"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.

"Twilight"

Kristen Stewart
Robert Pattinson
Cam Gigandet
Billy Burke
Ashley Greene
Nikki Reed
Jackson Rathbone
Kellan Lutz
Peter Facinelli
Elizabeth Reaser
Taylor Lautner







PG13           120min           2008


Based on the international bestseller by Stephanie Meyer's Twilight is about a teenage girl moving to a small town in Washington and falling in love with a vampire.

A couple of years ago I came across this web site that named books that were being turned into movies. It had a description of the book and information on the film. Two of the films that happened to be on it were Jumper and Twilight. I read there description and thought they would be interesting reads and they have not disappointed.

This is a faithful adaptation of the book and is one giant shout-out to the fans of the book without leaving out the uninitiated. The angst and drama is all there. The changes made by Melissa Rosenberg and Catherine Hardwicke really make Twilight fresh and new for fans of the book. This going to be a global phenomenon.

There many little things that the fans will recognize from the book. Its these little details that will make fans of the series see it again. But it also a film that girlfriends will take their boyfriends and they can enjoy. There is more action and less of the introspective dialog from Bella that will make most men uncomfortable. Most who are new to the series will not be disappointed.

The angst and drama from the books is there. Pattinson plays Edwards as a younger version of Angel without the curse. Stewart plays Bella unabashed love for Edward rivaling Juliet's love for Romeo. Just as in the book the movie romance scream for a sequel.

The changes made to the screen whether it was in the adaptation of the screenplay by Melissa Rosenberg or the ideas that Catherine Hardwicke made, Twilight is familiar but totally fresh unlike the first two Harry Potter that were almost direct adaptation from the book. It follows the overall plot of the book but makes changes to the story that makes it more accessible for live action. Being a fan and knowing the story I can wait for the next ones to come out.

If you have not be introduce to the Twilight Universe here are the books for purchase:

Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)

New Moon (The Twilight Saga, Book 2)

Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3)

Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)
I give Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1) 4 out of 5.

Trailers at the beginning of my screening was Knowing, Push, and 7 Pounds

I give Twilight 4 out of 5.

"The Lazarus Project"

Paul Walker
Piper Perabo
Lambert Wilson
Linda Cardellini
Shawn Hatosy
Matthew Goodwin
Brooklyn Proulx
Tony Curran
Bob Gunton


PG13 100min 2008

With parole almost behind him, Ben (Paul walker) can't believe how much he has to be thankful for: a beautiful wife, an adorable little girl and a steady paycheck. Life is good. But when he unexpectantly loses his job. Ben foolishly turns back to crime, joining his ex-con brother (Shawn Hatosy) in a robbery with deadly consequences. Suddenly facing a lethal injection, Ben must say goodbye to his family and prepare himself for the worst.

But his death sentence isn't quite what it seems, as Ben regains consciousness near an eerie psychiatric ward, where he's told he's been hired as the groundskeeper, was his previous life only a dream or is he part of something far more sinister?

The Lazarus Project is a strange film that a savvy movie watcher can pick apart in the first fifteen minutes. But the reason we I watch films is to be entertained. This film accomplishes the task. I don't remember seeing this released in theaters because it does have major weak moments.

Even with its weak moments its still an entertaining drama and trying to find the mystery of the drama is half the fun. The clues that are supposed to be subtle are fully apparent. Which gives away major plot points of the film really early. Leaving the film to loses its edge and fall flat. Only if you're a fan of the actors could you entertain this film.

I give The Lazarus Project 2 out of 5.