The Class (rental)

The Class
Grade: B+

The Class, which won the top prize in Cannes back in 2008 has eluded me for some time. Now, thanks to Netflix, I was finally able to catch it. Here's a film showing the dynamics between teacher and students in a inner city school if France. Most, if not all of the film takes place in a classroom, halls, or the playground.

The film manages to humanize its students and the main teacher without showing any of them outside of the class. It's a strong film that rightfully belongs in the canon of great teacher-student films. Strong performances from non-actors add to the documentary feel that the film provides. Much of the dialogue stems from banter back and forth in the class. The interactions, emotions, and tiny nuances are what define the film.

Damon is a one man show in The Informant!

"The Informant!"
Starring: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Melanie Lynskey, Joel McHale
Grade: B

Matt Damon has never been better, starring as true life whistle blower Mark Whitacre. A doughy Damon, packed on 30 pounds, sported a ridiculous wig, and grew what looked like an uncomfortable mustache to portray Whitacre, a big shot who worked for a lysine developing company called ADM.

The film, directed by auteur Steven Soderbergh is breezy, fun, and a little confusing at first, but reveals its layers gradually due to its solid script written by Scott. Z Burns. The film starts in Decatur, Illinois where we are introduced to the simple world of Whitacre, one that will surely be changed and be flipped on its head throughout the film. He's nearing a position in upper management at his company, until the FBI come sniffing around and use Whitacre as a mole to uncover price-fixing and corporate kick-back schemes. All of this is very detailed, and amusing, as the audience shakes their head the whole time at what transpires.

The Informant is an odd little film, filled with 70's spy music, and a loopy performance by Damon that should remind film-goers that he is truly an A-lister, one who never receives enough credit. Do yourself a favor, picture the action star in the Bourne films, and then go see this movie, Damon transforms himself. Whitacre narrates most of the film, quietly offering his commentary on not so important things, its mainly just him... talking.

The film is cast well, but its Damon's film from beginning to end. Rounding out the cast are Scott Bakula, in a nice supporting role, and Joel McHale from TV's "The Soup," both of whom play FBI agents who monitor Whitacre throughout the film. Melanie Lynskey plays Whitacre's confused and disapproving wife Ginger, and several other familiar faces pop in and out of the film as well.

For amusing laughs, and an original twist on the spy genre, "The Informant!" offers plenty to admire, and to chuckle about. One can tell that Soderbergh and Damon had fun making this film which was shot in only 30 days. This film could have been portrayed many ways, but Soderbergh and his writer were spot on in making this a comedic vehicle for Damon to cruise along with.

Note: This review first appeared in The Jambar.

Art house horror by Lars von Trier

"Antichrist"
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg
Grade: B+

To call Danish film-maker Lars von Trier a maverick at this point in his career would be a monumental understatement. I remain speechless after I have viewed his latest effort, a film that left audiences and critics flabbergasted at this years Cannes film festival. There were booes, cheers, and even reports of audience members throwing up during the film.

Now that months have passed and the film has shifted into a limbo of sorts, it now makes its way around the festival circuit until its eventual release in late October. A film which will probably only garner attention from art-house theaters has only helped its cause with all of the criticism and banter stemming from Cannes.

The narrative is pretty straightforward, a grieving couple played by Dafoe and Gainsbourg head to a cabin in the woods called "Eden" to grieve the loss of their young son. We see his death in the stunningly beautiful black and white prologue that serves as one of the haunting bookends to the film. From what I've seen of von Trier's work, this may be his best shot film. Shot by Oscar winning DP Anthony Dod Mantle, Antichrist includes stunning visuals to accompany a bleak vision from von Trier who may have crafted his darkest film yet.

Dafoe and Gainsborgh's characters only called he and she, have made this journey into the woods to heal and call attention to the fears of Gainsbourg's emotionally unstable, and rightfully so character. Dafoe plays a therapist who tries to map out his wife's frustration and fears, while in the surroundings of nature, and specifically the idea of the nature of humans and women, a theme that von Trier touches on throughout the film.

The couples experience goes from bad to worse, to say anymore would cheat the audience. Most reviews that came after the Cannes viewing, revealed way too much about the film and its grisly tone. Plot details in a von Trier movie are irrelevant, its the visceral experience that must be felt. This film for me doesn't fall in any genre, it looks to be marketed as a horror film, but it will disappoint those who know about the film, or nothing about von Trier, who has said he made this film while in a deep depression.

The film deals with heavy themes, and symbolic tones are sprinkled throughout. The performances must be mentioned, as Dafoe and Gainsborgh are forces that have exposed themselves to an unmatched extent in this film. While the future remains murky for this film, it will not be forgotten, von Trier has reached to the depths of despair to craft an unforgettable experience.

Sugar (rental)

"Sugar"
Starring: Algenis Perez Soto
Grade: B

Sugar is a modest little indie from the writing/directing team of Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who also made Half Nelson back in 2006. Sugar is an insightful film that recognizes the struggles of young baseball prospects from such places as the Dominican Republic, and their integration into American life and culture. The film does a solid job of sidestepping cliches and formulas by creating its own personal atmosphere as we follow the main character, Miguel "Sugar" Santos from the start.

While most of the film is in Spanish, any sports lover should respect the storytelling, and love for the past time that Boden and Fleck honor. Sugar goes in a direction I wasn't expecting, but once it happens, you'll realize its the only place the story could have went.

Updated grades on all 09' films seen

1. Inglorious Basterds: A-
2. Up: A-
3. District 9: A-

4. Moon: B+
5. The Hurt Locker: B+
6. Adventureland: B+
7. Star Trek: B+
8. Drag Me to Hell: B+

9. Watchmen: B
10. (500) Days of Summer: B
11. Two Lovers: B
12. Public Enemies: B
13. Funny People: B
14. I Love You, Man: B
15. Bruno: B-

16. The Hangover: C-
17. Terminator: Salvation: D+
18. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: D

QT's "Basterds" ends Summer on high note

"Inglorious Basterds"
Starring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Melanie Laurent, Eli Roth, B.J Novak, Diane Kruger, Mike Myers, Michael Fassbender
Grade: A-

Now that I've seen Tarantino's newest flick twice, I can give an honest and detailed review of its genius and audacity. Basterds has been Tarantino's dream for years, its part WWII, part film-noir, part spaghetti western. Tarantino has made his oddest film yet, a mix-mash of genre's that trusts itself more as a foreign "talkie," than it does an action film.

The film stars Brad Pitt, as Tennessean Lt. Aldo Raine. He commands a group of Jewish soldiers to each collect him 100 Nazi scalps, and in the process, make the Germans aware of the sadistic "Basterds" and there violent ways. Pitt sports an odd mustache and accent that turns his character into complete cartoon fashion, this being the only way Tarantino would have it.

QT blends narratives in a convincing way that would have the basterds story on one end, and the story of Shosanna Dreyfus, a Jew who witnessed the brutal murder of her family by Col. Hans Landa, played so matter a fact by actor Christoph Waltz, that Tarantino would have scrapped the film if Waltz couldn't do it. Waltz has probably turned in the year's best overall performance so far, already winning best actor at the Cannes film festival. His Hans Landa character is as sinister as he is charming. Many will hear his name in the coming months, during awards season.

The plot of the film goes as follows. Shosanna, having previously escaped the death grip of Landa, now runs a theater in France where a young actor/solider and director choose to show a film where all the Nazi high command and Third Reich will be in attendance. Shosanna seeks revenge, while the basterds aren't far behind, how will this all end? In a Tarantino film, anything is possible, and the film proves to the best of its abilities, that Tarantino is back in full form, pulling no punches.

The cast is filled with familiar faces, most of which turn in solid work, a few names to call attention to are Michael Fassbender as a former film critic and ally to the basterdes , Diane Kruger as double-agent/successful actress, and Melanie Laurent as Shosanna. Some detractors have said the film is without emotion, and drags along. Yes, the film is rooted in long, festering dialogue that goes on maybe a little too long, but get over it. Almost every scene serves its purpose, and in the end, Basterds is a better film for wearing its heart on its sleeve. It knows it's self-indulgent, QT knows hes borrowing from other films, but it's filled with signature touches that are sprinkled successfully throughout the film.

One may ask , where does this film rank in QT's filmography. It's definitely no match for Pulp Fiction, I liked it better than Reservoir Dogs and Jackie Brown, and if Kill Bill was actually one movie instead of two, I'd probably prefer Kill Bill. So I'll take Basterds over Kill Bill Vol. 1, but its probably a wash with Vol. 2.

Is this a new beginning for Tarantino? I'm not sure where he goes next, but he still possesses excellent storytelling techniques, remains a great eye for talent, and has re-claimed his status as a successful auteur in modern film-making.

District 9 is suprise hit of the Summer

"District 9"
Starring: Sharlto Copley
Grade: A-

Not only is District 9 a last ditch shot of adrenaline for a disappointing popcorn season; but its also a smart and layered thinking film that provides plenty of thrills and insight. The story must be told how this small baby came to be. Director Peter Jackson was looking to produce a Halo movie based on the popular video game, it was very close to happening, until studio disagreements got in the way off what could have been a cash cow. Instead, Jackson along with a man who never made a feature film,created the idea for District 9, which was based off a short film similar in story to District 9.

Director Neill Blomkamp, is the man behind the biggest surprise of the summer, and maybe the year. He has crafted a smart sci-fi movie, that doesn't leave action junkies out in the cold. The film starts with a faux-documentary along with interviews telling of an alien spaceship that stalled out in the sky over Johannesburg, South Africa two decades ago. When the government finally cut into the craft, they found hundreds of malnourished aliens. The aliens were soon transported out of the craft and segregated into District 9, a holding place for alien refugees.

The creatures, called "Prawns" by humans, are looked down upon by the whole population they live among. They've learned to adapt by trading with local gangs who take advantage of them. This must be hard to picture, but the world that Blomkamp creates is as close to real as it gets.

The first 45 minutes are something to rave about, as the film slowly but intensely fills the viewer in on the affects of this situation on the aliens and the humans. We also meet a government worker named Wikus. Wikus played by untrained actor Sharlto Copley, is a revelation. Wikus is an office drone who works for MNU (Multi-National United) an organization that manufactures weapons, and has taken an interest in the aliens advanced technology. This organization has put Sharlto in charge of evicting the aliens from District 9, where they will then be segregated into another, much harsher zone.

The film presents a twist soon there after that I will not go into, only to say that the audience views Wikus in a diffrent light throughout the rest of the film. His character is rich in the fact that he clearly has a metamorphosis as a character. The film asks important questions, but in an un-manipulative way. For those thinking this is only an action film, guess again.

With a budget of only $30 million, District 9 is a marvel to behold in every way. It doesn't break ground as far as the sci-fi genre goes, but it pulls no punches, believes in itself, and isn't afraid to have fun, even in the last 45 minutes, where some critics thought the film got away from itself. Not this one, the last shot is a heartbreaking as it is hopeful

Apatow matures, but it comes with a price

"Funny People"
Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman
Grade: B

Judd Apatow's third feature film is unquestionably his most mature film to date, and also his longest. Funny People is in fact funny; with good acting, and a sincere story, the film sails along for the first 90 minutes as a solid comedy/drama. Once it hits the last hour, the wheels on this train fall apart.

One thing that saves the film is Adam Sandler, who delivers his best role since Punch Drunk Love back in 2003. Sandler plays George Simmons, a successful comedian/actor who lives all alone in a mansion. At the beginning of the film, Simmons learns that he has a terminal illness. He doesn't have any close friends, until he takes Ira Wright, played by Rogen, under his wing as his opening act and close friend. This relationship builds the first 90 minutes into something special. Sandler and Rogen's chemistry quickly win over the audience as we watch them do stand-up and such. Ira lives with two other guys played by Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman, both of whom have roles roles in an NBC sitcom called "Yo Teach," hopefully you get the idea.

Ira is the only one that Simmons confides in. George is lonely, doesn't see his family much, and has regrets about the one that got away, Laura, played by Apatow's real life wife Leslie Mann. We get glimpses of her character early on, but the film loses it's steam once Simmons tries to win her back.

Back to the performances, Sandler shows range and subtlety in a nice performance for those who doubt his ability. Rogen is good, even if he plays different types of the same character over again, hes likable once again. I prefer Leslie Mann's work in Knocked Up over this, miscast maybe? Eric Bana plays Clarke, Mann's Australian husband. In what could have been a throwaway role, Bana actually isn't bad. I won't ruin the cameos, or mention how many times dicks and penis's are talked about.

Most of Funny People is pretty funny, the film shot by Janusz Kaminski has a clean and glossy look, the film being shot in LA also doesn't hurt. Apatow's self-indulgence aside, this film could have been something really great and personal until the script takes a 180 with an hour to go. The film runs at a tiring 150 minutes, with much editing to be desired. I say it all the time, but there's a real good film hidden in here somewhere. It's hard to say if the good outweighed the bad, but I enjoyed all the performances, especially the chemistry between Sandler and Rogen.

Bigelows Hurt Locker sizzles with truth and intensity

"The Hurt Locker"
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse
Grade: B+

Not only does Katherine Bigelow prove that a woman can do a mans job, but she finally makes a successful Iraq War film. After many of the genres predecessors have failed, In the Valley of Elah, Lions for Lambs, etc, this film doesn't preach as much as the previous films did. The Hurt Locker is a small film, and one can't help admire its rawness and intensity

A few stars are also made in this film. Jeremy Renner who some may know from 28 Weeks Later and The Assassination of Jesse James, plays William James, a bomb defuser in Baghdad circa 2004. He's the leader of an elite squad that faces danger every day. The film opens with a quote that stresses the addiction of war and how its a drug. Renner's character is the poster boy for this quote.

William James is teamed with Sandborn, played by the underrated Mackie, and up and comer Geraghty. This trio fills the film, as we see these men in everyday action and danger. Screenwriter Mark Boal could have added more depth and development to the characters, but I'm not so sure thats what Bigelow wanted to stress. The film plays in a 38 day period, counting down the days until this squad's service is finished. They go on mission after mission, find a bomb, defuse it, live to talk about it. This is how much of the film is played out, but the audience and Bigelow's keen direction enhances what could have been a very episodic and tedious film.

Thrills are a plenty, as James grazes near death many times. The film also presents not one clear enemy, the city of Baghdad is one and of itself as these bombs could have come from anyone, anywhere. Danger surrounds the film at every turn. Bigelow is most successful in creating a vivid time and place, her atmospheric choices mold the story throughout.

Many have lauded The Hurt Locker as a shoe-in for a best picture nomination now the field has grown to 10. The film is building slowly, with the studio waiting to expand the film more and more in the coming weeks. The more I think about the film, the more I like it, it just wasn't the masterpiece I was expecting. Seek the film for a pure cinematic experience, also keep an eye out for 3-4 star cameos. Something tells me I would like the film better upon a second viewing.

(500) Days is solid, but not groundbreaking

(500) Days of Summer
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel
Grade: B

In a Summer filled with loud explosions and disappointing popcorn films, its nice to see a creative rom-com come away and lift you off of your feet. The two leads share plenty of chemistry, and have small quirks that come across as real instead of written in. The beginning of the film warns us, this isn't a love story. We follow 500 days in a relationship with highs and lows, good days and bad, whimsical dance numbers, and heartbreak.

Godon-Levitt plays Tom, a greeting card writer who is an architect at heart, he works in an office where its likely to go out with your co-workers and sing embarrassing karaoke once a week. He has two friends, who could have been funnier, but are serviceable enough in the film. One day he meets Summer, a classy, unique, and beautiful girl that Tom knows is the one. Summer is played by Zooey Deschanel, a woman waiting to break out, and this film will only help her cause. Summer doesn't believe in love, fate, or any of the hopeless romantic musings of Tom.

The film adds an original gimmick from the start, it jumps skips through the days of there relationship in non-sequential order, hence the title. Picture "21 Grams" as a romantic comedy, and (500) Days of Summer is what you get. The gimmick works in the films favor, it has the audience consistently on its toes wondering how the couple will pan out in the end.

Director Marc Webb has crafted a fine film, but 500 Days would rather settle for cute and charming rather than smart and organic. It's been labeled as a light-hearted "Eternal Sunshine," or a new age Annie Hall. 500 Days is none of those in the end, as it kindly overstays its welcome. I was never bored, but I wanted more.

Moon breathes fresh air into sci-fi genre

"Moon"
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey
Grade: B+

Moon is the invention of first time filmmaker Duncan Jones, son of legend David Bowie. Jones along with uber-underrated actor Sam Rockwell create an involving and brainy sci-fi thriller that had me held in its cold and lonely trance for 95 minutes. Jones supposedly shot the film for a meager $7 million, throwing actor Rockwell into the films isolated set design set in space.

The beginning narration informs us of Lunar Industries, a company that has a man named Sam Bell (Rockwell) on a moon mining base to harvest helium-3, an all important fuel that provides the Earth with energy. The film picks up as Bell is doing his last 2 weeks of a 3 year contract. He has no contact with Earth, except for recording videos sent to his family, he's beyond lonely, and is starting to see things. His only companion is an artificial intelligence computer named Gerty, voiced by Kevin Spacey. Gerty shows his emotions through sad or happy faces on his own screen,

One day Sam goes out to check on something outside of his base, he finds someone mysterious and brings him back to the base. Sam doesn't know where the man came from or who he is. I won't give anything else away. The film raises many interesting questions, the script may have small flaws, but for the most part it holds steady. Rockwell gives an amazing emotional performance of an isolated man seeking companionship and meaning.

The set design is noteworthy. The base has a cold smugness to it; Jones' atmosphere is what keeps the film interesting, along with the haunting score from composer Clint Mansell. The whole film rests on Rockwell's shoulders, and he proves he is a valuable leading man. Jones may not provide anything original or new to the genre, but the script unfolds in refreshing and interesting ways.

Moon is no masterpiece, but is easily better than any Summer blockbuster playing right now. Duncan Jones is certainly someone to keep any eye on. A fresh new director who adds depth to a recent lackluster genre. Jones clearly has nods and wink-winks to past sci-fi films, but Moon is more than enough to hold him credible for now.

Public Enemies looks great but doesn't feel great

"Public Enemies"
Starring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotilliard, Billy Crudup
Grade: B

If I'm right about Public Enemies, most Michael Mann enthusiasts will agree that it's up step up from his last film Miami Vice. However, Enemies isn't the knockout that was Heat, Collateral, and The Insider. Enemies is a depression era epic in which the beginnings of the FBI are mirrored with the golden age of bank robbers. A strong cast leads this glamorous and glassy tale of fame, crime, and justice.

Depp has the charisma to play any role, the act this time is legendary bank robber John Dillinger. The film opens as Dillinger is busting his fellows out of an Iowa prison. Dillinger asn't much depth to him, but Depp's star power alone is what makes the character breathe life. On the other side of the coin is straight arrow agent Melvin Purvis who has been assigned to take down Dillinger personally by J.Edger Hoover, who was the pioneer of the FBI. Hoover is played in a showy, but solid role by Billy Crudup. Bale brings the focus and cold gaze to Purvis, creating an aware and honest character.

Michal Mann has gone fully digital this time around, creating a muddled, but beautiful picture. His aesthetic is one that will cause debate among critics and audiences, but it helps the film more than it hurts it. No complaints here. Mann not only re-creates an era, but his attention to detail in astonishing.

Marion Cotilliard plays the Billy Frechette, Dillinger's love interest who must keep thinking to herself why she remains with this criminal. Cotilliard is a star in the making, and holds her own in every scene. The film justifiably lags when she is off-screen. Her chemistry with Depp is crucial to buying their attraction to each other.

The era in which the film takes place resembles the down-trodden times us Americans are in now. Mann's commentary is light, but with notice. He litters the film with at least 15-20 noticeable actors that audiences will recognize from films past and present. Most notable are Stephen Dorff, David Wenham, Giovani Ribisi, and others. Most of whom are entwined with Dillinger.

While the film does have its highs and lows, its painful to say that the highs are few and far between. For every breathtaking action set piece, there is a lag in the narrative. The pacing is fine enough to not distract us, but its noticeable at times. The most obvious aspect of the story is its semi-flawed script. I wasn't enthralled or nearly as interested as I thought I would be at certain points. Mann's technical grace is all well and good, but doesn't hide the scripts faults. The film reminds me in a lot of ways of Ridley Scott's American Gangster. An epic crime story that had nothing memorable about it. Enemies and Gangster lack the dramatics of films like Heat, or even Collateral.

After months pass, Public Enemies will be remembered as a film not as good as the sum of its parts. Mann has clearly made a solid picture, but the buck stops at a mid-level script, no matter how good the directing is.

Raimi's return to horror

"Drag Me to Hell
Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer
Grade: B+

Not only is Drag Me to Hell a great bounce back for director Sam Raimi after the dreadful Spider-Man 3, it's also good to see a scary movie that scares. Raimi's past directorial efforts prior to the Spider-Man series were campy horror flicks like the Evil Dead and Darkman. With his latest film, Raimi breathes some life into the genre with this spook a minute tale of gypsy's, demons, spirits, etc.

Alison Lohman who most will know from Big Fish and Matchstick Men plays Christine Brown, a loan officer with a pretty normal life. She's successful at her job, and is dating Clay, who is maybe to good of a guy, played by Justin Long (the Mac guy). One day Christine evicts an old women from her house, mostly in attempt to show her boss played by David Paymer that she can make tough decisions in hopes of getting the assistant manager position. Soon Christine's world is turned upside down, shes cursed by the old women/gypsy, and evil spirits will visit her for three days, on the third day she will be brought to hell unless she can stop it.

While the premise sounds over the top, and not that interesting, I beg to differ. The movie tries to have fun with the viewer, and it succeeds on almost every level. It's loud film with jumps a plenty. This movie has characters puking up insects, coughing up blood, along with many supernatural things that are more than entertaining.

Alison Lohman is the perfect non A-list actress to pull this role of. She has a natural vulnerability that makes the audience care. Justin Long is convincing enough as her boyfriend and Psychology professor. They have a good on-screen chemistry together, which doesn't hurt the movie either.

I haven't seen Raimi's past horror films, but I bet there were a few wink-wink homages to his other films in this. The movie succeeds as being unpredictable for the most part, and total fun for 95 minutes. It's a shame the film will probably only match it's $50 million budget, and not exceed it. For quick thrills, and un-matched fun, nothing stands toe to toe with Drag Me to Hell.

The tiring mess that is "The Hangover"

"The Hangover"
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham
Grade: C-

Todd Phillips had proved pretty reliable for making raunchy comedies that appeal to wide audiences. He usually casts his films appropriately with a likable cast that the audience will love. This is not the case with Phillips' latest adult-comedy. The cast of unfamiliar faces, save for Bradley Cooper, are unappealing and not fun to watch.

I feel I'll be in the extreme minority by saying this film is mediocre at best. It has all the formulaic plot twists and predictability that restrains it from being something truly funny. The familiar plot goes like this, four guys shove off to Vegas for the weekend in hopes of showing their friend Doug the time of his life before his wedding. The group of guys couldn't be any more un-original. Bradley Cooper plays Phil, the asshole of the group, Ed Helms plays Stu, the soon to be engaged, play it safe guy, Zach Galifianakis plays Alan, the step-brother to Doug, and overall wierdo/creep, and Justin Bartha who plays Doug, who is in the movie for maybe 20 minutes.

The movie is 90 minutes of these guys tracing their steps around Vegas to try to find Doug, figure out what to do with a lost baby, and many other things that would take up the next paragraph trying to describe. I guess it sounds like I really hate this movie, I didn't hate it as much as I was letdown by it. I laughed a few times early on, but the whole middle was a long stretch of "I've seen this seen many times in other movies."

"The Hangover" has a made a killing at the box-office, and a sequel is on the way, I can't even imagine what the movie will be about, but I assume it will also make good money. The movie does make a star out of the Alan character, and the actor that plays him. Zach Galifianakis is the next Danny McBride, Seth Rogen, or even John Belushi.

Phillips does a fine job directing, the performances are there, but the characters are cardboard when it comes to being original. The movie jumps from one episode to another, I swear this could have played out better if it was a TV show. Each episode could visit each place these guys visit, yes it's that tiresome. Mike Tyson is the only redeeming quality, he provides a decent cameo and a few laughs as well.

"The Hangover" wont be the best comedy of the Summer, and maybe not of the month. See it if you must, since I'm sure it will be the talk of the town until the next Transformers comes out.

Oh OH!, the credits should never be the funniest part of the movie.

Pixar delivers the goods once again

"Up"
Starring: Edward Ashner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai
Grade: A-

The best movie of the year so far is a heartfelt and entertaining film from Disney Pixar, no big surprise here. Last year the studio released Wall-E, the film got rave reviews and many felt it should have been nominated for best picture. With "Up," the studio once again proves that their films are filled with as much quality and substance as most mainstream films.

The story is about loss, coming of age, friendship, and a journey. The main character is 78 year old Carl Fredrickson, he's a crusty old man who has no patience and little understanding of the world changing around him. We see in a perfect opening credit sequence the love he had for his now deceased wife Ellie. They lived a happy life and always wanted to travel and seek out adventures in South America. They never got their chance due to different reasons, after many years together, Ellie died. Carl's street is now being torn apart for tanning salons and technology stores way beyond Carl's understanding. He meets a young boy scout named Russell who he initially despises due to Russell's willingness.

The story ends up following Carl and Russell as Carl's ties his house to thousands of balloons. There is no where left to go for Carl expect one last adventure in Ellie's name. Russell troubles him early with his nagging and persistence, but Carl eventually warms up to the lonely youngster who has troubles of his own.

On their journey, they encounter storms, animals, past heroes from Carl's past, and life-lessons that will serve them well in time. "Up" is a touching film with some tender and quiet moments that adults can identity with. The kids will enjoy the hilarious birds, dogs, as well as the touching relationship between Russell and Carl. The film has nearly flawless pacing, and incredible exotic images and beauty throughout. Director Pete Doctor, who also did "Monsters Inc," has done a fine job representing himself and Pixar with this home-run hit that will be the delight of the Summer.

Salvation isn't enough to care about

"Terminator: Salvation"
Starring: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin
Grade: D+

The first two Terminators were successful because they followed the following principles: 1. Make your audience care about the characters. 2. Show the audience jaw-dropping effects and action. The latest Terminator just wants to follow the second rule and abandon the first.

Director McG who helmed both "Charlies Angels", and "We Are Marshall," would seem like a decent enough film-maker to director this series re-boot. The man can blow stuff up real good, but the question going into the film was whether he could add humanity and worth to the characters. The answer is hell no, and the film suffers for it.

The story follows the origin of "The Resistance," which is led by John Connor (Bale). The resistance fighters are dead set on infiltrating the computer network Skynet, and putting an end to the machines reign for good. The story also introduces us to new and unique machines that eww and aww the audience.

Upcoming breakthrough actor Sam Worthington plays Marcus Wright. We follow this man throughout the film wondering if hes human or machine. After his re-awakening from being cryogenically frozen, he bumps into Kyle Reese (Yelchin). Reese as we all know is Conner father, the man sent to protect Linda Hamilton in T1. After the audience is caught up with most of the mythology of the previous films, they can concentrate on the actual story, or lack there of. The plot is lazy, watered down, and boring. The characters either aligned with Conner or Wright, walk around, fight, talk, then do the same, something in a different order.

Bale's character shares the screen with Worthington's, who I preferred in this movie. Bale is still saying his lines with a Batman tone, and not sounding human at all. Worthington shows great potential, but the script here doesn't support either men. There are several other characters, none worth caring about.

The action and effects save this movie from being an all out disaster. McG can shoot action, but lacks in directing actors. The pacing is also shallow and without inspiration. Going into the film, I sure didn't expect much, but throughout I kept shaking my head at the dialogue, the plot devices, and the one-dimensional characters. Skip Terminator and see Star Trek again.

Star Trek re-boot will please fans and non-fans

"Star Trek"
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Karl Urban, Zoe Zaldana, Bruce Greenwood, Eric Bana
Grade: B+

J.J. Abrams sure knows how to excite audiences nationwide. Not only has he created the sci-fi phenomenon known as LOST, but Abrams also had a hand in last years Cloverfield. Now, Abrams has directed a faithful re-boot to the global phenomenon that has dominated modern television for decades.

Abrams' cast is young and sexy, and oh yeah, they can act. Chris Pine plays the cocky and devil may care Kirk, whose father died while saving lives during a 12-second stint as Captain while Kirk was being born. The film opens with this stunning scene, quickly giving the viewer some humanity in the story. For every Kirk, one needs a Spock, who is played by Zachary Quinto, who plays the uber-villain Sylar on Heroes. Quinto and Pine's chemistry is a solid foundation for the future of this franchise. Both have enough charisma to make us care.

The plot, which is a tad muddled at times, follows the origins of Kirk and Spock and their eventual roles as Enterprise leaders. Eric Bana, who has leading man ability, plays the villain Nero, in an un-recognizable role. Nero creates an alternate time line in the beginning of the film, something that clearly has repercussions for Spock and his family. While most of the film is dedicated to character growth, there is no shortage of action sequences and thrills.

Throughout the film, a certain smile kept sneaking up on me as I was caught up in this awesome world. I had no familiarity with this story, and its characters, and now I can't wait to see this franchise take off. In a summer of many sequels, pre-quels and re-boots, Star Trek should take the cake in terms of caring more about characters than explosions, this is a good thing. I dare you to go into this movie with low expectations, I dare you.

Watchmen proves to be very polarizing

"Watchmen"
Starring: Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, Malin Ackerman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Carla Gugino, Matthew Goode
Grade: B/B+

There is a scene in "Watchmen" in which a blue character named Dr.Manhattan flees to Mars to escape the follies and madness of New York, circa 1985. While on Mars, he narrates his existence and how he came to be Dr.Manhattan. His human name was Jonathan Osterman. When he was transformed due to an untimely experiment, he gained superpowers and could basically control anything he wanted to. This character is so out of touch with existence and society, that he reminds me of many audience members who will visit this movie and feel out of touch with it.

"Watchmen" written by Alan Moore in 1986, it tells of an alternate America where Nixon is in his fifth term as President, and Cold War paranoia has taken a hold of Americans. Superheroes are also banned, stemming from The Keene Act that Nixon also executed.

At the beginning of the film, a man named Eddie Blake, or The Comedian, is thrown out of his apartment window as his body splatters all over the pavement below. This death is important to a masked vigilante and misanthrope named Rorschach, pronounced "Roar-Shack" . We hear from his journal entries and narration that Rorschach is fed up with society and it's ugliness, much like the character of Travis Bickle from "Taxi Driver." Roarschach was a former member of "The Watchmen," a group of superheroes who protected New York from crime, he believes whoever killed Blake will come after the rest of the retired Watchmen and do the same.

The rest of the cast is rounded out surprisingly well, save for a few people. Billy Crudup plays Dr.Manhattan, a man who can control space, time, and pretty much everything else. Patrick Wilson plays Dan Drieberg, or The Nite Owl. Malin Ackerman plays Silk Spectre II, the daughter of Silk Spectre I, played by Carla Gugino. Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays The Comedian, and Matthew Goode as Adrian Veidt, or Ozymandias. Remembering these characters for newcomers to the story will be quite the task, one of the many that film presents.

We learn through the opening montage that starting in the 40's there was a superhero group that came before the Watchmen, called the "Minutemen." We also see true U.S. events that have been fictionalized to set up the mood of the story. The opening credits are tuned to Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A Changing," one of the many soundtrack choices that director Zack Snyder chose to use, some succeed, some fail.

For newcomers to this material, the story and the way its presented will seem foreign and out of place. For readers of the novel, they will be able to pick parts of the movie that have transitioned perfectly from the novel, and those that haven't worked as well. For one thing, the ending has been changed, Fan-Boys have looked down upon this, but Snyder made it work to an extent.

The visual effects are all superb, Snyder once again uses slo-mo as he did in "300," but in this film it works better. The fights and action sequences are all choreographed pretty well, and Snyder takes all of the big moments from the novel, and pays them respect.

The art design creates a seedy New York, much like ones depicted in "Seven," and "Blade Runner." New York seems like a grim metropolis, instead of an upbeat city. Some of the makeup doesn't work so well, Silk Spectre I and Richard Nixon are poorly conceived and look almost like caricatures.

Most of this review has been positive, I will now speak of the stuff I wasn't so happy about. First of all, the film is 160 minutes. Some may complain that this is too long, but Snyder needed every minute of that to adapt this story the way it should be. There are some parts that fell flat, including the relationship between Dan and Laurie, which is a pretty important part of the book. Some of the song choices were awful, including Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," and Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower," they just didn't fit with the scene. The pacing was off to, some scenes felt rushed, or too slow, Snyder could improve in that department.

To the acting. Jackie Early Haley and Billy Crudup were easily the best, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan now far behind. Haley plays the perfect outsider who wishes pain of anyone who crosses his path. Crudup plays the stoic and emotionally detached Dr.Manhattan who can't give Laurie the companionship she needs, his origin/back story, is worth the price of admission alone. Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays the maniacal Comedian to a tee, rough around the edges and brutal, The Comedian really gets under your skin. Patrick Wilson and Matthew Goode were just average in my opinion. Wilson is supposed to play the character the audience can most relate with, but most of the time we don't care about him. Goode is average, with his better scenes coming towards the end. Malin Ackerman turns in the worst performance of the movie, she looks as if she's reading of cards in all of her scenes. She portrays no emotion in the scenes that audience are supposed to be invested in.

In "Watchmen," the good segments outweigh the bad resulting in a solid comic book adaptation. The first hour had my hopes up, but the rest was sub-par. All in all, "Watchmen," should please readers of the novel, and hopefully those who haven't read it. It's truly an ambitious film that surpasses other comic book films in terms of scope and originality, that reason alone is worth seeing it again and dissecting it even more.

Final Oscar Predictions

Best Picture

An extremely average year for film in my opinion. 2007 left me in awe over and over again. 3 films from 2007 are probably in my top 10 of the decade, yes the decade. But anyways, back to 08, of all the five nominated, "Slumdog Millionaire" makes the most sense to win. It's uplifting, and its themes are universal. This film has won basically every precursor possible, and the Oscar is the last thing standing in it ways.

Prediction: Slumdog Millionaire
Preference: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Director

The academy made one of its many mistakes by not nominating Christopher Nolan for "The Dark Knight," instead they let in Stephen Daldry for "The Reader." This is also another easy category to predict, look for Danny Boyle to win the best directing award right before Slumdog wins best picture

Prediction: Danny Boyle
Preference: David Fincher

Best Actor

This is where things get interesting. This has been a two way race ever since The Critics Choice Awards back in early January. Penn has won The Critics Choice, and The SAG, but Rourke has won The Golden Globe and The Bafta. This is basically a coin-flip, will The Academy look to reward new blood with Rourke, or will they award Penn with his 2nd Oscar?

Prediction: Sean Penn
Preference: Mickey Rourke

Best Actress

First, I would just like to vent real quick, Kate Winslet was nominated in this category for "The Reader," when she should have been nominated for "Revolutionary Road." Not only does she give the better performance in the latter, but I firmly believe the Academy is going to reward her for the wrong performance. Streep and Hatheway could both win, but this is Winslet's year.

Prediction: Kate Winslet
Preference: Anne Hatheway

Best Supporting Actor

This category has been a joke (no pun intended) since July.

Prediction: Heath Ledger
Preference: Heath Ledger

Best Supporting Actress

Over the years, this has always been the toughest category to predict. Last year, everyone thought Blanchett or Amy Ryan, then Tilda Swinton who hadn't won a precursor all year, snuck in and stole the whole thing. Much of the same could happen this year, but I think since the Academy didn't nominate Winslet in this category for "The Reader," the trophy will go to Penelope Cruz.

Prediction: Penelope Cruz
Preference: Marisa Tomei

Top 10 of 2008

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (David Fincher)
2. Rachel Getting Married (Jonathan Demme)
3. The Wrestler (Darren Aronofsky)
4. Snow Angels (David Gordon Green)
5. The Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan)
6. Synecdoche, New York (Charlie Kauffman)
7. In Bruges (Martin McDonagh)
8. Burn After Reading (Joel and Ethan Coen)
9. Dear Zachary (Kurt Kuenne)
10. Milk (Gus Van Sant)