Taking Woodstock

☆☆☆1/2

+
Jake Teichberg and Imelda Staunton turn in excellent performances.

Ang Lee ("Brokeback Mountain") captures the spirit of Woodstock...
_
...minus one of the most important elements...the music.

Rated R
1 hr. 50 min.

www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/taking_woodstock

Post Grad

☆1/2

+
Alexis Bledel as graduate, Ryden Malby, is by far the best part of this romantic comedy.
_
Michael Keaton, Jane Lynch, and Carol Burnett's talents are wasted in this poorly written, silly story.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 27 min.

www.foxsearchlight.com/postgrad

The Time Traveler's Wife

☆☆

+
Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana star in this intriguing, supernatural romance.
_
The story isn't logical.
Some of the time travel situations don't make sense.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 37 min.

www.thetimetravelerswifemovie.com

Paper Heart

☆☆1/2

+
The quirky Charlyne Yi ("Knocked-Up") and rising star Michael Cera ("Juno") star in this unique comedy/romance about the filming of a "love documentary."
_
The majority of the film centers around interviews about love that just aren't that interesting.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 28 min.

www.paperheart-movie.com

District 9

☆☆☆1/2

+
"District 9" is a unique sci-fi action (part mockumentary) film where the aliens (prawns) are captured, "housed," and supported by the South African government.
Excellent Special Effects!
_
Why would the government take 1.8 million aliens out of their ship to live among humans...even if they are in the fenced-in slums of District 9?
Violence, Language

Rated R
1 hr. 52 min.

www.district9movie.com

Julie and Julia

☆☆☆☆

+
Meryl Streep transforms herself into the truly enjoyable Julia Child, and Amy Adams gives an excellent performance as Julie Powell, the woman who takes on the "Julie/Julia Project" (cooking all 536 recipes from the Julia Child cookbook in one year).
_
Maybe a little too much Nora Ephron "fluff."

Rated PG-13
2 hrs. 3 min.

www.julieandjulia.com

Orphan

☆☆1/2

+
Isabelle Fuhrman gives an excellent performance as the deranged orphan, Esther.
The second hour will have you on the edge of your seat.
_
Peter Sarsgaard's character is written as unbelievably stupid!
"Orphan" gets off to a slow start.

‎Rated R‎
‎2 hr. 3 min.
‎
www.orphan-movie.warnerbros.com

Funny People

☆☆☆☆

+
"Funny..." is one of those rare movies that has the perfect balance of comedy and drama.

A great performance by Seth Rogen.
Jonah Hill makes me laugh once again!
_
"Funny..." could be cut by a few minutes.
Too many male anatomy jokes.

Rated R
2 hrs. 20 mins.

www.funnypeoplemovie.com

The Ugly Truth

☆☆☆

+
"The Ugly Truth" is an enjoyable romantic comedy starring the always charming Katherine Heigl.
_
Predictable
Sexual Situations, Language

Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
www.sonypictures.com/movies/theuglytruth/

500 Days of Summer

☆☆☆1/2

+
"500...Summer" is an offbeat boy meets girl romantic comedy with a little fun and fantasy.
This is Zooey Deschanel's best work yet.
_
The time jumping may be a little confusing.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 35 min.

www.foxsearchlight.com/500daysofsummer/

The Hurt Locker

☆☆☆1/2

+
"The Hurt Locker" is a compelling story of how three men, serving their last 38 days in Iraq, deal with being assigned to a U.S. Army bomb squad.
Cameo Appearances by Guy Pearce and Ralph Fiennes
_
A Little Long
Violence and Strong Language

Rated R
2 hr. 10 min

thehurtlocker-movie.com

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

☆☆☆1/2

+
Fans will enjoy this installment where Harry, Hermione, and Ron find drama and a little romance.
The special effects keep getting better.
_
The film isn't true to the book.
"Harry Potter...Prince" lacks excitement and a solid storyline.

Rated PG
2 hr. 33 min.

harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthehalf-bloodprince

Bruno

☆1/2

+
Sacha Baron Cohen's new mockumentary exposes homophobia and adds a few laughs at the same time.
_
Cohen's character, Bruno, is written as a stupid, over-the-top gay man.
As much as I didn't want this to be the case..."Bruno" does reinforce gay stereotypes.

Sexual Situations and Nudity
Adults Only

Rated R
1 hr. 23 min.

www.thebrunomovie.com

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

☆☆☆1/2

+
"Ice Age..." is an enjoyable story with laughs for kids and adults.
The 3-D tops other recent animated films.
_
The acorn-chasing Scrat seems like "unnecessary filler."

Rated PG
1 hr. 34 min.

www.iceagemovie.com

Cheri

☆☆☆

+
Michelle Pfeiffer gives a solid performance as Lea, the aging courtesan, in this Stephen Frears ("The Queen") film.
_
Kathy Bates is miscast.

Rated R
1 hr. 33 min.

www.cheri-movie.com

Public Enemies

☆☆1/2

+
All-Star Cast: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose), Billy Crudup

"Public Enemies," based on the true life story of John Dillinger, is an interesting drama.
_
It should have been more interesting.
Too Long. This film could easily be "trimmed" down to 90 minutes.

Rated R
2 hr. 23 min.

www.publicenemies.net/

Moon

☆☆☆

+
Sam Rockwell skillfully plays an astronaut who may, or may not, be losing his mind while he fulfills a three year contract on a moon space station.

_
The question is answered too early.

Rated R
1 hr. 37 min.

www.sonyclassics.com/moon/

My Sister's Keeper

☆☆☆☆

+
"My Sister's Keeper" is a moving, well-acted film that poses an interesting question.
Sofia Vassilieva 's (TV's "Medium") performance as Kate, the sick daughter, shows true talent.

_
Be ready for a tear-jerker.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 39 min.

www.mysisterskeepermovie.com

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

☆1/2

+
The "human" part of "Transformers..." is entertaining.
Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox make a great action team.

_
The story is lost in special effects, battles, and explosions.
Crazy Battle Scenes!
Which transformer is good and which one is evil?

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 31 min.

Year One

☆1/2

+
Once again Michael Cera gives "spot-on" comedic delivery.

_
Most of the laughs are in the trailer.
Some of the humor is in bad taste.

1 hr. 40 min.
Rated PG-13

The Proposal

☆☆☆1/2

+
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds make a great team in this touching romantic comedy.
Betty White adds some fun.

_
Predictable

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 48 min.

The Taking of Pelham 123

☆☆☆1/2

+
John Travolta and Denzel Washington turn-in solid performances in this edge of your seat thriller.

_
High Level of Tension

Rated R
1 hr. 46 min.

Little Ashes

☆☆1/2

+
"Little..." is a mildly interesting story of unrequited love between Salvador Dali (Twilight's Robert Pattinson) and Federico Garcia Lorca (Javier Beltran).

Pattinson proves he can be more than a teenage vampire.


_
The story is frustrating and tragic.
Homophobia

Rated R
1 hr. 52 min.

Land of the Lost

☆1/2

+
A Few Good Scenes
A Few Laughs

_
Most of the humor was silly and fell flat.
If you are interested in seeing "Land..." hurry because it won't be in theaters long.

Rated: PG-13
1 hr. 33 min.

Away We Go

☆☆☆1/2

+
Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski deliver strong performances in Sam Mendes' moody, melancholy, comedy about finding "home."

Catherine O'Hara and Allison Janney provide the laughs.


_
A little too moody and melancholy.

Rated R
1 hr. 38 min.

The Hangover

☆☆☆☆

+
One of the best times I've had at the movies this year!
"The Hangover" is a well-crafted, well-acted movie that is full of laughs.

_
This film is for adults only.
Language, Violence, Sexual Content

Rated R
1 hour 40 min.

Up

☆☆☆☆

+
"Up" is a funny and touching animated adventure that is great for kids and adults.
Excellent Animation (3-D)

-
Wait a week...there may be fewer young children in the theater.

Rated PG
I hr. 38 min.

Terminator Salvation

☆☆1/2

+
"Terminator..." is the action-packed fourth installment in the series.

_
Heavy on special effects and light on story.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 54 min.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

☆☆☆1/2

+
"Night...Smithsonian" is an entertaining sequel filled with laughs and exceptional special effects.
Amy Adams, Hank Azaria, and Jonah Hill shine.

_
A slow start.

Rated PG
1 hr. 45 min.

Angels and Demons

☆☆☆1/2

+
"Angels..." is the dynamic sequel to the "The Da Vinci Code"
Great Twist

_
The first half is predictable.

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 18 min.

Star Trek

☆☆☆

+
'Star Trek' offers a new, young cast and a fresh spin that includes going back in time to see Kirk and Spock as kids.

See if you can spot Winona Ryder.

_
It felt a little too long.

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 6 min.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

☆☆☆

+
Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) and Liev Schreiber (Sabretooth) give the best "mutant" performances to date.
Special Effects

_
Violence
Keep the little ones at home!

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 47 min.

The Soloist

☆☆1/2

+
An interesting story of a journalist who befriends a homeless musician.
Robert Downey Jr. always turns in a good performance.

_
The story lacks "emotional connection."

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 52 min.

Two Lovers

☆☆☆

+
A moody, well-acted romantic drama starring Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow

_
gloomy

Rated R
1 hr. 48 min.

17 Again

☆☆☆1/2

+
Zac Efron gives a good performance as the 37 year old, Mike O'Donnell, who is 17 again.
Thomas Lennon ('Reno 911!') delivers the laughs.

_
Some say it's too full of "messages" for teens.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 35 min.

Duplicity

☆☆☆

+
'Duplicity' is a smart thriller with a little comedy and romance.
Clive Owen and Julia Roberts make a good team.

_
Time Jumping
Too Complex?

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 4 min.

Sugar

☆☆☆1/2

+
'Sugar' is an engaging and unpretentious story of a young baseball player who goes from a training camp in the Dominican Republic to a minor-league club in Iowa.

_
The ending is disappointing...but right for this story.

Rated R
1 hr. 44 min.

I Love You, Man

☆☆1/2

+
Paul Rudd gives us another endearing character.
The "bromance" concept is funny.

_
Most of the laughs are in the trailer.

Rated R
1 hr. 45 min.

Observe and Report

☆

+
A Few Laughs
Seth Rogen makes this film a little more tolerable.

_
Most of the attempts at humor are in bad taste.
'Observe...' is really making fun of a man with psychological problems.
Violence
Language

Rated R
1 hr. 25 min.

Alien Trespass

☆☆1/2

+
A fun throwback to the sci-fi B movies of yesteryear.
Eric McCormack is well-cast as astronomer Dr. Ted Lewis and the alien, Urp, who temporarily takes over Lewis' body.

_
Be ready for quirky and silly.

Rated PG
1 hr. 30 min.

Sin Nombre

☆☆☆

+
A gripping, gritty story of Central American immigrants trying to make their way to the United States.
Strong Performances

_
This film provides a frightening look at gangs and gang violence.
Violence
Language

Rated R
1 hr. 36 min.

Adventureland

☆☆☆

+
'Adventureland' has more depth than most coming-of-age films.
Kristen Wiig gives us an understated comedic performance.

_
The trailers are deceiving.
I expected more fun!

Rated R
1 hr. 47 min.

Monsters vs. Aliens

☆☆☆

+
Animation just keeps getting better and better!
'Monsters...' is 3-D fun for kids and adults.

_
Some say the movie is less about story and more about 3-D.

Rated PG
1 hr. 34 min.

Knowing

☆☆

+
This supernatural thriller is intriguing...

_
until the last 30 minutes when the alien spacecraft appears.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 50 min.

Sunshine Cleaning

☆☆☆1/2

+
'Sunshine Cleaning' strikes the perfect balance of humor and drama.
Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are enjoyable as the Lorkowski sisters.

-
A Few Holes in the Story

Rated R
1 hr. 42 min.

Race to Witch Mountain

☆☆1/2

+
The kids will enjoy this remake of Disney's 1975 'Escape to Witch Mountain.'
Dwayne Johnson is perfect as Jack Bruno, the cab driver that helps the aliens return to their home planet.

_
'Race...' didn't reach it's potential.
The screenplay is weak.

Rated PG
1 hr. 39 min.

Watchmen

☆☆1/2

+
The graphic novel enthusiasts will appreciate this movie.
Patrick Wilson (Nite Owl II) and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Comedian) turn in the best "superhero" performances.

_
Graphic Violence, Nudity, Language
Keep the kids at home!

Rated R
2 hr. 41 min.

The International

☆☆

+
Clive Owen plays a convincing detective investigating a corrupt European bank.

_
The story details get lost in all the violence.

Rated R
1 hr. 58 min.

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.