Academy Award Winners 2009

BEST PICTURE
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Sean Penn - Milk

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Kate Winslet - The Reader

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Heath Ledger -The Dark Knight

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona

BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire

BEST FOREIGN FILM
Departures (Japan)

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Simon Beaufoy - Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Dustin Lance Black - Milk

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
WALL-E

BEST ART DIRECTION
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST SOUND MIXING
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST SOUND EDITING
The Dark Knight

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Slumdog Millionaire - AR Rahman

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire - AR Rahman and Gulzar

BEST COSTUMES
The Duchess

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Man on Wire

BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT):
Smile Pinki

BEST FILM EDITING
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST MAKE-UP
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
La Maison en Petits Cubes

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
Spielzeugland (Toyland)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Star Movie Reviews Oscar Predictions 2009

Oscar Predictions 2009
(Not Necessarily starmoviereviews.com Favorites):

BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
☆Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
☆Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Melissa Leo - Frozen River
Meryl Streep - Doubt
☆Kate Winslet - The Reader

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Josh Brolin - Milk
Robert Downey Jr - Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
☆Heath Ledger -The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Amy Adams - Doubt
☆Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis - Doubt
Taraji P Henson - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler

BEST DIRECTOR
David Fincher - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard - Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant - Milk
Stephen Daldry - The Reader
☆Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire

BEST FOREIGN FILM
The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany)
☆The Class (France)
Departures (Japan)
Revanche (Austria)
Waltz With Bashir (Israel)

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Eric Roth and Robin Swicord - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley - Doubt
Peter Morgan - Frost/Nixon
David Hare - The Reader
☆Simon Beaufoy - Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Courtney Hunt - Frozen River
Mike Leigh - Happy-Go-Lucky
Martin McDonagh - In Bruges
☆Dustin Lance Black - Milk
Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon and Pete Docter - WALL-E

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
☆WALL-E

BEST ART DIRECTION
Changeling
☆The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Changeling
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
☆Slumdog Millionaire

BEST SOUND MIXING
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
☆The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted

BEST SOUND EDITING
☆The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button - Alexandre Desplat
Defiance - James Newton Howard
Milk - Danny Elfman
☆Slumdog Millionaire - AR Rahman
WALL-E - Thomas Newman

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
Down To Earth from WALL-E - Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman
☆Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire - AR Rahman and Gulzar
O Saya from Slumdog Millionaire - AR Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam

BEST COSTUME
Australia
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
☆The Duchess
Milk
Revolutionary Road

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)
Encounters At The End Of The World
The Garden
☆Man on Wire
Trouble the Water

BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT):
The Conscience of Nhem En
The Final Inch
Smile Pinki
☆The Witness - From The Balcony Of Room 306

BEST FILM EDITING
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
☆Slumdog Millionaire

BEST MAKE-UP
☆The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Hellboy II: The Golden Army

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
La Maison en Petits Cubes
Lavatory - Lovestory
Oktapodi
☆Presto
This Way Up

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
Auf Der Strecke (On the Line)
Manon On The Asphalt
New Boy
The Pig
☆Spielzeugland (Toyland)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
☆The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man

Taken

☆☆1/2

+
'Taken' is action-packed from beginning to end.
Liam Neeson was a much better action hero than expected.

_
Violence

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 31 min.

Coraline

☆☆1/2

+
See this incredible animation in 3D.
Dakota Fanning brings the main character, Coraline, to life.

_
This film is not for small children.

Rated PG
1 hr. 40 min.

New in Town

☆☆1/2

+
'New in Town' is a sweet, touching romantic comedy.
Renée Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr.

_
predictable
The season of Oscar films is coming to a close.

Rated PG
1 hr. 36 min.

Revolutionary Road

☆☆☆☆

+
Strong Performances by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio
'Revolutionary Road' is an powerful film about a young couple's troubled relationship.

_
depressing

Last Chance Harvey

☆☆1/2

+
'Last...' is a pleasant romantic comedy.

-
Uncomfortable Beginning
Wait for the DVD.

Academy Award Nominations 2009

2009 Oscar Nominations:

BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Melissa Leo - Frozen River
Meryl Streep - Doubt
Kate Winslet - The Reader

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Josh Brolin - Milk
Robert Downey Jr - Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
Heath Ledger -The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Amy Adams - Doubt
Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis - Doubt
Taraji P Henson - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler

BEST DIRECTOR
David Fincher - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard - Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant - Milk
Stephen Daldry - The Reader
Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire

BEST FOREIGN FILM
The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany)
The Class (France)
Departures (Japan)
Revanche (Austria)
Waltz With Bashir (Israel)

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Eric Roth and Robin Swicord - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button;
John Patrick Shanley - Doubt
Peter Morgan - Frost/Nixon
David Hare - The Reader
Simon Beaufoy - Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Courtney Hunt - Frozen River
Mike Leigh - Happy-Go-Lucky
Martin McDonagh - In Bruges
Dustin Lance Black - Milk
Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon and Pete Docter - WALL-E

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
WALL-E

BEST ART DIRECTION
Changeling
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Changeling
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST SOUND MIXING
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted

BEST SOUND EDITING
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button - Alexandre Desplat
Defiance - James Newton Howard
Milk - Danny Elfman
Slumdog Millionaire - AR Rahman
WALL-E - Thomas Newman

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
Down To Earth from WALL-E - Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman
Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire - AR Rahman and Gulzar
O Saya from Slumdog Millionaire - AR Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam

BEST COSTUME
Australia
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Duchess
Milk
Revolutionary Road

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)
Encounters At The End Of The World
The Garden
Man on Wire
Trouble the Water

BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT):
The Conscience of Nhem En
The Final Inch
Smile Pinki
The Witness - From The Balcony Of Room 306

BEST FILM EDITING
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST MAKE-UP
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Hellboy II: The Golden Army

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
La Maison en Petits Cubes
Lavatory - Lovestory
Oktapodi
Presto
This Way Up

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
Auf Der Strecke (On the Line)
Manon On The Asphalt
New Boy
The Pig
Spielzeugland (Toyland)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man

Gran Torino

☆☆☆1/2

+
'Gran Torino' explores the touching relationship between Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) and his Hmong neighbors.

_
Clint Eastwood gives us a character that is unbelievably cantankerous.
Violence and Strong Language

Defiance

☆☆☆1/2

+
'Defiance' is based on the true story of a group of Jews who avoided the Nazis by hiding in the forest.
Daniel Craig
_
Too Long

The Wrestler

☆☆☆☆

+
Terrific performances by Mickey Rourke as Randy "The Ram" Robinson and Marisa Tomei as Cassidy the stripper.
'The Wrestler' is a gripping story about a middle-aged wrestler trying to hang-on to a fading career.

_
Hand Held Camera
Poor Film Quality

The Spirit

☆1/2

+
The fans of the graphic novel will enjoy this film.

_
Some actors played it "straight," and some played it like a comic book character.

Valkyrie

☆☆☆

+
'Valkyrie' is a suspenseful film based on the true story of an attempt to assassinate Hitler.
Historical Accuracy

_
Some critics say Tom Cruise wasn't credible as a German soldier.
The Germans with British and American accents were distracting.

Marley and Me

☆☆1/2

+
Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson have a refreshing on-screen relationship.
Dog lovers will appreciate this film!

_
Bring the tissues...you'll need them.

Doubt

☆☆☆☆☆

+
Meryl Streep gives an Oscar winning performance.
Viola Davis, Amy Adams, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman are wonderful as well.
The story is so well-written that you will still have doubt at the end.

_
The conversations will go on long after you leave the theater.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

☆☆☆☆

+
'The Curious...' is a unique tale based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Excellent Performances, Special Effects, and Make-Up

_
The trailer tells most of the story.
Almost three hours...a little long.

The Reader

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
Kate Winslet is outstanding as Hanna, the tram ticket-taker turned Nazi concentration camp guard.

_
Many reviews of the 'The Reader' give away Hanna's secret.

Frost/Nixon

☆☆☆☆

+
Director Ron Howard and writer Peter Morgan create a fascinating look at the Frost/Nixon interviews from 1977.
Excellent Performances by Frank Langella as Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as David Frost.

_
Many question the historical accuracy.
Some say the material is better suited for HBO or PBS.

Four Christmases

☆☆1/2

+
'Four Christmases' was more fun than I expected.
Great Cast (Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight, Kristin Chenoweth)

_
Many family members are unbelievable.
A few scenes are silly.

Seven Pounds

☆☆☆1/2

+
Will Smith
'Seven Pounds' is an intriguing film about a man haunted by a tragic event.

_
A Little Slow
Aspects of the story are similar to a few other films.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

☆

+
Keanu Reeves is well-cast as Klaatu, the alien with no emotion.

_
The story is weak, and I didn't care about the characters.
What were Jennifer Connelly and Kathy Bates thinking when they signed-on to do this film?

Milk

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
'Milk' is a captivating biography dealing with the struggle for equal rights.
Sean Penn deserves a nomination for his performance as Harvey Milk.

_
There is some controversy related to the historical accuracy.

Slumdog Millionaire

☆☆☆1/2

+
'Slumdog' is a unique and compelling story about how a young man from the slums in Mumbai knows the answers to the questions he encounters as a contestant on the Indian version of "Who...Millionaire."

The unexpected dance number, shown as the final credits roll, is the most joyful part of the film.

-
Don't expect a happy film about a game show contestant.
This film is violent, slightly depressing, and several scenes are tough to watch.

NOTE: I saw 'Slumdog' again, and I enjoyed it much more the second time because I was able to see past the violence and disturbing situations.

Australia

☆☆☆☆

+
'Australia' is a picturesque and touching epic dealing with racism, war, and romance.

-
A Little "Campy"
Visual Distractions and Inconsistencies

Twilight

☆☆☆

+
'Twilight' is a unique and engaging vampire story that creates a high level of tension.

-
Slow Start
Make-Up
Some Weak Dialogue

Quantum of Solace

☆☆1/2

+
Action-Packed Adventure
Daniel Craig as Bond and Judi Dench as M

-
Chaotic camera work ruins the chase scenes.
Violence

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
'The Boy...' is a poignant story of the Holocaust as seen through the eyes of a child.
Asa Butterfield (the boy) and Vera Farmiga (his mother) give excellent performances.

-
violent and disturbing situations

The Secret Life of Bees

☆☆☆☆

+
I enjoy begin 'moved' by a movie, and 'The Secret Life...' is one of the most moving movies I've seen this year.
Dakota Fanning deserves recognition for her performance.

-
Be ready for an emotional ride.

Happy-Go-Lucky

☆☆☆☆

+
Sally Hawkins gives one of the best performances of the year.
No sex, violence, nudity, or bad language.

-
The storyline is a little "thin."

Changeling

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
One of the Best Films of 2008
'Changeling' is an engrossing film based on a true story.
Angelina Jolie and Jason Butler Harner's Performances

-
Violence
This film is for adults only.

W.

☆☆1/2

+
Josh Brolin plays a convincing George W. Bush.
Director, Oliver Stone, creates an interesting story that is based on published accounts and reports.

-
Thandie Newton as Condoleezza Rice

Religulous

☆☆☆1/2

+
Clever and Funny
Whether you agree or disagree with Bill Maher, he raises some thought-provoking questions.

_
This film will "push some buttons."

Rachel Getting Married

☆☆☆

+
This is Anne Hathaway's best work to date.
'Rachel...' is a well-cast drama that looks at a family dealing with a past tragedy.

_
If you're looking for light and fun, skip this movie.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

☆☆☆☆

+
'Nick..' is one of the best comedies I've seen this year.
Michael Cera is a natural in front of the camera.

-
One Disgusting (Funny) Scene

Call + Response

☆☆☆

+
Important documentary that includes alarming information about the human slave trade.

_
It's difficult to assign a star value to a movie like this.
The message is important, but the film may not hold your attention.

Eagle Eye

☆☆1/2

+
Action-Packed Thriller
Shia LaBeouf is a compelling action hero.

-
Frenetic Chase Scenes

Lakeview Terrace

☆☆☆

+
Engaging Suspense Thriller
Samuel L. Jackson gives us a disturbed and unsettling main character.

-
Predictable
Some Violence

Ghost Town

☆☆☆

+
Ricky Gervais and Téa Leoni
This comedy/fantasy offers a few laughs and is surprisingly touching.

-
My expectations were a little too high.

Burn After Reading

☆☆☆1/2

+
'Burn...' is an entertaining comedy with that "Coen brothers' edge."
Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand give us quirky and comical characters.

-
Some Violence

Traitor

☆☆☆

+
Don Cheadle
'Traitor' will hold your attention from beginning to end.

-
Pay attention to the details...a little complicated.

The Women

☆☆☆

+
All-Star Cast (Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith)
Writer and director, Diane English, creates an enjoyable, updated remake of the 1939 film.

-
Don't go expecting the original. It can't be beat!
Slow Start

Hamlet 2

☆☆1/2

+
Steve Coogan creates a genuine character that "elevates" this film.
You'll find yourself rooting for the drama class.

-
It's hard to get "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" out of your head.
It's a mix of silly and truly funny.

House Bunny

☆☆

+
Anna Faris' Comedic Delivery
Who doesn't love to go back to their college days?

-
Dim-Witted Dialogue
The Zeta Alpha Zeta sisters are "over-the-top."

Henry Poole is Here

☆☆

+
Adriana Barraza's ('Babel') performance/character adds a bit of joy to this film.

-
Overall, it's just too gloomy.

Frozen River

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
Melissa Leo's performance is worthy of an Oscar nomination.
Intriguing and Suspenseful
Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize

-
Grim...but not completely.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

☆☆1/2

+
Strong Cast (Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall)
Smart and Sexy

-
Bland Narration
How about a happy, committed relationship?

Tropic Thunder

☆

+
A Few Laughs

-
'Tropic...' is stupid, too long, and a few scenes make no sense.
Violence, Strong Language, Sexual References

Brideshead Revisited

☆☆1/2

+
'Brideshead...' is an interesting story about desire, religion, and control.
Ben Whishaw "captures" the character of Sebastian.

-
It felt a little long (2 1/4 hours).

American Teen

☆☆☆☆

+
A fascinating look at senior year.
This documentary captures the drama, pressure, pain, and joy of 12th grade.

-
I would have liked more structure in the story line (a little disjointed).

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

☆☆☆1/2

+
'The Sisterhood...' is a winning sequel.
It's an enjoyable look at friendship and family.

-
Of course we don't believe the traveling jeans fit all four girls.
Who cares?

Pineapple Express

☆☆☆

+
James Franco and Seth Rogen make this movie work.
Crazy, Outrageous, and Fun!

_
Drug Use, Violence, Language, Sexual References
Take the kids to see 'Journey...' or 'Hancock' instead.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

☆☆1/2

+
You'll have fun watching this action-adventure.
Tough Female Characters (Maria Bellow, Michelle Yeoh)

-
Is it Brendan Fraser's acting or the writing that makes him such an unlikely action hero?
Too many foolish lines.

Swing Vote

☆☆☆

+
There's more depth to this movie than I expected.
One of Kevin Costner's better performances.

-
Sure...it's far-fetched.

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.