Finding Amanda

☆☆1/2

+
Matthew Broderick "nails" the comedy and heartbreak.

-
"Finding..." is too heavy on the heartbreak.
Limited Release

The Dark Knight

☆☆☆1/2

+
Heath Ledger's performance is reason enough to see this action packed movie!
Great Cast

-
Violent. This film is not for kids.
It's a long one (2 1/2 hours).

The X Files: I Want to Believe

☆☆☆

+
This is an engrossing thriller.

-
A little "lite" on the supernatural.
Mulder and Scully are still dealing with some of the same issues.

Step Brothers

☆☆1/2

+
It's hard to beat Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly's comedic delivery.

-
There is a fine line between funny and stupid.
Leave the kids at home (language, sex).

Meet Dave

☆

+
Eddie Murphy is right for the part of Dave.

-
Kids under ten may appreciate this silly film.

The Wackness

☆☆☆

+
This film is quirky but enjoyable.
By the end of the movie I cared about these characters.

-
If you're looking for an uplifting story, this isn't it.
The 1994 expressions were way off (peace out, awesome...not in 1994).

Tell No One

☆☆☆1/2

+
This suspenseful drama is filled with plot twists.
'Tell...' was awarded four Cesars (France's Oscar), including best actor and director.

-
French with English subtitles
Pay close attention because it gets a little complicated.

Mamma Mia!

☆☆☆1/2

+
This movie is entertaining!
Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, and Julie Walters deliver the laughs...and sing pretty well too.

-
The story is "forced" to fit the music.
The music is "forced" to fit the story.
Maybe one problem with casting.

Brick Lane

☆☆☆

+
An engaging glimpse at life and the human spirit.

-
I wanted a deeper look at how certain events affected the characters (a suicide and the impact of 9/11 on Muslims).

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

☆☆

+
Special Effects
Creative Creatures
(Thanks to Pan's Labyrinth's Guillermo del Toro)

-
It's a mixed-up fantasy-drama-comedy!
A few too many moments of nonsense.
Fish-Man and Fire-Girl's powers are rarely utilized.

Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D

☆1/2

+
Enjoy the 3D.
'Journey' doesn't take itself too seriously.

-
Keep your expectations "in check."

Roman De Gare

☆☆☆☆

+
This intelligent thriller raises many intriguing questions.

A film that doesn't depend on graphic sex and violence to tell a first-rate, "tension-filled" story.

-
French w/ English Subtitles

Savage Grace

☆☆1/2

+
Well-Acted
Eddie Redmayne plays "unusual" very well.

-
This film is based on a true story, which makes it even more disturbing.

Wanted

☆

+
Angelina Jolie plays a convincing "bad girl."

-
Once again, it's all about the violence.

Wall-E

☆1/2

+
Excellent Animation
I heard a few laughs in the theater.

-
This mechanical object did not come to "life."

Mongol

☆☆☆1/2

+
Engaging Story
Cinematography

-
This film is a little heavy on the bloody battle scenes.

Hancock

☆☆☆

+
Hancock is an entertaining superhero.
Jason Bateman adds some laughs.
I liked the "twist."

-
The explanation of Hancock's history is a little weak.

Get Smart

☆☆☆

+
Steve Carell is a great Maxwell Smart.
Plenty of laughs.

-
The story falls a little short.

The Incredible Hulk

☆☆1/2

+
It's a fun ride.
Edward Norton and Liv Tyler give good performances.


-
The mix of animation and live action didn't work in this film.
Didn't we just see another version about 5 years ago?

The Happening

☆☆

+
This film is successful in creating an eerie mood.


-
I'll admit to still being a little confused as to what was happening.
This isn't Zooey Deschanel's best work.

The Promotion

☆1/2

+
A Few Laughs
Good Cast

-
It's difficult to like the two main characters.
Moody...a little depressing.

Kung Fu Panda

☆☆☆

+
The animation is excellent.
Jack Black adds the fun!

-
Be prepared for noise. This movie is for kids.

Sex and the City

☆☆☆1/2

+
This is a fun and sexy movie with heart.

-
I'm not sure if it will be as popular with people who didn't follow the HBO series.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

☆☆☆1/2

+
A Fun Adventure
Attention to Detail (cars, clothes, expressions, etc.)
Cate Blanchett can do anything!

-
Sometimes it's just too silly.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

☆☆1/2

+
Limited GRAPHIC violence.
The children have improved as actors.

-
The story doesn't have the same magic as "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."
The special effects fell short of "The Lion..." as well.

The Visitor

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
"The Visitor" is my favorite movie of 2008 (as of May).
This is an original and moving story.
Richard Jenkins' performance is "real."

The ending is perfect.

-
Even though the ending is perfect, you'll want more.

Iron Man

☆☆☆

+
Robert Downey Jr. is well-cast as lead character, Tony Stark.
Comic book fans will be pleased.

-
Keep the little ones at home.
This movie is too violent for small children.

Baby Mama

☆☆☆

+
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler make a great team.
Amy Poehler hits all the right "comedic notes."

-
A few confusing scenes with the doorman.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

☆☆☆1/2

+
I laughed a lot!
This film has a great sense of humor.
Each character is strong.

-
Keep the kids at home (nudity, sex, and adult humor).

21

☆☆1/2

+
Good story that creates a high level of tension

-
Leaves too many "Why did they do that?" questions

Leatherheads

☆☆

+
A few laughs
The cast: George Clooney, Renée Zellweger, and John Krasinski (The Office)

-
Not enough for this great cast to work with...something's missing.
I find words and expressions that aren't true to the period (1925) distracting.

In Bruges

☆☆☆1/2

+
Entertaining
Brendan Gleeson brings true depth to his character.
My favorite Colin Ferrell performance to date.

-
Some may say that's it too bloody, but this is a film about two hit men.

Vantage Point

☆☆☆

+
Well-Crafted
Exciting
Great Chase Scene

_
Why are so many of the good movies so violent?

The Hammer

☆☆☆1/2

+
I laughed out loud.
Great sports story (w/ a little romance).

Who knew Adam Corolla could act?
He is a natural in front of the camera.

-
Poor Film Quality
Limited Release

The Bank Job

☆☆☆1/2

+
This film creates a high level of tension that is definitely engaging.
The fact that this screenplay is based on a true story makes it even more interesting.

-
A few scenes may be too violent for some moviegoers.

Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who

☆☆1/2

+
Some of the best animation I've seen.
Steve Carell and Jim Carrey bring a little extra "fun" to their characters.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

☆☆☆

+
Frances McDormand is excellent as Miss Pettigrew.

Once again, Amy Adams is perfect.
She is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses.

-
It ended too quickly. I wanted more of these two characters.

The Other Boleyn Girl

☆☆

+
Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson pull it off.
Interesting Story

-
Don't know that it can be depended on for historical accuracy.

Mad Money

☆1/2

+
It's just fun.

Cloverfield

☆☆1/2

+
Exciting Story
Great Pace

-
Hand Held Camera (a little distracting)

Keep the monster a mystery!
We saw it much too early in the movie.