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.

Morning Glory (2010)

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at national morning TV shows? You may still have legit wonders after this movie, but at least you will know what some in Hollywood think.

Rachel McAdams plays a very young Executive Producer of the last place show with a very short time to turn it around. Diane Keaton plays the anchor she does not fire, and Harrison Ford plays the reluctant replacement of the fired guy.

Jeff Goldblum and Patrick Wilson play the other 2 main influences in the EP's life and work.

This is not a movie for dummies. There is some very fast highbrow "banter" here and if you snooze you lose your chance for a giggle.

How often does Harrison Ford play a character who is truly nasty?

Watch this movie with someone who is hooked on their morning TV program.

Passengers

This movie is billed as a mystery. To me, the biggest mystery is how long it will take you to figure out what is going on. No spoilers here, so this has to be a fairly short review.

Anne Hathaway plays a trauma psychologist working with victims of an airline disaster. When their stories differ she pushes a little farther into the lives of her "patients" than normal. Soon a web of interconnection becomes obvious and the story unfolds.

Patrick Wilson plays one of the passengers and is creepy good. Who is helping whom more?

Andre Braugher, David Morse, and Dianne Wiest do a wonderful job of keeping the story going and both confusing and exposing the truth.

Watch this movie with someone who has fun guessing how movies will end and time how long it takes.

Lakeview Terrace

You don't have to be an Angelino to enjoy this movie. This story could play out anywhere. But it adds another layer to the story if you are familiar with the locations involved. While the name of the actual bedroom community is slightly changed for the film, the places are real.

Samuel L. Jackson puts in another great performance doing what he does so well - an angry black man. This character has a few deeper layers and Jackson does a wonderful job of evolving. For whatever reason, I don't get tired of seeing him work this way even though I know he can do other things just as well.

Patrick Wilson who plays completely opposite to Jackson's character is also excellent. You start out not thinking much of this guy, and favoring Jackson's character, and the roles reverse over the course of the story. No spoilers here.

Watch this movie with someone who thinks living next door to a cop is the safest place in the world.