being filmed.

The singers give their fans numbers that they are familiar with and can sing along. As would be expected wherever their tour bus moves around the country, they hype show memorabilia at each stop. They deliver high energy entertainment.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS–PART TWO

This is the one that Harry Potter fans have been waiting for, where all the loose ends are tied together and he wins his battle with Lord Voldemort: Ralph Fiennes. That's not telling anything that you wouldn't expect since the hero must always win; it's the how he does it that is of interest. His pals, Ron: Rupert Grint and Hermione: Emma Watson also search for Voldemort's three still living Horcruxes (which insure his immortality) and must be destroyed to kill the Dark Lord. Once Voldemort discovers what the heroic trio is doing he unleashes his deadliest weapons. Series regulars are given less than three minutes of screen time each: Professor Minerva McGonagall: Maggie Smith, Prof. Albus Dumbledore: Michael Gambon, Prof. Horace Slughorn: Jim Broadbent; Remus Lupin: David Thewlis; Cirián Hinds: Abelforth Dumbledore; Molly Weasley: Julie Walters: Helena Ravenclaw: Kelly Macdonald; Ollivander: John Hurt; Prof. Pomona Sprout: Miriam Margoyles; and Madam Pomfrey: Gemma Jones; and students: Luna Lovegood: Evanna Lynch and Ginny Weasley: Bonnie Wright. Harry gets his another screen kiss. The baddies include: Prof. Severus Snape: Alan Rickman; Beatrix Lastrange: Helena Bonham Carter; and Sirius Black: Gary Oldman. How many of those did you miss? I've only included actors who had leading roles in other films! There is a short epilogue of the characters later in life with their children. The world-wide gross as of my deadline: over $900-million. Not to be missed! 3-D. Action violence. Frightening images.

THE HELP

Skeeter: Emma Stone, recent college graduate and liberal writer, wants to tell the employment tales from the side of black maid-nannies. The two black maids she persuades to tell their stories: Aibileen: Viola Davis and Minny: Octavia Spencer wrestle with their consciences. Minny has THE scene of the film: the day after she is fired she bakes a special concilliatory pie to present to her former employer, Hilly Holbrook: Bryce Dallas Howard. After half a slice has been eaten, Minny tells her: "You-ah just ate my sh*tt!" This is a winning adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel about black maids working for white socialites and the friendship that develops within the threesome as they break unwritten codes of behavior in small-town Mississippi in the 1960s. Profanity. Off-screen violence.

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Another film made partially in San Francisco. Yeah! While searching for a cure for Alzheimer's for his father, Charles Rodman: John Lithgow, scientist Will: James Franco discovers a brain improvement drug for the pet ape that they have raised, Caesar: Andy Serkis (in another brilliant performance). When Caesar bites off a coupla fingers of a neighbor, he is housed at the Landon facility, owned by John Landon: Brian Cox. Dodge Landon: Tom Felton, his son, works with the apes in their cages and is a narsty youth who abuses the animals. Will's love interest, Caroline, Freida Pinto, works at the SF Zoo. Caesar becomes the Caesar of all the apes as they escape and take over the Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods. To learn how they do it, go see the film. Director Rupert Wyatt and writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver worked from Pierre Boulle's novel for this entertaining tale. Some violence. Mild profanity.

Feedback: miller@westsideobserver.com

September 2011

THE ART OF GETTING BY

Private high school senior and art major in NYC, slacker George: Freddie Hightower avoids studying while falling in love with Sally: Emma Roberts. Principal Martinson: Blair Underwood introduces George to an alumnus Dustin: Michael Angarano to help George buckle down. The cast is rounded out by Vivian Sargent: Rita Wilson as George's mother with Sam Robards as his stepfather, Jack, and a teacher, Ms. Herman: Alicia Silverstone who influences George. He's given an ultimatum: to catch up his entire semester's work in the final few days or he won't graduate. Director-writer Gavin Wiesen in his first film gets fine performances from his cast. [Angarano is Uma Thurman's leading man on the DVD Ceremony, out soon.] Profanity.

BRIDE FLIGHT

Three Dutch brides-to-be fly as passengers in an air race from London to beautiful New Zealand in 1953 to meet their grooms who have gone ahead to acquire homes and jobs Down Under. Ada: Karina Smulders is hiding a secret from her seatmate, Frank: Waldemar Torenstra, as well as from Esther: Anna Drijver and Marjorie: Elise Schaap. During the flights with many connections, they become friends. The tale is told from fifty years later in flashback, starting with Old Frank: Rutger Hauer, now a successful vineyard owner and winemaker, still friendly with Old Ada: Pleuni Tuow; the mother hen, Old Marjorie: Petra Lasuer; and the dress shop owner, Old Esther : Willeke van der Pol. In English and Dutch with English subtitles. Nudity. Love-making.

GREEN LANTERN 3-D

Test pilot Hal Jordan: Ryan Reynolds finds an unconscious alien pilot in a strange spacecraft crashed on the coastline near the highway he drives every day. He is given a mission by the dying pilot, along with a green skintight suit and an unusual ring. He is granted special powers and membership in an intergalactic peace-keeping society. His boss, Carl Ferris: Joy O. Sanders, Senator Hampton: Tim Robbins, a sniveling, jealous Hector Hammond: Peter Sarsgaard, Dr. Walker: Angela Bassett, a scientist working at Ferris, and the alien leader Sinestro: Mark Strong provide the leading roles. Oh, yes, there's love interest Carol Ferris: Blake Lively. The CGI-action adventure has Martin Campbell's direction of the DC Comics tale by Chris Morgan and Gary Scott Thompson. Action violence. Profanity. Sexuality.

THE HANGOVER: PART II

The trio of partying groomsmen who awaken after a night they can't remember are the guys who woke up last time in Las Vegas: Phil: Bradley Cooper, Stu: Ed Helms got a face tattoo, and Alan: Zach Galifianakis got his long locks shorn. In Vegas, Doug: Justin Bartha was the groom; this time it's Stu. The vile smut and filth becomes too much for its intended male audience with the relocation to Bangkok. Mr. Chow: Ken Jeong introduces them to his gangster friend, Kingsley: Paul Giamatti. Alan provides a real surprise at the wedding. Director/co-writer has to take much of the blame. The closing credits include the photos taken during the very forgettable night. Violence. Profanity. Male/Female/Trannie nudity. Gore. 3-D, IMAX.

KUNG FU PANDA 2

Po: voice of Jack Black battles an evil deadly emperor peacock who would love to kill Po and his band of heroes: Tigress: v.o. Angelina Jolie, Monkey: v.o. Jackie Chan, Mantis: v.o. Seth Rogan, and Viper: v.o. Lucy Liu. Other characters include: Soothsayer: v.o. Michelle Yeoh, Shifu: v.o. Dustin Hoffman, Shen: v.o. Gary Oldman, Master Croc: v.o. Jean-Claude Van Damme. Po seeks out his birthplace when he learns he was adopted, hoping the answers will give him greater understanding and wisdom. KFP2 is directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson with a nice mix of the old and the new.

SUPER 8

In the summer of 1979 in the small town of Lillian, Ohio, a deputy sheriff, Jackson Lamb: Kyle Chandler who lost his wife four months earlier, has to uncover what really caused a catastrophic train wreck. Unusual disappearances and strange events start happening in Lillian: people go missing and dogs turn up thirty miles away. The town drunk, Louis Dainard: Ron Eldard, is the father of Alice: Elle Fanning, star of the Super 8 film. There's fine support work by Mrs. Kaznyk: Jessica Tuck. The screenplay-direction by J.J. Abrams and production by Steven Spielberg make this a film not to be missed. During the closing credits the Super 8 sci-fi movie made by the 14-year-olds is shown. Profanity.

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

In this prequel, young Professor X/Charles Xavier: James McAvoy and Magneto/Erik Lehnsherr: Michael Fassbinder portray the characters seen previously played by Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan. Their foe is Nazi Sebastian Shaw: Kevin Bacon. Before they became archenemies, they were the closest of friends, working together to save the Mutants. The rift that rose between them ended any possibility of Magneto's Brotherhood and Xavier's X-MEN ever being friends again. The women are Moira: Rose Byrne, Raven/Mystique: Jennifer Lawrence, and Emma Frost: January Jones. Director-screenwriter Matthew Vaughn and co-writers Ashley Miller, Zach Stentz, and Jane Goldman + two story writers: Sheldon Turner and Bryan Singer provide terrific entertainment for anyone over 12. Language. Violence. 3-D

July-August 2011

BRIDEMAIDS

Annie: Kristin Wiig (also co-producer and co-writer), chosen as head bridesmaid by her lifelong best friend, Lillian: Maya Rudolph, encounters a competitive new friend, Helen: Rose Byrne. Helen is very wealthy and very spoiled, expecting to get everything she wants. At the pre-wedding banquet hosted at the family estate, she and Annie vie for the microphone and the last word in a scene that drags on much too long. Heavy-set Megan: Melissa McCarthy proves to be a friend when Annie needs one. Annie finds a new boy friend in highway patrolman Rhodes: Chris O'Dowd, who loved the pastries in the shop she closed down. She has been strung along by Ted: Jon Hamm. The gross-out scene comes after they have lunched at a Mexican restaurant and get simultaneous diarrhea at the bridal shop with not enough stalls. Jill Clayburgh, in the last of her 70 films, plays Annie's mom in three scenes with the charm and grace we have come to rely upon. Paul Feig directs this humorous, raucous chick flick. Profanity. Crude humor.

FAST FIVE 3-D

Industrialist Hernan Reyes: Joaquim de Almeida runs all the racquets in Rio de Janeiro. When the Fast Five move in, that's Dominic Toretto: Vin Diesel, his buddy, Brian O'Conner: Paul Walker, his sister, Mia Toretto: Jordana Brewster, plus Roman Pearce: Tyrese Gibson and Tej Parker: Ludacris, things change. Reyes thinks he has everything secured, even putting his money in a bank vault in a police station. Does that stop the Fast Five? Hardly! Dom's brother is one of the losses in the crossfire. The rapid action adventure has Justin Lin's direction of a great script by Chris Morgan and Gary Scott Thompson. Action violence. Profanity. Sexuality.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

Jack Sparrow: Johnny Depp and Barbossa: Geoffrey Rush seek the Fountain of Youth in the Caribbean. They soon discover that Blackbeard: Ian McShane and his daughter, Angelica: Penélope Cruz, who turn up in every dive they visit, also have interests in the Fountain of Youth. When they get to the bay of the mermaids, the pirates realize how violent and flesh-eating to the bone they really are. The handsome religious youth, Philip: Sam Claflin, who falls in love with the captured mermaid, Syrena: Astrid Berges-Fresbey, will soon be the Prince in Snow White and the Huntsman. Violence. Profanity. 3-D, IMAX.

PRIEST 3-D

This post-vampocalyptic action thriller from Scott Stewart throws together elements of a John Ford western (maybe The Searchers), vampires, a runaway train, martial arts, and the good guys led by Priest: Paul Bettany with stunning Hicks: Cam Gidandet and a knock-out in tight black leathers, Priestess: Maggie Q. Monsenior Orleas: Christopher Plummer is leading the church down a dangerous path that won't prove healthy for his congregation. Priest's 18-year old niece Lucy Pace: Lily Collins is kidnapped from the home of Priest's brother, Owen Pace: Stephen Moyer. Black Hat: Karl Urban, the kidnapper with fangs, and Salesman: Brad Dourif round out the cast. Violence. Gore. Profanity.

SOMETHING BORROWED

Manhattanite Rachel: Ginnifer Goodwin finds herself falling in love with a law school classmate, handsome Dex: Colin Egglesfield, who is engaged to her best friend, Darcy: Kate Hudson. As the summer weekends provide close contact when they share a house on Long Island, they realize that Darcy hasn't been exactly honest with them about a number of things, like where she went to college and her fidelity. Rachel's best male friend and coworker Ethan: John Krasinski gives her a shoulder to lean on. Screenwriter Jennie Snyder Urman based her work on the novel by Emily Giffin with the romantic comedy directed by Luke Greenfield with a good feel for developing his multi-faceted characters. Colin comes from Daytime TV: All My Children and, I predict, will be starring in many upcoming movies. Ginnifer and John have winning personalities that should keep them busy in films and TV. Profanity.

THOR

The frost giants go back to Norway in 965 AD. Arrogant powerful handsome Thor: Chris Hemsworth is cast from the planet Asgard by his father, King Odin: Anthony Hopkins to live on Earth without powers. There he meets the pretty scientist, Jane Foster: Natalie Portman, whose specialty is Surprise! Asgard. When government agents seize all her research and records, her friends Erik Selvig: Stellan Skarsgård and Darcy Lewis: Kat Dennings team up with Thor to get them back. He is seeking his hammer which only he can wrest from its base. Thor's brother, Loki: Tom Hiddleston takes control of the realm when Odin falls into a coma, sending mighty characters from Asgard to kill Thor. He's a nasty villain making pacts with hideous underworld critters. The action is fast and unique once Thor falls in love with Jane, learning there is power in humility. Rene Russo gives support as Queen Frigga. Kenneth Branagh's brilliant direction of the screenplay by Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz + 6 provides terrific entertainment for anyone over 12. Violence. 3-D

WATER TO ELEPHANTS

During the Depression, Jacob: Robert Pattison's Purnell College exams for his license as a veterinarian are interrupted by the tragic news that his Polish parents have died in an auto accident. Their farm is in debt to the bank. When Jacob happens upon a travelling circus in town and comes to the rescue of an ailing show animal, the owner, August: Christoph Waltz hires Jacob as their vet. The circus stars August's equestrian wife, Marlena: Reese Witherspoon. When they have to shoot her crippled horse, she is despondent until they acquire Rosie, an elephant. Jacob finds that Rosie only understands German commands and is able to train her for Marlena. August has workers thrown from the moving train at night to keep the payroll under control. He is a bomb waiting to explode and, soon enough, it happens in a way that brings Jacob and Marlena closer. Old Jacob: Hal Holbrook narrates his tale of 1931. Francis Lawrence directs the colorful screenplay by Richard LaGravenese from Sara Gruen's best-selling novel. Violence. Animal cruelty. Profanity.

June 2011

THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

This romantic sci-fi thriller, directed and written by George Nolfi from Philip K. Dick's short story: Adjustment Team makes for a first-rate film all around. Politician David Norris: Matt Damon accidentally meets a ballerina, Elise Sellas: Emily Blunt. Richardson: John Slattery, Harry Mitchell: Anthony Mackie, and Thompson: Terence Stamp all go nuts. It seems Norris is controlled by "The Adjustment Bureau" who can turn a doorknob to the left and a different room is there, as easily as they control the future politics of the U.S, and are very upset with Norris making any decision on his own. As determined as the Adjustment Bureau is, so are the wannabe lovers. Violence, profanity, sexuality.

BATTLE: LOS ANGELES

Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Nantz: Aaron Eckhart almost gets to retire before suddenly being called back to duty when the water near the major cities of the world are suddenly bombarded by falling meteors, which turn out to be alien spaceships. Nantz is sent to Santa Monica to assist inexperienced 2nd Lt. William Martinez: Ramon Rodriguez. About an hour into the flick, they come across deserted civilians, including Joe: Michael Peña and Michele: Bridget Moynahan, in the S.M. Police Station. Technical Sgt. Elena Santos: Michelle Rodriguez, the sole survivor of her squad, joins Nantz's group and they begin to fight the alien invasion hand-to-hand. Violent battle scenes are recorded on jerky hand-held cameras as the aliens use superior strategy and forces to subdue the earthlings. Military profanity and action.

BEASTLY

"Love is never ugly," says the poster for this romantic flick. Lindy: Vanessa Hudgens becomes the care giver for a fellow student. High school senior Kyle: Alex Pettyfer (The British actor filmed this after I Am Number Four.) has a deforming spell cast on him when he crosses the villainess Kendra: Mary Kate Olsen in an unexpected, definite casting against type. Other cast-mates include Zola: Lisa Gay Hamilton and Will, the blind teacher: Neil Patrick Harris, who adds humor; and Rob, Kyle's wealthy father: Peter Krause, who doesn't pay Kyle much attention. Kyle has one year to find true love to reverse the spell. Beastly was directed and written by Daniel Barnz, from a novel by Alex Flinn. Profanity, violence.

GNOMEO AND JULIET

A statue in the park of Bill Shakespeare: v.o. Patrick Stewart provides commentary on the two rivaling families (the Bluebury's and the Redbrick's) living in Stratford-on-Avon. The characters are garden gnomes who despite their warring owners fall in love. Gnomeo: voice of James MacAvoy and his mother, Lady Bluebury: v.o. Maggie Smith are one family. Juliet: v.o. Emily Blunt, a feisty gnome; her cousin, Tybalt: v.o. Jason Stratham; and her father, Lord Redbrick: v.o. Michael Caine is the other …what their classic voices are doing amidst Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan is a puzzlement! Kelly Asbury's direction (Shrek II) and screenplay + eight others seem to be writing more for youngsters who aren't old enough to get caught up in the romantic scenario or to expect any humor from the updated dialog. Even Dolly Gnome: v.o. Dolly Parton and the classic and new music by Elton John are wasted on those under ten. The 3-D does little to enhance any activity.

HALL PASS

Bobby and Peter Farrelly can be held accountable for this crude bad joke: When the wives, Maggie: Jenna Fischer and Grace: Christina Applegate, go to Providence for the week, the husbands are "trusted" at home. Except Rick: Owen Wilson, Fred: Jason Sudeikis, and nerdy Gary: Stephen Merchant don't know the meaning of the word. Surprisingly, they waste a lot of time not getting laid and not being very funny. The large supporting cast includes sexy platinum blond Leigh: Nikki Whelan; senior Coakley: Richard Jenkins; heavy, unattractive redhead Hog-head: Larry Joe Campbell; hunky athletic Gerry: Tyler Hoechlin, who beds Grace; hot older man, Bruce Thomas: Rick Coleman and tasty blond Britney: Lauren Bowles. In the end, the wives get more activity than the men do! Potty humor, full frontal male nudity, profanity.

LIMITLESS

Worthless writer Eddie Morra: Bradley Cooper scores some NZT, an unapproved new drug, which allows him to learn a foreign language in three hours and write a book in four days. When Eddie borrows from a loan shark and starts making big money on his stock market transactions, he attracts the interest of violent hoods and trader Carl Van Loon: Robert DeNiro. His ex-girl friend and editor, Lindy: Abbie Cornish comes back to him, puzzled by his sudden knowledge, wealth and talents. Then, there's the brunette Melissa: Anna Friel. Director Neil Burger works with Leslie Dixon's enigmatic screenplay from Alan Glynn's novel and comes up with a brainy thriller that is spellbinding and doesn't disappoint on the action front either. Cooper proves worthy of the leading role given him, as believable when he's knowledgeable as when he wasn't. Violence, profanity, sexuality.

THE LINCOLN LAWYER

Los Angeles criminal attorney, Mick Haller: Matthew McConaughey steps up to a client who's a wealthy playboy, Louis Roulet: Ryan Phillippe, accused of assault on a prostitute, who insists he is totally innocent. Louis's mother, a real estate mogul, Mary Windsor: Frances Farmer, is too sure that her boy can do no wrong. Frank Levin: William H. Macy assists Mick in gathering evidence. Maggie: Marisa Tomei, Mick's ex-wife is an attorney, too, as well as being the mother of their daughter. The LA Defense Attorney, Ted Minton: Josh Lucas, is determined to put Roulet behind bars. Haller realizes there are similarities to his defense case of Jesus Martinez: Michael Peña, now serving time in San Quentin. Det. Lankford: Bryan Cranston wants to even the score. With his motorcycle gang friends, Mick starts cleaning up L.A. McConaughey turns in his finest acting to date. Former Julia Roberts' assistant, Brad Furman directs John Romano's screenplay from Michael Connelly's novel. Violence, sexual content, nudity, profanity.

PAUL

Graeme Willy: Simon Pegg and Clive Gollings: Nick Frost (who also wrote the script) pay homage to all the alien-scifi films made since 1980, especially Close Encounters, with an appearance by Spielberg. Agent Zoil: Jason Bateman supervises via radio an inept pair of undercover cops: Haggard: Bill Hader and O'Reilly: Joe Lo Truglio, as they try to find an alien escaped from their Nevada site. An animated Paul (with voice of Paul: Seth Rogen) leads Graeme and Clive to all the sites made famous in films. Along the way, they encounter waitress Pat: Jane Lynch, one-eyed Ruth Buggs: Kristen Wiig and her religious fanatic father, Moses Buggs: John Carroll Lynch. For the finale, you have Tara: Blythe Danner and The Big Guy: Sigourney Weaver. Director Greg Mottola allows the writers: Frost and Pegg to take a road trip to all the places visited in the films and TV series, winding up in Wyoming, where Paul, like E.T., hopes for a mother-ship pick-up. Profanity, potty humor, minor sexuality and violence.

RANGO

Somewhere near a highway going to Las Vegas in the desert, a pet lizard falls from the speeding vehicle taking him to his new home. Desert encounters with Roadkill: v.o. Alfred Molina and a buzzard , point him in the direction of the town of Dirt. In the saloon there, he sees a DURANGO beer, and decides upon his western name, Rango: voice of Johnny Depp. Seems they're having a drought and the local banker, is buying up all the land…cheap. The ladies are good: Beans, v.o. Isla Fisher; and Priscilla: v.o. Abigail Breslin; and the Bad 'Uns are the Mayor: v.o. Ned Beatty; and Rattlesnake Jake: Bill Nighy. The crops are frying on the vine and water is scarcer than hen's teeth. Directed and story by Gore Verbinski, with story and writing by John Logan and story by James Ward Byrkit: 7 voices. An enjoyable adult animated film, too raunchy for kids.

RED RIDING HOOD

Canada subs here for a medieval village during a snowy winter where Valerie: Amanda Seyfried lives with her mother, Suzette: Virginia Madsen. Valerie is trying to make up her mind between marrying the village smithy, Henry: Max Irons or hunky Peter: Shiloh Fernandez. The wolf keeps attacking people, so Solomon: Gary Oldham is summoned to help Father Auguste: Lukas Haas get rid of the beast. Grandmother: Julie Christie has been making the red hood for Valerie when she marries but presents it to her sooner. Valerie's father, Cesaire: Billy Burke, and the villagers go out at night to hunt down and kill the wolf. Director Catherine Hardwicke presents writer David Johnson tale for adults, not for children. Blood, violence.

April 2011

THE GREEN HORNET

Playboy Britt Reid/The Green Hornet: Seth Rogen (also co-producer, co-writer) starts cleaning up Los Angeles' criminal element with the aid of Kato: Jay Chou. He hires a new sexretary,Lenore Case: Cameron Diaz. His wealthy father, James Reid: Tom Wilkinson and the Daily Sentinel Editor, Mike Axford: Edward James Olmos inspire Britt in his battle against D.A. Scanlon: David Harbour, and L.A.'s leading gangster, Chudnofsky/Bloodnofsky: Christophe Waltz, last year's Supporting Actor Oscar-winner for Inglorious Basterds. Interesting cameos include hood Tupper: Edward Furlong and Danny Crystal Cleer: James Franco: each has a few minutes of screen time. Director Michel Gondry keeps the action flowing fast. Comic book violence, profanity.

I AM NUMBER FOUR

A Sci Fi Horror film has high school senior, John: Alex Pettyfor (a British Robert Pattinson-type hunk) and his 'protector-father' figure, Henri: Timothy Oliphant, on the move because they are sought by violent Mogadore males who want to brutally murder all immigrants to Earth from the planet Lorien. They have already killed three of the nine arrivals to Earth and are hot on John's trail; he is Number Four. John is developing an interest in the Paradise, Ohio High School blond shutter-bug, Sarah: Dianna Agron (Glee's head Cheerio). Slightly-built Sam: Callan McAuliffe is bullied by a nasty threesome until John uses some of his extraordinary powers to protect the young man; his hands eject a blue laser light. The arrival of Number 6: Teresa Palmer intensifies the battle. D.J. Caruso directs the 'new kid in town' venture with the complications of intergalactic violence with appeal for teenagers. Profanity, hideous critters.

JUST GO WITH IT

LA plastic surgeon Danny: Adam Sandler almost gets to the altar before being jilted, so part of his story is that he's unhappily married. When new hot date, a school teacher, Palmer: Brooklyn (2010 Swimsuit cover model, Sports Illustrated) Decker, wants to meet the wife he's divorcing, he thinks fast and has his assistant, Katherine: Jennifer Anniston, play the part. She mentions her two kids and guess who's up for meeting the kids. Daughter Maggie: Bailee Madison comes up with a lousy British accent. Before you know it, they're all in Hawaii…staying at the same resort! Mom's old school nemesis, Devlin Adams: Nicole Kidman, isn't half bad as a comedienne. Her husband, Dave Matthews adds humor. There are some laughs. Wait until Katherine and Devlin have a hula competition! Don't miss the Sexiest Woman Alive (Esquire: Oct., 2010) Joanna Damon: Minka Kelly, who dates NYY Derek Jeter and is the granddaughter of actor Richard Ney (who married 1943 Oscar-winner, Mrs. Miniver: Greer Garson). Profanity, near nudity, toilet humor.

JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER 3D

On the big screens on stage during his World Tour at age 16, films and stills of The Bieber's early life are projected. JB's parents captured his entire youth in Ottawa, Canada in movies which are displayed. Only 35 songs are included here, including his duets with Usher, Boyz II Men, Miley Cyrus, and Jaden Smith on the title tune at Madison Square Garden. His crew passes out tickets in the first ten rows to female teens who are crying, screaming, and entranced. The talented, affable youth presents a likeable, if a bit saintly, image. His life, background and the interactions/workings of his crew fill in moments when he's not singing and dancing on stage.

THE MECHANIC

Hitman Arthur Bishop: Jason Stratham works for Dean: Tony Goldwyn and picks up a bundle of big bills after each hit. Everything turns sour when his next hit is on his foster father who raised him, Harry McKenna: Donald Sutherland. Arthur starts to train young, alcoholic Steve McKenna: Ben Foster in the fine art of killing. Directed by Simon West from a screenplay by Richard Wenk with story and screenplay by Lewis John Carlino (nominated for Screenplay Oscar in 1978 and for Writers Guild of America [Best Drama Adapted], 1978 and 1981, [Original] 1969). This well-written action adventure gets into the characters. Profanity, violence, nudity.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED

Newbie doctor-in-residence Emma: Natalie Portman works 72 hours a week and on her rare free ten minutes, phones Adam: Ashton Kutcher to pop over for a quickie in a linen closet or sometimes a hospital bed. Their agreement is for sex only, nothing serious…guess how long that lasts. One drunken night, Adam wakes up wearing a hand towel with full exposure of his bare behind. His father, a comedic TV actor: Alvin: Kevin Kline, starts dating his ex-girlfriend. Supporting cast of friends includes Dr. Metzner: Cary Elwes, Patrice: Greta Gerwig, Lucy: Lake Bell, Wallace: Ludacris and Sandra: Talia Balsam. Portman should pray that Academy voters had already cast their ballots for her work in Black Swan before seeing this lightweight fluff and change their vote for Annette Bening's skilled performance in The Kids Are Alright. Ivan Reitman directs. Profanity, nudity.

UNKNOWN

For a mesmerizing suspense tale, the best is Unknown! Lecturer at a Green Bio Tech conference in Berlin, Dr. Martin Harris: Liam Neesom leaves his wife, Elizabeth: January Jones behind at their hotel when he returns to the airport to retrieve his missing briefcase. Unfortunately, his cab plunges into the Elbe River and he dies for a few seconds, until his cab driver, Gina: Diane Kruger, rescues him. Unconscious, he is treated at a local hospital, is in a coma for four days, and doesn't recall his identity until he sees a TV report on the conference. When he gets to the meeting, Martin finds Dr. Harris: Aidan Quinn is already there. A nurse gives him the contact of a tracer of missing persons, Ernst Jürgen: Bruno Ganz, whom he hires to prove his identity. His oldest friend, Bradley Cole: Frank Langella comes to his aid then all hell breaks loose. Men appear who are trying to murder Martin and the casualty list around him grows. Jaume Collet-Serra skillfully directs the screenplay by Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell from a novel by Didier Van Cauwelaert, a French novelist-scenarist. This is one of those rare movies where you never suspect what is going to happen next. Profanity, violence.

March 2011

BLACK SWAN

Ballerina Nina Sayers: Natalie Portman, a leading dancer with a NYC ballet company, is told by Thomas Leroy: Vincent Cassel that she has the lead in their upcoming production of Swan Lake over Lily: Mila Kunis. Thomas also expresses some doubts of her sexuality to play the Black Swan and suggests she goes home and excites herself sexually. She does, turns over on her bed and is startled to see her mother Erica Sayers: Barbara Hershey asleep in a chair. Their relationship is stormy. Very insecure, Nina has a tempestuous run-in with the principal ballerina, Beth Macintyre: Winona Ryder. Director Darren Aronofsky and writers Mark Heyman and Andres Heinz tread the fine line between S&M and the rigors of a ballerina's life. In real life, David: Benjamin Millepied and fiancé, Ms. Portman, are expecting in a few months. Strong sexual content, Disturbing violent images, Profanity, and Drug use.

Awards: Critics' Choice Award--Best Actress: Natalie Portman. Golden Globes: won Best Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama: Natalie Portman. Academy Award 5 nominations: Best Picture, Direction: Darren Aronofsky, Actress: Natalie Portman, Cinematography: Matthew Libatique, Film Editing: Andrew Weisblum

CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: VOYAGE OF DAWN TREADER

Caspian: Ben Barnes leads the Pevensie clan aboard a vessel at sea. There's Edmund Pevensie: Skandar Keynes, Lucy P.: Georgie Henley, and quirky cousin Eustace: Will Poulter. Michael Apted directs the fairy tale adventure script by Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeeley and two other writers. It helps with continuity if one has seen the earlier chronicles. Some frightening images.

THE FIGHTER

Boxer on the rise, "Irish" Micky Ward: Mark Wahlberg (also co-producer), is a decade younger than his brother, Dickie Eklund: Christian Bale, who years earlier knocked Sugar Ray Leonard to the canvas and don't you forget it! Dope addict Dickie has much the showier role. Their mother, Alice Ward: Melissa Leo also serves as their manager when she's not herding their seven sisters around Lowell, Mass. Mickey's girl friend, spunky Charlene: Amy Adams defends her man and her territory! Writers Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy +4 are ably directed by David O. Russell. Profanity, Drug content, Violence, Sexuality.

Awards: Critics' Choice Award: Best Acting Ensemble. Critics' Choice Awards & Golden Globes: won 2 Best Supporting Acting Awards in a Motion Picture: Christian Bale, Melissa Leo. Academy Award 7 nominations: Best Picture, Director: David O. Russell, Sup. Actor: Christian Bale, 2 Sup. Actress: Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Original Screenplay, Film Editing.

THE KING'S SPEECH

Bertie/King George VI: Colin Firth, the second son of King George V: Michael Gambon, afflicted with a stammer who dwells in the shadow of his confident older brother, the heir to the throne. Bertie's loving wife Elizabeth: Helen Bonham Carter introduces Bertie to the speech therapist that is the winning combination, maverick Aussie Lionel Logue: Geoffrey Rush. When George V dies and Bertie's brother: Guy Pearce becomes King Edward VIII in 1936, he refuses to give up his lover, American divorcee Mrs. Simpson, resulting in his abdication and Bertie's extremely reluctant ascension to the throne as King George VI, leading a nation facing the horrors of inevitable war with Germany. The supporting cast includes Archbishop Cosmo Lang: Derek Jacobi, Winston Churchill: Timothy Spall, and the Queen Mother: Claire Bloom. Profanity.

Awards: Critics' Choice Award--Best Actor: Colin Firth. Golden Globes: Best Actor in a Motion Picture--Drama: Colin Firth. Critics' Choice Award--Best Original Screenplay: David Seidler. Winner of 5 British Independent Film Awards for Best Actor: Colin Firth, Best British Independent Film, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor: Geoffrey Rush, and Best Supporting Actress: Helena Bonham Carter. Nominated for 14 BAFTA Film Awards: Best Actor for Colin Firth, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Editing, Best Film, Best Make Up/Hair, Best Production Design, Best Screenplay (Original), Best Sound, Best Supporting Actor: Geoffrey Rush, Best Supporting Actress: Helena Bonham Carter, and The David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction: Tom Hooper. Academy Award 12 nominations: Best Picture, Best Direction: Tom Hooper, Actor in a Leading Role: Colin Firth, Sup. Actor: Geoffrey Rush, Sup. Actress: Helena Bonham Carter, Original Screenplay: David Seidler, Production Design: Eve Stewart & Set Decoration: Judy Farr, Cinematography: Danny Cohen, Costume Design: Jenny Beavan, Film Editing: Tariq Anwar, Music (Original Score): Alexandre Desplat, Sound Mixing: Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley.

LITTLE FOCKERS

Family patriarch, Jack Byrnes: Robert DeNiro examines the family tree to choose a successor. Soon enough, he makes his choice known to his son-in-law: Gay, err, Greg Focker: Ben Stiller, married for ten years to Jack's daughter, Pam: Teri Polo. With their twins, money is tight so Greg, in addition to being a male nurse, takes a second job as a salesman for a drug company. Pam's mother, Dina: Blythe Danner; Greg's parents, Bernie: Dustin Hoffman and Roz: Barbara Streisand; and Pam's former beau, Kevin: Owen Wilson, always seem to be around. When Jack sees Greg with his gorgeous new work partner, Andi Garcia: Jessica Alba, he suspects hanky-panky. The ensemble cast also includes Prudence: Laura Dern and Randy: Harvey Keitel. Dir. Paul Weitz and writers: John Hamburg, Larry Stuckey +2 keep the mature sexual humor moving along. Profanity, Drugs.

127 HOURS

Director/co-producer Danny Boyle has chosen an unusual true story for the follow-up to his Oscar-winner, Slumdog Millionaire. While hiking in scenic Utah, a young man, Aron: James Franco, meets Kristi: Kate Mara and Megan: Amber Tamblyn and plans to attend their party the next evening. However, when his arm is trapped by a falling boulder, it provides actor Franco and director Boyle a virtuous opportunity to display their talents, but how many camera angles are there for a guy who can't move for more than five days? There are flashback memories of his parents: Treat Williams and Kate Burton. The screenplay is based on Aron Ralston's book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, with spectacular cinematography by Enrique Chediak and Anthony Dod Mantle and split-screen editing by Jon Harris. Profanity. Disturbing violent content/Bloody images.

Awards: Critics' Choice Award: Best Song: If I Rise; 5 nominations as Best Actor: James Franco, and Score noms. Academy Award 6 nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor: James Franco, Adapted Screenplay: Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy, Film Editing: Jon Harris, Music (Original Score): A.R. Rahman, Music (Original Song): "If I Rise": Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong.

THE TOURIST

When Elise: Anjelina Jolie sizes up men at a train station bound for Venice, her choice of an American math teacher, Frank: Johnny Depp seems an unlikely choice. From the men hovering near her with earphones, the audience knows immediately that she must be the girl friend of the wealthy criminal they seek. Inspector John Acheson: Paul Bettany and Chief Inspector Jones: Timothy Dalton have Elise in their sights and expect her to lead them to her illusive lover. Since she As lovely as Venice is, it is outdone by Jolie who has never looked so exquisite; she should add this make-up person and her costume designer to her personal employ. The Englishman: Rufus Sewell is a man of mystery. Director/co-writer: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and Christopher McQuarrie: co-writer w/others present a humorous tongue-in-cheek adventure romance with action! in a lovely setting. Violence, Brief profanity.

TRON: LEGACY

Sam Flynn: Garrett Hedlund follows the clues to his father's warehouse, eventually discovering his father, Kevin Flynn/Clu: Jeff Bridges, is still alive but trapped in one of his video games. When Sam gets into the game himself, he discovers the lovely Quorra: Olivia Wilde; Alan Bradley/Tron: Bruce Boxleitner; and Castor/Zuse: Michael Sheen. Director Joseph Kosinski, and Writers: Adam Horowitz, Edward Kitsis + 6 others remake Disney's 1982 film, Tron. Sci-Fi action violence. Brief mild language.

TRUE GRIT

Teenager Mattie Ross: Hailee Steinfeld comes to a Texas town to bury her late father and to hire Marshall Rooster Cogburn: Jeff Bridges to track down his killer, Tom Clancy: Josh Brolin. After some persuasion, she convinces Rooster to work for her, and even interests a bounty hunter, LaBoeuf: Matt Damon , too. Along the way, they encounter a nasty villain, Lucky Ned Pepper: Barry Pepper and some other outlaws.

Co-directors Joel Coen and Ethan Coen also co-wrote the screenplay from the novel by Charles Portis. Intense western violence/Disturbing images.

Awards: Critics' Choice Award--Best Young Actor/Actress: Hailee Steinfeld. Won Boston Film Critics Society: Best Cinematography. Academy Award 10 nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor: Jeff Bridges, Best Direction & Adapted Screenplay: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Actress in a Supporting Role: Hailee Steinfeld, Art Direction: Jess Gonchor (Production Design), Nancy Haigh (Set Decoration), Cinematography: Roger Deakins, Costume Design: Mary Zophres, Sound Editing: Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey, Sound Mixing: Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland.

February 2011

BURLESQUE

Just when you thought Musicals were dead, you hadn’t expected Christina Aguilera to executive produce and star in this fabulous mix of Chicago and Cabaret. As Alice from Iowa, she enters the Burlesque Lounge on Sunset Blvd. owned by Tess: Cher and her ex-husband Vince: Peter Gallagher. Creditors are dropping by daily with threats and deadlines, including wealthy patron Marcus: Eric Dane, who wants to build a high-rise on the space. The dancers perform to prerecorded tunes. Ali gets a cocktail waitress job, then moves into the chorus, but when she has her chance to lip-synch a solo, a jealous Nikki: Kristen Bell pulls the plug on Ali’s sound. Everyone is surprised when Ali grabs the mike and belts out an original song. The format for the club is changed; she’s the star of the new show. And STAR she is! She has moved into the apartment of the handsome bartender-songwriter, Jack: Cam Gigandet. Soon, Ali has her choice between Marcus and Jack. So that Aguilera is the only blond, both Nikki and Georgia: Julianne Hough (TV’s Dancing with the Stars) who are natural blonds, go dark. Strong male support is provided by Sean: Stanley Tucci, Alexis: Alan Cumming, and Harold: Glynn Turman. Expect several Academy Award nominations for this tough love musical-drama, including Best Song for ballads done by Cher and Xtina. Partial nudity, Profanity, Adult situations.

FOR COLORED GIRLS

From the hit play by Ntozake Shange, writer-director Tyler Perry has cross woven a few weeks in the lives of numerous black women, all with about the same amount of screen time. However, several characters have much juicier parts than others, a couple of whom should qualify for supporting Oscar nominations in this ensemble drama. Religious fanatic Alice/White: Whoopi Goldberg is mother to two young women: Tangie/Orange: Thandie Newton, a prostitute who can’t know love and her younger sister, Nyla/Purple: Tessa Thompson, who won’t borrow money from Tangie for an abortion. Jo/Red: Janet Jackson, is a wealthy magazine editor who is unable to show emotion, even when she finds her husband has given her the one thing she damn sure didn’t want. Juanita/Green: Loretta Devine, needs support for the center she runs for young women. Crystal/Brown: Kimberly Elise, lives in a walk-up tenement with the broken-down father of her two young children, next door to the building manager, Gilda: Phylicia Rashad and Tangie. Jasmine/Yellow: Anika Noni Rose, is raped by a new acquaintance. Rounding out the cast are Kelly/Blue: Kerry Washington and Rose: Macy Gray. Profanity, extreme violence, rape, drug use.

GENIUS WITHIN: THE INNER LIFE

Since his death in 1982, classical Canadian pianist Glenn Gould has become more well known as an interpreter of J.B. Bach’s keyboard music. Coming from a wealthy family, Glenn was given every advantage, including the finest teachers and early filming of his family life. An eccentric fellow, he guarded his privacy so that much of this footage has never been publically displayed before now. When he wowed the Russians with a concert tour of the cities in 1957, that film is now seen. Included are his private home recordings and diaries as well as new interviews from his friends and lovers, some speaking out about Gould for the first time, revealing his thoughts on Life, Love and the more mundane music, art and society. Profanity, adult situations.

HARRY POTTER - DEATHLY HALLOWS-Pt1

J.K. Rowling’s final Potter book has been divided into two parts to extend the money-making franchise a bit further. The seventh will present the final epic next July. There are disappointments in this half, including cheap tents that make up a large part of the sets, lacking the grandeur of Hogwarts, now that the youths are out of school. The rivalry that Ron: Rupert Grint feels for Hermione: Emma Watson comes to a climax with Harry: Daniel Radcliffe. The other students are seeking to find and destroy the Horcruxes, those pieces of his black soul that the Dark Lord has hidden, which help him to cling to his immortality. The scene at Voldemort’s dinner table surrounded by his Death Eaters is frightening, as is Voldemort: Ralph Finnes with his hideous nose-less face. The three friends grow into adulthood as they love each other and their devoted house elf, Dobby. The wicked bloodthirsty villainess, Bellatrix Lestrange: Helena Bonham Carter commits murder on-screen. Violence, adult situations.

MEGAMIND

Anyone remember in 1978 in Superman when Brando (as JorEl) sent his infant alien to earth? This time around, two alien infants are sent to Metro City as their planet is being sucked into a black hole. The one that lands in the prison yard is nurtured by the convicts and becomes Megamind: Voice of Will Farrell. The other, who lands at a nearby mansion, becomes his lifelong competitor and grows up to be everybody’s hero, Metro Man: v.o. Brad Pitt. When Megamind becomes bored he creates a new rival, Titan: v.o. Jonah Hill. The damsel in distress is news anchor, Roxanne Ritchi: v.o. Tina Fey, secretly loved by Megamind. Disguised as Bernard/v.o. Ben Stiller, the curator of the Metro Man Museum, he woos Roxanne. His henchman, Minion: v.o. David Cross, tries to break up Megamind’s romance. This more adult animated fare is credited to Tom McGrath: Director (Madagascar movies) and the Writers: Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons. 3-D. Adult situations.

MORNING GLORY

Director Roger Michell and Writer Aline Brosh McKenna present a TV producer, Becky Fuller: Rachel McAdams on the 4th network morning show with warring co-hosts: Mike Pomeroy: Harrison Ford, who has been presented every TV award there is, and spunky, amusing Colleen Peck: Diane Keaton. Becky has been hired by Jerry Barnes: Jeff Goldblum, but quickly falls into lust with her handsome coworker Adam Bennett: Patrick Wilson. The behind-the-scenes activities of the TV show are interesting, but this is essentially a character study of the three leads. The acting is fine but could have benefited from a stronger script with everyone on the same page. Profanity, adult situations.

UNSTOPPABLE

An almost retired engineer Frank: Denzel Washington and a freshman conductor Will: Chris Pine (Star Trek) happen to be working the day shift together when they must endeavor to stop a driverless runaway train that is barreling across Pennsylvania in the direction of a big curve next to flammable storage tanks in Scranton. Will’s marriage is on the rocks due to a misunderstanding. Dispatcher Connie: Rosario Dawson does verbal battle with pompous Area Director Galvin: Kevin Dunn. Topnotch action director Tony Scott and writer Mark Bomback stop the viewer’s heart several times and have you clutching your armrests. The build-up for the finale is spectacular. Profanity, adult situations.

December 2010

CONVICTION

When every other method fails, Betty Anne Waters: Hillary Swank studies for a law degree to help free her falsely imprisoned brother, Kenny: Sam Rockwell. Fellow law student, Abra Rice: Minnie Driver works with Betty Anne, who is married to Rick: Loren Dean. It seems police officer Nancy Taylor: Melissa Leo lied at the time of the murder. Kenny’s girl friend Roseanna: Juliette Lewis was forced to lie on the stand. The Prosecuting Atty.: Talia Balsam and Barry Scheck: Peter Gallegher round out the cast of this Michigan-set tale in the 1980s when DNA evidence was first being accepted. The leads, Lewis, director Tony Goldwyn and the screenplay by Pamela Gray are getting Oscar mention. Profanity.

HEREAFTER

A Thailand resort village is hit by the 2004 tsunami while French TV journalist, Marie LeLay: Cecile de France, is vacationing there with her TV producer-lover; she is brutally swept away and has a near death experience; she sees white light and shadowy figures. At a Swiss mountain clinic, Marie seeks insight from Dr. Rousseau: Marthe Keller. Director Clint Eastwood and writer Peter Morgan (The Queen and Frost/Nixon) fuse her story with that of part-time psychic George Lonegan: Mark Damon, who holds the hands of a recent griever and summons the spirit they seek. Solemn George views his gift of simple messages from the dead as a curse, which is a great disappointment to his brother, Billy: Jay Mohr, who sees it as a gift. George is attracted to Melanie: Bryce Dallas Howard, who is his partner in an Italian cooking class, faces the inevitable challenges brought on by his “gift”. George’s path also crosses that of young Marcus: Frankie/George McLaren, after his twin is killed by a truck in London. The first two-thirds holds up well. Damon is receiving Oscar buzz. Bay Area exteriors (Nob Hill, Emeryville, Crockett) with recognizable bridges in the background don’t make up for a false, sappy ending. Profanity, Disturbing disaster and accident images.

LEAVING

Kristen Scott Thomas, a physiotherapist-housewife married for 18 years to a successful doctor, Samuel: Yvan Attal, she finds she no longer knows. They have two teenagers, an older son, David: Alexandre Vidal and daughter Marion: Daisy Broom. Bored with her routine marriage and life in the South of France, she returns to work. Samuel hires Ivan: Sergei (Vidal: Pan’s Labyrinth) López to build a consulting room for her in the backyard of their home. Suzanne falls in love with Ivan, but her problems start when she confesses to her vindictive husband. Director/co-writer Catherine Corsini (with Gaëlle Macé) presents the woman’s POV of a dissolving marriage and the new man in her life. A dozen passionate scenes of nude love-making with Suzanne and the males illuminate the lusty atmosphere. Profanity. In French with English subtitles.

LET ME IN

About 12, but she’s not sure, Abby: Chloe Grace (Kick-Ass) Moretz (a possible Oscar contender) lives in an apartment in New Mexico with her guardian: Richard Jenkins, who also procures blood for her when it’s time for her to feed. A 12-year old boy, Owen: Kodi Smit-McPhee, whom Abby befriends and protects from his bullies, is her next door neighbor. The policeman: Elias Koteas, who investigates the bodies as they turn up, is not prepared for the mass murder scene at the school pool. Director-co-writer: Matt Reeves and co-writer: John Ajvide Lindqvist (the novel and 2008 Swedish film) keep the mysterious events interesting in this Fantasy. Profanity, Bloody Horror Violence, Sexual Situation.

MY SOUL TO TAKE

Wes Craven, director and writer, has the fan following from his previous horror flicks. A mass killer returns 16 years after the date of his death to torment the 7 youths born, some prematurely, that night. Bug: Max Thieriot and his friend Alex: John Magaro, plus Penelope: Zena Grey, hunky jock Brandon: Nick Lashaway and oriental Fang: Emily Meade are the most interesting of the youths. Bug has nightmares about the murders before they happen. Officer Paterson: Frank Grillo and Dr. Blake: Harris Yulin are adults who are trying to solve the serial murders. Horror Violence, Profanity, Sexual references.

RED

Retired and extremely dangerous (RED) describes many of the former Black Ops members here: Frank Moses: Bruce Willis; Joe Matheson: Morgan Freeman; paranoid Marvin Boggs: John Malkovich; chic Victoria: Helen Mirren, dressed in champagne evening gown with combat boots as she fires missiles is alone worth the price of admission; and wealthy but untrustworthy Dunning: Richard Dreyfuss. Frank’s sort-of girl friend, Sarah Ross: Mary-Louise Parker, is along for the exciting ride. Retired Russian agent Ivan: Brian Cox is the past love of Victoria’s life. The hit man in pursuit of the REDs, William Cooper: Karl Urban, is bumping off a list of operatives from a Guatemalan operation involving the current Vice President, Robert Stanton: Julian McMahon. Director Robert Schwentke and screenplay writers: John and Erich Hoeber provide a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor that goes a long way in giving us so much amusement from this Action-Comedy. Profanity, Violence.

SECRETARIAT

Penny Chenery Tweedy: Diane Lane has to take over running her ailing father’s (Charistopher Chenery: Scott Glenn) stable of racehorses. She hires horse trainer Lucien Laurin: John Malkovich. They are supported by her husband: Jack Tweedy: Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck) and Dad’s secretary, Miss Ham: Margo Martindale who named Big Red, Secretariat. How he gets from birth to the rare champion of the 1973 Triple Crown is also very much Penny’s story. Director Randall Wallace keeps the pace racing along at a fast clip. Lane, Malkovich and Wallace are getting early Oscar mention in this Disney winner.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK

The film, star Eisenberg, and Director David Fincher are frontrunners for Oscar nominations. The screenplay by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) is based on the book by Ben Mezrich about the founders of Facebook. Six years after starting the social network in 2003, Harvard computer genius-undergrad Mark Zuckerberg: Jesse Eisenberg has become the youngest billionaire in history. His college associates include Mark Dustin: Joseph Mazzolla; and Erica: Rooney Mara, plus older Sean Parker: Justin Timberlake…none of whom you would want to know—they are a selfish, greedy, arrogant bunch of heels. Filmed in Boston, Baltimore, and the UK. Possible Oscar nods: Eduardo, the likeable accountant: Andrew Garfield, Timberlake and Armie Hammer as Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. Profanity. Uncomfortable business and social situations.

WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS

Gordon Gekko: Michael Douglas (possible Supporting Oscar nomination) is released after serving eight years in prison. He sees himself when he was younger in Jake Moore: Shia LeBeouf, the fiancé of his daughter, Winnie Gekko: Carey Mulligan. Jake finds a worthy adversary in elegant Bretton James: Josh Brolin as Gordon starts to resume his Wall Street position. Bretton’s actions have caused Jakes’s mentor Louis: Frank Langella to commit suicide and was behind his company going under so Jake is very happy to take Bretton down. Oliver Stone directs his sequel to his earlier Academy Award winner. Profanity. Uncomfortable business and social situations.

YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER

Divorcing London couple, Alfie: Anthony Hopkins and Helena: Emma Jones, are parents of Sally: Naomi Watts. Sally is married to novelist Roy: Josh Brolin, who is anxiously waiting to hear from his publisher re his latest manuscript. Sally works in Greg: Antonio Banderas’s art gallery and is developing a crush on the Latin hunk. Helena is an optimistic senior British woman who entrusts her spiritualist, Christal: Pauline Collins, for her decisions. Roy is taken with their new neighbor, Dia: Frieda Pinto. The supporting cast includes Charmaine: Lucy Punch and Iris: Anna Friel. Director-writer: Woody Allen steers this romantic tale along the Thames with sumptuous photography by Vilmos Zsigmond.

November 2010

THE AMERICAN

As soon as the bodies start stacking up in snowy Sweden, hit man Jack: George Clooney hides out from his pursuers in Italy. He designs a special lightweight rifle for a female client, Ingrid: Irina Bjorklund. Parts are specially ordered. Meticulously, Jack files the metal to perfection while listening to Madame Butterfly, then assembles the weapon. A loner, Jack has an attraction to young, nubile women who are paid for their services. His Italian companion is the sympathetic Clara: Violante Placido. Father Benedetto: Paolo Bonacelli harbors secrets of his own while befriending Jack. Anton Corbjin directs the screenplay by Rowan Joffe, based on the original novel by Martin Booth. Female nudity, Violence, Scenes of intercourse, Profanity.

EASY A

High school senior Olive: Emma Stone spreads a lie about having lost her virginity, using it to her advantage, both socially and financially. Her mother, Rosemary: Patricia Clarkson and Dad, Dill: Stanley Tucci don’t realize how resourceful Olive can be. Making noises inside a locked bedroom at a high school party, Olive pretends to have sex with Brandon: Dan Byrd. Her science teacher, Mr. Griffith: Thomas Haden Church is more understanding than Principal Gibbons: Malcolm McDowell or her counselor, Mrs. Griffith: Lisa Kudrow. The high school religious fanatic, Marianne: Amanda Bynes wants to get Olive expelled. Olive’s real interest is handsome Woodchuck Todd: Penn Badgley. Bert V. Royal’s script is directed by Will Gluck with humor and inclusion of Olive’s cell phone and computer screens. Profanity, Sexual situations.

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD

Set in Toronto, nerdy teen Scott: Michael Cera has the hots for Kim: Allison Pill. When her seven ex’s whom Scott must defeat in battle include hunks, Todd: Brandon Routh (Superman) and Lucas: Chris Evans (Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four), one realizes it’s all a joke. Had Kim been played by Megan Fox with a Ten-Plus bod, rather than the conventional Pill with hair changing color every ten days, one could better understand what the fuss was about. Gay Wallace: Kiernan Culkin shares his floor mattress with Scott and two others. Knives: Ellen Wong is excellent as the groupie who hangs around Scott. Director/co-writer Edgar Wright and co-writer Michael Bacall adapted from Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novels. Profanity, Tasteless situations.

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE

This animated feature for kids, containing beautiful sunsets with life forces only owls and their predators, is based on the books of Kathryn Lasky. The good owls, the Guardians, dwell in Ga’Hoole, while the bad owls, the Pure Ones, live in a barren wasteland. The story centers around two brothers, Soren, voiced by Jim Sturgess, and Kludd, v.o. Ryan Kwanten, who is lured to evil ways. Soren escapes his kidnappers and alerts his friends to unite to protect their flock. Sharp metal claws and leather helmets are donned so they can attack. Australian and British actors supply the vocal talent: Ezylryb: Geoffrey Rush, Allomere: Sam Neill, Otulissa: Abbie Cornish, Barran: Deborra Lee Furness (Mrs. Hugh Jackman), Twilight: Anthony La Paglia, Noctus/Grimble: Hugo Weaving; Nyra: Helen Mirren, and Gylfie: Emily Barclay. 3D and IMAX

THE TOWN

Within one square mile of Boston, named Charlestown, live and hide most of Boston’s criminal element, including the bank-robbing quartet of this story. The brains, Doug: Ben Affleck; the loose finger, Jim: Jeremy Renner; and two other hoods do the jobs. Then, there’s the bank manager, Claire: Rebecca Hall and Jon Hamm, the FBI investigator. Jim, his parents and sister, Krista: Blake Lively, have raised Doug since he was five when his father, Stephen: Chris Cooper was sent to prison. Fergie: Pete Postlethwaite, runs a flower shop as a cover. This crime thriller, one of the year’s best written dramas, is well worth seeing. The acting is also top-notch with the script co-written and directed by Affleck in great form. Violence, Sexy situations, Profanity.

UNDERTOW

In this unusual ghost story set on the beautiful Peruvian coastline, a married fisherman struggles to reconcile his devotion to his male lover within his town’s rigid traditions. Miguel: Cristian Mercado, a handsome, young and beloved fisherman, and his youthful wife, Mariela: Tatiana Astengo, are about to welcome their first born. But Miguel harbors his secret love for Santiago: Manolo Cardona, an American painter who is ostracized by the townspeople both because he denies God and is openly gay. When Santiago accidentally drowns in the Pacific Ocean’s strong undertow, he cannot pass over peacefully to the other side. He returns after death to ask Miguel to find his body and bury it according to the town rituals. Miguel must choose between condemning Santiago to eternal torment or doing right by him and, in so doing, revealing their relationship to his wife—and the entire village. When Santiago’s mother and sister come to take his body back home for burial, his nude paintings of Miguel are seen by all and there are no more secrets. Well written and directed by Javier Fuentes-León. Male and female nudity, Sexual situations, Profanity. Festival Awards: 2010 Sundance Film Festival: Winner of the World Cinema Audience Award (Drama); 2010 Frameline Festival: Outstanding First Feature Award; Peru’s Official Selection for the 2010 Oscars. 

YOU AGAIN

Marni Olsen: Kristen Bell was the girl in her high school class who had braces on her teeth, glasses, bad hair and skin, and was bullied by the in-crowd led by cheerleader, Joanna: Odette Yustman. Now it’s eight years later and Marni’s a PR VP. In 48 hours, Joanna is marrying Marni’s older brother, a lawyer, Will: Jimmy Wolk, unless Joanna is exposed for the bitch that she really is. Marni’s parents, Gail: Jamie Lee Curtis and Mark: Victor Garber are hosting the event in Northern California. Joanna’s Aunt Mona: Sigourney Weaver, now on the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women with a chain of hotels, was Gail’s best friend in high school, but secretly envied Gail, who won all the titles, even was Sandy in Grease. Pretentious Mona tosses around French phrases incessantly. Weaver’s performance reminds one of her comedic Oscar-nominated work in 1988’s Working Girl. Grandma Bunny: Betty White adds humor to dire situations. Kristen Chenoweth, the perky wedding planner with pizzazz, livens up the proceedings. When the fangs come out, beware! Cameos by Duane Johnson, Patrick Duffy, Cloris Leachman, Reginald VelJohnson, Hall & Oates, and Catherine Bach. The direction by Andy Fickman and writing by Moe Jelline could have had less clichés and more belly laughs. Profanity.

October 2010

DESPICABLE ME

In this animated feature, the villain is actually the hero, Gru: voiced by Steve Carell, who battles Vector: v. of Jason Segel to see who can first reduce and capture the Moon. Gru believes by adopting the three little girls who have entry to the lab of Vector to sell him sweets, he can accomplish his goal. Gru’s Mom: v.o. Julie Andrews knows only his good side which he develops further as he comes to love Margo, Edith and Agnes. Directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin and co-screenwriters Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul, from a story by Sergio Pablos, bring us a very different outer space animated feature for all ages. 3-D

EAT PRAY LOVE

Liz Gilbert: luminous Julia Roberts, thankfully, is on screen in almost every frame of this woman’s story of a writer, based on her book, who divorces husband, Stephen: Billy Crudup. She then has a relationship with a stage actor, David: James Franco, leaving him behind in NYC when she goes on a year long journey to find herself. In Rome, she finds the good food and makes friends easily as she learns the language and habits of the Italians. Liz is told of a sect with a female leader in India where she can learn to pray and journeys there. In Indonesia, she falls in love with Brazilian Felipe: Javier Bardem, a sympathetic soul. Director and co-screenwriter, Ryan Murphy (Glee) with Jennifer Salt, keep the action moving along with Liz’s travels, accompanied by the loving photography of Robert Richardson and are produced by Brad Pitt. Profanity, Sexual situations, Rear male nudity.

INCEPTION

Cobb: Leonardo di Caprio and his dream-invading crew (Arthur: Joseph Gordon-Levitt; Eames: Tom Hardy; Peter Browning: Tom Berenger; Ariadne, the newbie: Ellen Page) plus Marion Cottilard as Mal, Cobb’s late wife, Michael Caine as his father, and Robert Fischer: Cillian Murphy as the banker who is to have info implanted, unknowingly, in his brain while he’s in a dreamlike state. Pete Postlethwaite portrays the dying senior Maurice Fischer. The client is Tokyo businessman, Ken Watanabe. One of the thrills is when the next block in Paris is first upended, then becomes a roof to the block in which our characters are conversing, all the while the autos and pedestrians move along upside down! A sci-fi mystery action thriller, this is the best film, easily the most original, released so far this year! Expect it to be prominent in next year’s Oscar race. Director-writer Christopher Nolan deserves both awards. See it. Also in IMAX. Profanity, Violence.

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

Both gay parents of two siblings used the same sperm donor years ago. Now that Laser: Jeff Hutcherson is 15 and his sister Joni: Mia Wasikowska (the pouting Alice in Alice in Wonderland) is going on 18 and entering college in the fall. The teens want to meet him, but the ladies (doctor Nic: Annette Bening and garden landscaper Jules: Julianne Moore) objeczt. Affable Paul: Mark Ruffalo lives locally in L.A. and owns several businesses, including a restaurant and bar. Director and co-writer Lisa Cholodenko, with Stuart Blumberg, deliver the warm lesbian parents with profanity, lesbian relationship, topless female nudity, urinating on a dog, interracial sex, and teen drug and alcohol use. It is absolutely one of the best movies of this summer.

THE OTHER GUYS

Two mismatched NYC cops, Allen Gamble: Will Ferrell and Terry Hoitz: Mark Wahlberg report to Police Capt. Gene Mauch: Michael Keaton. The hot Dr. Sheila Gamble: Eva Mendes has the abilities to get home from work in time to prepare scrumptious Italian meals for her Allen. If his partner, Terry, comes for dinner, too, he is awed by Sheila’s presentation with nary a hair out of place. Terry’s lady love, Francine: Lindsay Sloane is not so talented. Look for walkthroughs by the diversely capable Derek Jeter, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Damon Wayons, Jr., Anne Heche, Brooke Shields, Tracy Morgan, and Rosie Perez. Steve Coogan: David Ershon, European financier is the main villain. This unique cops-and-robbers chase is a no-holds-barred comedy as directed and co-written by Adam McKay (with Chris Henchy). A fun time was had by all.

SALT

Evelyn Salt: Angelina Jolie, while interrogating a Soviet spy, Orlov: Daniel Olbrychski, is accused by him of being his chief U.S. contact and that she will try to assassinate the Soviet Premier present in NYC for the funeral of the U.S. Vice President. Evelyn’s boss Ted Winter: Liev Schreiber and fellow agent, Peabody: Chiwetel Ejiofor, attempt to save U.S. President Lewis: Hunt (ATWT) Block, who excels as the firm, determined leader, facing his worst nightmares come-to-life. Jolie may be the only actress who can handle this muscular a role and not look exhausted. Phillip Noyce directs with a flair for the intense nonstop action from Kurt Wimmer’s script. Action violence, profanity.

STEPUP 3D

A close group of NYC street dancers, including Luke: Rick Malambri and Natalie: Sharni Vinson, team up with newly arrived NYU engineering freshman Moose: Adam G. Sevani. His best high school friend, Camille: Alyson Stoner, has traveled to Greenwich Village with him. She supports his dance drive but knows how much his parents are relying on his becoming an engineer. The competing dance teams are extraordinarily creative and have the ambition to overcome all adversities. The music and routines are up-to-date in this dance drama directed by Jon Chu and written by Amy Andelson and Emily Meyer with characters written by Duane Adler. RealD 3-D. Profanity.

Sept. 2010

GET HIM TO THE GREEK

Record company intern Aaron Green: Jonah Hill is given three days to escort an outrageous British pop idol, Aldous Snow: Russell Brand from London to a NYC morning network TV interview and on to the Hollywood premiere of his latest film that evening. Aaron’s boss, Sergio Roma: Sean Combs has a Zero tolerance level for mistakes. Guest appearances include Christina Aguilera, Mario Lopez and Pink. This hilarious comedy is directed and dialog written by Nicholas Stoller, with characters by Jason Segal. Profanity, Violence, Female Nudity, Adult situations.

JONAS HEX

President Grant: Aiden Quinn has an enemy in terrorist Quentin Turnbull: John Malkovich, who manages to build a secret mighty weapon years ahead of the A-bomb. Jonas Hex: Josh Brolin has the hideous scars to prove Turnbull doesn’t like him, as well as the memories of his wife and son who were brutally murdered by Turnbull and his gang. When Jonas again meets up with Turnbull, it’s at a Texas military fort in the Wild West which Turnbull demolishes as the demo for his weapon before heading for Washington, D.C. Based on the DC comic books, there’s eye-candy in the form of Lilah: Megan Fox, stripped down to her bustier, but still handy with a bobby-pin and a pistol. Extreme Violence, Profanity, Female Nudity, Adult situations.

KNIGHT AND DAY

Clueless innocent June Havens: Cameron Diaz meets Roy Miller: Tom Cruise in the Wichita airport as she’s enroute to Boston for her sister’s wedding. June is in the privy aboard the small plane while Miller kills all the baddies aboard and then lands in a corn field. (Havens is not to be confused with the late beauteous blond musical star June Haver, whose career was also at 20th Century Fox, the releasing company.) Roy is hiding an energy source “powerful enough to sustain a city for years” yet small enough to fit into a chess piece; the inventor is nerdy Simon Feck: Paul Dano. The real villain, Fitzgerald: Peter Sarsgaard is a dirty FBI agent, who is supposed to work for FBI Director George: Viola Davis, but has loyalties to an arms dealer, Antonio: Jordi Mollà. Roy and June wind up on a Caribbean island he happens to own, then bounce to Seville for the race with the bulls, and, next stop, onto an Austrian train. This fast moving thriller is terrific! Never mind that June looks ten years older than Roy. Violence, Profanity, Adult situations.

THE KARATE KID

Dre Parker: Jaden Smith is very down when his mother, Sherry: Taraji Henson moves from Detroit to Beijing. He soon meets a lovely classmate Mei Ying: Wenwen Han and the class bully, Cheng: Zengwei Wang. Fortunately for Dre, his apartment manager, Mr. Han: Jackie Chan knows Kung Fu and agrees to teach him, opening a new world to Dre. Although long, the producers’ (Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith) confidence in their son’s talent is rewarded. Violence, Profanity, Adult situations.

KILLERS

Computer tech Jenny Kornfeldt: Katherine Heigl and government assassin-for-hire Spencer Aimes: Ashton Kutcher meet cute at Cannes and despite the objections of her parents: Tom Selleck and Catherine O’Hara, are married soon thereafter. Spencer retires from his job. Switch to their third anniversary and every hitman and hitwoman on their block are out to kill them and collect the $Million-plus bounty. Too soon it becomes repetitive when they can’t trust anyone today whom they could yesterday. Violence, Profanity, Adult situations.

PRINCE OF PERSIA: The Sands of Time

Desert spectacle features buffed-up Jake Gyllenhaal as adult Dastan, a smart beggar selected by the King of Persia, Sharaman: Ronald Pickup, as his adopted son, vying with two real sons for the throne. The King’s brother, Nizam: Ben Kingsley wants to possess the magical Daggar of Time, which can make time run backwards so he can overrule Sharaman’s lineage to the throne. The guardian of the dagger, Princess Tamina of Baghdad: Gemma Arterton, after a dangerous pursuit in collapsing tunnels, stops barking at Dastan long enough for a fadeout kiss. Violence, Profanity, Sexual situations.

SEX AND THE CITY 2

The fearless foursome is back on the beat, Manhattan, that is. After a fairly dull first hour in NYC, things pick up with a cameo by Liza Minnelli. At the movie premiere of her ex-boy friend: Jerry “Smith” Jerrold: Jason Lewis, Samantha: Kim Cattrall is invited by a Moroccan potentate for an all-expenses-covered visit to Abu Dhabi, along with her “PR assistants”, Carrie: Sarah Jessica Parker, Charlotte: Kirsten Davis, and Miranda: Cynthia Nixon, who quickly prove to be the Ugly Americans, almost spoiling the foreign locales. Jerry is als o filming his second starring film in the sands nearby. Profanity, Sexual situations.

TOY STORY 3

This is the one film this month designed to please an audience of any age. There’s something for everyone! Woody the Sheriff: voice of Tom Hanks is the one toy Andy has selected to take to college with him, but the other toys are supposed to go to the attic. In a mix-up they almost go to the recycle dump or the Sunnyside Daycare center. Woody has to rescue Buzz Lightyear: v.o. Tim Allen; cowgirl Jessie: v.o. Joan Cusack; Mr. Potato Head: v.o. Don Rickles; the pig Hamm: v.o. John Ratzenberger; the dinosaur Rex: v.o. Wallace Shawn and others, before Andy leaves. Ken: v.o. Michael Keaton and Barbie: v.o. Jodi Benson, fall in love at first sight. The day care center is run like a prison by Lotso Bear: v.o. Ned Beatty. Disney-Pixar has outdone their past partnerships. The six-minute prelude cartoon, Day and Night, could easily have been paired with Knight and Day, and certainly shines as brightly. Animated, 3-D, IMAX.

July 2010

BABIES

Four babies are followed in this documentary as they grow from birth to their initial steps, in four areas of the world: Mongolia, Namibia (Africa), Tokyo and San Francisco. The differences and similarities are moving, sometimes amusing, sometimes fascinating. The rural families are usually in contrast to the city toddlers, e.g., when a goat walks up and drinks the bathwater beside the baby. Bathing, weighing, eating, and cutting hair are as unique as each approach to playmates, pets, flies, and toys. Nudity, Breast-feeding.

DATE NIGHT

While a hilarious ensemble film, screenwriter Josh Klausner and director Shawn Levy never lose sight of the very funny leads, Phil and Claire Foster: Steve Carell and Tiny Fey, a New Jersey couple on a Manhattan date. They heist a reservation at a fancy restaurant of a no-show couple (Taste: James Franco and Whippit: Mila Kunis). Bad idea! The interesting people populating their evening include hunky Holbrooke: Mark Wahlberg; their best friends who are divorcing, the Sullivans: Kristen Wiig and Mark Ruffalo; Det. Arroyo: Taraji P. Henson; dishonest cop Collins: Common, who delivers them to the mob boss: Ray Liotta, who thinks they have his hard drive; and DA Crenshaw: William Fichtner for whom they do a joint striptease! Phil drives a cab into the river amid massive pileups of cabs and police cars! Profanity, Adult situations, Sexual situations, Male nudity.

HARRY BROWN

Mild Brit senior citizen, ex-Marine, widower Harry Brown: Michael Caine meets his bud for an afternoon game of chess, until his pal is violently killed one night in their neighborhood by a teen drug gang that is taking over to grow their pot, shoot up, kill one another, rape a woman they have captured and chained her to a bed. The investigating detectives: D.I. Alice Frampton: Emily Mortimer and D.S. Terry Hicock: Charlie Creed-Miles, are sympathetic toward Harry, little realizing he’s turned vigilante and is going after the gang with a gun, dealing out his own justice. If the rest of this grim movie was on a par with the scene in the gang’s scummy shack perhaps it would have been more enjoyable. Director Daniel Barber and screenwriter Gary Young can share the blame for creating this underworld. Violence!, Profanity!, Adult situations. Won the U.K. Empire Award: Best British Film, 2010; nominated Best Actor: M. Caine, Best Thriller.

HOW TO TRAIN A DRAGON

This animated yarn will please anyone under 12 and many who are older. A Nordic youth, Hiccup: voice of Jay Baruchel, of the 1100’s can become a hero without developing a muscle. His father, the village leader, Stoik the Vast: v.o. Gerard Butler, is ashamed that his inventive son doesn’t want to kill dragons. In their village, it’s the manly thing to do; even some of the girls are tough enough. Astrid: v.o. America Ferrera qualifies for the dragon-slayer training. When Hiccup wounds a dragon so it can’t fly, he must repair the damage by building the missing tailpiece. He names it Toothless. While a friendship develops, both have a long road ahead before the villagers will accept that not all dragons only want to eat them and must be killed. 3-D. Violence.

IRON MAN 2

Marvel comics are back with a sequel that’s not quite as good as the original with Tony Stark: Robert Downey Jr. as the narcissistic billionaire industrialist-superhero with his fab Malibu lair. The bum start features Stark on international TV peeing in his suit and doesn’t rise too far above that as complications abound, even with the U.S. government wanting to use his armor suit as a military weapon. Good guy Nick Fury: Samuel L. Jackson assists Stark when he needs a new mechanical heart replacement. Thinking he’s dying, Stark promotes his assistant Pepper: Gwyneth Paltrow, to C.E.O. of Stark Industries, and in her old job, her assistant Natalie/Natasha: Scarlett Johanssen, who has one spectacular scene when she gets to show her stuff, defending Stark. In an armor suit, “Rhodey” Rhodes: Don Cheadle protects a weakened Stark in the showdown at the Stark Expo against Russian villain Ivan Vanko: Mickey Rourke and traitor industrialist Justin Hammer: Sam Rockwell (Daly City native). Vanko’s suit has special electrical whips that cut a car door in half with one flick! Director Jon Favreau also plays assistant Happy Hogan; Justin Theroux wrote the screenplay from Stan Lee’s comic book. Violence, Profanity, Adult situations.

JUST WRIGHT

Physical therapist Leslie Wright: Queen Latifah has just one problem: her best friend since childhood is a knockout. When Leslie’s client-superstar basketball player, Scott McKnight: Common sees trim Morgan: Paula Patton, it’s “Hello, Morgan.” “Goodbye, Leslie Who?” How long can Morgan be good and stop shooting arrows for the trophy wife seat? How much shopping with no limit can a girl take? This enjoyable romantic comedy written by Michael Elliott and directed by Sanaa Hamri sensibly brings in the parents: Lloyd and Janice Wright: James Pickens, Jr., Pam Grier; and Ella McKnight: Phylicia Rashad to spread the viewpoint. Suddenly, Morgan doesn’t look quite so appetizing and Leslie’s hefty qualities shine through. Adult situations.

MacGRUBER

MacGruber: Will Forte, star and co-writer with John Solomon, is summoned by Col. James Faith: Powers Boothe back into action when they learn industrialist Dieter Von Cunth: Val Kilmer has stolen a U.S. government nuclear warhead and has set his sights on Washington, D.C. MacGruber tries to round up his old team, but due to an explosion, he gets only Vicki St. Elmo: Kristen Wiig and recruit Lt. Dixon Piper: Ryan Philippe. MacG has an old score to settle with Cunth, who murdered his bride. Dir. Jorma Taccone keeps the SNL action moving while providing lots of laughs. Some crude humor depends on anal celery stalks, etc. Profanity! Sexual situations! Male nudity!

OCEANS

This fabulous French documentary was filmed all around the world for four years…and the results show! The whole family will enjoy this adventure and can discuss it afterwards. The cinematography is Oscar-worthy! Pierce Brosnan narrates this beautiful drama of the underwater battles of the wildlife for survival in the five oceans. Seals, walruses, dolphins and whales romp on camera, as do the rarely seen sheep fish and blue whales. Dozens of dolphins leap into the air. Feeding simultaneously on the same schools of fish are birds, whales, dolphins, and sharks! Hundreds of crabs battle each other on the ocean floor. Director Jacques Perrin deserves every award world-wide for this spectacular not-to-be-missed tightly edited 84 minutes that you will never forget!

ROBIN HOOD

This Robin Hood tale ends where others have started. There is more early background in gritty 1199. Robin: Russell Crowe, an archer fighting with King Richard the Lion Hearted: Danny Huston, must establish his rights in Nottingham. Robin’s first task ashore in London is to deliver Richard’s crown to his wife, Eleanor: Eileen Atkins. Robin’s acceptance by a blind elderly father, Sir Walter Loxley: Max von Sydow and his spunky daughter-in-law, Marian: Cate Blanchett occur concurrently with the ambience with his men: Friar Tuck: Mark Addy; Little John: Kevin Durand; and Will Scarlett: Scott Grimes. He has scarred Godfrey: Mark Strong and must make a stand with Chancellor William Marshall: William Hurt and Prince John: Oscar Isaac. The sword battles are pretty bloody and there is little to be merry about in this land of upheaval. Crowe and Blanchett make a believable couple. The final battle is a Ridley Scott spectacle! Violence, Profanity, Sexual situations, Nudity.

SHREK FOREVER AFTER

This series has about run its course when it has to steal its plot from It’s a Wonderful Life with a miserly grinch, deal-maker Rumpelstiltskin: voice of Walter Dohrn, who literally wants Shrek’s life. He gets a-bored-with-domesticity Shrek: v.o. Mike Myers to sign a contract without reading the fine print clause which allows him 24 hours before the hourglass run out. At the beginning of the day, he is remembered by none of his friends: Donkey: v.o. Eddie Murphy; nor Puss in Boots: v.o. Antonio Banderas (who gets the first spinoff due next year). King Harold: v.o. John Cleese and his Queen: v.o. Julie Andrews almost sign a contract with Rumpeletc. re their daughter Fiona: v.o. Cameron Diaz, wife of Shrek and mother of his triplets. The day of reckoning is the first birthday of the little darlings. The problem here is that the characters seem as tired as the script: dirty diapers, peeing on their father while changing diapers, etc.; they are ready to drop off into a deep sleep at any moment. They all forgot their energy pills resulting in an audience ready to sleep, too. Profanity.

June 2010

CLASH OF THE TITANS

Director Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk) depends upon CGI for his new 3-D remake of the 1981 Ray Harryhausen stop-motion trek. Born of a human mother and Zeus: Liam Neeson as his father, Perseus: Sam Worthington (fast becoming known as this year’s Victor Mature) learns he must destroy the Kraken, an underwater beast about 100 feet tall. Using his three T’s of acting: Terse, Tense and Tough, Perseus must rescue the damsel, Andromeda: Alexa Davalos, and her Greek city-state Argos from the son of Hades: Ralph Fiennes. Whenever the music increases in loudness, it’s time for another journey across land to be attacked by yet another bunch of beasts. Despite the small army that Perseus has gathered, their foes are formidable. There are scorpions 20 feet across for the heroes to battle. The woman who’s cursed to never age as she watches her loved ones die, Io: Gemma Arterton, protects Perseus and his men as best she can. The Medusa climax is well worth waiting for because then there is the Kraken to deal with. See it in 3-D: it’s more moving. Profanity, Violence, Adult situations, Sexual situations.

DEATH AT A FUNERAL

A man has died. The wrong body is delivered for the at-home funeral service. The survivors include sons: Norman: Martin Lawrence and Aaron: Chris Rock; widow Cynthia: Loretta Devine; and Uncle Russell in his wheelchair with his bowel problems: Danny Glover. There’s also Elaine: Zoe Saldana (fresh from Avatar) and her fiancé, Oscar, who’s high from a pill: James Marsden; Norman: Tracy Morgan; Duncan: Ron Glass and his stockbroker Derek: Luke Wilson (who is Elaine’s ex); and Michelle: Regina Hall. Throw in the deceased’s lover Frank: Peter Dinklage. Director Neil LaBute and writer Dean Craig should have been able to come up with a funnier ensemble film rather than waste this much talent. Profanity, Adult situations, Sexual situations, Male nudity.

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE

Despite its crudity and guilty pleasures, this is a hilarious film! Three guys in their 40’s are transported via an electrical short in their hot tub back to their college days of 1986: Adam: John Cusack, Nick: Craig Robinson, and Lou: Rob Corddry, plus nephew Jacob: Clark Duke, a teen dork. Bellboy Phil: Crispin Glover is going to lose an arm before the evening is over. Jennie: Lyndsy Fonseca supplies the bikini allure. Chevy Chase does a funny cameo as the hot tub repairman. Violence, Profanity, Adult situations, Sexual situations, Male nudity.

THE JONESES

Steve: David Duchovny and Kate: Demi Moore are the perfect couple moving into a gated upper-class Atlanta neighborhood with their two teens: Mick: Ben Hollingsworth and Jenn: Amber Heard. Their next door neighbors, Larry: Gary Cole and Summer: Glynne Headly have difficulty trying to keep up with the Joneses. The Joneses’ dirty little secret is that they are selling products, from golf clubs to cars. They report to KC: Lauren Hutton and need to meet their quotas to keep the family together. Director/co-writer Derrick Borte keeps the audience guessing which direction the plot may next turn as family problems arise that complicate everything in their too posh world. Profanity, Adult situations.

KICK-ASS

A teenage comic-reading nerd, Dave Lizewski: Aaron Johnson, buys a superhero costume/Kick-Ass, only to learn he needs some knowledge of how to fight. He’s still no match for the bullies who take his lunch money. He is rescued by cartoonist Damon Macready/Big Daddy: Nicolas Cage with his weapon-laden arsenal and his 12-year old martial arts daughter, Mindy/Hit-Girl with her fuchsia hair: Chloe Grace Moretz. Dave still hangs out with Todd: Evan Peters and Marty: Clark Duke, trying to impress the girl of his dreams, Katie: Lyndsy Fonseca (Was this the same casting director as Hot Tub?). Dave doesn’t know that the rich kid in his class, Chris D’Amico/Red Mist: Christopher Mintz-Plasse, has a father who’s a gangster, Frank D’Amico: Mark Strong. Director/co-writer Matthew Vaughn will reveal that soon enough when Kick-Ass becomes a threat to Frank’s business. Very original, with no clichés here, this is a fun flick, even with a setup for a sequel! Violence, Profanity, Adult situations.

THE PERFECT GAME

Who would have thunk that Cheech Marin would wind up in Monterey, Mexico as a Catholic padre in this true tale of a rag tag bunch of 12-year old baseball amateurs whom Cesar: Clifton Collins, Jr. coaches to major Little League status in 1957? Once they cross the border into Texas they can’t lose. It helps that Frankie: Emilie de Ravin is a reporter assigned to cover their rise to glory. She also exposes the prejudices towards the Mexicans: separate restrooms; restaurants and hotels that refuse admittance. Cool Papa Bell: Louis Gossett Jr. is around for the finale. The ensemble players are a great bunch of kids! Written by W. William Winokur from his book and directed by William Dear with the occasional tip of the hat to Hollywood in this movie for the whole family. Mild profanity.

May 2010

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Filmmaker Tim Burton employs CGI for his new 3-D version of Lewis Carroll’s old tale. The Red Queen: Helena Bonham Carter (Burton’s wife) has a huge head and a waist one could reach around. She has a very bad temper: “Off with their heads!”. Tweedledee and Tweedledum also get the CGI plate look. When Alice: Mia Wasikowska at 19 falls down the Rabbit hole at her engagement party, she revisits her childhood playground. The Mad Hatter: Johnny Depp has orange hair and big green eyes. Alice learns it is her destiny to end the Red Queen’s Reign of Terror. The White Queen: Anne Hathaway has four layers too many of thick makeup. Voice-only characters include: Cheshire Cat: Stephen Fry, White Rabbit: Michael Sheen and Blue Caterpillar: Alan Rickman. Burton’s quirkiness makes the action his own as it moves right along. Profanity.

BROOKLYN’S FINEST

This current day indictment of Brooklyn’s police force has veterans that seem to be providing most of the trouble with the local gangs. There’s Eddie: Richard Gere in his final week before retiring whose girlfriend is a black prostitute. Undercover cop, Tango: Don Cheadle is mixed up with the gang leader Caz: Wesley Snipes he is supposed to be apprehending. Sal: Ethan Hawke is a narcotics cop using drug money to get his down payment for a house for his pregnant wife and two kids. Ronny Rosario: Brian F. O’Byrne and Lt. Bill Hobarts: Will Patton may be the only cops who are clean. Carlo: Vincent D’Onofrio could be the luckiest one of the bunch. Director Antoine Fuqua works with Michael C. Michaels’ brutal screenplay. Violence, Gore, Blood, Profanity, Adult situations.

GREEN ZONE

This Iraqi War action-thriller was released about three years after it was current news and, as such, is not as interesting as it would have been at that time. The activity is there, but it seems dated. Now, films like The Hurt Locker are stealing its thunder. Paul Greengrass successfully directs Matt Damon here as he has in several of the Bourne movies. Chief warrant officer Roy Miller: Damon provides a riveting performance as he seeks the truth! This telling of the blundering operation of the Coalition Provisional Authority in its first year in Baghdad attributes some of the failure to Clark Poundstone: Greg Kinnear. Reporters for major newspapers, Lawrie Dayne: Amy Ryan, and Martin Brown: Brendan Gleeson, are trying to get to the bottom of the facts amongst U.S. government cover-ups. Brian Helgeland has previously written the Oscar-nominated screenplay for Mystic River and The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3. Violence, Gore, Profanity.

THE GHOST WRITER

The popular former prime minister of England, Adam Lang: Pierce Brosnan, has retired to a Cape Cod island with his wife, Ruth Lang: Olivia Williams and a full staff, including SEXretary Amelia Bly: Kim Cattrall. The timing is when Lang is pulled into the global implications of a human rights issue. The second ghost: Ewan MacGregor is brought in to polish the first draft started by the PM’s former assistant before he washed up on the beach…dead! The beach compound is a miniature fortress. Robert Harris adapted his novel for the screen. The mystery thriller was directed with élan by perfectionist Oscar-winning Roman Polanski, winner of the Silver Berlin Bear for this directing job. Most violence occurs off-screen. Not a moment goes by that actually prepares the viewer for the madness of the final ten minutes! One of the best new films this year! Profanity, Sexual situations.

A PROPHET (Un prophete)

Imagine the worst possible things that could go on in a French prison with competing national factions exposed by director/co-writer Jacques Audiard (with Thomas Bidegain). This Belgian film starts with the incarceration of 17-year old Malik El Djebena: Tajar Rahim, a street kid. The gang leader, Cesar Luciano: Niels Arestrup, soon has Malik under his thumb. His first assignment is to carry a double-edged razor blade between his teeth into another prisoner’s cell and slit his jugular. It pays to stay on Cesar’s good side. After three years, Malik advances to more dangerous assignments! Violence, Male nudity, Blood-letting, Profanity. (French with English subtitles) Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar!?!

REPO MEN

Miguel Sapochnik directs this sci-fi action thriller set in the near future starring Remy: Jude Law (with a barcode neck tattoo and new buzz cut) and Jake: Forest Whitaker as grade school friends who grow up to work for The Union, the company that repossesses body parts that aren’t being paid for. A hidden locator assists Remy and Jake to find the delinquent payers and remove the artificial organs on screen…surgically! Their boss, Frank: Liev Schreiber, is cool, ruthless, heartless. Remy’s wife, Carol: Carice van Houten, gives him an ultimatum that he gets out of the repossessing business and into sales…or else! When he finds he is locked out and can’t even see their son, Peter: Chandler Canterbury, Remy takes her seriously. A singer, Beth: Alice Braga, he once knew comes back into his life. Be prepared for the satirical humor! Violence, Gore, Bloooood!, Profanity.

April 2010

CRAZY HEART

Bad Blake: Jeff Bridges tours the Southwest, singing, drinking and plucking his guitar in bars. He is interviewed by Jean Craddock: Maggie Gyllenhaal and they become friends. She has a four-year old son, Buddy, whom a drunken Bad misplaces in a huge shopping mall. Jean is so furious that Bad goes to AA. Bad has some success at a stadium with his old pal, Tommy Sweet: Colin Farrell, who has a surprisingly good country western sound. He encourages Bad to write music for him. Bad connects with his old bar owner-buddy Wayne: Robert Duvall. Writer-director Scott Cooper based his tale on Thomas Cobb’s novel. Awards winner: Broadcast & Los Angeles Film Critics, Golden Globes, SAG Award: Best Actor, Bridges; Best Song: The Weary Kind; Las Vegas & Phoenix Film Critics, Satelitte Award: Best Song. Boston Film Critics: Best Use of Music in a Film. Awards nominee (8): British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA): incl. Best Film. Profanity, sexual situations, drunkenness.

CREATION

Within the confines of a small English village, world-renowned scientist Charles Darwin: Paul Bettany formulates his theories which are in conflict with the religious beliefs of his wife, Emma Darwin: Jennifer Connelly and Rev. Innes: Jeremy Northam, his pastor. Darwin’s ally Thomas Huxley: Toby Jones believes historical assumptions will be pierced with the publication of The Origin of the Species. Director Jon Amiel and writer John Collee never permit Darwin any piece of mind; he is in turmoil 24/7, even visited by the ghost of his daughter Annie: Martha West, who died at age 10. Adult situations.

THE LAST STATION

Concentrating on the final year of Tolstoy’s: Christopher Plummer life, he is torn by what is going to happen to his estate. His wife of 48 years, Sonya: Helen Mirren believes his copyright royalties should be divided within the family; the opposing view is championed by Vladimir Chertkov: Paul Giamatti, who wants the Tolstoy Movement to inherit the royalties. The arrival of the new secretary, Valentin: James McAvoy, sent by Chertkov, starts the commotion. Daughters Sasha: Anne-Marie Duff and Masha: Kerry Condon have their viewpoints, too. When Valentin and Masha start an affair, his loyalties are torn: Should he respect the wishes of Mrs. Tolstoy? Or, does his vote belong to Chertkov and the Movement? In the end, it’s the love story of the Tolstoys. Awards nominee (2): Academy Awards: Best Actress: Mirren; Best Sup. Actor: Plummer. Boring for those not in love.

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF

Percy: Logan Lerman, a high school student, is the son of Sally Jackson: Catherine Keener and the god Poseidon: Kevin McKidd from one of his earthly visits. He has protectors, his best bud Grover: Brandon T. Jackson and his prof, Mr. Brunner/Chiron: Pierce Brosnan, and needs them when Zeus: Sean Bean believes he has stolen his lightning bolt. At a training camp for the demigods (offspring of gods), he meets and is attracted to Annabeth: Alexandra Daddario, daughter of Athena: Melina Kanakaredes and a friend of Luke: Jake Abel. Luke aids Percy, Grover and Annabeth in their quest across the U.S. for the lightning bolt to clear Percy of being the thief. Chris Columbus directs the fantasy adventure Craig Titley’s screenplay, which is based on Rick Riordan‘s novel. Profanity.

SHUTTER ISLAND

Perhaps director Martin Scorcese has gone too far, looking for a new direction, a different story; for years he stayed within the New York City boundaries, although covering many decades, i.e., The Gangs of New York, The Age of Innocence. The setting for this 1954 mystery thriller is an insane asylum on an island off the coast of Massachusetts where an escaped murderess is sought by the staff. When she disappears, Dr. Cawley: Ben Kingsley involves U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (who has emotional problems): Leonardo DiCaprio and passive Chuck Aule: Mark Ruffalo. Who better for a Nazi doctor than Max von Sydow? They become aware of the ominous danger of their sinister assignment as they go deeper and deeper into the claustrophobic, deadly asylum. Violence, horror, nudity, profanity.

A SINGLE MAN

Director Tom Ford bases his screenplay upon a Christopher Isherwood novel about one traumatic day in the life of a gay high school teacher, George: Colin Firth. His best friend and neighbor, Charley: Julianne Moore, comforts him when he is phoned by a relative of his lover of many years, Jim: Matthew Goode, that Jim died instantly when hit by a car and that the service will be “family only”. He tries hard to have a typical day. During the evening, George finds one of his high school students, Kenny: Nicholas Hoult, at his usual bar. They swim together nude in the Malibu surf then adjourn to George’s living room. Firth’s brilliant performance is garnering much recognition. Nudity, sexual situations. Awards winner: British AFTA,Venice Film Festival, Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara & Vancouver Film Critics: Best Actor: Colin Firth. Awards nominee: Academy Awards: Best Actor: Colin Firth. BAFTA: Rising Star nominee: Nicolas Hoult.

THE WHITE RIBBON

Pre-WWI in a German village, the children start acting very strange, while the adults are in denial that there is anything out of the ordinary. An elder is thrown from his horse when it runs into a wire stretched between two trees; he spends months in the hospital with broken bones and injuries. A student takes a sythe to an entire vegetable crop, destroying it. A pet bird is found, not in its cage, but on a desk pierced by scissors. These incidents present the youth of pre-Nazi Germany as those who will grow up to become the ruling Nazis of WWII. The supposed innocence of the children is never questioned. Very little background music accompanies the strange happenings. The ensemble work is terrific, with no one to single out except perhaps the narrator. Violence, sexual situations, adult situations. Awards nominee: Academy Awards: Best Foreign Language Film.

THE WOLFMAN

Lawrence Talbot: Benicio Del Toro, originally a Brit left home when his mother died and has become an American actor, touring in England in classics. His brother’s fiancé, Gwen Conliffe: Emily Blunt, writes him that his brother has disappeared and invites him back to Blackmoor to join the search. He is reunited with his father, Sir John Talbot: Anthony Hopkins, and learns there is more he left behind than he cares to remember when he is bitten by a werewolf at a gypsy encampment. He learns villagers are being killed by something with incredible strength and a thirst for blood. A Scotland Yard detective, Abberline: Hugo Weaving, has been drawn to the hamlet to investigate. Graphic violence/gore.

March 2010

AVATAR

Writer-director James Cameron has already topped the No. 1 all-time money-making film Titanic with his new futuristic fantasy. It has action, love, incredible settings, war and human interest! Paraplegic marine Jake Sully: Sam Worthington is lured by the U.S. military on a mission to the planet Pandora to replace his twin who, after years of training, died just before the 5-year flight to Pandora. Gung-ho Col. Miles Quaritch: Stephen Lang will wipe out the Na’vi population and culture to mine a precious mineral for Parker: Giovanni Ribisi if the diplomatic path pursued by the avatars (surrogate humans of natives) of Dr. Grace Augustine: Sigourney Weaver and Jake don’t succeed. Jake, during Na’vi training, falls in love with the princess Neytiri: Zoe Saldana. IMAX 3-D. Awards winner: Golden Globes: Best Drama, Best Director. 15th Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: Best Action Movie, Cinematography, Art Direction, Sound, Editing, Visual Effects. Phoenix Film Critics: Best Cinematography, Film Editing, Production Design & Visual Effects. Awards nominee (8): British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA): incl. Best Film.

DAYBREAKERS

This sci-fi thriller set in 2025 uses buckets of blood as bodies explode and vampires devour their victims live, rather than just drain their blood. As humans only make up 10% of the world population, hematologist researcher Edward Dalton: Ethan Hawke seeks a blood substitute for pharmaceutical titan Charles Bromley: Sam Neill as the blood supply diminishes to less than one month’s worth as the humans hide from the vamps. Lionel ‘Elvis’ Corman: Willem Dafoe is an underground leader of the humans. Edward hasn’t made the adjustment to living on blood, but his handsome younger brother sure has. Edward’s brother, Frankie: Michael Dorman is loyal to Bromley. The “daybreakers” are those who can’t stand to be vampires any longer and wait for the morning sun to set them afire and turn them to ashes. Michael and Peter Spierig direct and wrote the engrossing screenplay. Profanity, gore, violence.

FANTASTIC MR. FOX

Director/co-writer Wes Anderson directs the stop-motion animation of the Roald Dahl novel. George Clooney provides the voice for Mr. Fox with Meryl Streep doing the same for Mrs. Felicity Fox. They have problems with three neighboring farmers who don’t like their chicken hatches being raided and threaten reprisals. Mr. Fox organizes the other animals (voices include Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe) to tunnel beneath the poultry houses and join him in a raid. Much of the deeper subject matter will probably not interest kids who will enjoy the simple story. Awards winner: New York Film Critics Circle Award*: two George Clooney films; Best Animated Film. Los Angeles & Las Vegas Film Critics: Best Animated Film + Best Family Film (L.V. only). National Board of Review: Special Achievement Award: Wes Anderson. Toronto Film Critics: Best Animated Film. San Francisco & San Diego Film Critics: Best Screenplay, Adapted. Awards nominee: Golden Globes & British AFTA: Best Animated Film.

INVICTUS

One of the best films now playing stars Morgan Freeman (also Exec. Prod.) as recently elected Nelson Mandela in 1995, who wants a World Cup soccer team to improve South Africa’s press image. Team captain Francois: Matt Damon meets with Mandela to help unite their racially divided country and then inspires his teammates to win. Director-producer Clint Eastwood delivers a clean story that entertains anyone over 12. Awards winner: National Board of Review(3): Best Actor, Freeman; Best Director, Eastwood; Freedom of Expression Award. Awards nominee: Critics’ Choice, SAG, Producer of Year Award.

THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS

Director-writer Terry Gilliam‘s experience with Monty Python puts him several beats ahead for this fantasy adventure. The complication of Tony: Heath Ledger dying in mid-production was solved by having his character step through a magic looking glass and emerge in the fanciful imaginarium world as Johnny Deep, Jude Law or Colin Farrell. Dr. Parnassus: Christopher Plummer manages the caravan which travels from one town to the next. When Tony is rescued from hanging from a London bridge, he moves their venues into more profitable environs. Seems the good doctor entered into a contract with Mr. Nick: Tom Waits that he would deliver the soul of his daughter Valentina: Lily Cole on her 16th birthday and the day is arriving. Awards nominee (2): British AFTA: Best Production Design, Makeup and Hair.

IT’S COMPLICATED

Jane: Meryl Streep, a bakery owner begins an affair with Jake: Alex Baldwin, from whom she has been divorced for nine years (during which time he has married a younger woman, Agness: Lake Bell ). Their four offspring and Jane’s galpals are scandalized. Jane is also dating her architect, Adam: Steve Martin. Nancy Meyers wrote and directed this comedic love fest for women of all ages. Martin and Baldwin will co-host the March 7th Academy Awards. Language, partial nudity. National Board of Review: Best Ensemble Cast Award.

NINE

Italian director Guido Contini: Daniel Day-Lewis is at a breaking point as he starts a new film. His problem is too many women: his sometimes forgiving wife Luisa: Marion Cotillard; his suicidal mistress Carla: Penelope Cruz; his wardrobe designer Lilli: Judi Dench; Saraghina: Fergie lets the sand sift through her fingers as she lures 10-year old Guido and friends; reporter Stephanie: Kate Hudson; his film star muse Claudia: Nicole Kidman; and Mamma: Sophia Loren. This magical musical version by Oscar-winning director Rob Marshall (Chicago) of the Fellini film 8 1/2 gives each star her own musical number(s): Luisa gets the ballads; Carla has a sexy romp; Lilli exposes her Follies Bergere past in a bustierre; Stephanie (20 lbs. thinner than her other scenes filmed six mos. earlier) lets loose with a bombastic explosion; and Claudia has a romantic auto tour of Naples. Song highlights: Cinema Italiano and Take It All. Awards winner: Sattelite Awards: Best Motion Picture-Musical, Cinematography; Special Achievement Award: Best Ensemble- Motion Picture. Awards nominee: Golden Globes (5):incl. Best Musical Film.

PRECIOUS

An obese teenager, Precious Jones: Gabourey Sidibe is raped by her father and has two kids by him before she’s 15. Her abusive mother, Mary Jones : Mo’Nique throws objects like TVs at her. She’s kicked out of her junior high class because of the second pregnancy and told to go to a special school. There she finds fellowship and love from her teacher, Ms. Rain: Paula Patton, and classmates. Ms. Sidibe was actually 26 when she filmed the powerful role of Precious. The Jones’ case worker, Mrs. Weiss: Mariah Carey, underplays magnificently without makeup. This hard-hitting drama may be difficult for some to stomach.

Awards winner: Screen Actor Guild (SAG), Golden Globes & 15th Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: Best Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique. Awards nominee: British AFTA (4): Best Picture, Actress: Sidibe, Best Sup. Actress: Mo’Nique & Adapted Screenplay.

SHERLOCK HOLMES

Director Guy Ritchie presents a new take on Sherlock as a bromance between Sherlock: Robert Downey, Jr. and Dr. Watson: Jude Law, with jealousies arising as Watson becomes engaged to Mary: Kelly Reilly. Nemesis Lord Blackwood: Mark Strong heads a mysterious fraternal order that brings him back from the dead after his prison execution. Much of the entertaining film is spent chasing him about on the docks of Victorian London or pursuing the elusive Irene Adair: Rachel McAdams. Sherlock himself is less secretive and more interested in bare-knuckled fisticuffs with ruffians. Maybe it’s just an excuse for Sherlock to show his six-pack. There is one harrowing scene when Holmes, Watson and Adair must cut through handcuffs, lest they fall into a meatpacking chainsaw. Language, violence. Awards winner: Golden Globes: Best Actor, Comedy: Robert Downey, Jr.

UP IN THE AIR

Ryan Bingham: George Clooney, a corporate personnel firer-for-hire, has proudly racked up almost ten-million air miles. Ryan meets Alex Goran: Vera Farmiga, whose job also requires lots of flying so whenever their flight plans coincide, they meet for R&R. Enter an inexperienced overachiever Natalie Keener: Anna Kendrick who convinces their Omaha boss Craig Gregory: Jason Bateman, that the firings could be done with videoconferences. Nudity, violence, language. Awards winner: New York Film Critics Circle Award*: two George Clooney films. Golden Globes: Best Screenplay; 15th Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: Adapted Screenplay. National Board of Review, Dallas-Ft. Worth Film Critics, Florida F.C., Kansas City F.C., Southeastern F.C.,& Washington DC F.C.: Best Film, Actor, Screenplay–Adapted. Awards nominee: (6) British AFTA: Best Picture, 2 Sup. Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Editing.

ME AND ORSON WELLES

NYC high school senior Richard Samuels: Zac Efron in 1937 is cast by Orson Welles: Christian McKay in his Broadway production of Julius Caesar. Richard has his eye on Welles’ office worker Sonja Jones: Claire Danes. Welles plays Brutus to George Coulouris as Mark Antony: Ben Chaplin; Joseph Cotten as Publius: James Tupper; Muriel as Portia: Kelly Reilly.

A battle of wits between Richard and egomanical Welles for Sonja. The ‘30s personas become nervous as opening night arrives. Sexual situations, profanity. Awards nominee: British AFTA: Best Supporting Actor: Christian McKay.

February 2010

2012

Director/co-writer Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) has the Earth’s core overheating, due to sun activity, which brings on cracks, quakes, and tsunamis. The spectacular special effects overpower the story of various characters, such as earth scientist Adrian Helmsley: Chiwetel Ejiofor who brings the early signs in 2009 to the attention of White House science advisor Carl Anheuser: Oliver Platt who takes it to President Tom Wilson: Danny Glover. There’s science-fact author Jackson Curtis: John Cusack who picks up his kids from ex-wife Kate: Amanda Peet and live-in beau, Gordon: Tom McCarthy, to take them from SoCal to Yellowstone for a vacation (where he had his honeymoon). Curtis meets ham-radio broadcaster prophet Charlie Frost: Woody Harrelson who has set up shop atop a nearby mountain where he watches the government activity at Yellowstone, which is having seismic convulsions. The president’s daughter, Dr. Laura Wilson: Thandie Newton, is more interested in preserving the world’s art treasures. Do you believe a tsunami eight miles high that hits the Himalaya peaks? There are subplots involving most nationalities, some with humor. Well worth seeing!

ANTICHRIST

A couple has sex, showing all: male and female. The wife notices their toddler nearing the open window but can’t bring herself to stop what she’s doing. He falls to his death in the snow on the street below. That’s just in the first minute of this Danish film by director Lars von Trier that ignores the Hayes Office Hollywood Morals Code. Poor Charlotte Gainsborough, $0.00 budget for makeup and wardrobe, as she wanders around naked, most of the time in the woods or their cabin as husband-amateur psychologist Willlem Dafoe tries to help her with her grief. She repays the unconscious do-gooder by drilling a hole through his calf muscle (only an inch wide) and attaching a 4”x12” grinding wheel (about 60 lbs.) to his leg and throwing away the wrench so he can’t take it off. Talk about your ball-and-chain!! Then she has a masturbation scene. Enough already! If this kind of masochism is for you: go see it. Nudity, violence, language.

THE BLIND SIDE

Big Mike Oher: Quinton Aaron is practically a giant, ambling homeless through life in Memphis. Thanksgiving week, he’s invited in out of the rain to the mansion of spunky Leigh Anne Touhy: Sandra Bullock and husband, Sean: Tim McGraw, and their kids, S.J.: Jae Head and Collins: Lily Collins. He is brought to the attention of Coach Cotton: Ray McKinnon who can’t quite figure how to communicate with Mike. That is, until Leigh Anne shows him; from then on Mike is a whiz on the football field. But it takes the hiring of Miss Sue, a tutor: Kathy Bates to get his grades up to snuff as Mike becomes a member of the Touhy family. Meanwhile, all the college football coaches (playing themselves) who are sent film on Mike’s talents by amateur cameraman, S.J., arrive to woo the massive tackler. This true story is enriched by photos of the real Touhys with the real Mike during the end credits. Ms. Bullock is finally getting much deserved Oscar buzz for her role in this heart-warming holiday treasure. Writer-director John Lee Hancock has a winner in The Blind Side.

DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Director/writer Robert Zemeckis bases his script closely on Dickens’ novel. Jim Carrey voices Scrooge and the three Christmas ghosts, plus five others. Gary Oldham lends his voice to Bob Cratchit, Marley and Tiny Tim. Others include Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn and Bob Hoskins. The animation is excellent, especially as they swoop over Victorian London. When he awakens on Christmas morning, Scrooge has learned from his miserly ways and is able to change so he and all around him are decidedly happier. Minor language concerns. Images too frightening and macabre for children under ten. In IMAX 3-D.

THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS

One wonders whether the dialog pages were delivered daily to the cast and if they ever saw a complete script before filming began on this muddled mess. Oscar winners Lyn Cassady: George Clooney and Larry Hooper: Kevin Spacey do the best they can with what they are given. A reporter in Iraq, Bob Wilton: Ewan McGregor meets Lyn in a hotel restaurant and recognizes a story in the special forces agent of the U.S. Army First Earth Battalion who use secret paranormal powers in their missions. The unit was founded by Bill Django: Jeff Bridges, with a pigtail in a role that cries for Woody Harrelson. Hooper has distorted the mission to serve his own warped ends. Together, Lyn and Bob somehow find Django, Hooper and the goats in the middle of the African desert! Hold director Grant Heslov, screenwriter Peter Straughan, and novelist Jon Ronson equally guilty for this nonsense. Language, nudity.

NEW MOON: The Twilight Saga

The sequel to Twilight begins with Bella: Kristen Stewart running through a field of flowers to sullen Edward Cullen: Robert Pattinson. A very erotic romance with lots of bare chests but few kisses ensues. Her dad Charlie: Billy Burke is very protective. Bella starts to notice a change in her classmate, Jacob: Taylor Lautner, besides the fact that he’s been pumping up for his awesome shirtless scenes. (Some time would have been better spent improving his acting chops.) She thinks maybe it’s his pack of friends, not realizing he has become a werewolf. She and Edward’s sister, Alice Cullen: Ashley Greene, keep in touch via e-mail. Edward’s presence is seen and felt by Bella, even when he’s in Italy attending a high religious conference called by Aro: Michael Sheen (Frost in Frost/Nixon). Dakota Fanning pops up in the final ten minutes. Director Chris Weitz seems to know exactly what his teen female audience is pining for and doesn’t disappoint them, or anyone else, with more humor (like when Bella and Alice fly to Italy on Virgin Atlantic Airlines). It should be a big hit with Twilight fans.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

Katie and Micah are a young engaged couple living in San Diego who move in together in a new home. She is convinced a ghost has been following her for years. It tried to burn down her parents’ home when she was a child. Micah is a disbeliever and thinks the Ouija board will provide answers. He sets up infrared cameras with a timer counting down the seconds each night as they go to bed but wake up hearing noises, only to find the Ouija board marred or claw prints in the flour sprinkled on the hardwood floor. Terrified, they call in an expert to explain the unusual occurrences between 1:30 and 3:30 a.m. Even the police are baffled by what happens on the 21st night. Language.

December 2009

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