Film Reviews by Jenni

Beginners

2011-05-27T09:26:00.001-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Mike Mills) There is no better advice than to see a film with no prior expectations. Just that mindset led me into Beginners with a simple and curious intelligence and in turn, wrapped me up in a snuggly blanket of emotion, love and tenderness so complex that it simultaneously left me hurting and happy. The story is that of a budding relationship between father and

Insidious

2011-05-27T09:16:00.002-04:00

MUST-SEE: (written by Leigh Whannell and directed by James Lee) It’s a tough thing to do these days, making a horror film that actually leaves a mark beyond the theater. We’re doing good to get a legit scare every few years, but a rare film makes it into your mind for longer than the time it takes to sleep through the night. Somehow, Aussie filmmakers and long time friends

Mad About WHO

2011-05-27T09:14:00.004-04:00

There's a small group of us out there who grew up loving that show... and then Helen Hunt became a movie star and Paul Reiser (unless you're on the comedy circuit) disappeared... Well, he came back with a bang, but his return ran about as fast as the speed of the sound of that bang. Alas, here's my conversation with him... Click the title, Mad About WHO, to read the article published in Insite

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

2010-12-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

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Morning Glory

2010-11-19T10:32:00.002-05:00

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The Other Guys

2010-08-06T16:00:00.000-04:00

WORTH IT: (Adam McKay) Detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) have never been heroes. In fact, one thrives pushing paper and crunching numbers, and the other is famous for shooting Derek Jeter. Basically, these guys don’t just get ignored, they get tortured, and their tied to their desks while the big guns, Detectives Christopher Danson and P.K. Highsmith (Dwayne

Erin Brockovich

2010-04-13T10:18:00.000-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Steven Soderbergh) Well, this is an oldie - yes... but if you know me at all, you know I have a long list of stuff I should have seen years ago. In my defense, this movie came out when I was too young to see Rated R movies, this one apparently too provocative (i.e. the way EB dresses).But, alas, many years later... It came on television one rainy afternoon (and, let's be real - this

Where the Wild Things Are

2010-04-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

ALMOST WORTH IT: (Spike Jonze) It's the children's book come to life, but this go-round also aged and matured, almost cynical and sadly jaded. Yes, the imagination and wonderment that made the picture book is deeply explored in the film, but to a stronger point of melancholy nostalgia, rather than mystical escapism. If you're not familiar, the story is about Max, a little boy with few friends and

In the Loop

2010-04-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Armando Iannucci) As the US President and UK Prime Minister toy with thoughts of war, a few others do everything they can to avoid it. A truly tongue in cheek comedy, this British gem is a fast-paced, witty insight into politics underneath the politics. Much more emphasized than the benefit of war or not, is who sleeps with who, who is more important, who believes what, who is on who's

New Moon

2010-04-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

WORTH-IT for Twilighters: (Chris Weitz) Well, it's the second installment of the infamous Twilight saga, this time with a new director, a beefed up cast and overseas cinematography all working to try and overshadow that the truth of the matter - nothing is really going on. I mean, stuff happens, yes. The Cullens say goodbye to Forks, Jacob turns into a werewolf, and Bella leads him on

The White Ribbon

2010-04-07T09:00:00.001-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Michael Haneke) Nominated for best Foreign Film and Cinematography this year at the Oscars and winner of The Palm D'Or at Cannes, The White Ribbon is clearly something to see. It's the story of a small German town, a community seemingly simple and serene, filled with homely and vanilla people. No one has more than they need. Everyone knows each other. For the most part, life is a

Crazy Heart

2010-04-06T09:00:00.000-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Scott Cooper) I keep talking about movies that have really surprised me. I'd made a bad habit of forming opinions too early based on predictable trailers and was limiting my cinematic exposure in doing so. But, with all the flicks thus far that I keep saying that about, I've really got to kick that. Crazy Heart was one I was anything but excited to see. The preview made it look like

The Hurt Locker

2010-04-05T09:00:00.002-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Kathryn Bigelow) So, its taken me awhile to get up a review on this one, but don't think it's because I didn't like it. This film actually fascinated me to the point that I've been troubled with how best to relay my thoughts and be able to adequately emphasize how well I think it was done. It's the story of a gutsy branch of the armed forces in charge of seeking out bomb threats,

Julie & Julia

2010-04-02T12:30:00.000-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Nora Ephron) It's interesting that we never grow tired of seeing Meryl Streep run the cards in her films. Give her script, and she transforms lines to magic - always letting timeless personalities into our hearts. It's no different with her portrayal of Julia Child. Streep conquers Julia with a gusto that leaves herself nowhere to be found. And fortunately, it leaves the viewer with

An Education

2010-04-02T12:00:00.002-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Lone Scherfig) This has to be one of my top picks from the list of Oscar noms this year. An Education is a superb story about a mature young woman intellectually polished and preparing for Harvard, yet unsatisfied with what the world at present has to offer. But Jenny's vanilla perspective of the world all begins to shift when she is charmed by the dapper (and much older) David, who

Coco avant Chanel

2010-04-01T13:00:00.002-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Anne Fontaine) I'm a sucker for a period piece. I also adore vintage fashion and French films. In Coco Before Chanel, all my favorite things are rolled into one romantic fashion-forward fairytale. The story begins in a nightclub where Coco and her sister perform cheesy song and dance for pocket change, living in cramped quarters and dreaming of stardom amidst sweaty suitors and

Precious (Based on the novel Push by Sapphire)

2010-03-31T10:50:00.002-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Lee Daniels) Every so often, I watch a movie that literally shuts me up. It throws tragedy, sadness and unbelievable stories so hard at me that I have trouble reacting in a timely manner. It takes a long time for the ugly bits and pieces to sink all the way in (if I can bear to let them at all). Precious is one of those movies for me. 16-year-old Clarice Precious Jones has 2 children

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

2010-03-15T13:00:00.003-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Wes Anderson) Another take from this year's Oscar Animation Category, the stop-motion Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on the novel by Roald Dahl, is a worthy watch for Anderson-lovers. It's the story of a quirky fox family, on the run after Mr. Fox steals from the local farmers-3 of the biggest in the industry. All is well, and Fox's night of adventure seems harmless upon initial steal, that

Up

2010-03-15T13:00:00.002-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Pete Docter and Bob Peterson) I hope that by the time I am finally getting this post up, most--if not all--of you will have seen it. If not, stop everything and give yourself over to this feel-good flick. Up is the story of 78-year old Carl Fredricksen and his journey via balloons to Paradise Falls, South America. A life-long dream to visit, in his old-age it seems easiest to pick up

The Blind Side

2010-03-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

MUST-SEE: (John Lee Hancock) Despite love for Sandra Bullock and love for sports movies - The Blind Side was nowhere near the top of my list to see in theaters. Especially when Oscar season was quickly approaching (this time being back during the holidays), I didn't want to waste time spending my money on universal sappy sports movies that wouldn't even be mentioned come Academy night. Well, as

District 9

2010-03-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Neill Blomkamp) Unlike most movies today, District 9 never attempts to follow the rules of reality. Million of aliens are living in a fenced in neighborhood outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. The interact with the locals, the locals can understand their click-gurgle language, and their broke-down UFO is just chillin' over the skyscrapers. Nothing new. Never once does the film

The Last Station

2010-03-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

MUST-SEE: (Michael Hoffman) What a surprise this film is! If you're a loyal reader, you know period pieces are my passion. But I assure you, that bias plays no part in my love of this story. My only regret is I failed to read the book first. The Last Station is the tale of Leo Tolstoy and his family and following at the end of his life. Amidst the Tolstoyian Movement, it was an era of love

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus

2010-03-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Terry Gilliam) For anyone who doesn't know, Gilliam's twisted, fantastical, devilish Imaginarium was the late Heath Ledger's last acting gig. He passed before filming was complete, leaving Gilliam with his tall tale unfinished--and no lead. He and co-writer Charles McKeown sat back down to re-work round 2, bringing in Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell to split Ledger's character.

Invictus

2010-03-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Clint Eastwood) There were several movies out early this year that were not at the top of my list. I know that may be hard to believe for some of you who know me well, and know that I am usually "dying to see" every movie that comes out (and usually think they're all fabulous!). But, maybe I am maturing, or my film-buds are, or I don't know what, but this year came a slew of films

NINE

2010-03-10T09:34:00.000-05:00

ALMOST: (Rob Marshall) Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Fergie, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren... just a handful of reasons not to ignore this musical. Unfortunately, I can't say much for it's credibility as a great movie, because it lacks the fluidity to be an impacting story. But, the performances are good enough to enjoy it simply as a musical mosaic and

82 Years of Oscars...

2010-03-09T12:40:00.000-05:00

It's hard to describe the feelings I have after watching this year's Academy Awards show... I had high expectations (that, by reputation of the show, are rarely met) from the dynamic duo Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, or the new increased Best Picture category, and as always, I had seen a good chunk of the nominees this year, so I couldn't help but have my (strong) opinion on who should take home

A Single Man

2010-03-09T11:10:00.000-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Tom Ford) Based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man is the story of (shocker) a single man, mourning the loss of his 16-year partner. All alone now, living in the L.A. suburbs, the professor of English, George Falconer, finds waking up every morning unbearable, and on a particular morning, sets out to make it his last. The film illustrates those plans, him putting

The Oscar Race is On

2010-02-07T23:23:00.002-05:00

It's my favorite time of year again... when going to the movies is not a hobby or an interest, but an actual priority, and part of the ultimate challenge - to see as many as possible before the awards are passed out. In my own opinion, I think its a pretty cool feat to say you've seen everything. It makes me feel important in the film world. But there is something else to be said to feel like

The Young Victoria

2010-01-10T20:58:00.002-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Jean-Marc Vallee) From the perspective of someone who swoons over a good period peice, The Young Victoria is a story very worth seeing. Although incomparable to Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and lacking the instensity of Pride & Prejudice, it nonetheless impresses. Beginning with a chronological log of Victoria, circa age 5. She is a young girl, destined for royalty but hidden from

Up in the Air

2010-01-10T20:56:00.004-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Jason Reitman) Do you ever get so deep into a routine that you forget what life is like outside of it? Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a top account executive at company who fires other company's employees for a living. Specializing in severance packages and "the after," he lives between airplane seats and hotel beds, laying off hundreds a week and never looking back. He's got the

Avatar

2010-01-10T20:54:00.002-05:00

PHENOMENAL: (James Cameron) Everyone should see this film. Everyone. Aside from the fact that it is an epic tree-hugging love story comparable to Ferngully on steroids (thanks for that Reed), this film is a landmark in American cinema. In 1939, The Wizard of Oz was the first movie to hit theatres in color. Well, if you'd been around then (or maybe you were) to say you saw it, wouldn't you choose

Pineapple Express

2009-12-22T15:14:00.000-05:00

ALMOST: (David Gordon Green) Well, at this point, this film came and lived out its time in the limelight a while ago... In fact, the statement it makes that it has taken me this long to come up with what to say should tell you a little bit about the motif encircling this little comedy. For those of you who haven't seen it, the synopsis is that of two unlikely acquaintances, a user and a seller.

Encounters at the End of the World

2009-11-24T12:38:00.003-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Werner Herzog) Worth seeing for nature lovers and eco-gurus, Encounters is a beautiful glimpse into "real life" in Antarctica. Herzog takes us on a journey into the lives of several individuals making their living at The South Pole, from plumbers and bus drivers, to scientists and artists. There people who study penguins, underwater photographers, volcanic experts. Bottom line is,

Inglorious Basterds

2009-11-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

PHENOMENAL: (Quentin Tarantino) Absolutely fabulous! Inglorious Basterds is the biggest pleasant surprise of the year, in film. It's the story of a macho men group from America and Europe wrecking havoc on members of The Third Reich throughout Germany. Led by Lt. Aldo Raine, a unique performance from Brad Pitt, they scalp heads troop by troop, earning a most wanted reputation throughout the Nazi

A Serious Man

2009-11-24T11:31:00.002-05:00

Almost: (Coen Brothers) What was promoted as "the best American movie of the year" proved, to me, nothing but a glimpse into the exploited sadness of a young Jewish family in the Midwest. The story is basically a middle aged college professor who begins to see his life unravel. His wife wants a divorce, his brother sleeps on their couch (indefinitely), a student bribes him and then threatens to

Powder Blue

2009-09-22T18:52:00.000-04:00

ALMOST: (Timothy Linh Bui) Well, there is usually a reason when films go straight to DVD. Basically: It's not good enough to make people pay $10 for. Powder Blue is actually not good enough to make people pause life for its measly 106 minutes. Now, don't get me wrong, this film has some redeeming qualities that kept my machine playing. Forest Whitaker delivers a suspenseful and heartbreaking

Blindness

2009-09-21T21:11:00.005-04:00

ALMOST: (Fernando Meirelles) When you sit down for a film starring the Spanish phenom, Gael Garcia Bernal and American notables Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo, one would think it almost gurantees an intense, clever story, on fire on screen and deeply relatable for the audience. Unfortunately, the key word in the previous sentence remains as "almost." In Merielles adaptation of Jose Saramango's

Grey Gardens

2009-07-21T21:32:00.002-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Ellen Hovde, Albert Maysles, David Maysles and Muffie Meyer) The 1975 documentary reveals Edith Beale and her daughter Edie Beale living in the filth which they refer to as their East Hampton mansion. Their story, gisted well here, here, and here explains the background. I took interest in this original after seeing a strung out duo of Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange publicize their

Away We Go

2009-07-21T21:18:00.000-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Sam Mendes) Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski star as Ramona and Burt in this immeasurably adorable flick about two young lovers expecting a little one and trying to find their place in the world before it comes. It starts off light-hearted and comical, just skimming the edge of sincerity and sentiment. But then, the couple says goodbye to their only set of would-be grandparents and has

The Changeling

2009-06-29T10:46:00.001-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Clint Eastwood) Readers forgive me, I saw this film months ago and let it slip under the rug of priorities last fall. But that slip should not be taken as a sign that this film was anything short of brilliance. Clint Eastwood directs a story by J. Michael Straczynski that illustrates a mother's love for her son and a corrupt government's self-dug grave. Angelina Jolie plays Christine

Yes Man

2009-06-29T10:10:00.001-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Peyton Reed) From the director of The Break Up comes a Jim Carrey film that one hundred percent mocks Liar Liar, but one hundred percent entertains, again. I cannot emphasize how much this movie is like it's 1997 predecessor, but I also love that even with that complete unoriginality, it absolutely entertains. Carrey has been on a field trip doing serious films to balance out his Ace

Last Chance Harvey

2009-06-29T10:10:00.000-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Joel Hopkins) Now here is a story for the masses. An unusual love story of two adults, late in life and way past cliche. Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson play Harvey and Kate, introduced by chance in Heathrow Airport and inevitably akin. Nominated for 2 Golden Globes this story is refreshing, comedic and heartfelt, unlike the romantic comedies of its time. Harvey, an outcast in his own

Marley & Me

2009-06-29T10:09:00.000-04:00

WORTH-IT: (David Frankel) Based on the memoir by John Grogan, Marley and Me is the story of two young journalists making a life (and a family) in South Florida, accompanied and made more entertaining by the world's worst dog. What began as a test for potential parenthood turns into a life-long attempt to break a golden retriever with genetic defaults to misbehavior. Owen Wilson and Jennifer

He's Just Not that Into You

2009-06-26T11:39:00.000-04:00

ALMOST: (Ken Kwapis) Another film watched on the plane, this one guaranteed not as good elsewhere. Although a cute story - comical, light, honest - He's Just Not That Into You leaves a little to be desired. Packed with fun names, Aniston, Affleck, Barrymore, Johannsen, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Connelly, Justin Long, Ginnifer Goodwin, etc. etc., it's a playground for watching our girl-next-door

Gran Torino

2009-06-26T11:08:00.000-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Clint Eastwood) It's hard to truly review a movie you saw while on a night-flight to Europe, because let's be honest, what wouldn't keep your interest when there is literally nothing else to do but watch the lucky ones sleep. But I think, think, that this movie would have been satisfying either way. First off, Clint Eastwood continually delivers fascinating plot and character

The Brothers Bloom

2009-05-29T11:33:00.003-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Rian Johnson) This movie is incredible. It has everything: hilarity,cunning, unpredictability, suspense, wit. Absolutely nothing in this film disappoints. Mark Ruffalo is stand-out as the older of the Bloom brothers--I would say his best performance ever. From hustling teeny-boppers, orphaned for their bad behavior, they grew to be the best con men in the world, millionaires riding on

Happy Go Lucky

2009-05-11T12:24:00.003-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Mike Leigh) Golden Globe winner, Sally Hawkins stars as Poppy, a lively, optimistic Brit, enjoying every drop of life, good or bad, in Mike Leigh's latest vignette. An illustration of taking everything in stride, Happy Go Lucky is a glimpse into Poppy's day-to-day, exuding someone with everything the title promises. Often irritating to others, Poppy's uncanny ability to take light of

Burn After Reading

2009-05-07T11:16:00.008-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Coen Brothers) Burn After Reading is a hilarious illustration of the truth behind never really knowing the truth. A stellar cast, who put it all on the line to play some of the saddest losers known to modern script, eliminates the need for a drama amidst a slew of steep film (meaning, this film came out during Oscar time). It's almost as if the big names of this film did it simply to

The Visitor

2009-04-27T17:03:00.000-04:00

ALMOST: (Thomas McCarthy) This film sums up the essence of my "Almost" categorization. It literally almost gets the mark for being a great film, but instead, carried out a monotonous solemnity for almost two hours, offering plenty of rising action but zero ending. The film starts off with whimsical intrigue, giving us quiet and dorky Professor Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins). He arrives to his

Frozen River

2009-04-27T16:08:00.000-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Courtney Hunt) Now here is a film of true originality. Indians shipping aliens over the Canadian border with the help of a single mom looking for easy money to buy her boys a double-wide for Christmas. (??) Well, the bottom-line is that this movie is fantastic. So rarely is a truly raw light shed on American families that this story is almost painful to watch, harder to accept and

Vicky Christina Barcelona

2009-04-27T15:19:00.001-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Woody Allen) Bravo to this stupendous film! Penelope Cruz, who never disappoints me, enters this film and 100% steals the show--much to my satisfaction (and her own, Congrats on the statue). Her rapido Spanish eloquently fills in the lines of a love story much unlike anything in the eyes and/or experience of a traditional sap. Take two American grads, on the summer vacation of a

The Wrestler

2009-04-22T15:26:00.000-04:00

ALMOST: (Darren Aronofsky) In a word--disappoint. In more words--I hate that this movie gave Mickey Rourke the platform to come back into film as none other than himself, glorified. The Wrestler is the story of Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a wrestler who reigned in his day, but has since lost it all , living in a trailer park, fighting for peanuts and working the deli at the local grocer. No one

Sunshine Cleaning

2009-04-21T16:45:00.002-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Christine Jeffs) Amy Adams and Emily Blunt star in a pathetically sad story about helplessly sad people trying to make it in a cruel cruel world. As a cleaning lady, Adams' Rose is unhappy, unfulfilled and ultimately convinced it is the only way to climb the social and professional ladder (Yet, into what world exactly, we are left unconvinced as this community is overridden with high

Tinker Bell

2009-04-02T12:31:00.000-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Bradley Raymond) For anyone that enjoys Disney classics (and this director has done 4 of them), you might as well keep the fairytale alive and see all of the sequels . Most are a fine justification to the original and actually exactly what the doctor ordered for a story that you just can't let go of. For me, that is Peter Pan (and it was also Aladdin). Tinker Bell is the story of Tink-

Kung Fu Panda

2009-03-31T10:17:00.003-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Mark Osbourne/John Stevenson) Nominated for one of 2008's best Animated Films by the Academy, Kung Fu Panda epitomizes a good cartoon. In fact, it's a pretty apt warning as Jack Black opens the film with a warning to "Prepare for awesomeness." Complete with subtle morale and role models, the story is of a noodle-selling Panda bear named Po who dreams of Kung Fu fame but remains stuck

Watchmen

2009-03-15T14:08:00.002-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Zack Snyder) Again, I claim ignorance to the true character that is "superhero movies." I never read the comics--or in this case graphic novel (but I plan to!)--and I certainly didn't grow up watching the cartoons (not sure this is even relevant here). So honestly, the film is the blank canvas on which my mind develops an opinion--and in this case, an affinity--regarding the infamous

Rachel Getting Married

2009-03-09T16:20:00.003-04:00

ALMOST: (Jonathan Demme) When Anne Hathaway was nominated for an Oscar, I choked on the words and gave it my damnedest to think of how an ugly duckling turned Princess of Genovia turned NY magazine bitch turned rodeo slut could have managed a role that let her develop something enough to call her own and deservedly claim that nom. Yes, she has conquered quite a long list of varying personalities,

Synechdoche, NY

2009-03-05T15:15:00.000-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Charlie Kaufman) A plethora of good acting and bad karma, Kaufman's writing and directing the candy shop of a story, Synecdoche, NY is everything you ever expected of Kaufman, just more pitiful. It is meant only for his truest fans. Philip Seymour-Hoffman stars as Caden Cotard, the depression-wrought playwright recently given a grant to produce the play of a lifetime. Except he fears

The Dark Knight

2009-03-05T12:31:00.001-05:00

MUST-SEE: (Christopher Nolan) As a Batman newcomer, my first impression is that The Dark Knight is my favorite Batman ever. So, of course that comes with a grain of salt, but it's true. Never before (in any movie really) has such an intelligently detailed plot been truly spotlighted by its brilliant performance of a cast in such a way that the tremendous special effects and digitography are

Seven Pounds

2009-03-05T12:31:00.000-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Gabriele Muccino) Bravo! Will Smith for continually landing roles in movies that require limited transition from characters past. Seven Pounds is Happyness reincarnated and out to right his life of wrong. Take our main character, playing once again, a man at the end of his wits--this time mentally, rather than fiscally. For the duration of the film, we witness him make heartfelt (and

The Duchess

2009-03-03T13:16:00.005-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Saul Dib) In 1774, 17-year-old Georgiana Spencer (Kiera Knightley) giddily agreed to marry the older, distinguished Duke of Devonshire (an unsettling Ralph Fiennes). Unlike many girls, whisked away by arranged marriages, she entered this union flattered and with big dreams. Unfortunately, the Duke shared, or cared for, none of those dreams, performing the marital duty and speaking none

Tropic Thunder

2009-03-03T13:15:00.004-05:00

MUST-SEE: (Ben Stiller) I have to warn you that this review might be filled with many superlatives. First off, it is the best spoof on an action film I have ever seen. Secondly, it is the best construction of a cast I have seen in a comedy film in a long time. And, it is the funniest movie for a movie-lover out there right now. Take a most unique way of creating a plot, a group of ego-rich actors

Milk

2009-03-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

MUST-SEE: (Gus Van Sant) I label this film out of habit. It is a must-see movie. But know this movie is not for everyone and not everyone will agree with that classification. Even as historical and enlightening, Milk illustrates a side of life still not accepted by all, and by others still hated upon. That said, if men lovin' on other men offends you, skip this one--skip out on a colorful part of

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-02-09T20:51:00.002-05:00

PHENOMENAL: (Danny Boyle) Slumdog Millionaire is a movie for the masses illustrating a vibrancy of culture existing among the darkest of standards, proving that human life is foremost lived. Director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting) brings to the screen the story of Jamal Malik, an orphaned Mumbai boy growing up on the streets. He candidly reveals a country and its people immune to devastation and

WALL-E

2009-02-09T20:29:00.005-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Andrew Stanton) Hard not to expect great things from the man who brought us Finding Nemo and A Bug's Life, and he does nothing but meet those expectations with more impossibly adorable, environmentally aware animated creatures. WALL-E is the story of a trash compacting robot, left on earth long after life has ceased to exist on the planet. For over 700 years, he has gone about his

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2009-02-09T16:29:00.000-05:00

WORTH-IT: (David Fincher) I tend to hold F. Scott Fitzgerald in a certain high esteem. He has an apt to write flagrantly and classically, all the while maintaining an aire of unique beauty, untouched by any other story and impossible to undermine. For that reason, I immediately was curious (no pun intended) of the potential this film held. How would it be possible to carry over such deep emotion

Revolutionary Road

2009-02-02T15:19:00.002-05:00

MUST-SEE: (Sam Mendes) Before seeing this film, you really should fall in love with the book first. Written by Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road is truly an overlooked classic. The story is of April and Frank Wheeler, a young married couple fighting a monotonous threat of sweet suburban life, struggling to hold their relationship (and family) together despite their inner defeat. It's their dreams

Frost Nixon

2009-02-02T13:53:00.002-05:00

MUST-SEE: (Ron Howard) From the opinions of someone completely ignorant to anything about Richard Nixon and Watergate that wasn't revealed through 1999's Dick, I have to say this movie is incredible. It's a summed up version of the White House scandal, revealed in the questions and answers that took place between David frost and President Nixon in the summer of 1977. Played majestically by Frank

Doubt

2009-01-15T09:37:00.002-05:00

MUST-SEE: (John Patrick Shanley) On the surface, Doubt is the story of the warm-hearted Father Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), accused of child abuse at St. Nicholas Catholic School. The deeper story is that of Sister Aloysius, played remarkably by Meryl Streep, who accuses Flynn without proof, without reason, and only with her certainty that he has done wrong. She has her doubts that Flynn is

Bride Wars

2009-01-14T15:14:00.002-05:00

QUESTIONABLE: (Gary Winick) Um, I am not really sure where to begin with this one. Aside from the frustration of having to spend that $10 for 2 hours of mindless entertainment on something so mindless (and at the same time ridiculous), there is the question of whether or not it was worth the sacrifice. Would I have missed out on anything? No. Would I be better off having not seen it? Financially,

Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (I've Loved You So Long)

2009-01-14T14:16:00.004-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Philippe Claudel) An delightfully stereotypical French film (limited dialogue... colorless and unassuming), I've Loved You So Long begins as the story of two sisters, separated at a young age by the eldest's incarceration for the murder of her own six-year-old son. Apart for 15 years, the girls, now women, must start again, a journey that illustrates unconditional love at its

The Boy in Striped Pyjamas

2008-12-09T09:58:00.002-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Mark Herman) Based on the novel by John Boyne, The Boy in Striped Pyjamas is an utterly heartbreaking tale of the innocence lost around the world during WWII. 8-year-old Bruno, the son of a Nazi Concentration Camp Commanding Officer, has no concern for learning the current events happening in his "fatherland." He would much rather go exploring. Even when the family relocates closer to

The Incredible Hulk

2008-12-09T09:54:00.003-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Louis Leterrier) Can't say it rivals Robert Downey Jr.'s rendition of a Marvel beast, but Ed Norton and Liv Tyler create a pretty close second to the beginning of this round of superhero flicks. First of all, Ed Norton as Bruce Banner creates an interesting approach to installing a contrast between average science nerd to uncontrollable temper beast. His reputation for phenomenal

Iron Man

2008-12-04T12:33:00.003-05:00

MUST-SEE: (Jon Favreau) This movie is perfect for any audience. It's awesome! (to be simple) I think that is what makes it such a "must-see." It combines action, humor, fantasy and good morale into one hulking man of steel... Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark, president of Stark Enterprises, a company currently responsible for an explosives raid through small African villages. Kidnapped and held

Superbad

2008-12-02T15:27:00.003-05:00

ALMOST: (Greg Mottola) I just can't bring myself to say this one is worth it. When you compare it to other notables within the genre, 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up and the recent, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, it just doesn't measure up. Sure, throw in sex-driven high schoolers, lots of sugary alcohol and a million do-good dorks and you've got a recipe for inappropriate humor, a type that seems to

The Fall

2008-12-02T15:25:00.003-05:00

MUST-SEE: (Tarsem Singh) In a hospital outside of Los Angeles in the 1920s, an injured and heart-broken stuntman named Roy (Lee Pace) and an innocent five-year-old Spanish field-worker named Alexandria (Cantinca Untaru) meet amidst the injured and together embark upon one of the most beautiful and fantastic love-stories ever told. Alexandria, barely speaking English and stuck with her healing arm

Twilight

2008-12-02T15:15:00.003-05:00

WORTH-IT (for the book lovers): (Catherine Hardwicke) To be fair, I have to admit that this review is biased because I am a Twilighter. But don't take that as me thinking the movie was awesome. I did love having my obsession illustrated on film, but I also struggled with its potential to stand alone. The first half was choppy and shallow, jumping from scene to scene quickly as to cover up the

25 Days of Victoria's Secrets Widget

2008-12-01T10:40:00.001-05:00

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

2008-11-19T09:40:00.005-05:00

WORTH-IT (Kevin Smith): What begins as an uncomfortable glimpse into the lives of long-time friends and roommates, Zack and Miri, watching them debate the best sex toys online and or hand warmer burning hair off body parts, slowly becomes a story worth appreciating and if you can believe it, relatable. Try-outs for the duo's film star Lester the Molester (Smith's Jay), a talented hooker named

Rendition

2008-10-10T09:35:00.004-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Gavin Hood) CIA Analyst Douglas Freeman, played by a wimpy Jake Gyllenhal questions his newest assignment after witnessing an unorthodox interrogation by secret detention officers, outside the US. When Egyptian-native, now-US resident, Anwar El-Ibrahimi, played by Omar Metwally, goes missing seemingly in the air on a flight to America from South Africa, his wife, Reese Witherspoon

The Women

2008-09-29T10:26:00.003-04:00

MUST SEE for women: (Diane English) Pour Hollywood's favorite sweethearts into a 1930s classic, don't allow any men on the bill, make it about the best and worst qualities in females and you've got the recipe for The Women, one of the most enjoyable, light-hearted, yet emotional films that anyone with a va-jay-jay will appreciate. Aside from loving to laugh and cry, women love to watch train

El Orfanato (The Orphanage)

2008-09-29T09:46:00.005-04:00

PHENOMENAL: (Juan Antonio Bayona) Laura is a young and fiery girl living in an orphanage with 5 other children. They are too old to be adopted and innocently pressing the patience of some of the employees. But Laura is the lucky one of her firends, and gets adopted at the age of 11. She never hears of the orphanage again, except that eventually everyone was gone and the house was left abandoned.

City of God

2008-09-02T11:55:00.005-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Fernando Meirelles) From the director who brought us 2005's Constant Gardener and this month's thriller, Blindess, it's one of his earlier works, City of God, that gives him a reputation among movie-watchers for a unique beauty within tragic darkness. Here, he illustrates Paolo Lins' novel of the same name, based on actual events among gangs in the forgotten Brazilian city. Young boys

An Officer and a Gentleman

2008-08-27T09:34:00.003-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Taylor Hackford) With a trip back to a classic in 1982, An Officer and A Gentleman takes care of a few things for me. First and foremost, this film completely explains why he was the heartthrob of an older generation. When Richard Gere makes his appearance as the freshly-shaven Zach Mayo, he is gorgeous. Dark eyes, chiseled features and a sultry attitude make him dreamy as an early 80'

Shakespeare in Love

2008-07-28T12:37:00.003-04:00

MUST-SEE: (John Madden) No truer to romantic comedy form, Shakespeare in Love is emotion and entertainment topped with laughter at its best. From laughing to crying through a deep from the gut of love stories, and love and quarrel among friends and foe of fighting playhouses and sneaky writers, this film hones in on every dynamic detail of not simply a romantic comedy, but a great film. And does

My Blueberry Nights

2008-07-14T17:19:00.002-04:00

ALMOST: (Kar Wai Wong) A touching and tender movie dotted with potential controversy, My Blueberry Nights disappoints overall as a bland, predictable and pretty much boring film. The story is sweet, but stereotypical: A broken-hearted girl treks across the country trying to find herself amongst misfits in low places. Director takes us through three story lines, each with a character that helps

Wanted

2008-07-09T10:08:00.004-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Timur Bekmambetov) Wow, what a film. Based on a graphic novel, you know to expect extreme visual stimulation, but Wanted goes beyond those expectations, providing a seamless storyline, effortless suspense and nonstop action, all made pretty by the Matrix-infused cinematography. From playing on trains to curving bullets, Angelina Jolie and Common train nobody, James McAvoy to become the

Gone Baby Gone

2008-07-01T08:41:00.002-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Ben Affleck) Take a story that combines south Boston culture with modern-day tragedy and you get Gone Baby Gone, the tale of a four-year-old girl that goes missing in a neighborhood where kidnapping is on the rise and ignorance is close behind. Characters with strong feelings and quick judgement make this a long and delicately intertwined mystery. Private detectives played by Casey

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

2008-06-09T12:02:00.002-04:00

PHENOMENAL: (Julian Schnabel) A truly emotional masterpiece, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is one of the few films to encase a realistic tone throughout beautiful and creative cinematography. From the beginning, as seen through the half paralyzed eyes of Elle editor, Jean-Dominique Bauby, the film is raw, candid and heartbreaking. Bauby, the former editor of Elle magazine in France, suffered

Sex and the City

2008-06-09T12:01:00.001-04:00

MUST SEE: (Michael Patrick King) LOVE THIS FILM! For someone who never watched SATC as a TV Series, this film completely roped me in and entertained for its two hour span, leaving me wishing for more and hoping for infinity. Combine that with the world's biggest product-placement movie and the world's most popular NYC women, and you've got a everyone pleaser. The story is fresh, despite a

The Strangers

2008-06-03T21:43:00.001-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Bryan Bertino) What begins as a bad teen horror movie, eventually takes flight into one of the best real scary stories the cinema has to offer. Based the the true story of unexplained deaths discovered by two young boys selling door to door, The Strangers takes us along with Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman as they escape to an isolated vacation home for some romantic peace and quiet. Once

Made of Honor

2008-06-03T21:33:00.003-04:00

ALMOST: (Paul Wieland) What appears as a match made in heaven, that is McDreamy as the next Romantic Comedy man, is easily lost to stereotypical chick flick in Made of Honor. First and foremost, the fact that this film is simply a rip off and gender switch of the classic My Best Friends Wedding is just the icing on the wedding cake in this scenario. This story brings us stereotypical guy mottoes,

No Country for Old Men

2008-05-02T14:21:00.000-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Coen Brothers) Set in the dusty Southwest in 1980, this 4-time Oscar winning film about a psycho headhunter with a cattle gun for a weapon makes for one of the industry's creepiest projects and darkest yet. Starring Javier Bardem as a hired henchman to track down $2 million in drug money from un-expecting nobody, Josh Brolin's Llewellyn Moss, No Country for Old Men, based on the novel

Baby Mama

2008-04-28T14:24:00.003-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Michael McCullers) My number one rule about going to see movies is having no expectations. Enter every viewing with simply the mind to embrace the work put before you by an in-depth team of creative artists, and find entertainment through their medium. Whether or not you enjoy the genre set before you is your own thing, but putting something up to your own expectations seems unfair.

Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

2008-04-16T15:31:00.003-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Tim Burton) It doesn't take much to really get excited about this film. Simply remind yourself that it's Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter slicing throats, making pies of men and doing so singing in a so-very-merry tune. The absurdity will make you laugh out loud, but the candor allows you to fully engage in a story that is as much told by its demonic melodies as it is by honest

Into the Wild

2008-04-03T12:41:00.004-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Sean Penn) I love this movie. Into the Wild is a step in a direction everyone feels, or has felt, at some poiont in their life (if not arguably a little all the time). Based on the novel by Jon Krakauer, Penn adapts a screenplay to color in the lines of character Chris McCandless's journey across the country and up into Alaska. Into the Wild depicts the story of a young man, deeply

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

2008-03-13T10:16:00.002-04:00

MUST-SEE: (Andrew Dominik) Based on the novel by Ron Hansen, The Assassination of Jesse James is a beautiful and emotional film that stretches out the true character of an infamous villain and touches on the unexplainable obsession many had for him. Writer and Director Andrew Dominik gives us both sides of the moral fence, showing us the hearts of James's closest friends, and the tragedies of his

Vantage Point

2008-03-10T10:36:00.002-04:00

ALMOST: (Pete Travis) What serves as a intriguing and intense preview completely falls short as a feature film. Vantage Point, the story of the assasination of a US President at a Peace Conference in Spain, is a fascinating idea with a poorly executed screenplay. The idea is that the as the President takes the podium, a fatal gunshot and ill-intended bombs send a message to shut down US arrogance

Night at the Museum

2008-03-10T10:09:00.004-04:00

WORTH-IT: (Shawn Levy) Usually Ben Stiller promises a laughable comedy when he appears as the face of a trailer. And when you add other faces, like Owen Wilson and Robin Williams, the comedy becomes more convincing. And finally, with surprise cameos from classics Mickey Rooney and Dick van Dyke, you know the film cannot fail. Night at the Museum is an entertaining, eye popping movie, created to

Across the Universe

2008-02-20T16:48:00.005-05:00

WORTH-IT: (Julie Taymor) I admit, I went into this film expecting to find fault (and I loathe expectations going into movies), but what I ended up with was a great experience of a what can best be described as a Beatles-infused Rent. That said, the music was inevitably fantastic. The rich and melancholy sounds of the Beatles tell a story on screen of our world wrapped up in war and changes,