"Mister Eleven"

Michelle Ryan
Sean Maguire
Adam Garcia
Denis Lawson
Lynda Bellingham
Olivia Colman
Nicholas Burns
Preeya Kalidas
Jocelyn OSorio
Nitzan Sharron






Unrated           88min           2009




British TV Romantic Comedy starring Michelle Ryan (NBC's Bionic Woman) , Sean Maguire (The Class and Eve), and Adam Garcia (Coyote Ugly). Michelle Ryan played Saz, a woman obsessed by numbers. She has read that most happily married women are wed to their eleventh sexual partner and as the film opens she is walking up the aisle to her Mister Eleven... or so she thinks. At the reception she bumps into a former sexual partner she had a drunken one night stand with, however he informs her that nothing happened so Mister Eleven is really only Mister Ten. (imdb reviewer: tweekums)

“Mister Eleven” is a British romcom. If you don't like the British sense of humor then you're not going to like this one. I think the conflict of this newlywed couple is more realistic than most American film. The mis-communications between these two could happen in real life and escalate just as quickly.

Instead of feeling like a movie “Mister Eleven” felt like I was watching a television show. All the characters had conflicts going on in their lives, not just the major conflict of the newlyweds. It was like you're viewing these people for a certain time. You came, the went and conquered.

It's great to see Michelle Ryan in something since NBC canceled her show and she went back over the pond. I think NBC didn't give the show a chance to build an audience. If you give “Mister Eleven” a chance I think you will like it.

I give “Mister Elven” 3 out of 5.

(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.

"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.

"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 Rebound"

Catherine Zeta-Jones
Justin Bartha
Lynn Whitfield
Art Garfunkel
Joanna Gleason
Jake Cherry
Kelly Gould











R           97min           2010


25-year-old Aram Finklestein (Justin Bartha) is hired as babysitter by 40-year-old mother Sandy (Catherine Zeta-Jones) for her son Frank and her daughter. They start to love each other.

This one of the best romantic comedies I've seen all year. It was modern breaking many of the stereotypes out there today. This is a movie that felt real and made me laugh when I needed to laugh. It never felt like a fake relationship.

If you did not know, “cougars” have become main stream and popular. Ladies I do use the term affectionately. This was a that has not been seen in many romantic comedies. I hope the success of this film will open the door to more “cougar rom-coms”. Because God knows Older men and younger women have been done to death.

This is a comedy that works the comedy in realistically. The situations of life that are funny. It never tried to hard to be funny it just was.

This is one of the more realistic relationship I have seen on screen. From the development, climax, and to its demises it all seem real. Even the rekindling of the relationship seem real. It left you feeling hopeful for the relationship but never telling you how this relationship was going to work. Its for you to decide.

I give “The Rebound” 4 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.

"Mr. Fix It"

David Boreanaz
Alana de la Garza
Scoot McNairy
Pat Healy
Lee Weaver
Terrence Evans
Rodney Rowland
Herschel Bleefeld
Gemini Barnett
Daniel Smith
Paul Sorvino


R           95min           2006


Lance Valentine (David Boreanaz) makes a living as “Mr. Fix It”, a man who gets hired by men that have just recently been dumped bu their girlfriend. Lance dates the guys’ ex-girlfriend and becomes the worst date possible, sending then girl back into her ex-boyfriend’s arms. But when Lance gets hired by Bill Smith (Pat Healy) to get Sophia Fiori (Alana de la Garza) back, Lance, for the first time, starts falling for one of his marks. – from imdb


Mr. Fix It is a film that under-performed to its potential. It just did not click with me. I expected more. This film needed more work before its release.

The acting clashed with the script. The lines, action, and plot was cheesy and over the top. Boreanaz and de la Garza did not have any chemistry on film. It was just two beautiful people acting and that is what it felt and looked like.

Nothing in Mr. Fix It seemed believable. The low budget of the film hurt the film. As a viewer you become accustom to certain things in the films and when they are missing its comes blaringly across. Most of all the scenes felt artificial.

If you only familiar with Boreanaz as Angel or Booth you should check out this film, it gives another character in his resume. If you are a fan of Alana de la Garza, you will not be disappointed but she does set the on fire.

I give it 1/5 Gs.

"Gray Matters"

Heather Graham
Thomas Cavanagh
Bridget Moynahan
Molly Shannon
Alan Cumming
Sissy Spacek
Rachel Shelley



PG13           96min           2007


Thirty-something New Yorker, Gray (Graham) shares just about everything with her wisecracking brother, Sam (Cavanagh): old movies, swing, dancing and – much to her surprise – an attraction to his gorgeous new girlfriend, Charlie (Moynahan). Never having realized she might be gay, Gray’s confusion turns to desperation as she follows the “expert” advice of clueless friends, shrinks and strangers. –from the back cover

"Gray Matters" is a romantic comedy that is the poster child for lesbian liberation. I’m not a twin but I know a set of twins; I found the Gray and Sam’s relationship was a little creepy.

This film shows one instant of a lesbian woman coming out to a loving and understanding family. In fact they realized it long before she did which I find completely funny. If they had a clue may they should have clued her in.

The filmmakers downplayed the enormity of her coming out for the light and comical. When Gray realizes that she may be gay she adjust really well, stumblingly a little bit but finding her strive quite quickly, I little how the ending metaphoric of Gray’s journey and everything was right in her world.

Sam and Gray’s relationship in the beginning is a little dysfunctional. It’s even played up in the comedy. If they weren’t twins they would have been perfect for each other. They had truly formed a symbiosis with each other, broken when Charlie comes into the picture.

Sissy Spacek was under used as a therapist that needs a little therapy herself. She is a scary therapist that looks to be a little too unconventional to be effective. Molly Shannon at point stole the comedic spotlight as a woman obsessed with the drama of soap operas.

I think "Gray Matters" can be like by anyone. The cast is talented and does a good job with the material. The find the humor and are still respectful to the situation of Gray. More than anything its just a funny romantic comedy with a new twist on a love triangle.

On the "Gray Matters" DVD there is only a promotional trailer being displayed as a behind the scene featurette and a theatrical trailer. It does however have movie previews for “The Illusionist”, “Winter Passing”, “Find Me Guilty”, and “Haven”.

I give 3/5 Gs.

"Unhitched"

Stuart Townsend
Amy Smart
Seth Green
Kate Ashford
Jodhi May
Steve John Shepard
David Oyelowd
Anna Chancellor
Philip Jackson


R           96min           2005

When a man learns his worst enemy is about to marry the woman his best friend loves, he vows to break up the wedding any way he can in this outrageous romantic comedy.

"Unhitched" is an romantic comedy with a funny premise. Seth Green takes a mundane part and turns it into the most memorable part of this movie. Stuart Townsend is miss cast as this leading man. This is a film greater than the sum of its parts.

When I think of think about a best friend is trying to breakup a wedding just so that his best friend can come in and get the bride. For me it a funny thought and what’s at the heart of this film. This is a film more of a buddy film than a romantic comedy. The friendship between Seth Green and Stuart Townsend is what makes this film work.

Seth Green takes a mundane part and makes it his own. With his bad British accent, he makes devious look fun. At first you think everything Green does comes from a superficial place and by the end you realize that he’s just a good friend. HE would done everything anyway to help make his friend happy.

Think Stuart Townsend was miss cast as the lead. Every time I see him I think of him as Lestat from “Queen of the Damned”. Even when he’s supposed to have lost his confidence; it never works on screen. It’s worst when he’s supposed to be clumsy and uncomfortable around women.

"Unhitched" works better when you look at it as a whole. Breaking down the individual performance makes this film worst than it really is. Their like a chorus that with each individual singer they sound a little off key but once you put all of them together they make a harmonious song, with friendship at the heart of the film.

There are no bonus features but there are previews for movies: “Crank”, “Employee of the Month”, “The US vs John Lennon” and “Farce of the Penguin”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"My Super Ex-Girlfriend"

Uma Thurman
Luke Wilson
Anna Faris
Eddie Izzard
Rainn Wilson
Wanda Sykes
Mark Conseulos


PG13           96min           2006


Matt Saunders (Wilson) thinks he has found the perfect girlfriend in Jenny Johnson (Thurman), who just happens to be smart, sexy … and a superhero. But when Jenny turns out to be a needy, neurotic mess, Matt wants to call it quits. Jenny is crushed by the news and will stop at nothing to exact sweet revenge. “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” is an outrageous super-comedy that proves breaking up can be hard to do – and downright dangerous! – from the back cover

It’s the break-up from hell. It’s a film that tries to blend between the romantic comedy and teen sex comedy for adults. What comes out is a film that you know has been done before, it’s easily digestible but in the end it nothing special but its effects.

“My Super Ex-Girlfriend” is plotable even before you sit down to watch it. You know boy gets the girl; the boy breaks up with girl; girl terrorizes boy; someone comes along to help boy face girl. They both find happiness and all is well. What makes this film work is the situations that arise from this formula. There are some truly hilarious moments in this film.

Uma Thurman tries her hand at a comedy and his surround by talented comic actors. At moments, her performance feels awkward and she didn’t trust the in what was happening around her. Luke Wilson turns in another great comedic performance and you feel the angst in his life produced by G-Girl. Rainn Wilson and Anna Faris brought humor to every aspect of their performances. They both have great comedic delivery.

There are some cool cameos by Mark Conseulos or Mr. Kelly Ripa, and Wanda Sykes who is severely under used in this film. I think “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” would have been funnier with more appearances in this film. If you don’t watch closing credit do watch this one, they sort of continue the story.

For a double-sided disc it truly bare of special features. It doesn’t have many deleted scenes. It does have an extended Shark sequence. It has a music video for “No Sleep 2 Nite” by Molly McQueen formerly of No Faders. It has a FOX promo for “The Sentinel”, “Thank For Smoking”, and “John Tucker Must Die”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Stomp the Yard"

Columbus Short
Meagan Good
Ne-Yo
Darrin Henson
Brian J. White
Laz Alonso
Valerie Pettiford
Jermaine Williams
Allan Louls
Harry J. Lennix
Chris Brown

PG13           115min           2007


”Stomp the Yard” DJ (Columbus Short), an amazing underground street dancer, hasn’t been in college for a day before he’s entranced by the lovely April (Meagan Good). Working as a gardener to pay the bills. DJ doesn’t fit in with the wealthier students around campus, but one thing does catch his attention – the rival fraternity competitions known as “stepping.” With April’s help, DJ learns about the legacy and heritage behind the fraternities and decides to join up. Now part of an official step group, DJ must balance rehearsals, work, and school, while at the same time winning the heart of the girl of his dreams. With the National Step Championship drawing closer, DJ must learn to stop dancing as an individual, and to start stepping as a team. – from the back cover

This film does what it’s was design to do, showcase steppin’ to the masses. What it fails to due is give an interesting story to go with the steppin’. It tries to relate the history of it to the masses with a few pictures of prominent African-American figures. It comes off as a divertive of a much better film Spike Lee’s “School Daze” And “Drumline”.

The steppin’ in ”Stomp the Yard” is some of the best I’ve seen in film. The steppin’ is exciting and unbelievable. You feel then energy that the crowd was feeling and you get caught up in it too. You see and feel the rivalry between the Wolves

But with so much great steppin’ scenes the rest of the movie falls flat. The story is takes more of a back see to the steppin’ as moments of interlude between. You never really care for the characters and could care less for the drama that their lives entail. The death of Chris Brown so early in the film you never really care that he died to senseless violent and by extension the motivation of DJ.

”Stomp the Yard” tries express the history of steppin’ in one two-minute scene. It lists people like Dr. King and Maya Angelou are part of something bigger than themselves. They tell you from the dialogue that this is what you’re supposed to feel. Maybe it is powerful in person but it’s never really express to the viewer on screen.

More often than not it comes off divertive. It tries to make commentary that Spike Lee did in “School Daze” with the aunt and uncle story line but its not really developed into the main storyline and comes out of left field when introduced. The main story line of DJ finding love and overcoming his setbacks is ripped straight from ”Drumline”. Without the steppin’ this would be a horribly predictable movie to watch and Even with the steppin’ this is a are sell as a good movie. The steppin’ is the highlight of the film and they come far and few between.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Deja Vu"

Denzel Washington
Val Kilmer
Paula Patton
Bruce Greenwood
Adam Goldberg
Matt Craven
Elden Henson
Jim Caviezel
Erika Alexander
Rich Hutchman
Brian Howe

PG13           126min           2006


“Déjà Vu” is about a group of scientist and an ATF agent uses a government-funded experiment that views the past to stop a ferry terrorist attack. In the process the agent falls in love with the murder victim that is the key to finding the attacker(s).

Washington is everyman’s man reminiscent of his ”Virtuosity” character. Paula Patton is a star on the rise. This is a good science fiction action thriller, on the surface the science works but as you dissect the film it breaks down.

Denzel Washington is again that everyman action hero, reminiscence of his performance in Virtuosity. You believe he’s just a guy trying to solve a case but as he becomes more invested in the case be becomes more invested in the woman. This is what drives this film and he believe and see the changes in his character.

The woman at the heart of “Déjà Vu” Paula Patton. She was previously seen in “Idlewild” she is an actress on the rise, having been behind the camera for a number of years. As you are watching her character you see a woman just living her life at the end of her days. Seeing her mainly from the past, they are reaction to her life and its now entire final twenty minutes that you have her interacting with Washington and see the frailty she brings to the character.

“Déjà Vu” has everything that works in good science fiction films. The science is grounded in reality. They state actually scientific theories, which are used to defend the characters actions, yet you’re not bogged down by it. On the surface the science is sturdy but as you look closely at the foundation you find cracks in it.

Once you realize the significant of certain things and think about them logically they break down. Things that are past and are actually future events down make sense. Only someone obsessive will even figure out what I’m talking about and the only reason I brought it up was that it factors into my grading this film.

Once I started to deconstruct the film it had major plot holes in it. Then I would rewatch it and then another hole would form until it became a black hole. The average viewer may not even pick these things up. I’m not giving the details of them because I don’t want to disappoint an otherwise enjoyable film.

I give it a 3/5 Gs.

"Blood & Chocolate"

Agnes Bruckner
Olivier Martinez
Hugh Dancy
Katja Riemann
Bryan Dick


PG13           98min           2007

“Blood & Chocolate” based on the book of the same name by Annette Curtis Klause, Is about A young teenage werewolf (Bruckner) is torn between honoring her family's secret and her love for a man (Dancy).

There are major differences in the book and the movie. The book was geared to young females and the movie is more geared to young males. I liked the book but I appreciated the movie better. The film did capture the majestic beautiful of what Klause described.

“Blood & Chocolate” is more of a Romeo and Juliet meets Underworld. It’s a pretty standard film but the appeal for me was watching the realization of a book that I read and could appreciate better. The film rendered the transformation better than I did in my imagination.

The changes to the plot make it truly transparent and I would suggest reading the book if you have the time. Agnes Bruckner,Olivier Martinez, and Hugh Dancy make an interesting triangle, but is heavily slanted in one direction. Agnes Bruckner easily handles being the star of this film and I hope to see more interesting things from here.

The legend of the Loup garoux is what makes this interesting. Having werewolves be blessed creatures instead of being cursed. That if you’re not loup garoux then you will never been is fascinating yet scary at the same time.

I found that there was a deeper message to pick from “Blood & Chocolate” but it also raise many questions. It leaves you to wonder what the future holds for these characters. I think if you never read the book then you can’t really appreciate the film and that contributed to the movie’s failure.

This is one that you must judge for yourself. Having read the book and liked it I could appreciate the movie. I think you need to read the book to understand where the movie is coming from and understand some of the things that are left out but explained in the book. A friend that never read the book didn’t like it because the story was too transparent and the characters were never full developed.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls"

Gabrielle Union
Idris Elba
Louis Gossett Jr.
Tasha Smith
Tracee Ellis Ross
Malinda Williams
Terri J. Vaughn
China Anne McClain
Gary Sturgis
Lauryn McClain
Sierra McClain
Rochelle Dewberry


Drama Romance
PG13           95min           2007

“Tyler Perry’s Daddy Little Girls” is about Monty (Idris Elba), a mechanic struggling to make ends meet as he raises his three young daughters. When the court awards custody of his daughters to his shady ex-wife, Monty desperately tries to win them back with the help of Julia (Gabrielle Union), a beautiful, Ivy League-educated attorney. Monty and Julia couldn’t be less alike, but a flame is ignited… touching off a firestorm of love and conflict. – from the back cover.

What this movie is really about is another masterpiece from Tyler Perry telling another inspiration, heartfelt film that is what fatherhood should be about. This is where Mr. Perry shines in that its not only inspirational for black men but for men in general. Monty has the qualities that as a male we should strive too. He loves his daughter and tries to do right by them, all the while striving to provide his family the American dream.

But “Daddy Little Girls” is not just about Monty’s family struggles it is also about Julia, a successful black woman in corporate America. It highlights the struggle that successful black woman claim to have in finding partners in love. I think it’s a part that Gabrielle Union really showcased her talent in. I believed her character arc. I believed that once she widens her view that she would found what she was looking.

What makes this film and all of his plays works is that the stories has relevant subplots. “Daddy’s Little Girl” focuses on the community being responsible for the community. Louis Gossett Jr. as the “elder statesmen” of the community Willie gives a moving speech about the responsibility of the community to take responsibility for the community. If the community is active the government will be active in its assistance.

“Daddy Little Girls” continues the tradition of great plays and films, by Tyler Perry, that focus on the black point of view but has a wide appeal. The first film not to feature Perry as his famous Madea, this is a more dramatic film as where the “Madeas” are more comedic. I hope to see more from the mind of Mr. Tyler Perry. Don’t forget to watch the “House of Payne” on TBS coming June 2007.

I give a 5/5 Gs.

"The Girl Next Door"

Emilie Hirsch
Elisha Cuthbert
Timothy Olyphant
James Remar
Chris Marquette
Paul Dano
Amanda Swisten
Sung Hi Lee
Jacob Young
Olivia Wilde
Autumn Reeser

Unrated           110min           2004


“The Girl Next Door” is about a high school senior (Emilie Hirsch) who meets the girl next door (Elisha Cuthbert) and the adventures he faces with her and his friends during his final days of high school.

It stars some of ‘Young Hollywood’s bright stars.’ To me this is a modern “Risky Business”, but with its own flavor. Just as ‘Risky Business’, “The Girl Next Door” will become a cult classic.

Emilie Hirschis a relative newcomer and with Elisha Cuthbert, they lead a cast that you may know their faces but not there names. Chris Marquette (Joan of Arcadia) and Paul Dano play his faithful friends. Jacob Young noted for his role of JR Chandler on All My Children play a big man on campus jock. Olivia Wilde and Auteem Reeser having had significant parts on ‘The O.C.’ play popular girls of the campus.

“The Girl Next Door” is a more daring “Risky Business”. The both following the same major plot the all-American boy on the fast track to success meets a girl that uses sex as a living but with a heart of gold. They fall for each other and face difficulties on their relationship road. Both star relative unknowns in the leads but where they differ is that TGND has a more hopeful outlook.

Even though it has many similarities to “Risky Business” it has its own story to tell. Risky Business is a tame version of “The Girl Next Door”. The tings brought up in TGND were taboo when RB came out and American are less uptight about the sex they see in films. TGND takes more ‘risk’ than business did and it makes for a funnier movie.

Sex and the American dream sells and I think that’s why these themes and films will always be classics. Americans are always searching for the American dream of power, money and success; both movies deliver. Sex, which will always be fashionable in movies, is display in both but differently, reflection the changes in the society. “Risky Business” displayed it’s sexual content more subtly, where 'The Girl Next Door' has it in your face, the normalcy in today’s cinema.

“The Girl Next Door” gives a tale that has been seen several times over the years of cinema, not as successful but just as entertaining. It displays some of the young talent that Hollywood has to offer. It is this generation “Risky Business”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Sideways"

Paul Giamatti
Thomas Haden Church
Virginia Madsen
Sandra Oh


R           123min           2004

“Sideways” is two men reaching middle age with not much to show but disappointment, embark on a week long road trip through California's wine country, just as one is about to take a trip down the aisle.

For me it was interesting in seeing a world that I have never participated in and probable never will. “Sideways” always so had great characterization and arcs. One hand you see a train wreck take steps to correct itself and a man scared to grow up and the destruction that it causes.

The subtle and greatness of this film may only be found with hardcore movie watchers. That’s not to say its an easy watch, this is a true independent film with big name stars. The acting is superb. Filmed in the authentic wine country the background scenery is just beautiful.

The characters in this film are all flawed by in their flaws you find that you can forgive some of the despicable things that they don’t. The four main characters are like college kids on a middle-aged spring break. Even though their lives aren’t assessable to most, you care and root for these character. Having that third person perspective you see things that are coming but your still interested in the journey and surprised by the outcome that you didn’t see coming.

“Sideways” display some great acting from Paul Giamatii, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sarah Oh. Giamatti displays his character mental frailty that makes you care for him and the plight that he is facing. Thomas Haden Church plays smarmy better than anyone else, it so convincing that the first time you see him you know your going to want to slap him. Madsen and Oh play total polar opposites. Madsen is a woman weary of love and Oh goes out and tries to find love in every relationship, to the point of being unhealthy for her family.

The casual view may not be interested this film, but if you are a fan of any of the four actors then this is a film for you. “Sideways” showcases the top of their acting abilities, beautiful scenes of California wine country.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

'Man of the Year'

Robin William
Christopher Walken
Laura Linney
Lewis Black
Jeff Goldblum

PG13           115min           2006

‘Man of the Year' is not what I expected from this movie. Its about a political comedy i.e. Jon Stewart who at the prompting of a audience member to his show runs for the President of the United States and wins.

Barry Levinson put together a group of actors that played to their abilities and as such this cast shines in this film. Robin Williams is funny in his part. There is even a funny bit on Saturday Night Live. But I felt Lewis Black was the funniest. Having just discovered him in ‘Accepted’ his rambling was funnier to me than Williams, who does have some funny moments.

‘Man of the Year’ is an entertaining movie at face value. It makes you laugh. It does everything right and gives a complete story. I feel that this premise could be a great dramatic movie that address what this film makes light of.

There are real issues that were made light of that the American vote should address. As a voter I sometimes feel that my vote doesn’t count. Those that are elected have sold out to the lobbyist and special interest. There is no integrity in politic any more and this movie shows it in a comedic way.

What I felt hurt ‘Man of the Year’ was Williams’ Tom Dobbs naiveté; someone this close to politics should never be that naiveté. It just didn’t make sense and that’s where it lost me. With everything in history, JFK, Watergate, IRAN Contra and countless other things a person in politics should never go in with blinder on. Politics is a ruthless, dirt business. That not many can go into an come out unscathed.

Even as it rubbed me the wrong way I still fill that it did a good job it what it out lined. ‘Man of the Year’ is a comedic parody of the underdog winning the day and the integrity to do the right thing. But sometimes the right thing isn’t the right thing.

I give it 2/5 Gs

'The Last Kiss'

Zach Braff
Jacinda Barrett
Casey Affleck
Rachel Bilson
Micheal Weston
Eric Christian Olsen
Blythe Danner
Tom Wilkinson

R       115min       2006

‘The Last Kiss’ is about the terrifying things you face when you’re on the cusp of adulthood.

It’s one of those films that you have to either have to be there or gone through it to full appreciate this film, but its still entertaining if you have not reached it yet. It’s a drama acted but it gives you that hopeful escapism. Being in this age range I really related to these characters and came to care for these people and hope for their best. It’s not just their journey it was my own journey that I was facing.

The actors were perfectly cast in their parts. I felt these were my friends facing these crises and I rooted for them. Even though it was a movie I found hope in their journey and could see friends and I facing the same things facing these characters. They actors made their character compelling and made you care for them. You made not have agree with their decision they were correct for them and left hope in there decision.

The story in ‘The Last Kiss’ is such that it’s compelling; reaching adulthood is a scary reality that every young person has to make. They’re added pressures and responsibility that you face. It shows the real consequences of decisions faced in adulthood and the story leaves you to figure out what their futures are and how hopeful will they be.

‘The Last Kiss’ is compelling, smart, and engaging. You will identify with one of the dilemma faced by the characters in this film. It has terrific acting from the entire cast. It’s one of those films that can be truly appreciated by a certain group but enjoyed by all who view it.

There are plenty of special features. There are show great features on the DVD. Two audio commentaries: one with the director and Zach Braff and one with the majority of the cast. There is a behind the scene featurette. It also has a music video directed by Braff, gag reel and deleted scenes.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"The Lake House"

Keanu Reeves
Sandra Bullock
Shohreh Aghdashloo
Christopher Plummer
Ebon Moss-Bachrach

PG       105min      2006

“Lake House” had Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock reuniting again since Speed. Keanu an architect that buys a lake house to refurbish and finds a letter left by future tenant Sandra Bullock.

“Lake House” has a nice love story wrapped in a science fiction time travel film. It was a house built on a deck of cards. It loses some of its logic during the movie; this is the major problem, because of it the story gets implausible and loses it momentum. It changes it own theories to fit itself. Left major plot holes that you could drive a eighteen-wheeler through.

The science-fiction part loses some of its logic middle ways through the film. That as side you can still enough this movie but just a little less. The question left open nagged at me throughout the rest of the picture. It kept distracting me every time something contradictory came on the screen.

Once the time-travel logic unraveled the rest of the story started to not make sense. This the characters should have done and didn’t. People they met and should have remembered. Little things that gnawed away at the story.

At the end of the movie it left question to the story that took away from the enjoyment of the movie. It made you question ‘what you just saw’. I don’t think the writer gave his audience enough credit. Even a simple child could break the foundation of this movie.

Movie are about escapism in the post 9/11 world. Audiences want something that is grounded in reality. That mean that it has to be plausible even if its improbable. That’s why we send the dollars to see these films. Hollywood has lost its creativity and is suffering for it. In this era of time we anyone can setup a home theater, why spent the money going out when you can stay in for a fraction of the cost.

It’s basically a bare DVD. It has a few bloopers. A few behind the scene feature, but nothing extenisive.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Tristan + Isode"

James Franco
Sophia Myles
Rufus Sewell
David O’Hara
Mark Strong
Henry Cavill

PG13           125min           2006

“Tristan + Isode” is about second in line to the British crown who falls in love with the Irish princess who would be the future queen of Britain and their love affair that destroys the monarch and starts a war between Ireland and Britain.

“Tritan + Isode” is supposedly the real inspiration for “Romeo and Juliet”. It was neither compelling nor interesting. I disappointed in the story and acting. It was just painful to watch.

This film was a marketed on the basis of “James Franco”. The story was told even before you watched but nothing in it compelled you to watch. You didn’t feel that they passionately love each other. It was more that they were in lust with each other. Young children doing something that there parent told them not too.

I picked it up because it starred Sophia Myles, having seen her in “Underworld” and thought she was under used; I wanted to see what see could do. I wasn’t disappointed in anyone’s acting I was disappointed in the material that they were given. It gives Tristan and Isode no redeeming quality and uses youth as an excuse for stupidity. Not one character questioned their motives or stopped each other.

It gave you nothing interesting to hold on to. Tristan and Isode is a tricky film to pull off and on this they failed miserably at it. Several time during the movie I just stopped watch because it was just too painful to watch. How could two people be this stupid when everything and country depended on them.

“Lust” is a deadly sin and that’s just what they were in. If they truly loved one another they would have put the country ahead of their needs or even come clean. This film did accomplish on thing: Display affairs in a truly light. Affairs affect every around them and can destroy lives needlessly.

This tale has been told far better in “Romeo + Juliet” and “Titanic”. This film is to be seen only if you’re truly a fan of one of the actors.

I give 2/5 Gs