(500) Days of Summer

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Zooey Deschanel
Geoffrey Arend
Chloe Grace Morentz
Clark Green
Rachel Boston
Minka Kelly









PG13           95min           2009


When his girlfriend Summer (Zooey Deschanel) unceremoniously dumps him, greeting card writer and hopeless romantic Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) begins sifting through the year plus worth of days they spent together, looking for clues to what went wrong. As he recalls the good and the bad times he spent with the commitment-phobic girl his heart reawakens to what it cherishes the most. – back of movie cover

“(500) Days of Summer” is an unconventional story about love and not a love story. The story didn't feel fake. The acting was amazing and felt organic. The non-linear story telling made the difference.

The story felt real and could happen to anyone. I could relate to these characters. I found that I could see facets of my personality and others around me in their performances.

Eventhough the title sequence says the story is fabricated, its indeed based off one of the co-writer's relationship with a Jenny Beckman, may or may not be her true name. This made “(500) Days of Summers” even more fascinating for me. He even showed her the script and her reply is priceless too.

The non-linear story telling does several things to make the viewer invest in the film. Each scene has a title card telling what day in the relationship it is. As it jumps around in the relationship it makes the viewer have to really concentrate on the action of the film which at times is confusing. Which brings it to the next point, you will have to watch “(500) Days of Summers” at least twice to totally get the big picture of the relationship.

“(500) Days of Summers” instantly became one of my favorite romantic movies. Gordon-Levitt hasn't disappointed since seeing him in “Brick” another one of my personal favorites. Deschanel has a quirky sexy appeal that runs in her family. “(500) Days of Summers” is a must see if you are a fan of either one of these actors.

I give (500) Days of Summer a 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.

"The Twilight Saga: New Moon"

Kristen Stewart
Robert Pattison
Taylor Lautner
Billy Burke
Ashley Greene
Anna Kendrick
Michael Welch
Micheal Sheen
Dakota Fanning
Jackson Rathborne




PG13          130min           2009




After the events of Twilight, Bella has embraced Edward in her life and looks to celebrate her birthday with his family. When a minor accident leads a intense situation, the Cullens leave for Bella's safety. Leaving her broke and unprotected, Jacob Black comes in to fill the void left by Edward.

As their relationship deeps, events lead to Bella and Jacob being torn apart. Leaving Bella to create another accident that leads Edwards to do the near impossible. That leads to a race against time to save Edward.

I have read the entire series and this is my least favorite of the four. This is my least favorite of the two so far. This movie is truly for the fans, but can be enjoyed by others. I was disappointed with this outing.

IF you have read the series then you will understand. For the first two were the hardest for me to get through it to much longing looks and wanting. Its going to be the same thing with the movies if its faithful to the source material, only visually. I did like some of the changes that they did visually to represent some of the mental stuff Bella was going through.

If you're like me you sit down and go through it. I have seen worst films than “The Twilight Sage: New Moon” by far. It does set up the triangle very well. This is what New Moon is about. Jacob Black is the contrast to Edward Cullen.

“The Twilight Sage: New Moon” is a movie faithful to the material but translated for a visual medium, a lot of stuff was left out of the film that doesn't make sense unless you read the book. Too truly appreciate this film you do have to have read the book. Its something that can't be help.

At 130 minutes, “The Twilight Sage: New Moon” is kind of long for a teen drama. I think it need every minute just to set up the other two films. Anyone who has read the books will agree it gave you everything it needed to in that 130 minutes as soon and as fast a possible without compromising the story, that the fans love.

As a fan of the series I was disappointed in this film. “The Twilight Sage: New Moon” did have its moments for me. Three moments for me included the two cougars at 1 p.m. showing on Friday November 20 at the Goldsboro Premiere Theatre 12. You know who you are, you know what you said, and you should be ashamed.

Overall “The Twilight Sage: New Moon” is a sequel and like most sequels its inferior to the first. New Moon does stay faithful to the source material. Which the fans do appreciate by the ticket sales. In its 130 minutes it does everything it visually can to setup the next two films so stop complaining about the time people.

I give “The Twilight Sage: New Moon” 3 out of 5.

"The Stepfather"

Dylan Walsh
Sela Ward
Penn Badgley
Amber Heard
Sherry Springfield
Paige Turco
Nancy Linehan Charles
Marcuis Harris
Braeden Lemasters





PG13           101min           2009


Michael Harding (Penn Badgley) returns home from military school to find his mother Susan (Sela Ward), happily in love with a man known as David Harris (Dylan Walsh). He seems like the perfect father and husband to everyone - except Michael, who suspects that he isn't quite the man he seems to be.

First off this is a remake from the 80's and it had two sequels. Never saw so I can't comment on them. Here's what I do know. This “The Stepfather” was creepier than most and having experience something similar they can go off quicker than him.

Dylan Walsh plays this psychologically damage man to a perfection. There's a part where he asks toward the end “Who am I here?” that one question tells you everything you need to know about this character in nutshell. You see the edge of this character but everything he does can be explain and rationalized, even-though they are the action of an irrational person. What does that say about man?

The acting in “The Stepfather” was above par and I think that helped it from becoming one of those common psych-thriller. There was a lot of build before anything unravels. Which made it all the more sinister. Overall with the acting this wasn't that bad of time. It's not one of the best thrillers I've seen but it did at moments give off a “Disturbia” feeling.

I give “The Stepfather” 3 out of 5.

"Law Abiding Citizen"

Jamie Foxx
Gerard Butler
Bruce McGill
Colm Meaney
Leslie Bibb
Regina Hall
Michael Irby
Gregory Itzin
Christian Stolte
Annie Corley
Richard Portnow






R           108min           2009



A brilliant sociopath who orchestrates a series of high-profile murders that grip the city of Philadelphia - all from inside his jail cell - and the prosecutor assigned to his case who realizes he is the only one who can end the reign of terror. Written by Overture Films


Butler's performance had me gripped and rooting for him. Most would call him the villain of the story but I found him to be an anti-hero. He is charismatic and makes valid points. I felt that Foxx's Rice was too arrogant and never truly learned his lessons. Its more lip service to Butler's Shelton.

I think people will walk away from this film missing the point, Shelton was trying to make. I think people are too jaded to get the message. If Shelton were a real life person and had held Philadelphia in that kind of siege, it would have greater impact.

I was entertain from beginning to end. This was one of the better written thrillers. This films stays together from beginning to end. The ending made sense even if I didn't agree with it.

“Law Abiding Citizen” is a tour de force. Its one of those film that reminds me of that John Travolta speech at the beginning of “Swordfish”. If you don't remember or did not pay attention, go back and watch it. That speech and explosive are worth the viewing.


I give “Law Abiding Citizen” 5 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.

"Illegal Tender"

Rick Gonzalez
Wanda de Jesus
Dania Ramirez
Tego Calderon
Gary Perez


R           108min           2007



College student Wilson de Leon, Jr. never stood up for himself until the gangsters who killed his father came to settle a score. In a gripping, adrenaline-pumping showdown, Wilson and his mother decide to settle that score on their own terms in order to protect the people they love and earn back their family’s honor.

“Illegal Tender” is an salute to sing mothers everywhere and the children they raise. It’s tale of the American dream and the price that must be paid to achieve it. It’s also a cautionary tale of what “the game” can cost you.

Wanda de Jesus does a great job of portraying the single mother trying to raise her children to do better and have a better life than herself. She shows that single mothers can be the protector and provider, if she has too. Even without a formal education, she played the game before the game played her. Wanda de Jesus gives a perfect voice to the single mothers out there.

Wilson de Leon, JR. is a shelter person, who takes his good fortune for granted. When the assassins come and open his eyes. He steps up to take responsibility for protecting his family and find a solution to his family’s problem. When the dust clears, Rick Gonzalez portray of his evolution makes this film more entertaining.

What makes “Illegal Tender” stand out in my mind is that is about achieving the American dream and about facing the demons fo the past. Millie de Jesus took her money and made it work by investing in profitable stocks which in turned provide a life style better than the one she had. It’s something everyone things about at some point in life thinking of how to provide for the future.

The second thing that sticks out in my mind is that once the all the while Millie kept running from the demons of the past. But once they came into the light and Wilson was old enough to confront them she had enough confidence in her son to let him become a man. Wilson in an old gunslinger way came out fighting; fighting to protect the life of his family and the ones they love.

The special features on “Illegal Tender”are minimal at best. There are deleted scenes and a making of featurette. There is an making of and music video for “Dame Dome” by Que No. There are previews for American Pie Presents Beta House, Battlestar Galactica: Razor, The Kingdom, and White Noise 2.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"In the Land of Women"

Adam Brody
Kristen Stewart
Meg Ryan
Olympia Dukakis
Mackenzie Vega
Elena Anaya
Dustin Milligan




PG13           98min           2006




Aspiring writer Carter Webb escapes to suburbs of Michigan to care for his ailing grandmother and to work on a book after a recent break-up. The women in the neighborhood help Carter discover that what felt like an end was only just the beginning of something else.


In the Land of Women is a “chick flick” that I could not get. I did not understand the point of this film.

It felt like the characters were not developed and that the filmmakers were trying to hard to put them in real world situations. I did not believe any of the responses the characters had, except for the crazy grandmother played by Olympia Dukakis.


I give it 1/5 Gs.

"The Ultimate Gift"

Drew Fuller
Bill Cobbs
Abigail Breslin
Ali Hillis
Mircea Monroe
Brett Rice
Lee Meriwether
Brian Dennehy
James Garner


PG           117min           2007


Based on Jim Stovall’s best-selling novel, “The Ultimate Gift” sends a young man of privileged on an improbable journey. Trust fund baby Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) loves all of life’s gifts, as long as they’re bankable. But when his wealthy grandfather, Red (Garner), dies, Jason receives a most usual inheritance: twelve tasks, which Red calls “gifts,” to challenge Jason to grow as a man. IF he succeeds, the experience will not only change Jason forever, but he will discover the real meaning of wealth.

This is a heartfelt and life moving film event. This film will touch the heart of everyone who watches this film. The film has some amazing performances. At points its sometimes comes off as a Lifetime move but its so much better than that.

"The Ultimate Gift" will have you considering living by the ultimate gift by fulfilling the twelve gifts. Just as in the film, they are gifts that will change you fundamental and make you a better person. Even if you feel like you are the best person you can be, you will want to strive to become better after watching your film. This makes a perfect family film.

There are some amazing performances. Drew Fuller and Abigail Breslin lead a cast, with performances work together to make a truly special film. Abigail Breslin, who as preteen shows the potential to be a great adult actress, gives a performance that can move the heart to tears. Bill Cobb, Lee Meriwether, Brian Dennehy, and James Garner give veteran performances top veteran actors.

At points comes off as a melodrama Lifetime movie but I think its because of the message that its trying to portray. When it does come off melodrama its for effect and makes the film work. It’s a powerful message that will lead some to a powerful self discovery. "The Ultimate Gift" would be a great ultimate gift for the holidays.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"We Are Marshall"

Matthew McConaughey
Matthew Fox
Ian McShane
Kate Mara
Anthony Mackie
January Jones
Kimberely Williams-Paisley
Brian Geraghty
David Stritharn
L. Warrren Young
Arlen Escarpeta

PG           131min           2006


A true story about a small town’s effort to rebuild after a tragic plane crash killed nearly the entire football team and coaching staff of Marshall University. Jack Lengyel took the job no one wanted: to rebuild Marshall’s football team and restore hope and strength in a grieving community.

"We Are Marshall" is most dramatic and inspiring football movie. It made me run the gambit of emotions. Learning the history behind Marshall University made me appreciate the team and all that it has accomplished.

Most times a football movie gets either the drama right, or the football right but “We Are Marshall” found a way to accomplish both and be respectful to the memory of this tragedy. It’s on that will live in your memory months after you have watched it. It shows the resilient side of the human spirit. The even facing insurmountable odd the human spirit can still rise. After watching this film you will never see Marshall, planes, and the tragedy of death that same way again.

I give it 5/5 GS.

"The Last Time"

Michael Keaton
Brendan Fraser
Amber Valletta
Daniel Stern
Neal McDonough
Michael Lerner
Michael G. Hagerty
Alexis Cruz
William Ragsdale


R           97min           2006


Ted is a successful New York salesman who rediscovers a lust for life after falling for the fiancée of his new sales partner, Jamie, a transfer from the Midwest. Ted’s guilt over the affair prompts him to feed Jamie his sales in an effort to keep him afloat in the company.

"The Last Time" starts out one thing and turns into another. This is a story that has been done several times before. It’s how quickly this film changes on you that makes it interesting. The cast of Keaton and Fraser is interesting in how very different you conceive each character to be.

Keaton’s character is an everyday man version of his Bruce Wayne. Brendan Fraser is a bumbling salesman from the Midwest. Amber Valletta plays his supporting wife that has an affair with Keaton. Daniel Stern plays Keaton’s office manager struggling to keep his office afloat.

"The Last Time" is a standard thriller until the ending. The ending makes this film is worth a look because it is surprising and I was not expecting it. Once you see the ending the whole film takes on another connotation. Everything you think you know you is the old bait and switch.

When watch keep in mind that it has a slow start up to, common to most magic tricks. Once setup the film finishes at a full out sprint. It finishes at a pace that left me a little unsatisfied.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Reign Over Me"

Adam Sandler
Don Cheadle
Jada Pinkett Smith
Liv Tyler
Saffron Burrows
Donald Sutherland
Robert Klein
Melinda Dillion
Mike Binder

R           124min           2007


Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith and Liv Tyler star in this heart-rendering story about Charlie Fineman (Sandler), who has slipped away from reality after the sudden loss of his wife and children. But Charlie’s life takes a turn for the better when he runs into his old college roommate Alan Johnson (Cheadle), whose life is torn between the demands of career and family. Their renewed friendship rekindles their long-forgotten bond, and both men emerge enriched and enlightened.

"Reign Over Me" is the best Adam Sandler film I have seen in the last few years. I think this is a story that resonates will everyone who was alive during 9/11. This is a film that should not be missed.

Adam Sandler gave a rousing and moving performance. You truly believe that Charlie Fineman is struggling by normal standards to come back from that day. He ‘s coping his way and every thinks they know what’s best for him. Sandler makes you believe he’s a man broken by that day.

Since 9/11 Americans are living in a different world now. The problems of the world have touched us and made us stronger and more resilient from the pain. "Reign Over Me" has a pain that is universal and at the heart of this film. I personal don’t know some like Charlie Fineman but I know that there are Charlie Finemans out in the world.

No one should miss “Reign Over Me”. Although technically not a 9/11 film, it is right up there with the other ones, “World Trade Center” and United 93. They dealt with the ordeal of the day and “Reign Over Me” deals with the aftermath of that day. A day that hurt so many people yet many Americans can’t tell you the exact date. I remember the exact moment when I saw heard about the first plane, saw the second plane hit, the chaos and panic that my mind felt afterward.

As for the special features there is a jam session featurette with Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler. There is a behind the scenes featurette about the film. The final feature is a photo gallery of set stills running to the music of Love, Reign O’er Me by ‘The Who’. There are movie previews for: “Click”, “Vantage Point”, “Spider-Man 3”, “30 Days of Night”, “Sleuth”, “Angel-A”, “Interview”, “Spanglish”, “The Company”, and “Close Encounter of the Third Kind”.

I give 5/5 Gs.

"Cherry Crush"

Nikki Reed
Jonathan Tucker
Julie Gonzalo
Michael O'Keefe
Haviland Morris
Dennis Boutsikaris
Frank Whaley


R           99min           2007


Privileged teenager Jordan Wells finds himself expelled from prep school after taking provocative photos of his female classmates. Now enrolled in the local high school, he becomes helplessly blinded by the beauty of Shay Bettencourt, a stunning temptress from the other side of the tracks. She is everything he wanted, everything he needed, and nothing he expected. As the relationship heats up, Jordan finds himself wrapped up in the web of her fatal beauty… and an accessory to murder – twice. "Cherry Crush" stars Jonathan Tucker (“Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, “Hostage”) and Nikki Reed (“Thirteen”, TV’s “The O.C.”) – from the back cover

Another film that shows that film noir has morphed and found new life with a teen genre. The modern film noir works well with teens in the lead. Setting them in the teen world show the dark, complicated, and twisted world than teens face.

I found that "Cherry Crush" comes across as a little vague in nature. I don’t know if it was meant to set up a sequel but it certainly does. I would like to see how this second act would play out. I think the crossing and double cross possibilities could make an interesting sequel.

Jonathan Tucker holds the lead and he comes across as the victim caught in the web of a black widow. Nikki Reed plays a femme fatale to perfection I never really got her angle. When I final realized it I would have already stepped into the shit but would have never keep going as far as Jordan did. In the end, Jordan Wells ended up in a nightmare of his own design because he could detach from her web.

I think if you love film noir you will like "Cherry Crush". It’s interesting and tells a good tale. Leaving the view wanting more but still satisfied with the tale told to them. Another good film noir is “Brick”, film that I saw a in 2006.

This DVD is essentially bare to the bone. It contains on featurette of the behind the scenes making of “Cherry Crush”. The only other special features is movie previews for “The Contract”, “Earthstorm” and “Kovak Box”.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"Gracie"

Dermot Mulroney
Elisabeth Shue
Carly Schroeder
John Doman
Andrew Shue
Peter McRobbie
Leslie Lyles
Jesse Lee Soffer




PG13           96min           2007


Meet Gracie Browen – 15-year-old girl who’s determined to play varsity soccer… on the boy’s team! But when her school forbids her to play and even her family questions her ability, Gracie sets out to prove them all wrong. Fighting to change school policy and facing off against some of the toughest competitors on the field, Gracie must summon the courage to finally show everyone that a girl with a dream can do absolutely anything! – from the back coverGracie

Inspired by the events of the Shue family "Gracie" is truly an inspirational film about triumphing from societies biases, finding your inter-spirit and courage. Carly Schroeder is truly the breakout star of this ensemble film.

Taking place in 1978, at a time when soccer was considered a boys’ sport, I consider soccer now to be dominated by girls now. What a difference 30 years makes. This is a great example of finding the strength to change the view of society. Gracie is a strong willed young girl, with the courage that parents want their children to become.

"Gracie" has an ensemble cast telling a story that can be embrace by anyone. Dermot Mulroney plays a dad disconnected from his family after the death of his star athletic son. Elisabeth Shue is the mother just trying to connect with her daughter as she feels she’s losing her to the family sport, soccer. It’s Carly Schroeder that is the breakout star of this cast.

At first I thought she looked familiar then I realized that she was the little girl that played Serena on the soap operas ‘Port Charles’ and ‘General Hospital’ during the 90’s. She is amazing as Gracie. She not only brings the acting side but she performs the physical side also. It helped to sell me that this is a girl fighting, training and truly deserves to play with the boys.

"Gracie" is a film in the vain of “Miracle” and “Bend It Like Beckham”, films that will inspire feelings of hope, courage and strength. It gave me a tingle of the spine. It you didn’t catch it at the movie then you should go out and get it as soon as you can.

It has two commentaries one with Davis Guggenheim and one with Elisabeth & Andrew Shue. It has a feature about ‘Bringing Gracie to Film’. There is also a theatrical trailer. It has movie previews for “Raise Your Voice” and “Dare to Dream”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"The Lookout"

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Jeff Daniels
Matthew Goode
Bruce McGill
Isla Fisher
Carla Gugino
Alberta Watson
Alex Borstein
Laura Vandervoort


R           99min           2007


Acclaimed screenwriter Scott Frank (Minority Report) makes a mind-blowing directorial debut in, a gritty, high-tenison thriller starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt(TV’s Third Rock From the Sun, Brick), Jeff Daniels(The Squid and the Whale) and Isla Fisher(Wedding Crashers). Chris “Slapshot” Pratt (Gordon-Levitt), whose once-bright future has been dimmed by a head injury, is a night janitor at a bank. Lonely and frustrated, Chris falls prey to a con man’s seductive promise of romance and a better life, and agrees to help rob the bank where he works. Filled with heart-pounding action, edge-of-your-seat suspense and a twist you’ll never see coming. “The Lookout” will grip you and never let go… It’s “immensely satisfying. A blast of suspense.” – from the back cover.

"The Lookout" is an intelligent thriller. It has a talented cast. Its characters are flawed and seem real. It’s an indie film that should not be missed.

This is a thriller that does play down to the audience. Many of the characters are not explained, but a fleshed out by the performance of the actors. Many things are left opaque and as a viewer you are left to you own devises.

"The Lookout" is lead by the “Indie King” Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He has a supporting cast of Jeff Daniel, Matthew Goode, and Isla Fisher. Daniels plays Chris’s a blind roommate that complements each other. Matthew Goode is sort of a puppet master manipulating Chris for his own means. Fisher plays a girl that falls for Chris.

You could meet these characters anywhere in the USA. They have flaws and are complex. Nothing in this film is black and white. It plays respect to people living with Chris’s condition. Showing that his life is complicated and finding his happiness is in the eye of the beholder.


The DVD is slim on features. There is a making of featurette and a feature highlight the character Chris Pratt. There is only an audio commentary with the writer/director Scott Frank and Director of Photography Alar Kivilo. There are movie previews for “Being Jane”, “Eagle vs. Shark”, “The Invisible”, “Renaissance”, “Neverwas”, “The Hoax” and “Our Very Own”.

I give it a 5/5 Gs.

"Babel"

Brad Pitt
Cate Blanchett
Gael Garíca Bernal
Rinko Kikuchi






R           148min           2006


Pain is universal… but so is hope. From acclaimed Director Alejandro González Inárritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams) comes the third film in his trilogy, “Babel”, a critically celebrated and emotionally gripping film about the barriers that separate humankind.

A tragic accident in Morocco sets off a chain of events that willl link four groups of people who, divided by cultural differences and vast distances, will discover a shared destiny that ultimately connects them. Brad Pitt (Mr. And Mrs. Smith, Oceans 12), Academy Award Winner Cate Blanchett and Gael Garíca Bernal lead an outstanding international ensemble cast in this breakthrough film. – from the back cover

Let’s start by saying babel is defined as 1 a city in Shinar where the building of a tower is held in Genesis to have been halted by the confusion of tongues, 2a a confusion of sounds or voices, and 2b a scene of noise or confusion. Understanding the definition lends itself to the name of the film. Only knowing that it was critically acclaimed when I watched it I was thrown for a loop and truly lost in confusion.

“Babel” for the most of the film its told in a foreign language. Only about ten percent of this film is in English. This lends to the films name and the power of the film. For me it show how elitist me as an American has become.

Understanding only one language English I still understood the film. It’s told from four different perspectives that is nonlinear in its telling but intersect into one with a devastating event. It could almost be said that this is a examples of “Butterfly Effect” and Six Degrees of Separation Theories. I never truly grasped what had happened until I watched it with the close caption.

Once I watched “Babel” with the caption on I realize that no matter where you are in the world we are connected. Everything you touch affects something and someone in the most mundane to the most extreme of situations. It’s a powerful connection that can be used to change the world in numerous ways.

It features movie previews for “Black Snake Moan”, “Things We Left In the Fire”, “Perfume”, “Flags of our Fathers” and “An Inconvenient Truth”.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"The Good Shephard"

Matt Damon
Angelina Jolie
Alec Baldwin
Tammy Blanchard
Billy Crudup
Robert De Niro
Keir Dullea
Michael Gambon
Martina Gedeck
William Hurt
Timothy Hutton
Mark Ivanier
Gabriel Macht
Lee Pace
Joe Pesci
Eddie Redmayner
John Sessions
Oleg Steton
John Turturro

R           168min           2006

Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, and Robert De Niro star in this powerful thriller about the birth of the CIA. Edward Wilson (Damon) believes in America, and will sacrifice everything he loves to protect it. But as one of the covert founders of the CIA, Edward’s youthful idealism is slowly eroded by his growing suspicion of the people around him. Everybody has secrets…but will Edward’s destroy him? With an all-star cast including Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, William Hurt, Timothy Hutton and John Turturro, “The Good Shepherd” is the gripping spellbinging story. – from the back cover

Chronicling the birth of the C.I.A. Robert De Niro brings to film a story that is a definite dramatization that is entertaining, engaging, provocative. If you didn’t know how dangerous and powerful the C.I.A. is then watching this film will give you an idea. Mr. De Niro give the viewer a complete picture into a small window of a world that most Americans will not want to peer through.

Matt Damon truly is one of Hollywood’s leading men. Damon leads an all-star cast and shows why he’s the best bargain in Hollywood. Damon captures the many facets of Edward Wilson from the ideal young college student to the paranoid amoral man that’s “the heart of the C.I.A.” Coming in at nearly three hour you never grow tired of this film and the next star that shows up on the screen.

It has sixteen minutes of deleted scenes. They only distracts from the perfect film that De Niro created. This is a must see film for anyone into films, history or looking for a great film to watch.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"Tracks"

Chris Gunn
Ice T
John Heard






R           86min           2004

The true story of a suburban teenager whose one mistake leads to a life changing punishment. Peter Madigan, a 15 year old from the suburbs commits a senseless act of violence, causing a commuter train to derail killing the engineer.

In a controversial decision, Peter becomes the first juvenile in New Jersey state history to be sentenced to serve time in a maximum-security adult prison. While in prison he becomes interdependent and friends with correction officer Clark (Ice T). “Tracks” is the ultimate story of survival and redemption.

Although it tells his true story it was a little on the dull side. The characters were never truly flushed out. It does give their motivations but they characters seem wooden and hollow. Even after going to jail he seem to never learn his lesson until the very end. He reformed and found redemption but failed to help his love ones on the outside.

I don’t know how much of “Tracks” was dramatized and how much is authentic. The ending of this film was unsatisfying. It left you to figure out what happen to him and everyone around him. It left many questions unanswered and felt like it was a film rushed into production.

This is a bare DVD with no special features. It has movie previews for “The Contract”, “The Black Widow”, “Cherry Crush”, “The Far Side of Jericho”, “Kovak Box”, “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saint”, “The Breed”, and “The Dead Girl”.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Havoc (2005)"

Anne Hathaway
Bijou Phillips
Shiri Appleby
Michael Biehn
Joseph Gordon-Lewitt
Matt O’Leary
Freddie Rodriguez
Laura San Giancomo
Mike Vogel
Raymond Cruz
Alexis Dziena
Channing Tatum

Unrated           92min           2004

“Havoc (Unrated Version)” is about two friends who are done with playing it safe. When Allison (Hathaway) and Emily (Phillips) leave their rich suburb for a joyride through East L.A., they glimpse a frightening landscape of drugs, violence and gang brutality. Nut as their fear turns to infatuation, the friends find themselves seduced by a dark and dangerous world – where a pretty girl can get anything she wants… except a second chance.

Having seen a preview in a previous film I didn’t expect to see so much of Anne Hathaway. This is truly a departure from the squeaky Disney image. She showed that see could handle more mature subject matters and was ready to graduate from the children films. Although at times she does seem to be uncomfortable with unexplored facets of this role.

“Havoc (Unrated Version)” is a caricature of what would have happen but illustrates that there are worst things to fear than the boogeyman. Situations in this film are too easily solved or left open to the viewer’s interpretation. I think that it placed too much emphasis on the sexual nature and not enough on the characters development. It illustrated situations too black and white.

Even though it does have flaws it does what it set out to do…be entertaining and be a sort of cautionary tale. Showing that even with the sophistication of teenagers today they still have things to learn. Although they can emulate the “Hollywood” street life, the real life street is much more dangerous, complicated, and complex than they can imagine.

There are only special features for a DVD-ROM drive. It has movie previews for “The Purifiers”, “Refuse 2 Die”, and “11:14”.

I give it a 2/5 Gs.

"Children of Men"

Clive Owen
Julianne Moore
Michael Caine
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Charlie Hunnan




R           111min           2006

In the year 2027, eighteen years since the last baby was born, disillusioned Theo (Clive Owen) becomes an unlikely champion of the human race when he is asked by his former lover (Julianne Moore) to escort a young pregnant woman out of the country as quickly as possible. In a thrilling race against time, Theo will risk everything to deliver the miracle the whole world has been waiting for in “Children of Men”.—from the back cover

Changed in many aspects from the book, the film is easier to follow than it was to read. It shows a bleak outlook to humanities future.

There are many changes from the book to the film that changes the tone and message. Many things in the film are toned down and dulled. Much of the bleakness of the book has been changed to warring instead. In the book they used refugees to do manual labor in the film they are rounded up and put in containment camps. I found the film much easier to face than the book.

“Children of Men” shows a bleak future that is a real possibility. If man does change his habits in the industrialized world we could bring out this future and countless other possibilities. This is just one possibility told in the form of fiction. It’s a terror state that I never want to be alive for.

Having read the book first I knew what to expect. This is one of the first movies that I prefer to than the book. I’m not saying the movie is better than the book in fact its just the opposite. The book though is a mundane read but it hit on many political and social commentaries that are left out of the film.

“Children of Men” has several featurette explaining the different aspects of the film. ‘The Possibility of Hope’ is a documentary by Alfonso Cuarón on how the themes relate to the modern world. ‘Under Attack’ breaks down the dangerous scenes in the film. ‘Theo & Julian’ discusses with Clive Owen and Julianna Moore’s about their characters. ‘Futuristic Design’ looks at the director’s vision of the future from concept to its creation. There are a few deleted scenes.

I give it 3/5 Gs.