Lumet shines at the age of 82

"Before the Devil Knows Your Dead"
3.5 stars out of 4
Starring:Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei, Albert Finney

The aging director Sidney Lumet has made one of his best and most accomplished works. Honored at the Oscars a few years back for the lifetime achievement award, Lumet proves that at the age of 82 he can still make effective films. He has always made socially charged crime dramas, and this time he has made a morality tale about two brothers.

The film revolves around a botched jewelery store heist that weights heavily upon everyone involved. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke play two brothers that need a quick score to start there lives over, pressured by work or nagging ex-wives, each brother has his own issues. They plan a "mom and pop operation" to knock of there parents jewelery story, the score will get them around 60k each to get there lives in order. Both men, Andy (Hoffman) and Hank (Hawke) are sleeping with the same women, played by Marisa Tomei. Andy is married to her and doesnt know how to love her, Hank wants to run away with her. Tomei's character is only used for sexual purposes, and doesn't do much but show off some skin the entire movie.

Lumet's contributions come into play with how he shifts time and how we see the plot from different points of view. He goes back three days before the robbery, 10 days after the robbery, and so on, showing what each character has done/will do. The shifting time frame works more often that not, as we are always one step ahead of the characters, knowing more than them at all times.

The acting is really superb, PSH turns in an electric performance, he's a scheming and street smart guy who has been profiting from checks cashed for employees that don't exist in his business. It's a fiery and angry role for him, he sheds all in scene after scene, we really see his world crumble before his very eyes. Ethan Hawke is good enough to act alongside Hoffman, and Tomei is mostly there for eye candy. Albert Finney also stars as the father of the two men, in a role that reminds of his solid acting.

Overall, the film is dark in perspective, and bleak in actions and intentions. It plays as a family melodrama, and a crime-thriller all at the same time. I felt like I was a fly on the wall in these characters ruthless lives, each trying to get out of a very tough situation. The film is just shy of 2 hours, and I was into it the whole time except for the last 10 minutes where it really got ahead of itself. If the film had a better ending I would have given it 4 stars, but with solid acting, plot, and execution on Lumet's part, "Before the Devil Knows Your Dead" is one hell of a film

A coming of age story with witts and heart

"Juno"
Starring:Ellen Page,Michael Cera,Jennifer Garner,Jason Bateman,Allison Janney,J.K. Simmons
3.5 stars out of 4

"Juno" is the most heartwarming film of the year, small in scale and large on wits and charm. Director Jason Reitman, who also directed the comedic satire "Thank You for Smoking" brings even more knowledge behind the camera in his second film. This time around the star isnt Reitman, it's debut screenwriter Diablo Cody. Cody's female perspective brings honesty and truth to growing up and being a young teen in today's world. Cody's intelligent script may earn her a best origial screenplay award in February.

Ellen Page whose career will blossom after this film, is nothing short of a miracle in this film. Page who plays the 16 year old "Juno", is big on pop culture dialogue, and quietly prides herself on being witty. Juno MacGuff lives with her father played by the underrated J.K Simmons, her observing stepmom played by Allison Janney, and her younger sister. She recently became sexually active with boyfriend Paulie Bleaker, played by Michael Cera, recently seen in "Superbad." Juno decides a baby is too much for her and seeks a couple that really wants a child. She meets a posh couple played by the elegant Jennifer Garner and her husband played by Jason Bateman. Garner is fabulous in this film, she feels born to be a mother, and wants to know every detail about Juno's pregnancy, the more involved the better. Her husband Mark still watches old movies, and plays music, to her disliking.

All of the characters are relatable making this film honest and heartfelt, Ellen Page's performance is something to admire, she's a young actress who can display actions and emotions of an ageless actress, she's so good you just want to jump through the screen and hug her. The film prides itself on superb dialogue for its generation, screenwriter Cody has a keen ear for the language and slang for the myspace,and blogger generation.

"Juno" never misses a beat, it knows when to be smart,serious,dramatic,and comedic. The whole cast contributes to this coming of age story that cannot be missed. This film will be recognized come Oscar time, I loved this movie.

A blood soaked Christmas

"Sweeney Todd" : The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman
3.5 stars out of 4

The holiday season takes a turn for the dark and dreaded, with this dreary and bleak musical based off a broadway play of the same name. "Sweeney Todd" is Tim Burton's picture, he uses his lifetime muse Johnny Depp, as the Demon Barber Sweeney Todd. The film takes place in a gothic and bleakly styilized London. Depp plays Benjamin Barker a barber, and family man who is falsely accused of a crime and is seperated from his wife and young daughter. Alan Rickman is the devious judge who sets him up and envy's his wife,Barker is soon imprisoned for over a decade.

Barker appears in London after his sentence as Sweeney Todd, with his slick big hair and revenge on his mind. Todd is seeking revenge for his past injustices, as he seeks to kill Judge Turpin and re-claim his family. Only his wife has poisioned herself and died and his daughter Joanna is living under the roof of Judge Turpin. Todd opens a barbershop in the upstairs of a meat-pie shop run by the lonely Mrs. Lovett played by the charming Helena Bonham Carter. Carter who is director Burton's wife, plays the role with ease was she brings her usual dark female undertone to the role as someone who wants to love Todd, but doesn't know how to express it. She invites him to setup shop in the upstaris of her establishment where Todd slits the throats of anyone he pleases, the bodies transcend to the basement, where Lovett burns the bodies and cooks them into her meat pies. Carter and Depp form an unusual chemistry and an understanding for there characters, more of a bond than a trust.

While the film doesn't have an extensive plot or outline, the set designs, costumes, music, and acting were enough to satisfy me to highly recommend this film, Todd's killings are whimsical yet sad as he mourns the loss of a lost life with his family. Todd spends the film singing of his vengaence and trying to imagine a life with his now older daughter, who knows not of Todd's tortured and lonely existence. Not only did I single out Depp's performance as great and fresh, but Helena Bonham Carter has gone unnoticed for years and Burton places her in the right film to be noticed, her voice and lyrics are humorous yet insightful, especially when she sings alongside Depp.

The film plays as many things, a musical first, a thriller and suspense blood bath, and a comedic stage play, as most of Todd's killings are laughworthy instead of shockworthy. Burton's gothic vision of old London is re-created through the characters who sing there songs in streets, alleys, and in shops. I admired the film to a special degree, the songs were simple and plot was basic, but I mostly enjoyed Burton vision and the performance of Depp and Bonham Carter. Sweeney Todd is a film to breathe in and and imagine, rather than think about. Also look for a small role from Sasha Baron Cohen, the star of "Borat", as a rival barber with a bleak future once he meets Todd.

"Sweeney Todd" is proof that Burton is getting mature in his works, his style remains the same but that isn't a fault against him. Depp continues to impress in broad and stylish roles. While Holiday season viewers may not be ready for all of the blood and gore of Todd, the film wears it's heart on it's sleeve in the personas of it's actors. A definite must see, look for Depp and possibly Bonham Carter to receieve Oscar recognition.

Comedy event of the Holiday

"Walk Hard": The Dewey Cox Story
Starring: John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Tim Meadows
3.5 stars out of 4

"Walk Hard" is another hit from team Apatow, the writer and director of "Knocked Up", and "The 40 Year Old Virgin". Apatow who produced "Walk Hard", has made another hit and is clearly the leading comedy influence working in Hollywood.

John C. Reilly has always been the standard leading man that no one talks about, appearing in dozens of movies including the "The Aviator, "The Hours", "Magnolia", and "Gangs of New York", Reilly FINALLY gets his own leading role and movie, and he sure does shine. He plays Dewey Cox, the singer-songwriter who has been tormented by the death of his younger brother which he caused as they battled with a machete as kids, yes this is making of "Walk the Line" and all other hollywood music biopics.

The film gets most things right, as it gives a behind the scenes look at musicians. Cox struggles with booze, girls, drugs, and all of the burdens that weigh on famous rockstars, Reilly plays this character perfect, and the screenwriting is what prompts this comedic riot of a film. We follow Cox's journey from success to eventual downfall, hard drugs and infidelity are things Dewey can't live without, as he finds out in uproarous ways.

The film is mainly SNL actors including scene stealing Tim Meadows as the drummer with a vast addiction to any drug, and Chris Parnell. There are also many celebrity cameos. Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Jason Schwartzman, and Justing Long amazingly mimic The Beatles in there LSD phase. Cox also runs into the likes of Elvis, and parodies Bob Dylan in a hilarious scene. It's not hard to tell why John C. Reilly for a Golden Globe nomination for this, he's believelable as this musician without a clue, and a knack for success. The film is going to win any Oscars, but it's the best comedy maybe of the year.

Best of the Rest

Upcoming Films That I'm Dying To See!

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"


"There Will be Blood"

"Juno"

"The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"

"I'm Not There"

"Eastern Promises"

"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

"Before the Devil Knows Your Dead"

"Atonement"

MASTERPIECE, best work of 07 and beyond

“No Country for Old Men”
Starring: Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Kelly McDonald
4 stars out of 4

With “No Country for Old Men” the Coen Brothers have not only made the best film of 2007, but have crafted there best film as a whole, even surpassing there 1996 masterpiece “Fargo.” This film may solidify there spot as two of the greatest American directors working in the business, they made a few un-memorable films after “Fargo”, but have smoothly landed on there feet with this haunting and suspenseful work of art.

The film takes place in Texas in the 1980’s; the rural lands have been rid of ranchers and instead have been filled with drug runners. One day a good-ol boy named Llewelyn Moss played by Josh Brolin is hunting antelope near the Rio Grande; instead of catching game he stumbles upon a half dozen dead bodies and a drug deal gone wrong. He also finds 2 million in cash, and takes off with it. He makes the mistake of returning later that night to lend one of the wounded some much needed water, but this time there are men waiting for him, and the chase begins. Not only do the Mexicans want the money from him, but so does a psychopath named Anton Chigurgh played eerily by Javier Bardem, in an award winning performance. Chigurgh has his own motives, and will kill anything that comes between him and the money that Moss has. Moss is a savvy and knowledge welder who experienced two tours in Vietnam; he’s married to a younger girl named Carla-Jean played by British actress Kelly McDonald. Without giving too much away, the cat and mouse game that takes place between Chigurgh and Moss is brilliant, as soon as Moss stumbled upon the money he knew his life would change that instant, but he didn’t know the nature of what was chasing him. Javier Bardem has made his career in foreign, and independent films, this is truly his breakthrough performance. His character Anton Chigurgh may be the best villain to appear on screen since Anthony Hopkins played Hannibal Lector. Chigurgh’s character is invincible, psychopathic, and un-relentless all at the same time.

I haven’t even mentioned the performance turned in by the reliable veteran Tommy Lee Jones, who plays Sheriff Ed Tom Bell. Ed Tom is having a hard time fathoming the amounts of violence that are taking place, and can’t understand how it snuck up on him so fast, he comes from a family of cops, his father, and his grandfather were cops also. Tommy Lee Jones graces the screen in each of his scenes as he is always one step behind the doings of Moss and Chigurgh, he’s set to retire soon, as he feels out of place and out of time in this chaotic and violent world. All of the performances turned in are top notch, Brolin and Bardem don’t miss a note in there respective roles. After seeing the film, it was hard to get Bardem’s performance out of my head, extremely scary and chilling. “No Country for Old Men” isn’t for everyone; it’s truly for those who can appreciate the finer elements of film. The Coen Brothers do many things in this epic crime tale, but one thing they do not do is wrap everything up in a pretty bow for the audience at the end. There are many underlining themes that one must grasp in order to appreciate the film as a whole, themes of death, redemption, and fate just to name a few.

Even though the film season isn’t over yet, I can’t imagine seeing a better film the rest of the year, “No Country for Old Men” is as good as it gets, this is one film you don’t want to miss, as it reaches levels of philosophical commentary, and a vast meditation on violence and death. The effective use of cinematography in the lonely desert, the brilliant use of no score, only relying on sounds the characters create to build tension and suspense creates a Hitchcockian feel to much of the film. This movie is truly mind-blowing; it hits you right in the gut and doesn’t let up. I have heard many complaints of people saying they enjoyed the movie up until the ending, let me just say that I had no problem with it. This film was too deep to only see one time, I can’t wait to pick it apart and analyze more with repeated viewings. Javier Bardem has the statue in the bag for best supporting actor, and the film will be nominated for Best Picture, Director, Editing, Adapted Screenplay, and Cinematography.

Solid crime drama with great performances

“American Gangster”
Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejifor, Josh Brolin
3.5 stars out of 4

Ridley Scott’s “American Gangster” is the crime saga of two flawed and hard nosed men. Denzel Washington in a great performance plays Frank Lucas, the main distributor of Heroin in Harlem in the early 1970’s. Russell Crowe plays detective Richie Roberts, an honest cop, who is also a deadbeat father and husband. The whole film plays as an epic buildup until these two men collide. Scott directs with style, and gritty detail.
When Lucas was up and coming, he looked up to an older businessman who then died of natural causes. Lucas saw an opportunity to get ahead, and started his own business. He would fly to Bang Cock during Vietnam, buy 100 kilos of heroin and have it shipped to the U.S. through Vietnam caskets. From there Lucas would name the drug Blue Magic, and have his family help him organize his product. His right hand guy is his brother Huey, played by Ejifor, in a solid but plain role. Lucas stresses family, hard work, and sees himself as the definition of a true American.

“American Gangster” is supposed to be Denzel’s film, but Crowe has no problem stealing some of the much deserved attention. Both men dominate the screen more than anyone else, and when we see them at work its like watching two men in there actual real job. We believe Denzel as Frank Lucas, a smart and ambitious businessman who brings the best product to his people and neighborhood. Crowe as a by the book cop Richie Roberts, who stumbled upon $1 million in untraceable money and turned it into the cops, without even blinking. Roberts is looked down upon for doing the right thing, as most of the cops he knows are corrupt or crooked in some way, most notably Detective Trupo, played by Josh Brolin. Trupo is sleazy and arrogant and will find anyway to make sure he gets his handout from all the top guys, straight or crooked. Trupo sticks his nose into Lucas’ business demanding $10,000 on his doorstep on the first of each month; instead he gets a rooster in a cage and his fancy car blown up. This is how Lucas works, is orders are barked at him in a demanding and disrespectful way, he’ll come after you. Denzel plays this character with control, but we see his crazed psyche at times of frustration and anger. While Lucas stresses family, Roberts family life is completely out of whack, he sleeps with a different girl every night, and isn’t around for his kid, but he’s an honest and hard working cop, assigned to bring down the big sharks. He soon gathers a team of street smart guys who are tough and mean, and are likely to bring down Lucas.

The film is 2 hrs and 40 minutes in length, but doesn’t feel that long. We watch Lucas earn a name on the streets and build his empire from the ground up, he sells his product cheaply and gets rich, he owns the cops, and the mafia, and has the city by the balls. Meanwhile Richie and his crew are shaking everybody down to find out who in fact the big distributor in town is. When Roberts attends a real life Ali-Frazier fight dressed as a photographer, he notices Lucas having better seats than the main mafia guys, and even the corrupt Trupo. Roberts is a tough guy from Jersey who is as honest as they come, if its turning down bribes, he doesn’t care. Roberts’s character is just as important as Lucas’s

Director Ridley Scott comes close to a great crime epic, but ultimately falls short, he has a great cast but doesn’t use everyone to there fullest potential. Although I must say I did enjoy Josh Brolin as Detective Trupo, a true prick. There are a few rappers cast like Common and T.I. who don’t really do much, but just add there own gangster and hip hop vibe to the film, which doesn’t require any. The film has some great and stunning moments, but overall Scott falls short of greatness. The ending is a bit rushed and unpolished, and unsatisfying, those are just some of the minor flaws. Don’t get me wrong though, “American Gangster” is one of the best this year, and sure to be the best gangster movie of this year.

Another horror film undertaken by cliches

"30 Days of Night"
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston, Ben Foster
2 stars out of 4

Very recently someone sat in a room, and undeniably thought the success of graphic novels, in this case a scary graphic novel would translate to a solid big screen genre horror picture. This, however isn't the case. Most good horror movies have to establish characters we care for. I can say that I didn't care for 1 person in this movie.

"30 Days of Night" is about the northernmost town in Alaska, which sees night for 30 days, hence the title. The town of Barrow is home to a population only reaching the hundreds, among the population, we meet the local Sheriff Eben Oleson played by Hartnett, also his divorcee Stella played by Melissa George. Also a stranger to the town, played devilishly by Ben Foster, who looks dirty and slimy in almost every role that he's in. This stranger leads the ancient Vampires to the city as they arrive on ship. When the last sun goes down for a month, they will prey on the city. This is the story in a nutshell, pretty original huh? Quite the contrary, the film is filled with horror movie cliches, all of the remaining alive characters hide in attics, diners, anywhere to wait and buy time until the 30 days end. The film actually jumps from day 1-7-18-27.

The film has no good beginning, we don't even know where the vampires have come from, they have no backstory, all we know that is that they speak another language and make an annoying shrieking sound whenever they're mad. They're led by the actor Danny Huston, who is usually used in good films, I don't know what he saw in this script. Getting back to the cliches, the broken couple of Eben and Stella somehow start to love eachother again, I guess if vampires attack your town, it's the right medicine for any broken relationship. The vampires, of course are destroyed by any bright light, gun, the usual. It seems that there is actually enough light in the town during the blackout, but it doesn't hurt them one bit. This movie could have been better if nearly all of the town was pitch dark, making it more eerie, and haunting. No such happenings occur here, the characters run and drive through the snow, get in fights with eachother, and you guessed it, when one of them is bitten, they ask someone to "take them out." One has to wonder when Josh Hartnett is going to wise up and start accepting some good roles, he has appeared in this, and "The Black Dahlia" recently, two bombs.

I can't recommend "30 Days of Night" even for a mediocre Halloween film, it's bad writing, some bad acting, and un-original. Try passing out treats instead of spending $8 on this movie.

Emotional, and profound movie-going experience

“Into the Wild”
Starring: Emile Hirsch, William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Katherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Hal Halbrook, Jena Malone, Kristen Stewart
4 stars out of 4


“Into the Wild” is Sean Penn’s adaptation from the John Krakauer book of the same name. This film tells the true story of 22 year old Christopher Johnson McCandless, who at young age left behind all of his possessions, and donated his entire bank account of $24,000 to charity, while planning to hitchhike to Alaska and live in the wilderness. McCandless, a bright and young idealist, graduated from Emory University with a 3.7 GPA, and had plans to go to Harvard Law before he left for his epic journey.

McCandless is played magnificently by rising star Emile Hirsh who truly defines the phrase breakthrough performance for his role in this. McCandless, has had a rocky relationship with his parents Walt and Billie played by William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden. They are an upper class family who define themselves by possessions. Although they are hard working and good people, McCandless and his younger sister Carine played by Jena Malone understand where the parent’s flaws lie. In an early scene, McCandless rejects a graduation gift of a new car that they offer him; this among other things has set Chris over the edge.

While on the road, McCandless changes his name to Alexander Supertramp, abandons his car, and burns the rest of his money. In search of beauty, freedom, and independence, Chris encounters many interesting and friendly people on his journey. He meets Jan Burres played by Catherine Keener and her husband Rainey. They are hippies who move from place to place and basically live simple lives. McCandless appreciates there way of life, and becomes friends with them. They see him as a bright young man, who should contact his parents and let them know his whereabouts. This happens with most people that Chris meets, the others include a grain manufacturer played by Vince Vaughn, and an old lonely widower named Ron, played gently by Hal Halbrook, who gives a touching Oscar worthy performance as who has found a deep friendship with Chris. They all see themselves as surrogate parents in some way, and all wish the best for Chris.

McCandless works odd jobs, and gathers what money he can to prepare him for his great Alaskan adventure; he also canoes, camps, and catches any ride he can to get him to that moment. The moment of living in the wild, catching game, and being free. This is McCandless’ dream. The film shot beautifully by Sean Penn, is a tribute to the young McCandless and his aspirations. Penn also uses original songs by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam to enhance the journey that Chris is on. Vedder’s vocals contribute largely to this story. The character of McCandless is portrayed as having strong rifts with his parents, as he displays his frustration in many scenes, mainly his father who really can’t understand Chris’ motives. Carine McCandless who is closest with Chris, narrates the story, and tells of her families’ frustration and fear of what has happened to Chris, as he hasn’t contacted them in two years. They live in disbelief of what Chris has done, and just hope there son is safe.

As Chris finally arrives in Alaska, we fear of what may come to him, as he is very inexperienced in hunting, and living off in a remote location. His only shelter comes from a bus, that McCandless shelters himself in, which becomes a resting place for him near the end of his journey. Its hard to understand this character, is he brave, naïve, or just stupid. Viewers of this film can arrive at there own conclusion. This film is touching, emotional, and haunting. It’s a story of the road, and the pressures of one man to escape society and create his own utopia in the rough and unforgiving wilderness.

This film is emotionally draining, heartbreaking, and triumphant in telling this kids story, it’s my favorite movie of the year, and Sean Penn has crafted his own personal masterpiece with such passion and craft. “Into the Wild” is a film of substance, intelligence, and righteousness, a character study of the highest and most haunting magnitude. Also, listen for the original score by Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder, he composed original songs for the film, which feel like a character all themself. Best movie so far this year

Top 10 of 2007, so far.....

1.Zodiac- Epic and mesmerizing film, wonderful ensemble cast, and Fincher's best work since Fight Club. Didn't see it till it was released on DVD and still liked it this much. Haunting movie

2.Once- Small, small indie gem. Had to see this in Cleveland, probably won't see it again till DVD. Great music and acting. Feel good movie of the year

3.Gone Baby Gone- Great surprise, debut film for Ben Affleck. Strong Boston crime story with great performances by Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, and Amy Ryan. Saw this twice within a week

4.The Bourne Ultimatum- This movie kicked my ass, the best of the trilogy, and easily the best of the summer sequels

5.Michael Clayton-Smart legal thriller, with tight plot and great pacing. Good performances,should get Clooney nominated again.

6.Knocked Up- I am one of the few that enjoyed this more than Superbad. It's funnier and just an overall better film. The dialouge is witty, and with a lot of pop-culture references, and I love any movie with Paul Rudd.

7. 3:10 to Yuma-Even though I usually don't get attracted to Westerns, this one had a great effect on me, Russell Crowe and Christian Bale own the screen in this action drama directed by James Mangold. One of the years best.

8.28 Weeks Later-It's hard to make a good horror film, and even harder to make a good horror sequel. This film is intense as the zombie horror genre gets. Good acting, fast paced, and in your face. Loved it

9.In the Valley of Elah-One of the many Iraq movies to be released this fall, directed by Paul Haggis, tells the story of a broken down troop returning from Iraq, strong performance by Tommy Lee Jones

10.Rescue Dawn-Tiring and grueling experience from director Werner Herzog. Tells true story of Vietnam pilot Dieter Dengler played by Christian Bale, and his efforts to escape Vietcong prison camp.

Affleck's debut film impresses

"Gone Baby Gone"
Starring: Casey Afflek, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, Amy Ryan
3.5 stars out of 4

Actor turned director Ben Affleck, makes his directorial debut with the stunning, and gritty "Gone Baby Gone." The film, adapted by Dennis Lehane, who also wrote "Mystic River", tells the story of the dissapearence of a 4 year old girl, in the rough neighborhoods of Boston. Affleck who is originally from Boston, uses his memory of the streets, to create this gritty and tough film.

Not only does Affleck direct, but his younger brother Casey, plays the lead role of Patrick Kenzey a local boy with a feel for the neighborhood. This is a breakout role for Casey Affleck, who most will recognize as one of the Milloy brothers in the Oceans' movies. Patrick Kenzey is a neighborhood detective, who also has a girlfriend of the same occupation, she is Angie Gennaro, played by Michelle Monaghan. The two are called upon by locals to investigate the dissapearence of a 4 year old girl in the neighborhood. The girls mother, played by Amy Ryan, is a coke addict, and part drug mule who shows she has many problems of her own, nonetheless the dissapearence, and possible kidnapping of her young daughter.

Patrick and Angie are soon thrust deep into the case,and underbelly of Boston, as they shake down the neighborhood, and try to get information. The first hour plays like a police procedural, as the two join cops played by Ed Harris as Detective Remy Broussard, and his partner Nick Poole played by John Ashton. Morgan Freeman plays Jack Doyle, the local police chief, who years ago had his child abducted, and was soon found dead. Doyle has never recovered, and this is why he leads and created the department of missing persons.

Things get messy when a drug deal gone bad has some insight into the case. At certain times, its hard to tell where the film is going, but it all pays off and leaves the audience thinking well after the lights come up. The film deals with morals, whether your a cop, criminal, parent, etc. "Gone Baby Gone" is an intelligent thriller with solid acting, mainly from Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman. If you like films like "Mystic River",or last years "The Departed", you will enjoy this film. "Gone Baby Gone" is a violent, foul mouthed portrait of a neighborhood with many secrets, its being praised around the world by critics, and I can see why. Anyone loves a comeback story, Ben Affleck looks promising as a director, this is pretty impressive work for a debut film. Affleck has certainly washed the bad taste out of his mouth, from past bombs that he starred in. "Gone Baby Gone" is a great surprise this fall, and I can't wait to see it again.

A stunning legal drama

“Michael Clayton”
Starring: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack
3.5 stars out of 4

Let’s face it, Clooney is a genius at picking serious roles, and making them work well with his persona. This time around Clooney plays Michael Clayton, an in house “fixer” or janitor as he calls it, for one of the biggest law firms in New York. Clayton is the guy who shows up at your house after a hit and run and tells you what to do. He’s also burnt out, in debt, and divorced. He has minimal relations with his two brothers, one a cop and one a black sheep druggie.

But the film isn’t all about Clayton, it’s about the world we live in, corporate corruption, greed, and crime, when many head honchos turn away from to save there own name in today’s world. Clayton has steered clear of this sort of thing, until he gets submerged into it physically. One of his good friends, Arthur Edens (Wilkinson) who is an attorney for Clooney’s company, goes bonkers at a crucial meeting; he strips down and starts speaking gibberish. Although this is part of his manic depressant psyche, Clayton begins to sense some truth to what Edens is trying to say. Edens has had an epiphany of sorts. One which realizes that the firm is he defending, U/North is covering up a weed killer they manufactured which killed many families. It’s up to Clayton to get him on track, and to not sabotage the case.

The film is a top notch thriller, with a superb cast, consisting of Tilda Swinton, a litigator for U/North, who hires two spies to keep tabs on Eden and his unusual behavior; she is a monster in a suit, showing her true colors when she tries her hardest cover up the truth about the case. Also, Sydney Pollack, the co-founder of Clayton’s firm, who tries to make sense of it all, along with Clayton. The film is not easy to follow; we start of at one point, and then go back to 4 days prior, slowly and anxiously piecing together the parts of this superb drama, directed by Tony Gilroy, who wrote the Bourne franchise. This is like that in small ways, the dialogue is sharp, and it’s a thinking film first of all. While the film may move at a slow pace, fans of this genre and of the plot will enjoy every second of it.

This is definitely not a run of the mill thriller, if you like films like “Syriana” or are a fan of John Grisham, this is your movie, expect this is better than any of the Grisham movies. Clooney takes command of the screen, and demands attention. What is fascinating about his character is that we meet him at a hard time in his life, and we see how handles pressure when the chips are stacked against him. “Michael Clayton” comes alive on screen, as it makes you believe in modern day heroes, Clooney breathes life into this entire film, and doesn’t look back for one second.

Elah is a powerful, sobering experience

"In the Valley of Elah"

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon, Jason Patric,Josh Brolin

3.5 stars out of 4

Either you love Paul Haggis or you hate him, but one cant deny that he will always have something to say when it comes to his directorial efforts. Many either hated, or loved his previous Oscar winning film "Crash." I myself, loved it, and thought it was the best movie of 2005. Haggis presents his 2nd directorial effort with Elah. The story is based on a real life event that appeared in Playboy magazine a few years back, Haggis had read it, and couldnt shake it.

Now, its his story to tell, and its one of the most emotionally draining films I have seen in some time. The story is about Mike Deerfield, a soldier returning home from Iraq, after going AWOL, his body appears mutilated along side a dusty road in New Mexico. His father Hank, played by Tommy Lee Jones is out to find out what happend, and why. Hank soon enlists the help of Detective Emily Sanders (Theron) for help in figuring out Mike's death, but her department wants nothing to do with the case, as there seems to be jurisdiction issues with the Army. Sanders' character rings true, she doesn't take the case because she feels bad for Hank, just because she feels its the right thing to do, as she pressures her superiors played by Jason Patric and Josh Brolin to give her some leeway with the investigation.

Hank is a career military man, although he is retired and living quietly at home in Tennessee with his wife played by Sarandon , he can't help but investigate every aspect of the case, most notably, he tries to make sense of unclear media videos on Mike's phone that were taken during Mike's stint in Iraq. Hank is looking for the truth, but mainly looking for closure that can bring he and his wife to peace, if that is even possible. There are many powerful scenes in the film, most of them come from Hank's blank face in many scenes. Tommy Lee Jones' superb acting comes from silence, not dialogue. Most of Elah is like this, its a sobering film about post-tramautic stress of soldiers returning home from War. While many critics have stamped this as another attempt for Haggis to preach of an anti-war statement, I believe the film demonstrates a fathers love for his son, and it also raises questions about what turns these soldiers into what they are when they return home.

Elah is one of the many films being released about the War in Iraq, and whether or not audiences are ready for it, these are important films. Elah is succesful in its storytelling, acting, most notably by Tommy Lee Jones, and Charlize Theron. Tommy Lee Jones plays basically the same character in every movie, someone tracking someone down, or looking for the truth, this may be his best and most subtle performance of his career, he has a great shot of being nominated here. The wrinkles on his aged face show pain and confusion throughout the movie. This reminds me of Clint Eastwood's performance in "Million Dollar Baby", which also got him nominated. Haggis is doing great things behind the camera these days, and I expect it to continue . Elah askes great questions upon its audience and shouldn't be ignored, this film is as timely as it gets.

A Western with action and brains

“3:10 to Yuma”
Starring: Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Peter Fonda, Gretchen Mol, Ben Foster
3.5 stars out of 4


The Western genre hasn’t reached audiences on the level that it has in the past, but James Mangold’s “3:10 to Yuma” may change that. Mangold who is recognized for “Walk the Line”, has crafted a smart, and thinking man’s Western, that kind where there is a hero, and a villain, and the struggle between the two.

The story takes place in Arizona, a few years after the Civil War; Christian Bale’s character Dan tends a ranch, while having much trouble paying the mortgage. Evans, who fought in the Civil War and lost a leg, also deals with the fact that his kids don’t really look up to him or see him as anything special. There is a key scene mid-way through the film where Evans displays his frustration about this subject to his wife, played by Gretchen Mol.

On the other side of the law, there is outlaw Ben Wade, played by the consistent Russell Crowe. Wade and his crew of outlaws are famous for killing and stealing money from the railroad crews that carry money. Crowe is as fast with his gun as he is with his witty dialogue. As the plot moves on, Wade is imprisoned and is sentenced to be hung; he first must be escorted on the train leaving Yuma at 3:10, hence the title.

Dan Evans volunteers, along with a few other men to bring Wade to the train, in return he’ll receive a handsome payment of $200, more than enough to pay off his property. The film is filled with enough action, to satisfy any viewer, but the thing that struck a chord with me was the psychological aspect of the film that was displayed between the protagonist of Christian Bale and the antagonist of Russell Crowe. Each has an agenda, and is willing to complete it by any means. We see Ben Wade as a criminal, but as an intelligent man that recites the bible, and recognizes that Evans has no business being apart of the crew escorting him, he should be at home taking care of his family.

The film is one of the best of the year for several reasons. Crowe and Bale are the worth the admission alone, along with a strong supporting performance from the young Ben Foster, who plays one of Wade’s fiery henchman. Also, the cinematography is breathtaking, as director Mangold perfectly captures the Western atmosphere, with his set pieces and costume design. The Western genre is certainly re-established with these solid films, which hopefully will attract viewers due to the star-studded cast.

Both leading men do fine work, as Bale continues his streak of impressive performances; he is the most dynamic leading men in Hollywood today. Crowe is also very good, as he is the leading man, with more dialogue and more of a presence on screen. Mangold certainly knows how to portray the Western frontier on the big screen, and he achieves his goal with “3:10 to Yuma”

Bale's performance excels Rescue Dawn from average to a solid film

“Rescue Dawn”
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies
3 stars out of 4


Christian Bale earns another notch on his acting belt, as he plays imprisoned pilot Dieter Dengler who was shot down during a pre-Vietnam mission. Dengler was German born, and the whole movie shows his escape from the Vietcong that are holding him and a few others prisoner, in there cruel camp.

The director of the film is Werner Herzog, who previously directed the documentary “Little Dieter Needs to Fly”, a story also about Dengler’s epic fight for survival. This film is shot mostly in the POW camp, and in the hot jungle, Herzog’s camera captures every sense of tension, and desperation felt by these characters, especially the superstar Bale who turns in another meaty role that should demand Oscar attention.

It was supposed to be a basic mission, flying over Laos, and dropping bombs on enemy supply lines, instead Dieter is shot down, dragged through the jungle and introduced to his home in a small hut with a few other prisoners, played by Zahn and Davies, both with long hair, and grown out beards. Also Davies, who obviously lost much weight for this role, to show the hunger and starvation these people endured.

The story is strictly a human one; not a war movie by any means. The characters grow insane, as the psychology of there situation comes crashing down on them as the days pass, Dieter, remains sharp, and hopeful that when the first rain comes over the hot jungle, they can escape and fight of the Vietcong. Bale is fascinating as his character remains intact during this grueling and enduring experience. Herzog’s cinematography pays close attention to the jungle surroundings and climate that are much of an imprisonment, as the Vietcong. One character says “the jungle is the enemy.”

I wanted to like the film better, I wish I could have cared for the characters more, although I definitely felt the peril of Dengler’s escape, I wanted a little more. We never find out how long he was actually there, or what happened to the other prisoners. I respect and admire the film for its performances, mainly Bale’s and Zahn’s, also, Herzog’s camera work and setting were depression and beautiful at the same time.

Killer Aptitude

“The Bourne Ultimatum”
Starring: Matt Damon, David Strathairn, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles, Paddy Considine
3.5 stars out of 4


The Jason Bourne series enters its third installment, with the pressure of going for a 3 peat of successful films, which are hard to come by these days, with most summer threequels succumbing to unsuccessful installments, the Bourne series bursts through the screen with relentless action, and scope.

Director Paul Greengrass, who helmed only the 2nd installment (Bourne Supremacy), proves he is worthy to helm this franchise further, if required. The film opens with Jason Bourne, once again on the run from foreign officials, while stile seeking out his identity. Bourne played amazingly by Damon, is still in a state of alienation, and despair, as he cannot face what he has done, which is a trained killer, who cannot face or remember his past. In this installment, Bourne finally seeks out his beginning and who was behind his blurred past.

The film introduces David Strathairn as a government official who is behind project Blackbriar, a project which would follow in Treadstone’s paths. Straithairn comes into disagreement with Pamela Tandy (Allen) on whether Bourne should be killed, or rather explained his past to him. Both actors are solid in there respective parts. Bourne is lured out of hiding to contact a journalist named Simon Ross (Paddy Considine), who has been following his story. Throughout his research, Ross has gathered valuable information about Bourne and Treadstone, which trained him.

I haven’t appreciated the previous installments until now; Ultimatum is a fierce thriller with pulsating action scenes, good acting, and wide scope, ranging from Russia, Italy, Spain, the US, and other locations, just like the previous installments. Jason Bourne’s character, while quiet, and not given a lot of dialogue is truly a special character, we learn more from him with looks, than when he is talking.

If the film is disliked by some, it will be due to fast camera movement, which is essential to showing the chaos of an action scene, or the fast paced traveling of the characters. This if the best action film of the summer, and easily the best of the summer sequels. These very well could be the films that define the spy-genre in years to come. Much is credit to Greengrass and his frantic pacing and urge to push the audience over the edge with chase scenes, action, and the Government being driven crazy by not being able to stop this freak of nature named Jason Bourne. I would advise people to obviously check out Bourne Identity, and Supremacy, a lot of the film talks about occurrences in both.

The film is not only a great summer film, but one of the best movies of the year, with its smarts, acting, and fast paced nature, the “Bourne Ultimatum” provides all of the thrills any movie-goer could wish for.

Best of 07 so far.

“Zodiac”
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox, Elias Kites, Chloe Sevigny, Phillip Baker Hall
4 stars out of 4


David Fincher’s most profound work happens to be the best film of 2007 as of late July, having not seen the film in theatres, the DVD purchase was well worth it, as I recognize “Zodiac” as a masterpiece. The film spans the killings and the investigation of the Zodiac killer for decades, through the perspectives of several characters.

Fincher has a knack for dark material; this is the man who directed “Seven” and “Fight Club”. With “Zodiac”, Fincher doesn’t dwell on dark material, he leaves the audience with some of there own ideas and views on the subjects, and how much or how little it affects them. The film is dense in running time, information, and plot. Some viewers may find the pacing too slow, or dull, but it’s just right.

There are a lot of names, places, and information to digest, making the film all the more fun to keep up with, although I knew the outcome of the story, it took away nothing from my viewing. If you unfamiliar with what the story is about, here is a quick overview. A serial killer in the San Francisco Bay Area taunts police with his letters and cryptic messages. We follow the investigators and reporters in this lightly fictionalized account of the true 1970's case as they search for the murderer, becoming obsessed with the case. Based on Robert Graysmith’s book, the movie's focus is the lives and careers of the detectives and newspaper people.

Graysmith is played by the popular Jake Gyllenhaal, who is awarded points for a dead on portrayal of someone whose life is taken over by this investigation. Graysmith is a cartoonist for the San Francisco chronicle, who is on the outskirts of the case, but pays close attention, as his newspaper is the one the Zodiac killer writes too. Covering the case is writer Paul Avary, played by Downey Jr, with a solid role as a drunken reporter, with a big ego. Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Edwards play detectives constantly on the case, searching for answers themselves. Along the way we meet Brian Cox’s character, a psychiatrist who the Zodiac seeks help from, a handwriting specialist, played by Philip Baker Hall, and many more cops, witnesses, and familiar faces that lay out this perfect cast of dozens.

This is truly mature work for Fincher, who hasn’t had a homerun per say with the critics. Although the film didn’t make much at theatres, collecting only 30 million, on an 80 million dollar budget, the critics recognized it for its directing, cinematography, and editing. Although the performances are good, none of them are meaty enough to snag any nominations.

The Zodiac case is truly unremarkable, so much evidence, insight, and thousands of opinions about the killer all being compiled into this near 3 hour movie, which isn’t boring for a second. While some people may find the ending abrupt, I find it perfect, topping off a remarkable film.

Paper thin script saved by mindlblowing CGI

“Transformers”

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Dumahel, Tyrese Gibson, John Voight
3 stars out of 4


Director Michael Bay is known for only 1 thing, either messing up movies, or creating arresting visual effects. Here with his latest film, he manages to become a decent storyteller, but not the greatest; he has a long way to go. But hey, the special effects and Shia LaBeouf save the movie.

“Transformers” is everything you could want, its big, loud, noisy, there are dozens of explosions, along with annoying fast paced editing that gives you a headache, but director Bay succeeds in luring us in and enjoying this 144 minute thrill and action ride. Many have awaited this release, since following the story as kids or on TV, the story is simple. Robots from another plant have come to earth to reclaim a powerful tool that will give them much power, there that is it in a nutshell. The good robots, which are called autobots, have been at war with the decepticons, led by Megatron, who is cryogenically frozen and under close guard by a secret classified government unit. If you not familiar with the material, and all the names, this comes as confusing at first, but I found my rooting, and realize there was no actual plot, just a lot of confusion on the government’s part once the transformers reach Earth.

The film plays between action and comedy; there is little drama in this big summer blockbuster. Bay needs to excel as a storyteller to grow some directing chops. But, Bay is successful in doing what he does best, CGI, CGI, and did I mention CGI? That’s right, there is enough effects in this film to explore in probably 3 viewings, but once again, Bay’s ultra-quick editing confuse the viewers into what is actually going on at times, but we still enjoy it.

Up and coming superstar Shia LaBeouf earns his star power here, playing Sam Witwicky, a junior in high school trying to earn enough to get his own car and impress the girl of his dreams, played by the uber-gorgeous Megan Fox. We follow a few storylines until they all merge near the end, on is Sam’s discovery that his car is a transformer, another is the characters of Duhamel and Tyrese in the Middle East desert fighting off a transformer, and one following the Secretary of Defense played by John Voight. The whole military and government is baffled over what is going on with the arrival of these robots, as the decepticons have only come to earth for the cube, which is the key to overall rule.

LaBeouf and his sexy female co-star easily have the most accessible storyline, playing into Sam’s family, a lot of jokes come out of this, also we care for these 2 characters more than anyone else. Bay should have used this kind of storytelling with the rest of the film; instead it plays like a jumbled fiasco. There is also screen time devoted to John Turturro’s crazy government character, who knows a little more than he should.

While this review may sounds negative, I can assure you that there won’t be a more entertaining film this summer, this is it right here. The entire 200 million dollar budget is put to use, and is easily seen on the screen. The transformers come to life with flair, and excitement as director Bay pushes the envelope once again and makes the audience feel young again watching this summer action flick on steroids, that is what this is. Pure, big and in charge entertainment, that plays exceptionally at well at theatres than at home. This is the best popcorn flick this year.

Good thriller with great acting

“1408”
Starring: John Cusack, Samuel L Jackson, Mary McCormack
3 stars out of 4


Too many horror films these days fall flat on there face, usually in the first 30 minutes, due to lack of story, acting, or directing. With “1408” director Mikael Hafstrom creates a film with tension, scares, and exceptional acting from its leading man. Based of a Stephen King short story, the film revolves around haunted house guru, and supernatural writer Mike Enslin. As research for his latest book, Enslin is determined to check out the notorious room 1408 in a New York City hotel by personally staying as a guest in the fabled room.

When Mike Enslin's (John Cusack ) daughter died , he became obsessed with the paranormal , particularly the ' other side '. After years of being a paranormal writer & investigator, he has found - nothing. Mike is ready to give up his search for evidence of the paranormal. Until he hears of a possible subject for his new book - Room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel, New York City. Mike is determined to prove that the rumors surrounding the room are fakes by staying in the room himself. He cannot be dissuaded by anyone , even the hotel manager Mr. Olin ( Samuel L Jackson ) , tries to warn him off , but Mike is having none of it. That is until Room 1408 shows him its true colors ... and its many horrors

The film is shifty and creative in the ways of horrifying Enslin, the scares are totally surprising, as well as what ends up happening. Most of the film takes places in the room, making the viewer feel claustrophobic like Enslin, who also becomes disoriented when he starts seeing visions of his dead daughter. Cusack is what makes this film; he is so believable in this role that he really makes the script come alive, and the audiences believe. Most of the characters are minor, as Jackson playing the manager, and Mary McCormack as Enslin’s wife.

This is really good for a PG-13 thriller, the script was smart, without being to over the top, while the acting was also good. If your looking for an under the radar summer film, check out “1408” and enjoy the ride.

Apatow strikes gold again

“Knocked Up”
Starring: Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann
3.5 stars out of 4


Director-Writer Judd Apatow is now on the short list of comedic genius’s working today in Hollywood. Apatow’s debut film “The 40 year old Virgin” provided audiences last summer with many laughs, while the film also received great reviews for its originality and substance. This time around Apatow centers his film on a one night stand gone completely wrong, the effect is a stoner and a career driven women coming together to make it work, and figuring out things about themselves in this brilliant comedy that is even funnier the 2nd time around.

Seth Rogen, plays Ben Stone, a stoner who lives with 4 of his buddies who are all working on a website devoted to movie stars and there specific nude scenes in the movies they appear in. Ben is not your usual hunk, hes overweight, jobless, but sometimes charming. Katherine Heigl plays Alison Scott, who is rising in the ranks of her job on the E! Channel. When Alison is out celebrating her promotion with her older sister Debbie, she encounters Ben; they dance, drink, and wind up back at her place when Ben’s miscommunication leads him to not using a condom and conceiving his future child.

The next day Alison realizes how drunk she actually was and feels disgusted for having sex with this naked man snoring in her bed. Ben offers to take here to breakfast, where they make short conversation, and that is the last that they see each other. 8 weeks later, Alison finds herself throwing up and realizes she is pregnant with Ben’s child. The film is smart in making us appreciate and like these characters right from the start, that we immediately find that whatever happens will be hilarious.

Another key aspect of the film is how Alison accepts Ben for not his looks, but as a man trying his best to support her at times, and be interested in all the pre-baby shopping/activities. Its fun to see Alison taking a liking into this comedic genius played by Seth Rogen, who is ultimately climbing the ladder with every role, he plays. Rogen and his buddies make the film; they are up to date on all pop culture, which is key in making fun of each other, among other things. Also the film is very up to date with the modern world, “Spiderman 3” is mentioned 3 times, also Alison sister insists on her kids goggling everything. While the film will draw heavy comparisons to “The 40 year old Virgin” for its disgusting jokes, crude humor, and foul language, I must say that both films are huge successes when its comes to Apatow’s talent for comedy and relationships.

Paul Rudd, who plays Debbie’s wife Pete, is also very funny; he plays the sarcastic bored husband to a tee. Rudd is a hidden gem among working actors, he recently said in an Entertainment Weekly article that he likes to be under the radar, and not that popular, Rudd has appeared in such films like “Clueless”, “Anchorman”, and “The 40 year old Virgin.” It’s only appropriate that I dedicate a whole paragraph to this man, because he and his wife Debbie, played by Leslie Mann propel this comedy further along with the rest of the cast. It’s amazing how charming and downright hilarious this film allows itself to be. Some of the humor is hard to recognize, because the script talks about other movies and people that some people may not pick up on, but Apatow is clearly in the know of what makes audiences laugh for 2 hrs and 15 minutes.

Apatow also balances the film to actually make it good, other than just funny and amusing, Heigl brings freshness to young female actors, while the rest of Apatow’s cast is just running throw the motions in making this film great. I cant say enough about the chemistry of the cast, and the classic dialogue, trips to Vegas, sex scenes, and busting a man at a fantasy baseball draft have never been funnier. Kudos to Apatow, keep up the good work.

Russell's performance propels "Waitress"

"Waitress"
Starring: Keri Russell, Nathan Fillon, Jeremy Sisto
3 stars out of 4

Any restaurant movie usually uses the jokes and crude mannerisms of the servers and kitchen staff to amuse the audience. "Waitress", is in a whole other league. This is a small film, coming from director Adrienne Shelly, who died before her fine film got released.

Most of the film takes place in Joe's Pie Diner, a small little miracle of a place that boasts a fine pie menu, and an even pie maker. Keri Russell plays Jenna, a depressed 30 something who escapes her daily miseries by dreaming of new and creative pies to make, these scenes are always refreshing. Russell is an absolute wonder in this tiny film, her husband Earl played by the sometimes underated Jeremy Sisto is controlling and unaware of Jenna's depression, and need to run away to escape her un-satisfying life.

Jenna soon realizes she is pregnant, "It must have been that one night Earl got me drunk", she says. She is un-easy about her demanding boss Kal finding out, that only her close friends know. Her friends Dawn and Betty have there own male problems themselves. Betty is cheating on her husband, and Betty is dating a man that makes up poems for her on the spot, there relationship stemmed from a 5 minute date.

Jenna's prenancy is un-wanted, but she tells her new doctor she will keep it. The charming Nathon Fillon plays Dr.Pomatter, new in town, Pommatter takes an immediate liking in Jenna. They began an affair which leads to weekly checkups, and sneaking around, these scenes are played out comically, rather than dramatically, which helps the story. I cant forget to mention Andy Griffiths role as diner owner Joe, a fiesty old-timer who wants his meals prepared to perfection. He also gives comedic insight into Jenna's overstuffed life. Both characters are important to eachother, leading to a surprise later in the film.

"Waitress" worked for me in several cases, the acting by Keri Russell is phenominal, much of the dialogue and situations are humorous on a certain respectable and southern level, also the film is unique with its basic plot, and charming characters. While I had a hard time loving the film, I respected it for its originality and charm. Its really a solid film that will grow from word of mouth, this a was little suprise I didn't see coming. Keri Russell's role is proff that this girl can act, if this movie came out later in the year, I feel her performance could be nomination worthy.

Ocean's 13 delivers on style and cleverness

“Oceans 13”
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Al Pacino
3 stars out of 4


The whole gang is back in Steven Soderburgh’s third heist installment. This time around the gang is interested in revenge, not money. When one of there guys Rueben (Elliot Gould) is muscled out of his share on an up and coming Casino run by Willie Bank (Pacino) the boys decide they will get back at him by ruining his grand opening which will inevitably close the casino.

Oceans 11 was a solid caper film, one of the best, Oceans 12 was another thing, pretty much an inside joke between the director and the cast, the audience at times was left out on many of the jokes. Soderburgh his tightened some ends up and has gotten back to the feel and style of Oceans 11. This film is fun, very entertaining, and great to look at, as the heist moves back to Vegas.

Its fun to see Al Pacino back and looking great as he plays the villain, Willie Bank is fixated on establishing great casinos and earning the prestigious 5 diamond award which honors the best casino/hotel. While Bank could have been more menacing of a villain, he is still upstaged and confused when the shit hits the fans, also we believe him as this semi-villain, I liked the performance.

While Rueben is hospitalized and glued to a bed, the gang tries to devise a way to rig all of the major table games to sabotage Bank’s grand opening. Not only that, but they are funded by there arch nemesis Terry Benedict (Garcia) who also wants them to steal diamonds from Bank’s previous 5 diamond award.

While all of this is going on, the audience is thrown back into the Vegas style and scheme, the cast is brilliant, and seeing the crew go through all of there resources to make this caper happen is absolutely genius. The writing is better this time, and the audience is rewarded. Many characters from 11, and 12 are back which makes it all the more fun. There is also a funny subplot involving David Paymers character, the 5 diamond judge who Bank is hoping will award him the prize once again, his is put through hell, as the crew make sure his experience at the casino is terrible.

Lets get to Clooney, Pitt, and Damon, all stylish as ever, proving these movies will never feel boring and dull to them, sure Soderburgh cut out a lot of the jokes, and antics of 12, but we still love this crew talking about the heist. Much of the originality of 11 is back, making the characters enjoyable. The film has a lot of twists, which I will not spoil, all I can say is that Oceans 13 surpasses the rest of the summer sequels so far, and Soderburgh has created a fine heist trilogy with excellent actors, settings, dialogue, and wit.

28 weeks is easily a great summer sequel

"28 Weeks Later"

Starring: Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, Mackintosh Muggleton, Imogen Potts, Harold Perrineau.

3 and a half stars out of 4

Danny Boyle had more than revived the Zombie horror flick in "28 days later", now with a similar plot and wider scop, Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo not only makes a good sequel, but fills the screen with devastating images that keep the audience involved throughout.

28 weeks after the previous installment, Britain has hopes of maintaining itself in hopes of re-populating itself, and get back to normal living. This film is shown through the eyes of many people, a father (Carlyle) and his 2 kids ,(Muggleton and Potts) the US military mostly portrayed by a sniper and pilot, played by Jeremy Renner from Swat and Harold Perrineau from Lost. The film populates itself with enough scares, and viscious intensity that is hard to turn away from. The editing and camera work may come as annoying for some, but it just adds to the confusion and overall madness of the film. A few plot points lead to a another breakout which causes even more disruption this time around, as a code red is issued and eventually EVERYONE must be killed.

The film takes several views and mixes them exceptionally well, the task of an emotionally struggling family, and the views and scenarios of the highly skeptical US military and there involvement on this issue. Each film, has underlying political tones, which make them even the more smarter and intelligent. While not a lot of dialogue, the audience is always entranced in this violent, and unbelieveable situation that extends beyond danger.

The cast is drenched in blood, and thats all that we know off them, the family has a past that the audience knows about, but other than that, most of the characters are who we are when we meet them, and that is fine. Robert Carlyle is disturning as the caring father, turned uber-zombie hunting down his kids, Jeremy Renner is the sniper with a heart, who acknowledges his task of helping the kids whose blood may be special in creating a vaccine for the rage virus. Most of the situatuons are creative, making way for fresh ideas in a sequel many saw pointless before its release. With excellent pacing, a gripping soundtrack, and many suprises, "28 Weeks Later" proves special, and equal to its predecessor.

3.21 Greatest Hits

LOST

Lost: Season 3

Episode 21

Flashback: Charlie Pace

Plot:"Greatest Hits" was the 21st episode of Season 3, and was originally broadcast on May 16, 2007. When Desmond has another one of his flashes, Charlie is forced to come to terms with the notion that he may have to die to ensure everyone else's rescue. Meanwhile, Jack formulates a plan to combat the Others when they arrive the next day, but complications arise. This episode is notably unusual as it features a non-centric Others flashback scene (6 hours from the present) unrelated to Charlie.

Flashback: Charlie recalls the events and times of his life that he is most proud of, hence the title, "Greatest Hits." Many of the events are widespread, ranging from his first swimming lesson with his father, saving a girl from being mugged, who turns out to be Sayid's old girlfriend Nadia, receiving a ring from his brother Liam, hearing himself on the radio, and meeting Claire for the first time.

Real Time Events: Charlie learns of a new vision of Desmonds, which requires him to swim down to a new underwater hatch called "The Looking Glass" and turn of a switch will lead to the castaways being saved, and Charlies demise. Also Jack devises a plan for when the others come to raid the beach, dynamite which was secured by Danielle, will be placed in 3 tents, and will be looked upon by 3 shooters, Bernard, Sayid, and Jin.

Rating: Awful, Poor, Okay, Great, Awesome

While not much happens in this episode, we get the feel of season 1 episode, where strong acting and character development take place. Clearly this episode wants to be smooth leading up to the long-awaited finale.

Lost season finale leaked!

A source knows as "lostfan108" has apparently breached abc security, and in the midsts has gotten ahold of the scipts for the last two episodes of season 3. lostfan108 had sent out his story to various website, one being the uber geeky and exciting site "aintitcoolnews.com". That site has taken down there story on the finale which leads me to believe what has been leaked is ultimately true. A blog entitled DarkUFO has also received much of the information, as the blog is dedicated to all LOST info, including episode spoilers, and rumors. There has been much controvery leaked onto a LOST internet community who are eager to call this spoiler as it is , or claim it as a huge hoax, and what some may call it, a "FOLIER" (fake spoiler). I guess time can only tell, writers Damon Lindeloff and Carlton Cuse have spoken all season about the finale will include a massive game-changer that will stun all of the audience that the hit show has produced since 2004.

Most notably, the "game-changer" is included in lostfan108's spoiler of the finale, as he also includes more information about various important topics. I will post them below this, but DO NOT READ IF YOU DO WANT TO SPOILED. At this time, I am 80% certain that these rumors and speculation will turn out correct. I must note that while much of what I am about to post should and probably will happen, lostfan108 wasnt clear on explaining and examining the whole episode, his mission was clearly to spoil all of the very important things. SO DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!









Spoilers.....
-Lost sees visions of Walt!, yes Walt will return to save John Locke from the burial put, and advise him on killing Naomi. We will see if this is true

-5 supposed deaths will occur
1. Naomi
2. Mikael(0ther)
3. Charlie
4. Tom(other)
5. Pryce(other)

-Major confrontation will occur between John Locke and Jack/ Losties will split into 2 groups, each group being led by Locke or Jack .

-Major Spoiler and the "game-changer"
-Since the episode will entail Jack's flashback, we will see a much darker side to him, heavy drinking, suicidal thoughts, medication, a much more depressed Jack to say the least.

-He will be trying to reach someone through his flashbacks, someone very close to him, also he will attend a funeral for someone who has deeply effected his life. Near the end or at the end of the flashback, the person he has been trying to reach turns out to be none other than KATE AUSTIN, he tells her they much go back to the Island, she supposedly drives away, and the flashback we have been shown the whole episode turns out to be a flash-forward!!!!!!!!

-Well there it is folks, lost fans will be bickering back and forth over this supposed game-changer for months after the season is over, is the right move for the show? We will see, as Lindeloff clearly changes gears here with this move. I must say again, that much more stuff happens in the finale, and hopefully, HOPEFULLY, all of this is a giant hoax...... tune in May 23, at 9pm for the finale on ABC!

Weakest part of trilogy fizzles throughout

“Spiderman 3”
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Bryce Dallas Howard, Topher Grace, J.K. Simmons
2.5 stars out of 4


Sam Raimi has crafted two of the best comic book movies in the previous sequels to “Spiderman 3.” With this blockbuster brewing and brewing since the end of part 2, spidey fans and movie-goers have been craving this third part, hoping it would surpass the superb quality and writing of the 2nd installment. This fails on all parts , its weak in writing, also filled with many clichés’ and stuffed with a 20 minutes too long run time, and many characters.

Tobey Maguire has grown as an actor in the past, but looks like he isn’t having the usual fun he portrays with this character, he seems bored, and the audience notices it. Not only that but Kirsten Dunst sung twice in the movie, not a good idea. Along with Parker looking to advance his relationship with MJ, he has more villains, problems, and an underwhelming black suit to deal with.

The character of the Sandman (Church) is a convict on the run before he actually falls into a fusion experiment that turns him into a sand monster. Yes, it’s that unconvincing and goofy, the script throws in the fact that he’s a good guy and he just needs money to save his daughter from sickness. Topher Grace plays the rival photographer of Peter Parker, his character Eddie Brock dates the gorgeous but irrelevant Gwen Stacy (Howard) who was also in the Village. I didn’t mind Brock’s character, but as he soon as he turned into Venom, I didn’t buy his creepiness.

The film has many flaws, one being the copout of Harry Osborne getting amnesia and forgetting his plot to avenge his fathers’ death against Spiderman. James Franco plays him with pure innocence when under amnesia, Osborne is not this nice. We get the routine whiny scenes from MJ after she gets fired from her Broadway acting gig, who seeks support from Peter who is too busy relishing the fact that New York loves Spiderman.

By the end of the movie, I felt tired, un-satisfied, and kind of mad. The story has come so far since the original Spiderman, and we are given this underdeveloped mess that runs over 2 and half hours. The set designs and special effects are all top notch, but they obviously can’t save this movie. Yes the acting is alright, and we get some laughs from J.K Simmons, who plays Peter’s boss, but there isn’t enough substance in this overblown production. Although Raimi throws everything at the audience, that shouldn’t make a movie, I cared less about the characters the third time around, which made the first two installments so enjoyable.

While Maguire has said that he will not return for a 4th, it’s probably a good decision. This movie will make millions and millions, but the fact shouldn’t be hidden that Raimi tried to hard to make this special. O well, I’m already looking forward to Batman next summer.

Decent buddy film that could have been great

“Reign Over Me”
Starring: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Liv Tyler, Jada Pinkett Smith, Donald Sutherland, Saffron Burrows
3 stars out of 4


Mike Binder uses a handheld camera, a refreshed but still wounded New York as his setting, and a great cast to create a film that knows what it wants to do, but has a very hard time doing it. “Reign over me” is actually a fine film until certain plot points take place, it stands on its own as buddy comedy, a serious drama, and basically as a nice piece of filmmaking that isn’t based of a comic book, or any of the usual releases in the recent months.


The story gears around two buddies who re-connect well into there lives; one of them is Alan Johnson (Cheadle) who has a loving family and his own dentist practice. He seems like a man pleasured by the simple things in life like an affectionate wife and two children. Johnson seems to be needed some extra breathing room to fulfill hobbies and just to get away for a couple of hours from routine home life. He runs into his college roommate Charlie Fineman (Sandler) who he went to dental school with. Charlie rides on a scooter around town at all hours and hasn’t the faintest idea who Alan is. The story follows them re-connecting, enjoying old music, going to Mel Brooks’ marathons, and playing a video game that Charlie is way into.


The scenes in which they are involved are subtle at times and we can see these two share chemistry. All is well and both men are re-opening themselves and having fun until Alan brings up Charles’s family who died in one of the planes in 9/11. Charlie has repressed all memories of his family and wishes to not even remember them, or acknowledge their existence at a time. This is a problem for both the men who wish to help each other. Alan enjoys spending countless hours squandering the city and getting lost in conversations but realizes at the end of the day that Charlie is hurting. Charlie enjoys Alan’s company as his only friend and after one blowup at Alan’s office; Charlie is so embarrassed by his actions that he offers Charlie a million dollars of his government insurance from his family’s death.

Most of the acting is good, as Jada Pinkett Smith turns in a nice role as Alan’s wife; Liv Tyler plays a psychiatrist looking to break into Charlie’s troubles. There is also a small subplot involving one of Johnson’s patients, played by the beautiful Saffron Burrows who just got out of her marriage and is looking for more than a friendship role in Alan’s life, as she consistently offers him oral sex.

After some of the feel good moments during the first half of the movie, and the strong acting, Sandlers character begins to feel forced, and eventually spins out of control at certain times. Many aren’t used to seeing Sandler in a serious role, he proves again here he can handle the weight, but he will never top his dramatic turn in “Punch Drunk Love.”
“Reign over Me” is a consistent look into the daily lives of several New Yorkers, some with more troubles than the next, I liked it for its convincing dialogue and for the honest scenes with Cheadle and Sandler, I wanted to like the film a lot more, but in the end it just ends up being a decent movie that needed more of a push, and less of that Sandler character that breaks everything and screams.

The audience is supposed to care so much for Charlie’s habit of avoiding his past, and shutting off certain parts of his life and memory that we eventually end up caring more about Alan’s troubles, although not at serious as Charlie’s, they feel more refreshing and grounded. By the end we don’t know whether Charlie will turn out alright, although things seem headed in the right direction, his character is so off key that anything could happen.