The Ledge (2011)

Are you willing to die for your beliefs?  Charlie Hunnam (of Sons of Anarchy fame) and Patrick Wilson face off over both religious differences and the love of Liv Tyler's character.  The great Terrance Howard is trying to keep his world from spinning out of control and his target from jumping from a ledge.  Twisted and odd as this story seems to some, it's all very plausible.

The characters are compelling and the story works even though it may feel way off base to many of us.  Hunnam's character may have been played by an older guy but Charlie makes it work, and makes us like him.

Although this movie was shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana there are not discernible southern or creole accents.  Perhaps that made it an easier sell on the coasts?

Watch this movie with someone who needs to learn to tell stories faster.

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.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

"Hulk smash" were two frequent words from the comic book Hulk. They are used just once in the movie, but at a perfect time and it almost describes the movie. Almost.

Edward Norton was a perfect choice for Banner/Hulk, and Liv Tyler was a delicious choice for Banner's love interest Dr. Betty Ross. William Hurt and Tim Roth round out the fun cast as the bad buys. Two very nice surprises were a brief shot of Bill Bixby (TV Bruce Banner) and Lou Ferrigno (TV Hulk). I also totally enjoyed the visit by Tony Stark (Ironman) at the end. Oops. Don't let that spoil anything for you.

This is a fun movie for Hulk fans from the comic to the TV series to the video game. If however someone is not familiar with the Hulk story, this movie does not really offer enough back story to get them up to speed fast enough. Do a little homework first if necessary and you'll enjoy the film much more.

I liked this movie for many reasons, not the least of which are the scenes shot in Brazil.

Watch this movie with someone who loves their superhero comics.

The Strangers

According to Director Bryan Bertino this movie is more of a terror film than a horror film. I totally agree. There is very little of the graphic gore and violence you find in a horror movie. Instead you find evidence of violence, you hear noises, LOTS of noises, but you don't actually see much happening. The perception of danger that results in panic and chaos is the very definition of terror. Well done Bryan.

Liv Tyler is not only the big name on the cast list, she is also 90% of the movie. The story is about her fear, her terror, and her suffering.

Very clever film-making and editing make this movie very real to the audience.

Watch this, if you dare, with someone who will not hear things going bump in the night for weeks afterwards.