Unknown (2011)

Little bit Memento and a little bit Bourne series.  But not quite as good as either.  The average Joe, me included, figures out whats going on about half way through.  That said, it is worth the watch if for no other reason than to see how nice the new unified Berlin looks.

Liam Neeson is not sure who he is, and neither does Diane Kruger.  But, they put the moves on some of the best in the business and share some interesting chemistry.  I find the roles Neeson has taken since the untimely passing of his wife very interesting.

January Jones is beautiful but unconvincing here.  Perhaps her Mad Men role has spoiled us for much else?  Hope not.


My favorite performances in this story are by Bruno Ganz and Frank Langella.  Though they are on screen for only a short time it is obvious to see how seasoned pros weave their craft compared to some of the younger folks.


Watch this movie with someone who knows that good scientists don't usually make good NASCAR drivers.

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Well well, a movie that is better than it's hype.  Nice.  Refreshing.  Funny.  Smart.

Others who have compared this movie to Inception maybe saw a different version than I did?  I don't see any similarities.  I saw more similarities with City of Angels and The Matrix, but that's just me.

Matt Damon and Emily Blunt appeared to be enjoying themselves and that chemistry translated well at my house.  I guess the hype had my expectations fairly low for this movie, but I truly enjoyed it.  If nothing else, it is a fun look at New York.

Watch this with someone who has doubts about their control over the future.

Rango (2011)

Big names.  Big voices.  Great animation.  A wee bit preachy.  But, still a very fun movie to watch.

The biggest surprise is who does the Eastwood-esque voice of The Spirit of the West.  The character looked, walked and talked just like the man with no name.  But it was not who you think.  No spoilers here.

Johnny Depp and Ned Beatty square off as the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Isla Fisher is the voice of the love interest, sort of.  And several others lend some very funny performances.  The voice of the rattlesnake is the second biggest surprise.

Written by the same guy who wrote Gladiator, The Last Samurai, and The Aviator, some of my favorite works, this story is as moralistic as the others.  Vegas stole the water and left small desert communities high and dry.  No judgments here.  I don't know the facts.

Watch this movie with someone who has a romantic vision of the old west and the many legends who punctuate those stories.

Source Code (2011)

A very interesting concept indeed.  Not totally new, but spun differently enough that it felt fresh.

Jake Gyllenhaal chooses such interesting roles.  His range is clear here.  He goes from the frightened and depressed downed chopper pilot to the Bond-esque terrorist-fighter literally in the blink of an eye.

Most leading men are happy with great chemistry with one co-star.  Here he gets it very right with two.  I'm not sure which relationship I liked better.  There both touched me but were so different.

Watch this with someone who who might need to get the moral or the story - when life, or death, gives you lemons, make the best possible lemonade.

Battle Los Angeles (2011)

I liked this movie better when it was called "Independence Day".  Nuff said?

Cookie's Fortune (1999)

Thinking about visiting the south?  Watch this movie instead.  You will get a 2-hour review of many things Southern.  In one way or another all these deliciously quirky characters are connected or related.  Watch to the end to find out how.

Glenn Close is a know-it-all-busy-body.  Julianne Moore is her socially-challenged sister.  There are so many other great names, let me try a list a few - Liv Tyler, Chris O'Donnell, Charles Dutton, Patricia Neal, and Ned Beatty.  Even Lyle Lovett and Courtney Vance have great cameos.

The first hour is chock full of character development.  Be patient.  The second hour clips right along and is stuffed with twists and turns.  Stay for the pay off.

Watch this movie with someone who fishes.