King Kong

Starring: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody
Directed by: Peter Jackson

**** Stars

“It was beauty killed the beast…”

Peter Jackson's King Kong is one of the great movie-going experiences of my life. It's more than just perfect; it's a visual and cinematic treasure that will live on for generations. Kong is back, and boy is he back all right.

Peter Jackson reminds us that he is a genius. He gives us more spectacles and thrills in three hours then most movies do in a lifetime. But Jackson never loses focus on character and story development. He is the heir to the throne of Steven Spielberg, in being the next great film director of time.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of my favorite films of all time. So, when entering King Kong, I expected the world from Jackson, and he delivered the galaxy.

Jackson starts off with a view of New York City during the Great Depression. It then tells the story of the lying, cheating, and stealing Carl Denham, (the surprisingly creepy Jack Black) a washed-out film director with nothing left to do but to break the rules in hope of a shot at the big time. Fortunately, for him, he discovers a map. This map is the key in shooting his next picture. It is known as Skull Island, where the fate of him and dozens of others will be revealed.

Carl finds Ann Darrow (an Oscar-caliber performance from Naomi Watts), a struggling actress who is looking for stardom. She agrees on the picture but is tricked by Carl saying that the picture will be shot in China. Many of the crew members are unaware of this, as well as playwright/screenwriter Jack Driscoll, who is unwillingly taken on board because he was unable to get off the ship before it set sail.

Kong and Skull Island is not revealed until an hour into the picture. Jackson wants Kong’s presence and first look to be shocking and powerful. And is it ever.

When Skull Island is reached, things start to unfold. Jackson has created the scariest place on earth, with zombies, monsters, dinosaurs, and of course, Kong himself. Its as if hell has been sprouted onto earth.

After meeting natives on the island, Ann is soon captured by them and will soon be sacrificed to Kong. But when Kong sees Ann, he sees beauty; beauty he has never seen before. Ann, scared out of her mind, starts to dance for him to calm him down. We see Kong smile. From this moment, Ann and Kong begin to develop a mysterious and confusing attraction, in which neither one of them understands. Jackson does not use dialogue. He uses emotion. Staring into one another’s eyes, Ann and Kong realize that they are restricted from one another because the world cannot socially accept this.

When Carl’s camera is destroyed, he thinks his career is over. Suddenly, he believes he can take Kong back to New York City, where the world can give him the praise and honor he thinks he so humbly deserves. Carl tricks Ann and Jack (who is in love with Ann) to bring Kong back to the city, where the climax unfolds.

Jackson stays true to the 1933 original and its story. The 2005 King Kong is not just an action-adventure. I mean, of course, it is an action adventure. It is probably the greatest action ever put on screen. But, it is also a touching story of love between Ann Darrow and Kong. There love is forbidden and Jackson creates a powerful experience. I can admit: I laughed-I cried.

King Kong is the best movie of the year and it proves to us that Peter Jackson is one of the great directors working today. Beauty has killed the beast. I am that beast.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Directed by: Andrew Adamson

*** Stars

The adaptation of C. S. Lewis's children's masterpiece "The Chronicles of Narnia" is an amazing film to look at, filled with charm and excitement. Many will forgive its early pacing once the true adventure of Narnia begins.

It tells the tale of four siblings, Peter (William Moseley), sister Susan (Anna Popplewell), brother Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) are sent to an old and mysterious house for their safety during WWII.

On a rainy day, the four children decide to play hide and seek. The youngest, Lucy, finds a lonely Wardrobe in an abandoned room. She hides inside it and literally steps into another world. The view and scope of Narnia is Oscar Worthy.

Lucy meets a faun and soon befriends it. When her friend is taken by the evil Witch of Narnia for not reporting that a human has entered the world, Lucy quickly goes back to tell the others. Eventually, Lucy takes all the other children into the world. And by the way, Lucy is played by an adorable Georgie Henley who gives true emotion and skill to her role.

Edmund, one of the children is taken capture by the evil witch. There is a prophecy saying that four humans will come to end the hundred-years winter and bring freedom back to Narnia from the evil witch. He can only be rescued with the help of Aslan the lion (a perfectly cast voice by Liam Neeson). Together, battles will be fought, and death seems inevitable.

The Chronicles of Narnia plays like a Lord of the Rings Jr. It's exciting and scary, yet charming and lovable. It takes some time to get into the excitement, but once it starts, it's hard to resist.

Rent

"Everyone has aids..."
Team America: World Police

** Stars
Starring: Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs


Rent is definitely a story of love and friendship. Whether you are black, white, a racial-couple, gay, a lesbian, an ex-boyfriend who's ex-girlfriend is a lesbian, or a transvestite, Rent is still a story of love. Rent is based around the story of men and women struggling with paying the rent, sexually transmitted diseases, drugs, and love. During a year, they will struggle to survive and cope with the losses of careers, love, and life. Rent is a redundant, dissapointing failure. Its flow is somewhat annoying, its delivery is low-key, and its climax is so cheesy that what may have looked good on stage, is a humiliating bore.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Starring:

Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter

Emma Watson
Hermione Granger

Rupert Grint
Ron Weasley

***1/2 Stars

A Dark and Mysterious Thrill Ride

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire certainly is the darkest of the first four films, with more action, more humor, and romance. Romance? Oh yes, Harry Potter is fourteen and has got the hots for a schoolgirl.

Harry is back for his fourth year at Hogwarts with his more challenges then ever. This year includes the Triwizard Tournament, in which student representatives from three different wizarding schools compete in a contest with three specific tasks. This will decide who is the champion of all students.

This tournament is decided by what is known as the Goblet of Fire, a mysterious blue fire in which students can place their names in the fire and then are chosen randomly. However, when the names are called on, Harry Potter is chosen to compete. The plot thickens...

Harry Potter is only fourteen. The rules state that only students seventeen and older can compete. Harry’s reputation stagers as many call him a cheater. Who could have done this to Harry? Only Harry can find out by rising to the challenge and competing in the events.

The Triwizard Tournament is gorgeous to look at. The scenes are intense, packed with a deep and emotional presence that is hard to resist. Director Mike Newell really focuses on the transformation of Harry and how his emotion evolves concerning the Dark Lord. Will Harry soon get his vengeance on his parents? Only time will tell.

Not only does the Goblet of Fire change my reviews on the previous films, it has me anxiously awaiting the next chapter in the series (Presently set for a 2007 release).

In a scene during the Quidditch World Cup, Harry walks into the tent he is to stay at. It is the size of an ordinary camping tent. When he enters, he gazes around at a spacious and incredibly roomy household. "I love magic," he says with a grin.

I agree with Harry. And that is why I love this film. It is pure magic.

Good Night, and Good Luck

**** Stars
Starring: David Strathairn, George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr

Directed by: George Clooney

Nothing Short of Genius

"This instrument [journalism] can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire, but it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box.”
-Edward Murrow


The world of news has expanded since 1954, the year of the Murrow McCarthy hearings. America trusted Edward Murrow, the host of weekly news program “See it Now”. There was more to news then just celebrity gossip. Good Night, and Good Luck completely re-masters the excitement and horror of life in the CBS newsroom in the 50’s.

David Strathairn plays the famous Edward Murrow in a bold, and star-making performance. He presents Murrow with confidence and intelligence as he sits and speaks to the public, with his notes in one hand, and his famous cigarette in the other. Director and co-screenwriter George Clooney also stars in his own masterpiece as Fred Friendly, Murrow’s right hand man. During each one of Murrow’s broadcasts, Friendly sat just two feet below him, tapping Murrow’s right leg with his pen when his cue was up. Together, they set a precedent for television media and how corruption and lies were taking down America. Their biggest event was their accusation against Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy and his lies against communists infiltrating the country. Murrow tells the world as it is, without blasphemy and without being fully biased. His tone is pure and his words are sweet, filled exuberant life and sorrow. And Strathairn delivers and reminds us who Murrow truly was.

To spice up the film, Clooney cuts from newsroom footage to singer Dianne Reeves, giving the film a jazzy and mysterious tone. He gives us ninety minutes. Ninety minutes of entertaining, intelligent, and important true events. Well done George. Well done.

Writers Clooney and Grant Heslow have put together a truly sensational piece of work that captures beauty, excitement, and terror of the news. It reminds us of a life-altering event that is underrated throughout the world and should be taught in every classroom around the nation. The film is sophisticated and has an enormous sense of style. It brings us back to the days where everyone smoked, trusted the media, and lied to get ahead. This is one of the year’s best films.

Derailed

**1/2 Stars

Starring: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston
Vincent Cassel

Directed by:
Mikael Håfstrom

The one thing I hate is a wasted opportunity. Although Derailed is a decently made thriller with acceptable acting, it doesn't really live up to its hype.

Derailed tells the story of Charles (Owen), a successful ad executive and loyal family man who meets Lucinda (Aniston), an alluring and sexy woman on his morning commute. Flirtation quickly escalates into passion. But this casual fling turns dangerous when a violent criminal confronts them, beats Charles, rapes Lucinda, and later on demands cash or he'll leak the story to their families about their romance. Now Charles must figure out how to turn the tables and somehow save their families.

We see a whole different side of Aniston. She is having an affair then raped. Are we ready to see her like this? Though her acting was respectable, it seems a bit sudden to see America's favorite friend turn into a seducing, high powered woman. I guess she is ready to become more than just paparazzi's puppet. And you know what, props to her on that.

The first 45 minutes or so of this film moves to slow to show any sign of a thriller. But luckily for us, it speeds up and starts to come alive. The only problem is that it comes a little to late. I liked what I saw but I wanted more.

Jarhead

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Jamie Foxx
Directed by: Sam Mendes

***1/2 Stars

Jarhead is not an action movie. There are no rescues or kills. But even without combat, it shows you that war in general can still suck.

Jake Gyllenhaal plays his best performance to date as Anthony Swofford, a marine (also known as a Jarhead) who experiences boot camp and Operation Desert storm as a marine sniper. Jamie Foxx is Sergeant Siek, Swofford's officer. Peter Sarsgaard plays his best friend Troy who is also a marine sniper.

Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) is a master at his craft. Like American Beauty, Mendes creates a powerful drama with hilarious dark comedy. In a scene you could be laughing viciously when suddenly, you’re dead silent.
However, the only problem with Jarhead is its ending. Not a big problem, but noticeable. Its rushed ending can really change a movie dramatically. But fortunately for Mendes, he saves himself with some hilarious comedy, powerful and intense drama, and acting that raises the bar on Hollywood.

Saw II

Starring: Tobin Bell, Donnie Wahlberg
Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman

** Stars

After last years Halloween hit Saw, Hollywood created its sequel Saw II, which totally lacks the horror and plot we saw in the first one.

Tobin Bell is back playing Jigsaw, a menace that finds ways for his victims to kill themselves. When police detective Eric Matthews (Wahlberg) finds out that his son is missing and that Jigsaw might have a clue to where he is, things begin to heat up.

The director decided to go with the "bad father at first but finds out his son is missing so then he becomes the hero" scenario. For the love of god just stop.

Eric learns that his son is being held hostage in a room with several other people. The room is filled with a poison and the antidote is in a safe in the middle of the room. They must work together to solve the puzzle.

For about an hour of this movie, it's just screaming and yelling at each other. Where's the story? Where's the plot? The movie sets itself up for a twist so idiotic and so horrid, that it has no business being in the movie. Saw II is a huge disappointment.

*** Stars
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North Country

***1/2

Starring:

Charlize Theron,

Sissy Spacek,

Woody Harrelson

Frances MacDormand,

Sean Bean

Richard Jenkins

Directed by: Niki Caro

And the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role goes to:

Charlize Theron in North Country

North Country tells the story of the first class act lawsuit for sexual harassment. Theron plays Josey Aimes with such power and emotion that it feels as if you were along side her throughout her entire journey. Minus a few flaws involving sub-plots and questionable courtroom proceedings, the film is golden with not one bad performance.

**** Stars
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A History of Violence

A History of Violence

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris
Directed by: David Cronenberg

"One’s real life is often the life that one does not lead."

— Oscar Wilde, Anglo-Irish wit and author (1854-1900)

Based on the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, A History of Violence is a stunning and beautiful film, packed with emotion and fear. It is truly a cinematic triumph. Canadian Director David Cronenberg has created a film so rare and so powerful that it tests the body, the mind, and the soul as few films this year.

Set in a small town in Indiana, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen in the role of his career) is a pleasant and likable man who owns a small diner unnoticeable outside the town. He fathers two children, Jack (Ashton Homes), and Sarah (Heidi Hayes) and is married to a lawyer, Edie (an Oscar caliber performance from Maria Bello). Cronenberg captures the family as present day people and not an innocent family from the 50's. Tom and Edie still sneak off for teenage romance in the middle of the day.

Life seems to become chaotic when two men walk into Tom's diner demanding cash from the drawer. As things escalate, Tom defends himself, the employees, and the customers by killing both men with incredible amounts of skill that no ordinary man would know. But, without question, Tom becomes a local hero. This publicity attracts three strange men to the town. The leader of the three is Carl Fogarty (the brilliantly talented Ed Harris) a brutally scared, Irishmen from Philadelphia who claims that Tom is not who says he is. Tom denies this, causing extreme contingency between him and Carl. Ed Harris just seems to get better and better. The way he unfolds each scene with his creativity and style truly is the work of a master.

Later on in the film, Tom kills again in self-defense with skills no ordinary man would know. His family questions his truth. Who is this man? Though I’ll never tell who he really is, I will tell you that later on in the film Tom travels to Philadelphia to end a confrontation between him and a man from his past. This man, played by William Hurt, is one of the greatest cameo performances in the history of cinema. A History of Violence is an exuberant and deeply emotional tale of love. Edie and Tom's love begins to fade. Can they save their marriage? Can their children accept their father once more? The ending will totally blow you away. A History of Violence is one of the crowning spectacle of 2005.

*** Stars
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***1/2 Stars
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March of the Penguins

Narrated by: Morgan Freeman
A Film by: Luc Jacquet

This is a documentary not only filled with intelligence and uncommon knowledge, but a simple story about love and determination. March of the Penguins is simply a true and cinematic delight to all its viewers. It is simply fascinating.

Set in the coldest place on earth, so cold in fact that the only place safe to care for the penguin's newborns is 70 miles away. Each year penguins will travel together to find a mate. Their paths will differ each year. They don't seem to know what they want in a mate. Basically it's just find one and mate with it. So in a way, the penguins are not so different from humans.

Once they find their mate, the long and agonizing torture of waiting for the egg to hatch begins. Mother's and fathers stand together for 8 months in the blistering cold waiting for the egg to hatch. Once it does hatch the wait isn't over. Literally starving to death, the mothers travel another 70 miles to the sea to catch food for themselves and for their child. The fathers however must stay and hold the child warm until the mother returns. It is a true test to their patience and to their newborn. No Penguin here is an enemy. The weather is the true fear. Working together to keep themselves and their newborns alive is the most important factor.

Just like Million Dollar Baby, Morgan Freeman narrates with his soft and gentle voice. His voice is warm and affecting throughout the film. March of the Penguins takes us away from the world we know and brings us to a place beyond our understanding.

*** Stars
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Red Eye

Starring:
Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy

Directed by:
Wes Craven


Fear of flying is common around the world. People wonder if the plane will get struck by lightening of if there's a mechanical failure. But no one ever stops to think about the person sitting next to him or her. Are they really who they say they are? Is there something more to their story? Wes Craven brings a new kind of terror that is deeper than any ordinary thriller. He makes you feel like the victim. Red Eye is Wes Craven's best film to date.

Lisa Reisert (McAdams), a hotel operator in Miami, Florida is on her way home to attend her Grandmother's funeral. She hates to fly. But her fear on this flight won't be the same as any other ordinary flight.

She meets a nice man named Jackson (Murphy), who invites her to have a drink. She says no at first but sees him later at a bar and decides to join him. It is a mutual attraction with no real danger involved...yet. Once on board, Lisa finds out oddly enough that Jackson is her seatmate on the flight. Fate has brought them together, but for a different reason than she thinks.

Jackson suddenly tells her why he is really on board the plane with her. He is an operative of some kind in a plot to assassinate a rich and powerful businessman staying at her hotel, and Lisa is the key to its success. If she refuses to cooperate, an assassin waiting outside her house will kill her father.

The build up is white knuckling. The suspense is heart pounding. The movie is 85 minutes long so you know nothing in this movie will be a waste of your time. You may think differently of air travel after this movie. That means that Wes Craven did his job.

***1/2 Stars
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The 40 Year Old Virgin

Starring: Steve Carell
Directed by: Judd Apatow

The big difference between 2004 and 2005 is summer movies. Last year it was action and suspense (The Day After Tomorrow, Troy, The Bourne Supremacy, Collateral, The Village) and this year, it is comedy (Wedding Crashers, Bad News Bears, Dukes of Hazard, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Like the Wedding Crashers, The 40 Year Old Virgin is loaded with gut-busting laughs. It's a comedy that is true to its title. You know your going to laugh...hard.

Steve Carell (who is perfectly cast) plays Andy, a 40 year old who lives by himself surrounded by action figures and works at an electronic store called SmartTech. Life for Andy is boring and pointless. And when a small secret of his (him being a virgin) is spread out into the open, Andy’s life is going to be changed for good.

A bunch of his co-workers decide to help him out. We don't know if it's for laughs or because they really do care. All they care about is for Andy to get laid before it is too late. Sure, Andy has his opportunities. He is in several situations where drunken girls surround him. But he soon begins to fall for Trish (Katherine Keener), who works at We Sell it for you on Ebay. The store is exactly what you think. Andy and Trish begin to bond and he questions whether or not he should tell her he is a virgin.

The movie is surprisingly sweet as well. Behind all its crude humor it still finds time to make a sweet and lovable story. But with that of course, there is at least 3 laugh out loud jokes per minute in this movie that is up with there with Wedding Crashers as one of the funniest movies of year.

**1/2 Stars
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** Stars
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*** Stars
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The Island

Starring: Ewen McGregor, Scarlet Johansson

Directed by: Michael Bay

"We will finally be able to conquer death"

-Tony Goldwyn (The 6th Day)

Imagine a world where it was possible that you could get a new brain if yours died? Imagine a world where death was not an option. Imagine a life without fear of death. The answer to that question is cloning. Lincoln Six-Echo (McGregor) is a resident of a facility in an undisclosed location. The environment is closely watched and controlled and Lincoln hopes to be chosen to go to the "The Island," reportedly the last uncontaminated spot on the planet. But he begins to ask questions about his existence. He wonders if his life is really what it seems. Then he finds out that his life is a lie. He and all of the other inhabitants of the facility are actually human clones whose only purpose is to provide "spare parts" for their original human counterparts. Lincoln decides to escape before he is killed with a fellow resident named Jordan Two-Delta (Johansson). Pursued by the forces of the institute that once housed them, Lincoln and Jordan engage in a race for their lives to find out who they are and what their purpose is.

Steve Buscemi gives a great supporting performance as a "Janitor" of some sort. He eventually helps the two escape. Sean Bean has his typical role in the film. He is the doctor of the Island when actually he is the founder and owner of this organization therefore being the antagonist.

Michael Bay is the least respected filmmaker in Hollywood. His other films (Pearl Harbor, Armageddon, Bay Boys II) have been hacked by numerous critics and audiences around the country. In The Island, Bay starts off with the bang. The first hour of the film is a deeply, disturbing science fiction film. Then it's all about the action. Yes, action is great but it leaves unanswered questions at the end of the film. It is a good, solid film and it falls shy of greatness because of an ending that fails to realize what the film is all about.

Willy Wonka and the Lucky Winners
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Starring:
Johnny Depp, Freddy Highmore

Directed by:
Tim Burton

***1/2 Stars

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a brilliant achievement in imaginative filmmaking. Johnny Depp as the great Willy Wonka is one of the best performances I've seen all year. He brings his usual but brilliant presence on screen (that weird and funny creature) like Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean.

You know the story. It is about one boy named Charlie Bucket (another great performance by Highmore), who wins one of five golden tickets. These tickets allow him and four other children to enter the great chocolate factory owned by Willy Wonka. The factory has been closed for years and now these children will enter the wonderful world of Willy Wonka.

This is Tim Burton's best film, with more imagination than any of his other films. When we meet the famous Oompa-Loompa's, all are played by one man (Deep Roy). This alone is flat out hilarious. The movie has heart, laughs, a story, and a wonderful cast lead by the great Johnny Depp. It's hard not to love a film like this.

Wilson and Vaughn in the Hilarious Wedding Crashers
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Wedding Crashers

Starring:
Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Christopher Walken, Rachel McAdams


Directed by:
David Dobkin

***1/2 Stars

When you want to see a funny movie, you can count on these six actors: Vince Vaughn, Will Farell, Owen and Luke Wilson, Ben Stiller, and Jack Black. When either one of these actors team up (minus Envy), they give you a taste and a gift of comedy heaven. That is what Wedding Crashers is, comedy heaven. And it's the funniest movie so far this year.

John Beckwith (Wilson) and Jeremy Grey (Vaughn) are ordinary guys with ordinary jobs. But there's one thing that makes them different, then anyone...they are trained and sophisticated wedding crashers. When wedding season comes along, they go to every wedding they can find, eating all the free food, and scoring all the free chicks. Life really couldn't get any better for John and Jeremy.

When that big wedding of the year shows up, the one that's bigger than all the rest, John and Jeremy must practice all their steps. The wedding happens to be held at the estate of the U.S. secretary of the treasury (I love how it's the legendary Christopher Walken). When they arrive, everything is going great but things get complicated when John does the unthinkable and falls for a bridesmaid named Claire, the Secretary's daughter (the absolutely gorgeous Rachel McAdams). But there is a catch, she's engaged. Still though, John is determined to have her. Things escalate when they are invited back to their cottage for a post wedding party. The dinner scenes are flat out hilarious.

Wilson plays his part great here. He is really funny in a lot of scenes. But his character isn't as funny as Vince Vaughn's. Vaughn is flat out hilarious in every scene. In one scene, Vaughn confesses to a priest that he is aroused by a girl that he slept with at the wedding (the hilarious Isla Fisher). The priest doesn't say one word for the whole scene. All the laughs are coming from Vaughn.

And just when we thought the movie had slowed down, who shows up but the great Will Ferrell. He plays the pioneer of crashing weddings and gives John some advice on crashes. Ferrell was the perfect match.

The movie is just flat out entertaining. It's funny but the movie also has heart. Yea it gets a little romantic near the end. But a little romance never really hurt anyone. The movie is a rare, great date movie.

The Ride is Captivating
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War of the Worlds

Starring:Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin

Directed by:Steven Spielberg


***1/2 Stars


War of the Worlds: A Movie Review
By: Casey LaMarca

This is why they invented movies.

Steven Spielberg knows how to scare us so much that he scares himself. War of the Worlds is scary, funny, heartbreaking, and with extraordinary special effects. It is more terrifying than any other blockbluster in years. The movie is about choice. There is not one moment in the film where you feel like this couldn’t happen to us.

Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) is not what you would call a "good" father. He knows basically nothing about his kids and really doesn't care for them as much as a parent should. His kids, Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin) are being dropped of at his house in New York for the weekend. Tension rises between Robbie and Ray as they play catch. When staring at each other, one sees Red Sox and the other sees Yankees. The hats represent the antagonism. Both walk away with anger and disclosure.

Right after a short and brief introduction, Spielberg wastes no time with the invasion. Twelve minutes into the film, the attack begins. Lightening is struck twenty-six times in one spot. When this happens, an EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) is set off making all electricity die in a certain radius.

Ray goes to check it out. Everyone is anxious to see what it is. No one is really scared yet. Everyone is fascinated with this crazy storm. Then, the ground begins to shake and the invasion has begun. Aliens begin to zap people. And this zapping is no kid stuff either. This movie has the most graphic “zapping” in recent memory and Spielberg sure does a great job giving the audience goose bumps down to the bones.

After Ray has found the only usable car in the area, he takes his two kids and drives out of the city. While driving, they run into a crowd. People are jumping all over their car. They want the car for themselves and no one else. This shows that the aliens are not just the enemies. You will not see humans working together to survive. Individualism takes over and destroys just as much of humans as the aliens do and I think that is what scares us the most.

The movie is obviously science fiction and it is extremely unlikely that aliens will come to destroy our planet. But there is a realistic side of the film. Rachel asked her father if what is happening is terrorists. Ray must make a choice between saving Robbie or Rachel. He must kill someone to save his daughter. The movie is not about Tom Cruise being the big hero. He is only a hero for his kids, protecting them from whatever comes their way. He will not try to save others just for the sake of saving them. The movie is about choice and what you would do in a situation like this.

When it comes to the ending, Steven Spielberg does not show the aftermath or the rebuilding of the world. He shows the invasion. The aliens do not what to study us, meet us, or use us as slaves. All they want is to wipe us out. In one scene, Ray and Rachel find themselves hiding in an unusual man’s house. This man, known as Harlan Ogilvy's (Tim Robbins) was kind enough to let Ray and Rachel into his house. But he's a little crazy. He discusses about how they will destroy us unless we take a stand. "We’ve been in there to long. This is not a war any more than there's a war between men and maggots. It's an extermination." Sure, it’s political mumbo-jumbo. Sure, I want to stand up to Tim Robbins and ask him why he must write in his own lines and all they consist of is bashing the government we have today. He sure does find ways to make the country even madder. But trying not to let my political views get in the way, Steven Spielberg scares the hell out of us and he knows it.

Christian Bale was born to be Batman
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Batman Begins

Starring: Christian Bale Michael Caine Liam Neeson Katie Holmes Gary Oldman Cillian Murphy
Tom Wilkinson Ken Watanabe Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Christopher Nolan

**1/2 Stars

Batman Begins is a decent movie but it is no where near its expectations.

Batman starts off literally from the start. It shows Bruce Wayne as a child when his parents are killed. Years and years go by and Bruce still hasn't recovered from his tragic loss. He is in a prison when he meets Henri Ducard (Nielson). Ducard can apparently get him out of prison and master the art of patience, swordplay, and Kung Fu. That's right folks, Batman knows Kung Fu. What does Kung Fu have to do with Batman? Who knows and who cares.
In order to enter this very prestigious League of Shadows. Bruce must kill a man. He refuses, and decides to escape. He is attacked but soon free.

After escaping and pointlessly saving Ducard's life, Bruce enters Gotham City again and decides to bring justice to the City. This is where Batman comes in.

Many people wonder what Bruce Wayne does in his spare time. To cover his identity, he creates himself as a playboy and gets drunk every night. This upsets old child friend Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes) who is now an assistant D.A.

Michael Caine is his Butler, Morgan Freeman is his low level technician working in the basement of Wayne Enterprises (every scene with Freeman and Bale feels like a knockoff of James Bond and Q) and Tom Wilkinson is the city's crime boss. The cast (minus an extremely unsatisfying Katie Holmes) is great. They have a lot of fun with this movie. Nolan uses his same style as Memento here, flashing back and forth from past to present. The movie has style and it's fun but it's not as much as I had wished for. The camera is to close in every fight scene. That worked in movies like The Bourne Supremacy. Here, Batman takes them down so fast, we just stop caring about he does.

Batman Begins is just another revenge film. Although Batman does not like to kill, it still felt like a pissed off man because someone killed his parents.

The Four Sisters
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Starring:
Amber Tamblyn Alexis Bledel America Ferrera Blake Lively

Directed by:
Ken Kwapis

*** Stars

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is surprisingly entertaining but also warm hearted. It is also sweet and always lovable.

One summer, four friends (best friends since childbirth) are all traveling to different places. To keep their friendship and rekindle old memories, the girls decide to share these magical pair of jeans that surprisingly all of them all perfectly. Each girl is different in size.

Tibby (Ferrera), with a Puerto Rican background, decides to visit her father, who is an American. When she arrives to his house, she surprisingly discovers that he is getting married with a woman that has two kids.

Lena (Bledel), is heading off to Greece to visit her grandparents. She meets a young man named Kostas. First, she is unsure of herself and does not realize how beautiful she really is and what Kostas sees in her. But after spending time with him, she falls for him. After telling this to her grandparents, they do not approve. Apparently, their families have past hatred. She still, secretly, visits him.

Carme (Tamblyn), is the only one staying behind at their town for the summer. Bored out of her mind, she begins to videotape random shots of pointless material around town. Throughout this process, she meets a young girl named Bailey (an adorable Jenna Boyd). She aggravates Carme by interrupting her throughout her video. But she soon realizes that she is suffering from Leukemia and it is terminal. She doesn't know if she’s just feeling bad for her or because she's growing fond of her. But deep down, she feels for her greatly.

The last one is named Bridget (gorgeous new comer Blake Lively) and she is off to Spain for soccer camp. She ends up flirting with one of the coaches. He soon rejects her because he is a coach and she is player. Still, she tries to impress him on the field.

The movie is very entertaining and all the young actresses each have their moments. Even a critic like myself can still appreciate a film like this.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith
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Mr. and Mrs. Smith

*** Stars
Starring:
Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Vince Vaughn, Adam Brody
Directed by:
Doug Liman
I think that the stories and the scandals that are gossiping around the nation about Pitt and Jolie having an affair make Mr. and Mrs. Smith more sexy, exciting, and funny. It gives Brad and Angelina more spice when they are shooting M-16 assault rifles at each other. If it wasn't for that sexy chemistry they have for each other, the movie would have been a complete and utter mess.

John (Pitt) and Jane Smith (Jolie) have been married for "5 or 6 years" now and the marriage is a complete and total bore. They have neither life nor excitement. Well, at least that what they think of the other. Believe it or not, both are actually highly trained assassins. They go to work, come home, have dinner every night at seven and go to bed and neither one knows about the other. Their lives are phony and their marriage is commercial only.

One day, both are assigned to assassinate the same person. They both get caught up in each other’s assassination attempt and they both fail. They end up firing at one another. Both are identified later in which they soon go after one another in a shooting frenzy.
Pitt and Jolie have a blast making this film. But I was looking for something more. I mean you have the two hottest stars in Hollywood punching each other and making out. Of course it's going to be entertaining. It actually wasn’t that bad of a date movie. It's a mild recommendation for those in the mood for a good time at the theaters.

A Classic Tale of Heroism
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Cinderella Man

**** STARS

Starring: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti

Directed by:Ron Howard

Produced by:Brian Grazer, Ron Howard


I can't remember one movie this year that is more exciting, more anticipating, and more entertaining than Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man tells the story of James J. Braddock played by a perfect actor. Perfect, there's a word that doesn't come by often every day. But here I can tell you that Russell Crowe, as Braddock, Zellwegger as his wife Mae, and Giamatti as his trainer Joe Gould are three of the greatest performances that you could ask for. That's right, Cinderella Man is perfect.

Directed by Ron Howard and produced by his right hand man Brian Grazer, Cinderella Man tells the story of the unrecognized name of James J. Braddock. In the 1920's Braddock was a boxer and a true sportsman to the game. Jim has "three healthy trouble making kids and the most beautiful wife a man could ask for."

Life was good for the Braddock's. But then something happened to them. That something was called the Great Depression. After losing everything and living in a small one room basement, Jim is thrown out of the boxing commission for being an embarrassment to the sport. He has nothing left in the world of fighting. So, now, with no money and no job, Jim must do everything in his power to get money.

There are two scenes in this movie that really capture the horror of the Great Depression. First, Jim's first-born son Jay was caught stealing meat. He didn't do it for the sake of stealing. He was afraid that his parents because of financial reasons would send him away. He took the food for his family so they could eat; so they could live their lives. Jim then promises him that he will never send him away. Howard doesn't use much dialogue here. He uses the eyes of Russell Crowe and you can easily feel what they are going through. The other scene is the most heartbreaking of all scenes. After being thrown out of the boxing commission, Jim goes back to the people he once knew, the people he once understood and looked into their eyes and said that he needed money. Slowly, he went around with tears in his eyes to each person begging like he wasn't a man anymore. It was truly heartbreaking and it touched every part of my little heart.

But then, Jim catches a break after his trainer Joe Gould (A knockout by Giamatti) gets him a fight. Obviously, Jim will take it for the money and for a second chance. He surprisingly wins the fight and moves on to the next challenger. He wins there and now he will face the champion of the world Max Baer. Now many people will wonder. Is this movie predictable? Well a movie cannot be called Cinderella Man if didn't have a happy ending. Of course Braddock wins at the end. Of course the movie ends with everyone in the theater cheering. I know I was. But if you think that ruins the movie well guess again. Howard gives you old fashion on the edge of your seat thrills that aren't from big explosions or special effects. It's about one man struggling for a second chance in life. Every single punch counts in a fight for your life. I had a loss for words after this film. When the movie was over, I sat there and thought about it for a minute. Then after the credits started to come on the screen, I smiled like I have never smiled before at the movies.

Crowe and Zellwegger have great chemistry on screen. I knew nothing about the Braddock's life going into the film. But right when Jim and Mae shared their first kiss on screen it felt like I knew all about their love and their lives. Crowe and Zellwegger could not be any better.

This movie has Oscar fever all over it. Crowe, Zellwegger, Giamatti, and Howard all deserve an Oscar plain and simple, no questions asked. Cinderella Man and an exuberant piece of filmmaking filled with laughter, cries, tears, and cheers. For your sake, find some money and invest it into this film. Don't worry; your stock investment in this film will not drop. It will skyrocket into your heart.

George Lucas and his Masterpiece
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Star Wars

Starring:
Ewan McGregor,

Hayden Christensen,

Natalie Portman,

Ian McDiarmid,

Samuel L. Jackson

Directed by:
George Lucas

***1/2 STARS

This is the third and final installment in the Star Wars prequel trilogy - the sixth Star Wars movie overall. Anakin Skywalker's turn to the Dark Side of the Force, the continuing Clone Wars and the final fate of the Old Republic should be revealed. You can get any more anticipation than this little thing called STAR WARS. When the words "a long time ago, in a galaxy far away" came up on the screen, I died a little inside.

We see everyone take his or her fate. Anakin of course becomes Darth Vador, Padme dies and Mace Windu has the power to kill Chancellor Palpatine that could end it all right there. But something happens to him, can you guess what? We see Luke and Leia be born and Obi-Won Canobi take his final showdown with what was once the chosen one. The effects are breathtaking, especially the scene of Anakin vs. Obi-Won where the choreography and visuals are a sight to see. Also we see Yoda and the Chancellor face off into Yoda's biggest fight ever.

Ok guys, it's Star Wars. It's not going to be Oscar worthy acting. It's not about the acting. Though the acting is only tolerable, Revenge of the Sith is about the power of the dark side taking over and the set up for Luke Skywalker's fate. Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith is easily better than the first two Star Wars film and is a big contender for the best of them all. It's up there with the 1980's The Empire Strikes Back. It is a film that doesn't hold back to the meaning of the word Darth Vador. This is the moment we've been waiting for fans, and we got what we wished for and I thank you George Lucas from the bottom of my heart.

A Damn Good Movie
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Kingdom Of Heaven

Starring:
Orlando Bloom
Eva Green
Liam Neeson
Jeremy Irons
Edward Norton

Director:
Ridley Scott

***1/2 Stars

Allen and Costner are flawless
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

The Upside of Anger

Starring:Joan Allen Kevin Costner Erika Christensen Alicia Witt Keri Russell Evan Rachel Wood
Director: Mike Binder

*** Stars

Wake up screen actor’s guild, the ensemble-casting category already has a slot filled and its everyone in The Upside of Anger. But the main focus is the character of Joan Allen. Her role reminds us of Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give. But Allen is funnier, wittier, drunker, and more inspiring than any other actress I've seen all year.

After being abandoned by her husband, Terry Wolfmeyer finds her life changed when a once-great baseball star (Costner's best performance in years) steps in as her drinking buddy and becomes a member of her dysfunctional family.

Terry has four children and every single one has perfect dialogue, a perfect story and just the right amount screen time. Each character has distinguished qualities and bring true emotion to the dinner table.

But the real focus is on Costner and Allen.
Allen and Costner surprisingly, have one of the best on screen chemistries of the year.

I Loved this Movie
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Fever Pitch

Starring:Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon
Directed by:Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
*** Stars
Based on the novel by Nick Hornby, Fever Pitch is an easily lovable and enjoyable movie. It shows the love, support, and the devastation and horror of being a true Boston Red Sox fan.
First, we meet Ben Wrightman, a man who sums up his life in this order, Red Sox, Sex, and Breathing. So you know there's bound to be controversy when he meets Lindsay Meeks, successful and attractive and on the brink of her career. But he meets him in the winter. This winter guy will take care of her when she’s sick and will do anything for her. But right when the season starts he turns into something more than just a fan, it's an obsession.

You get the idea of what happens. There's fights and depression during the season because of the struggles with the Sox and Lindsay and Ben. Instead of going to a romantic trip to Paris with Lindsay, Ben decides to stay and watch the games and this escalades into the big conflict.
The ending is obvious. The Sox win...finally. After 86 years, the heartbreak, depression, embarrassment, and catastrophes of the Boston Red Sox end. The curse of the bambino is over (The curse goes back to the beginning of the 1919 season where the owner of the Red Sox traded the best player in baseball Babe Ruth, to build a musical theater).

The film is also perfectly cast. Fallon doesn't over do it. He gives a solid performance and perfectly captures what it's like to be a sox fan. Barrymore also stands tall. She doesn't try to be the heart of the film because that's Fallon's job. She plays her part with perfect emotion.

The movie has humor when it needs humor, there's romance when it needs romance, and there's Red Sox when it needs it. The Farrelly brothers give a perfect balance of baseball and romance and I loved every minute of it.

WIllis is right on
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

Hostage

Starring:
Bruce Willis, Kevin Pollak, Jimmy Bennett, Jimmy Pinchak, Jonathan Tucker
Directed by: Florent Emilio Siri
**1/2 Stars
In the beginning of the movie, Jeff Talley (Willis) is negotiating to a criminal who is holding a family hostage. Sadly to say, he fails to save all their lives. Years later he finds himself in the same situation only this time the consequences of failure could mean the termination of his own family.
The question that the movie "Hostage" is asking you is the simple. Would you risk the lives of another family to save your own? That is what Talley has to face. When three crazy and idiotic teenagers try to steel a Cadillac from a rich family, they end up taking the father Walter (Pollack), Tommy (Bennett), and Jennifer (Michelle Horn) Smith Hostage. When Talley arrives on scene, he begins to negotiate with the criminals to deescalate the situation he find out that there are bigger things happening than the lives of this family.
When leaving the scene he finds himself taken hostage himself. The masked men have his family and if he doesn't retrieve something from the Smith's home their as good as dead. So Talley now must rely on little Tommy to retrieve the file.
You know with Willis your going to get a die-hard action performance and he pulls it off. Somewhere in the middle, the movie forgets what the movie is really about. Siri focuses too much on the problems of the burglars and not Talley's crisis. It goes in debt about how one of them is lonely and tries to rape the girl and how he's alone. Its purpose is questionable and foolish.

It has a lot of flaws, but despite that, Hostage is a must for Willis fans and those wanting his die-hard attitude.

A Kick Ass Thrill Ride
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Save your money...
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

Sin City

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, Benicio Del Toro, Clive Owen, Elijah Wood, Jessica Alba , Brittany Murphy, Josh Hartnett , Nick Stahl , Rosario Dawson Carla Gugino Jaime King Marley Shelton Alexis Bledel Devon Aoki Michael Clarke Duncan Rick Gomez Michael Madsen , Powers Boothe
Directed by:
Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller
Co-Director: Quentin Tarantino

**** STARS
Sin City is an exuberant filme. Robert Rodriguez has put Frank Miller's violent comic into one of the greatest comic movie ever made. With Quentin Tarantino as guest director, this is a film you've never seen before.

There is no set time or date in the film. It's a cross pollination of 1960-70's automobile with a present day background (the skyscrapers buildings etc.) The cinematography consists of black and white backgrounds with slight colors such as blood and hair.

The movie has 3 stories into one. First, it tells the story of Hartigan (an absolutely perfect Bruce Willis), a close to retirement cop who saves an 11 year old's life after she is kidnapped. Years later, when Hartigan is accused of rape and molestation charges is sent to prison for 8 years where he falsie confesses his sins so he can go free. Now all he wants back is the little girl whose name is Nancy. Nancy is all grown up and is now a strip dancer (Jessica Alba). He must find her and keep her safe. She is the only thing that is keeping him alive.

The next story is about a man name Marv (a brilliant performance by Mickey Rourke). Marv has had the night of his life. He meets a prostitute named Goldie and they spend the night together. Marv and Goldie share a special bond and Marv feels more for her than anything else in his life. In the morning when he wakes up, Goldie has been mysteriously killed, by the very disturbing cannibal named Kevin (a wicked awesome and deeply scary Elijah Wood). Now he seeks revenge on who committed this murder.

The last story involves a man named Dwight (the better and better Clive Owen). Dwight has a girlfriend Shellie (Murphy) who's ex is trying to come back into her life only she doesn't want him. His name is Jackie boy (Del Toro) and Dwight chases him out of Shellie's life. What Dwight soon finds out after he kills him is that he was a cop. So now he must protect himself and try to get rid of the evidence. Every moment of this film is purely creative, wild, and rich of life. It is a violent, wild, funny, and an amazingly stylish adaptation of the comic. The film is so alive that there is really no other way to explain it except to go and witness this yourself.

Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous

Starring:
Sandra Bullock, Regina King, Enrique Murciano Jr., Diedrich Bader, Ernie Hudson

Directed by:
John Pasquin

Why make movies like this? Why?

*1/2 Stars

The story catches up with FBI agent Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) shortly after she successfully disarmed a threat against the Miss United States Pageant while working undercover as a contestant in Miss Congeniality. Having become a media celebrity following her heroic pageant exploits, Gracie has been spending more time lately at the salon than the shooting range, working the talk show circuit and promoting her book. When her friends, pageant winner Cheryl and emcee Stan, are kidnapped in Las Vegas, Gracie's all-out efforts to jump back into action to save them puts her at loggerheads with the FBI top brass who don't want to risk losing their mascot and fear she might not be up to the job anymore.

It's just not a good movie. Regina King looks like a guy and Sandra Bullock has lost all taste fot his roll. Plain and simple: JUST DON'T SEE IT.

Mac and Kutcher in the 1967 remake
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

Guess Who

Starring:
Bernie Mac, Ashton Kutcher, Zoe Saldana, Judith Scott, Hal Williams

*** Stars

The 1967 remake Guess who's coming to dinner starred Spacer Trency and Katherine Hepurn. 2005’s Guess Who has Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher.

Percy Jones (Bernie Mac) is taking no chances with his daughter Theresa's (Zoë Saldana) future. Even before he meets Simon Green, her latest boyfriend, Percy has him checked out. On paper, he passes with flying colors -- great job, good investments and a promising future. But there's one thing the credit report didn't tell him: Simon Green (Ashton Kutcher) is white and they’re hiding their engagement. This turns into a big frenzy that gets out of hand. Mac and Kutcher are surprisingly watchable in this remake.

Just Another Sequel
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The Ring Two

Starring:
Naomi Watts, David Dorfman, Simon Baker, Elizabeth Perkins, Sissy Spacek

**1/2 Stars

The story picks up six months after the horrifying events that terrorized Rachel Keller and her son Aidan in Seattle. To escape her haunting memories, Rachel takes Aidan and moves to the small coastal community of Astoria, Oregon, to start fresh. However, Rachel's resolve quickly turns to dread when evidence at a local crime scene-including an unmarked videotape-seems eerily familiar. Rachel realizes that the vengeful Samara is back and more determined than ever to continue her relentless cycle of terror and death.

The Movie never really takes off. Spacek's character was the greatest part of the movie. Her horror image shows the movies only real solid scene. But, despite all the hype and all the anxiety awaiting the film, The Ring Two is just another sequel.

Travolta as the not so cool anymore Chili Palmer
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

Be Cool

John Travolta - Chili Palmer
Uma Thurman - Edie Athens

Vince Vaughn - Raji

Cedric the Entertainer - Sin LaSalle

Andre Benjamin - Dabu

Steven Tyler - Himself

Robert Pastorelli - Joe Loop

Christina Milian - Linda Moon

Harvey Keitel - Nick Carr

The Rock - Elliot Wilhelm

Danny DeVito - Martin Weir

James Woods - Tommy Athens

** Stars

Be Cool, starring John Travolta is not a good movie. Yes, it has its moments but it is instantly forgettable and a huge disappointment.
Travolta is back as Chili Palmer in this sequel to "Get Shorty", a much better film. He meets a young singer who has the talent to be the hottest thing in Music. He tries to get a record deal for her and has some trouble on the way. He bumps into people from his past and new faces as well. Vince Vaughn is a white gangster, The Rock is a homosexual, and people are just all over this place in this failure of a comedy.

A chain smoking, alcholic Reeves
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

Constantine

Keanu Reeves - John Constantine
Rachel Weisz - Angelia Dodson/Isabel Dodson
Shia LeBeouf - Chas
Djmon Hounsou - Midnite
Max Baker - Beeman

Directed by:

Francis Lawrence

A Controversial Thriller
*** Stars

John Constantine (Reeves) received to what many believe as a gift when he was born. He was able to send demons that were trying to enter earth back to the wretched fires of hell. He believes that in doing this he will earn a ticket into heaven. But there is one problem, he tried to take someone's life a long time ago...his own.

The movie starts off describing the Spear of Destiny. This sword has a story behind it saying if you have it in your possession you have the power to control the world. It ties into the story of Constantine who meets a young woman Angelia Dodson. Her twin sister seems to have committed suicide but she believes that she was murdered. She goes to ask Constantine questions and he comes to find that something is wrong. He explains to her about the God and the Devil and how they made a deal. They cannot come in direct contact with humans. But the line is being crossed. Demons are trying to enter the earth and the only way to stop is through Angelia. Her sister’s death seems to tie into the answer of stopping the Demons.

Reeves is his usual self, being completely monotone throughout the whole film. He is somewhat tolerable with is attitude as Constantine, but never fully adapts to his character. But that is just stating the obvious. There is some hidden romance between Reeves and Weisz that Lawrence uses to make the film more interesting. He doesn't over do it with the romance with a Hollywood cliché ending. He stays focus with the story and about how Constantine's character changes from the events that happen.

Churchgoers will take offense to this film. It has controversial dialogue and could show different views on heaven and hell. But the film does show creative style with its depiction on the after life. I liked what I saw but I wanted more.

Best Motion Picture of the Year
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Achievement in Directing
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Best Actor in a Lead Role
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Best Actress in a lead Role
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Best Supporting Actor
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Best Supporting Actress

77th Annual Academy Awards

Winners:

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Jamie Foxx RAY

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Morgan Freeman MILLION DOLLAR BABY

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Hilary Swank MILLION DOLLAR BABY

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Cate Blanchett THE AVIATOR

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

THE INCREDIBLES

Brad Bird

ART DIRECTION

THE AVIATOR

Dante Ferretti (Art Direction); Francesca Lo Schiavo (Set Decoration)

BEST PICTURE

MILLION DOLLAR BABY

Clint Eastwood, Albert S. Ruddy and Tom Rosenberg

CINEMATOGRAPHY

THE AVIATOR

Robert Richardson

COSTUME DESIGN

THE AVIATOR

Sandy Powell

DIRECTING

MILLION DOLLAR BABY

Clint Eastwood

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

BORN INTO BROTHELS

Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski

DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

MIGHTY TIMES: THE CHILDREN'S MARCH

Robert Hudson and Bobby Houston

FILM EDITING

THE AVIATOR

Thelma Schoonmaker
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

THE SEA INSIDE

SpainDirected by Alejandro Amenábar

HONORARY AWARD

Roger Mayer

HONORARY AWARD

Sidney Lumet

MAKEUP

LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

Valli O'Reilly and Bill Corso

MUSIC (SCORE)

FINDING NEVERLAND

Jan A.P. Kaczmarek

MUSIC (SONG)

THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES

"Al Otro Lado Del Río"Music and Lyric by Jorge Drexler

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)

SIDEWAYS

Screenplay by Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)

ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND

Screenplay by Charlie Kaufman; Story by Charlie Kaufman & Michel Gondry & Pierre Bismuth SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)

RYAN

Chris Landreth

SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)

WASP

Andrea Arnold

SOUND EDITING

THE INCREDIBLES

Michael Silvers and Randy Thom

SOUND MIXING

RAY

Scott Millan, Greg Orloff, Bob Beemer and Steve Cantamessa

VISUAL EFFECTS

SPIDER-MAN 2

John Dykstra, Scott Stokdyk, Anthony LaMolinara and John Frazier

The Big Disappointment : Martin Scorsese loses again

Martin Scorsese, one of America's greatest directors ever loses again at the oscars for best director bringing his record to 0 and 5.

Scorsese directed "The Aviator" a high flying epic about eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. Leonardo Di Caprio stars as him and he was brilliant thanks to Scorsese's style and vision of what Hughes was thinking when he was processing his ideas about aviation.

Although Clint Eastwood did an exceptional job and Million Dollar Baby is the best film of his career and of the year, I believed that the Academy was going to give in to the pressure and give the long overdue Scorsese a first oscar.

OSCAR PREDICTIONS

BEST PICTURE- MILLION DOLLAR BABY
BEST DIRECTOR- MARTIN SCORSESE "THE AVIATOR"
BEST ACTOR- JAMIE FOXX "RAY"
BEST ACTRESS- HILARY SWANK "MILLION DOLLAR BABY
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- MORGAN FREEMAN "MILLION DOLLAR BABY"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS- CATE BLANCHETT "THE AVIATOR
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY- ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
BEST ADAPTED SCREEPLAY- SIDEWAYS
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM- THE INCREIDBLES

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE- SUPER SIZE ME

Smith and Mendes hit it off in "Hitch"
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

Hitch

Will Smith - Alex "Hitch" Hitchens

Eva Mendes - Sara

Kevin James - Albert

Amber Valletta - Allegra Cole

Directed by:

Andy Tennant

Will Smith stars in his romantic comedy debut and he is charming, witty, and fits into his character perfectly. He stars as "Hitch", a date doctor who helps men without the moves with women to get them to fall in love with one another.
Kevin James and Smith are priceless in some scenes that are really funny. The movie has a genuine flow and keeps the laughter and romance at a perfect balance. If you’re in the mood for a valentine’s day get away, hitch yourself down on to see Hitch.

A moving experience
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

Hotel Rwanda

Starring:

Don Cheadle - Paul Rusesabagina

Sophie Okonedo - Tatiana Rusesabagina

Nick Nolte - Colonel Oliver

Joaquin Phoenix - Jack

Cara Seymour - Pat Archer

Directed by:
Terry George

Don Cheadle gives a captivating performance

**** Stars

Hotel Rwanda is about the rare courage inside a hotel operator that will save the lives of over 1000 people in the horrible genocide of Rwanda back in 1994.
Paul is left in charge of a hotel after his boss has left the country. He must make sure he treats everyone including officials with respect for insurance purposes. He realizes that if a crisis does occur, he needs someone high up to be able to bail him out. After their president is assassinated, rebels of the Hutus blame this assassination along with other crimes on the Tutsis, another tribe in Rwanda. They are very similar. There is one scene where a cameraman (Phoenix) is at a bar and asks two people who look almost the same who they are. One replies she is a Hutus and the other is a Tutsis. It is hard to understand why some can live and others must not.
At the end of the genocide, over 800,000 are killed, many others wounded. The film, at its PG-13 rating seemed impossible to be able to capture the horror of what happened. But director Terry George does not use graphic violence. He uses the emotions that come from the actors. Cheadle and Okonedo are absolutely stunning. They are able to bring fear and love onto the screen when needed. This is a film of rare courage by one man whose only job was to run a hotel. And it is portrayed without a flaw. Hotel Rwanda is flawless and one of the best movies of the year.

TOP TEN UPCOMING MOVIES TO SEE

NUMBER 1
1. Kingdom of Heaven- With great supporting actors (Liam Neilson & Jeremy Irons) and with Orlando Bloom looking over 12 in a film, the film looks really good.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/kingdom_of_heaven/trailer_lg.html

NUMBER 2

2. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith- After 28 years, its finally ending. Lets get one thing straight- it BETTER be good

http://www.dtheatre.com/read.php?sid=2791

NUMBER 3

3. The first one was decent but this one looks totally original

http://www.apple.com/trailers/dreamworks/the_ring_two/trailer/