"American Pie: Book of Love"

Bug Hall
Kevin M. Norton
Brandon Hardesty
BEth Behrs
Melanie Pampalia
Jennifer Holland
John Patrick Jordan
Louisa Lytton
Sherman Hemsley
Curtis Armstrong






R           93min           2009



When Rob (Bug Hall), Nathan (Kevin M. Horton), and Lube (Brandon Hardesty) discover the sex bible left behind by their being predecessor at East Great Falls High Schools the libraries quest for landing babies continues as the desperate virgins set out to score the big homerun. But with the well-used and hallowed manual worn and missing some pertinent information, the boy's mission to lose their virginity is one hilarious mishap after another.

What started as one of the funniest American Pies in the series after an hour devolved into one the most bland and unoriginal of the series. “American Pie presents Book of Love” turns into a cliched male comedy. Another redeeming quality was that Alfalfa is the lead in this film.

Book of Love is started out amazing with some original ideas, like Lube and his overactive imagination or the mishap adventure from the incomplete book. Each were unique and brought funniest to this adventure. They gave a new twist to an old horse that's almost beat to death.

Then after a hour Book of Love just feel apart. Everything that made the first hour funny is replaced with the cliched male comedy. What puts it over the top is the sodomy of a male character. Even if the animal was computer generated. That should have been the first clue that they were pushing the envelope too far.

“American Pie presents Book of Love” has so much going for it and Alfalfa as the lead is one of them. Channel surfing I saw “The Little Rascals” on ABC Family and I wondered what happen to those kids, then I watched this film and at first I did place his face. Then I remembered his name and it clicked. Alfalfa is ALL GROWN UP. Still breaking all the rules of the He-Man Woman Haters Club.

I give “American Pie: Book of Love” 3 out of 5.

"Avatar"

Sam Worthington
Zoe Saldana
Sigourney Weaver
Stephen Lang
Michelle Rodriguez
Giovanni Ribisi
Joel David Moore
CCH Pounder
Wes Studi
Laz Alonso






PG13           162           2009


In the future, Jake, a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. Those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture. Written by Giorgio_C on imdb.com

As I started watching this film I realize that I had seen this film. It wasn't until I was half thru the film when I realized that it was “Dances with Wolves” with a scifi twist. This is an interesting film with amazing acting. I enjoyed the special effects immensely.

But “Avatar” a story that lacks the same imagination as the special effects. The story takes most of its major plot points directly from “Dances with Wolves.” I not saying its not an interesting story; its just that at the length of 162 minutes it can be a bit taxing to watch. The first two hours is mainly plot development of the three major plots running through the film. The last forty minutes of action is worth the wait.

The special effects that are displayed will bedazzled you. It took James Cameron ten years for technology to catch up with his vision for “Avatar.” I think that the special effect were worth the wait. They drawn you into the story.

Even with a weak story, the amazing special effects, the acting also makes “Avatar” a must see. The emotions that are captured helps you get lost in the film. He come to see the Na'vi as a people and forget that humans played this parts. It's going to firmly puts Sam Worthington on the map for those who didn't see him in “Terminator: Salvation”. He's poised to make his mark on Hollywood with his next major blockbuster as Perseus in the remake of the classic “Clash of the Titans.”

I give “Avatar” 4 out of 5.

"Veronika Decides to Die"

Sarah Michelle Gellar
Jonathan Tucker
Erika Christensen
Florencia Lozano
Rena Owen
Erica Gimpel
Victor Slezak
Barbara Sukowa
Victor Steinbach
Melissa Leo
David Thewlis




R           103min           2010




The story centers on Veronika, a woman in her mid twenties who appears to have everything: good looks, good job and a great life ahead of her. Yet she decides to end her own life. She is unsuccessful and awakens in a mental hospital where she learns that she a short time to live. However in the hospital she meets people who are only 'insane' because they don't always follow society's rules. With little left to lose, Veronika embarks on a journey on which she frees herself to experience relationships and emotions and ultimately discovers what it means to live. Written by Anonymous on imdb.

“Veronika Decides to Die” lives up to the quality standard that I have come to find in most independent films, something most Hollywood big budgets don't have. This had the outstanding cast that you find with most big budget film. It's based on the novel by Paul Coelho and the remake of a Japanese film of the same translation. I think the production team does a great job of crafting this film.

“Veronika Decides to Die” is an quality independent film. This is a drama that capture is and you want to see this journey through. This young woman trying to find her way back from suicide, is a tough subject. I think they did it respectfully and in a honest way. The doctor's philosophical closing remarks makes this film all the more poignant.

“Veronika Decides To Die” is an outstanding performances due in larger part to Sarah Michelle Gellar's performance. It was nice to see her on film again. She's a great actress that has popped up here and there on my radar since her “Buffy” days. She did lead a cast of other outstanding actor's David Thewlis who's starting to show up more on my radar since in “Potter” days. Jonathan Tucker and Melissa Leo performances had little to say but impacted with the nonverbal.

I think this film was shaped by having a female director. I've started to notice that material from a female perspective needs a female director. I don't think Veronika journey would have been as compelling drama if it were in a male's hands.

If you're looking for an outstanding drama, with a great story. A film that has great performances dealing with a tough subject. “Veronika Decides to Die” is the film for you to see.

I give “Veronika Decides To Die” 4 out of 5.

"The Narrows"

Kevin Zegers
Vincent D'Onofrio
Sophia Bush
Eddie Cahill
Monica Keena
Roger Rees
Michael Kelly
Titus Welliver
Tony Cucci
Anthony Fazio




R           106min           2008




A 19 year old Brooklyn boy who is torn between two worlds when his photography portfolio wins him a partial scholarship to NYU. He must figure out how to balance his Italian neighborhood roots with the expansive, sophisticated world on the other side of the East River. This compelling coming-of-age story combines suspense, murder and loyalty. Based on Tim McLoughlin's novel "Heart of the Old Country." Written by Anonymous on IMDB.com

“The Narrows” I totally found by accident. I was previewing movies for next weeks release when I came across this film. I like all the main starts so I watched and was surprised by this drama. I could relate to this drama. I think most people could relate to the realism of the drama based on Based on Tim McLoughlin's novel "Heart of the Old Country.

The way its told is somewhat disconjunctive like NCIS at the breaks. Certain defining moments are out of place and in black and white; then everything leading up to it is told. If you watch NCIS is old hat but for this film it felt interesting and it worked for “The Narrows” because it got you wondering happening.

From the special features the original source material took place in the seventies. I think the way the updated and made it relevant and modern worked. Like Sophia Bush said in the special features you can imagine this happening right now somewhere in the city. I'm hoping that “they” can make it out just as Mike did.

If you in the mood for a good gritty drama then this will film that hunger. It had great acting from Vincent D'Onofrio, I don't think he's every met a part he couldn't play. The drama is sound, intelligent and relevant. “The Narrows” will not disappoint movie fans.

I give “The Narrows” 3 out of 5.