Nobel Son

Like smart movies? Like fast editing set to perfect music? You may just enjoy this one.

Like totally reprehensible "bad guy" characters? Alan Richman excels at playing the guy we love to hate. Think about it; ever since Die Hard he has played the detestable bad guy who "gets it" in the end. I have a hard time seeing him any other way, but he came close in Bottle Shock - sort of.

Actually everyone in this movie plays their role well. Danny Devito puts in my favorite performance of his since Throw Momma From The Train. What is a "reformed obsessive compulsive" anyway?

Bryan Greenberg plays the title role of a the son of a Nobel Laureate who is kidnapped in the weirdest chain of events I've seen in a movie since The Inside Man. This story is so well told I"m still not sure of some of the "facts" in this story. Where does this story really begin? Who sets whom up?

I loved Shawn Hatosy as the villain here. Was he or wasn't he crazy? You decide.

And if any of you guys out there have Mary-Steenburgen-with-a-hand-gun fantasies, this movie will be a good fix. Hands down, that is my favorite scene of the movie. Wait for it. Savor it.

The only real odd man out in this cast is Bill Pullman as the detective. Don't get me wrong I like Bill Pullman, but I had to force myself to believe his character. Colombo he ain't.

Finally I have to give a little love to Eliza Dushku. I would totally fall for this character. Eliza honey, you got game.

Watch this movie with someone who likes guessing whats going to happen next, and then watch their face when the plot twists.

An American Affair

This movie is not at all what I expected. I was thinking between Porky's and The Graduate. What it really is more of something like a cross between JFK and Summer of 42.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this movie. What an interesting way to tell another version of a popular JFK conspiracy theory. I found all the characters believable. Anyone who was alive at the time should recognize someone they know. And, if you went to parochial school, you must surely relate to several scenes here.

Cameron Bright is next to brilliant as this young teen who struggles with the realities of growing up in the 60's. Many themes are familiar but nothing is dwelt on too long.

Gretchen Mol is delicious as the artist-plaything with odd ties to the CIA and the White House.

Period footage is well used to give this piece of historical fiction a basis of truth. I enjoyed it all much more than I expected.

Watch this with someone who is not all that familiar with events and see if they find it plausible.

Taken

Hats off to Director Pierre Morel and the makers of this movie. It could have been far more violent and much more graphic sexually. All would have been unnecessary. The movie is just fine without it.

What lengths would you go to; what skills would you employ; who would you be willing to hurt to secure the return of a loved one who had been taken? This story may help you explore some of those thoughts.

Liam Neeson makes a very interesting choice in taking this role. A good story well told would do the trick I think. He plays a retired CIA "preventer" who goes from LA to Paris to retrieve his daughter when she is kidnapped.

As a daddy of daughters it was very easy for me to relate to Neeson's character. Every moment is believable. As I said this movie could easily have been made to be a very hard R. But, PG-13 is just right. No need to go there though.

Watch this movie with someone who has, or is, a daughter.

The Great Buck Howard

If this is the "old guard" making fun of itself it's pretty funny. If this is the "new guard" making fun of the old guard, it's kinda sad. I'm not sure. Can you tell?

John Malkovich is over-the-top funny here. Annoyingly odd. In fact his whole movie could be described that way. But, it is still worth watching if for no other reason that to see the performance of Colin Hanks, son of Tom Hanks, who produced and plays the father of Colin's character.

This is not a movie without a message. There are actually a couple. The two main characters both present a different moral to us. Both they both can be boiled down to a single moment. When you do what you love, the money magically appears. So go for it. There is a bit of beauty in that.

Watch this movie with someone who does not realize how funny it is when it's all about them.

A Secret (Un secret)

More interesting French cinema. A young kid grows up with an imaginary brother who can do no wrong. All the while he suffers the endless disapproval of his father. When he discovers he really did have a brother, well, a half brother, who WAS the apple of his father's eye, there is a story in the making.

Cécile De France is stunning and believable in this role. I only wish we could see her in more mainstream movies here.

Mostly this movie is about choices people make in very difficult times. Most of us can't even imagine what must have been going through the minds of folks like these.

While this may not be the most entertaining movie to watch, it is very thought provoking. This is one of thousands of WWII stories. For most of us this is an unfamiliar story, so well worth the time.

Watch this with someone who has had to make difficult life choices recently.

Happy Go Lucky

Finally a very cute, very funny, British romantic comedy without Renée Zellweger or Hugh Grant. This is a cute, funny, smart story. There is a bit of all of us in one, if not many, of the characters. In which one do you see yourself?

This is partly a story about caring - about something; anything. A life without passion is a sad thing. This is but one of the messages. A life lived WITH passion has some meaning.

Sally Hawkins won a ton of awards for her role here as a North London school teacher who takes nothing seriously but her job and her search for a boyfriend. This slice from her life is delightful. If this story does not make you smile, I suggest you get over yourself.

Her supporting cast is excellent. Special kudos must go to Eddy Marsan for some amazing character creation. I can't think of a less pleasant person to take any lessons from, let alone driving lessons. Well done Mr. Marsan.

Watch this movie with someone who has little or no sense of propriety.

Tell No One (Ne le dis à personne)

This is a very good story told in a very interesting way. Yes, you have to read the movie unless you understand French, but it is well worth it. Whats the story? Eight years after his wife is murdered, she sends him an email.

This movie is as much a who-done-what as it is a who-done-it. What the writer giveth the writer taketh away. Never be too sure that you know whats going on, or what went on in the past. But make sure to keep track of which character is which. And don't even try to guess what will happen next until the very end, which I admit is very predictable.

Unless you are a fan of French cinema, the only face you may recognize is Kristin Scott Thomas. And yes, she speaks French perfectly through the whole movie. The rest of the cast is wonderful though. The main character looks vaguely like Dustin Hoffman.

Watch this movie with someone who will help you keep track of who's who.

Cadillac Records

Think you know the history of Rock & Roll? Think again. At least consider what this story has to offer. All based on real people and events. In fact if history were based solely on court findings, this WOULD be the story and we might have to declare a new king. Is America ready for that?

I truly enjoyed this movie because it is first and foremost a story about music and the people who made it. The acting is superb. What an amazing cast.

Adrian Brody is Leonard Chess the man behind Chess Records who recorded the likes of Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Etta James, Chuck Berry, and Howlin Wolf. Oh yeah, and the Rolling Stones show up too.

It is obvious the whole cast got WAY into their roles here. It was all music I have known and loved for years and watching the movie I forgot it was a movie. That's good story telling.

Jeffrey Wright is an amazing talent. Beyoncé Knowles proves again she can do much much more than sing. Last but not least Mos Def is perfect as Chuck Berry.

Watch this movie with someone who thinks they know the history of Rock & Roll.

Bolt

This is classic Disney fare, and very well done. You've got to love a movie that makes fun of Hollywood stereotypes in such a believable way. The side characters make the movie. There really are no wasted scenes. Kids of all ages should enjoy this. I did.

If you have ever had a pet, this movie may speak to you. And I'm glad they didn't silly it up having the animals talk to humans. A dog, a cat, and a hamster. If this is not the oddest buddy movie ever...

John Travolta's voice was a great match for this dog. The other voices fit well too. Nothing seem out of place.

The only thing that felt odd to me was the country music soundtrack. If you think about it though, it makes sense. That's where the movie ends, AND where much of the movie takes place - in the country.

Watch this movie with someone who gets excited as a hamster in a plastic ball and it will be way more fun.

Australia

This is really 2 stories. There is the story of the cattle drive and then the story of the invasion. There are a few subplots going on behind all these as well, but everything is easily followed.

In a way, it is part "City Slickers" and part "Pearl Harbor" both with an accent.

There are a few big name actors here, but the real star is the young Brandon Walters. He was fantastic here. Is the really the central figure of the story too, not the box office names. This is a story about HAVING a story. In the end, all we really own is our story. I like that concept.

Hugh Jackman is the Drover who makes good on his promises and wins the day in the end. No spoilers there, you see it coming miles away. Nicole Kidman is almost the same character she played in "Far And Away" with a few subtle differences. But, she pulls it off well.

The bad guys are pretty bad, but not totally fearsome. David Wenham is the worst of them. Don't you hate it when the good guys can't prove the bad guy really is the villain?

Watch this movie with plenty of popcorn and a few family members around for good measure.

Marley & Me

If you have owned a dog, or a dear pet of any kind, you will probably enjoy this movie. It starts a little slow but hang in there. The pay-off is well worth it.

Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston make a credible couple that many of us may be able to relate to. Characters based on real people are usually turn out that way.

Kathleen Turner makes a very fun cameo worth the rental itself. Too funny.

Is the dog really an allegory for the greater message of the movie? Or, is Marley just a fun story about a badly-behaved dog?

Watch this movie with someone just like Marley - well, maybe just like the way Marley is described at the end of the story. We all need to BE and HAVE someone like that.

Knowing

This is one of the better dooms day movies I've seen in a long time. There is a good story, and likable characters. The story begins before the opening credits roll. The music fits. The special effects are just that - special.

I very much liked that they did not give us too much information too soon. The story was told in due time.

Nicolas Cage is very good here. No over the top gestures. No over the top acting. This goes in the books as one of his better efforts. Don't get me wrong, there are times and places when the gestures and over-acting are perfect. This is not one of those movies.

Chandler Canterbury, who played an 8-year-old Benjamin Button, is pretty amazing here. He has an ability to speak volumes with his face. That skill is well beyond his years. I look forward to much more from this bright little star.

I'm not sure I love how they chose to end the movie. I see the point, but I don't think it was necessary. Ending with the shots from the air would have been tidy enough for me.

Watch this movie with someone who will not try to rush the telling of this interesting story.

S. Darko

Originally I rented this movie because my daughter was in it. Turns out her scenes were cut. It took me an hour and forty three minutes to find that out however.

Why will YOU rent this movie?

Dark Streets

You could watch this movie just for the music, and that would be enough. But, pay attention to the story telling. While this is not the only movie in a somewhat new genre I like to call Indie Musical Drama. Its like a really long music video and lots more dialogue.

What, you want me to name some others in that genre? The Commitments, Backbeat, Monsoon Wedding, and Black Snake Moan. From some of the bigger houses come some names you might know? Moulin Rouge, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Victor/Victoria, Flashdance, and Evita to name a few. Musicals have been making a quiet comeback and I celebrate that.

Set in that mythical city of Gotham in the 1930s, a jazz club owner struggles with debt, family history, and a corrupt city. I actually kept waiting for Batman to step in and help our hero. There is a little bit comic book flair here too. Some like it, some don't. I do.

This is not a fast movie. The story pours out like honey. Don't be in in hurry to watch.

Gabriel Mann plays the troubled club owner. He is supported by a great cast of singers, dancers, and Gotham bad guys.

Now, lets get back to the music. If you like the music the likes of Aaron Neville, Etta James, Dr. John, Natalie Cole, and Chaka Khan, you will enjoy this movie. Toledo Diamond does a great job as Narrator, Emcee, Singer, Dancer, and conscience of the story.

Crossing Over

What "Crash" did for racial issues this movie does for immigration issues - almost. Crossing Over follows a similar format with A-List stars, compelling familiar scenarios, and short scenes to hold our attention.

The difference? The point of Crash was that everyone is both guilty of, AND a victim of, racism. That is not the case with immigration issues. So to that extent, the movie comes up a little short if held to the same standard as Crash. Otherwise, it is a very good collection of stories, very well told.

Harrison Ford plays a senior ICE agent who struggles with doing whats right and doing whats expected. Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd play a married couple both involved in immigration issues but from different sides of the law. Jim Sturgess and Alice Eve play a couple who are in the country illegally and will do anything to stay. Cliff Curtis plays Ford's partner at ICE and a member of a family who struggles with cultural heritage and the realities of American life. All the paths eventually cross.

I'm curious what Sean Penn's original part was on this. Any ideas?

Watch this movie with someone who was not born here.

What Goes Up

Perfectly awkward. Can one call a movie that? This is a perfect follow-up to Hamlet 2 for Steve Coogan. They are practically the same character. Interesting choices Mr. Coogan.

One of the points of this story is that teen angst may never go away. Some adults never grow out of it. The backdrop of this story is the Challenger shuttle disaster, but it really has nothing to do with the story. And hopefully has nothing to do with the real events at the time.

This movie gets more interesting as it goes along. As each character evolves they become more complex. I found myself actually wanting to find out how the story ends. About half way through the story I actually started caring about the characters. If you can be patient, you may find the same thing being true for you.

Coogan is actually very good here. The supporting cast of kids is also enjoyable. Especially Olivia Thirlby. Where did she come from? Hillary Duff plays one of the kids in the story and does a very credible job.

While this is not a great movie, it is a good one. It makes you think. Who knows what the writer/director was thinking.

Watch this movie with someone who loves abstract thinking.