Defendor

If you can make it past the first 40 minutes of this movie there is a pretty nice pay-off. The message is short-lived but sweet, then it's back to the insanity. Maybe it's seeing Woody Harrelson playing a mildly retarded guy who likes to act like a super hero. Maybe it was seeing how many bad choices Harrelson's character makes in the first 30 minutes. Maybe it was lack of any really likable or pleasant characters. Either way, this movie was a little tough to watch.

But then, 40 minutes in, the audience is treated to a very tender scene between 2 of the main characters. They totally relate to each other for just a moment. It ties them and their stories together and makes sense of the first half of the movie. Then it's over the the story goes back to it's odd origins. But armed with the knowledge that these two characters have made a real connection it "feels" different.

Kat Dennings plays the other half of this very odd crime-fighting couple. Her character is a drug-addicted low-rent hooker who bears a grudge against every bad guy the Defendor goes after. That makes it more interesting but also more pathetic at the same time.

I do however like the way things end. I bought it. No spoilers here but there are no happy endings despite the R-rating. That is mostly for language and drug use.

Bottom line? This movie is about vigilantism, a popular movie theme. The characters are all very unlikely however.

Watch this movie with someone who feels like they don't belong or afraid.

Seven Pounds

This is an amazing story. Director Gabriele Muccino, who also directed The Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith, does an incredible job here telling a complex story in a slowly unfolding way. We are told what we need to know just when we need to know it, and no sooner.

While this movie is a tear-jerker, the tears may not come until 90 minutes into this 120 minute masterpiece. And, it also has what may become one of the best on-screen kisses of the year, if not the decade, maybe even all time.

Will Smith seeks redemption for contributing to the accident that kills his wife and 6 other innocent victims. His method is unique, moving, and a little bit creepy. His soul-searching mingled with repentance is at the very least thought provoking. I don't believe I will think of others the same way again for a long time.

Rosario Dawson delivers a powerful performance as on of Smith's benefactors. She has been around awhile but I think this is the first time I really noticed her. Wow. More please?

Woody Harrelson and Barry Pepper both turn in moving performances as well.

Watch this movie with someone who wants to learn about true repentance. Don't get me wrong, I do not condone his final solution, but one has to admit he makes amends very well.