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.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

It's a little bit Aladdin, and a little bit Conan the Barbarian. A little bit Kingdom of Heaven, and little bit Indiana Jones. It is also a little bit Tea Party. It's UK and American actors portraying Persians. Were there no good Persian actors to be found? No middle eastern talent? I find that hard to believe.

That said, it was a fun movie to watch. And yes, I saw it in a theater. Another rare trip for me, but this one had none of the usual downfalls. Theater owners have found a who new way to keep me away. Commercials. Before the movie starts, there are what feels like 30 minutes of commercials, only a few of which would be traditional previews.

Jake Gyllenhaal, and LA native, plays the title role with just the hint of an accent. All other cast members with a significant role are from the UK. Gemma Arterton and Ben Kingsley along with Alfred Molina for comic relief, are all wonderful.

Watch this movie with someone who can remember why we like movies in the first place - to suspend belief and escape our own realities.

Brothers

Based on the Dutch film of the same name, this gripping drama is more about family than it is about war. Like other recent war-related dramas, this movie does not dwell on the morality of any particular conflict, but rather addresses the humanity involved.

Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal play brothers - one "good" and the other "bad". As much as anything else, this movie is about labeling. Parents label kids. Kids label themselves.

Natalie Portman and Sam Shepard play influential roles here as soldier's wife and father respectively. All around, the acting here is solid. The characters are all likable, believable, and the audience will find someone to relate to.

At first I was afraid to watch this movie because I thought it would be too depressing. It was actually not at all what I expected. The story takes us through some complex emotions and real issues relevant to current society.

Watch this with someone who thinks they have issues to deal with.

Rendition

Call it whatever you want, it's hard to watch on a screen of any size. Director Gavin Hood (this is the best thing he has done unless you are a big fan of the Stargate series) spins a tale that is almost too confusing. Following an old Hollywood trick, this story is not told in the order it all happens. But, Hood does it so well, you don't mind, and you may not even realize. This earns his effort the "well told" honor.

Now we have to decide if it is a good story. I have to admit to being a bit on the fence about it at this point. It totally depends on your point of view.

Meryl Streep (arguably the best actor of my generation) is at her evil best here. Her character reminds me of way too many people I met during my tenure in DC. Bad memories. I expect you may add this character to your list of top 10 movies villains of all time.

Alan Arkin (The Russians Are Coming, Catch 22, and Little Miss Sunshine) is perfect as a U. S. Senator caught in the middle with a tough choice to make. As a Senator I know once put it "Some of my friends are for it. Some of my friends are against it. Me? I stand by my friends."

Jake Gyllenhaal (Jarhead, Brokeback Mountain, and Zodiac) does a solid job as a government drone who is put in an awkward and unfamiliar position of having to make a choice and a difference. Trust me, the federal payroll is chock full of folks just like this character.

But the best acting in this movie has go to Omar Metwally. This is his first role in a US movie as far as I know. Please let it not be his last. Maybe his character is telling the truth, maybe he is not. Metwally's acting was so good, I forgot it was acting.

Why have I saved Reese Witherspoon (Pleasantville, Just Like Heaven, and Walk The Line) for last? As much as I like her, I didn't like her in this role. She left me feeling flat. She inspired neither sympathy nor passion like she did in "Walk The Line". It looks like she was just going through the motions here. I know she can do better.

Watch this movie with someone who understands how government works, if that is possible.