Spoiler-Free Movie Reviews

Thumbsucker - 11/28/09 at home – Another Vince Vaughn film…I’m not in a rut am I?  This was sort of reminiscent of Rocket Science in that it had that good vibe at the beginning, but didn’t turn out all that well.  It’s a well made film, but it just doesn’t go where you want it to go.  It’s strange.  However, it did turn me on to Kelli Garner, who plays an Anna Kendrick-like character from Rocket Science…sort of.  It’s hard to explain, but there’s an underlying tone there.  Sort of the smart, latently sexy, girl next door type.  Anyway, this one’s decent, but not great.  That’s my $0.02.

Star Trek - 11/25/09 in Knoxville, TN – This is the new 2009 version wherein we get the origins of the Enterprise and the crew that we remember from the early 60s television show.  All of the cast members do a great job creating their characters based on what we knew about them from their later lives…but Simon Pegg as chief engineer Scotty is brilliant.  His comedic timing is just too much to handle.  Kirk, Spock, Chekhov, Sulu, Scotty, Bones, Uhura…they’re all there, just as you remember them, only younger.  Definitely worth your $0.02.

Four Christmases - 11/25/09 in Knoxville, TN – I didn’t really think much of this film when it came out.  It seemed your typical holiday film, but after viewing it, it was really quite humorous.  I really enjoy Vince Vaughn, I think he really plays good characters.  And, who doesn’t think Reese Witherspoon is cute as a button.  I mean, really!?  Anyway, if you don’t find your family in this film, you’re not normal.  You’re just not, and that’s my $0.02.

Rocket Science - 11/23/09 at home – I’m not sure what to think of this film.  I really thought that it had a chance to be amazing when it started, but then a plot twist near the middle brought it crashing down around me.  It’s quirky and definitely for the hipster set, in my opinion.  But, I just wanted it to end differently.  Regardless of how it plays out, it just seems sad…as if this is the best Trenton, NJ can do.  It’s worth watching for young Anna Kendrick though.  She’s dynamite and it turns out she’s in those Twilight movies too…so she’s got that going for her.  That’s my $0.02.

The Petty Girl - 11/23/09 at home – Sometimes you simply need an old movie to get you in to the swing of things.  I just love the fast pace of this film with Robert Cummings and Joan Caulfield.  It’s adorable and very funny.  Cummings seemed to be an early Dick Van Dyke sort of character and Caulfield may be the most beautiful bombshell to come out of Hollywood.  Anyway, this quaint little story about a painter falling in love with his reluctant model is just the sort of fare that makes movie watching enjoyable.  Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have all that “Petty Girl” eye candy on the screen.  That’s my $0.02.

Matrix Revolutions - 11/22/09 at home – Now, this is the one that I hadn’t seen.  The story was a little weak and wandering.  Plus, about 2/3 of the way through the film, it embarks on this weird je ne sais quois avant garde possibly theological story arc and it falls apart from that point on.  The ending is really bizarre and I think they should’ve stopped with Reloaded.  Anyway, that’s my $0.02.

Matrix Reloaded -11/21/09 at home – I think I’ve already seen this one, which may prompt me to revamp this page so that I can figure out what I have and haven’t seen.  In my opinion, this is the best of the three.  More action, better story…even with the weird Architect scene.  If you enjoyed The Matrix, you’ll love this continuation of the story.  That’s my $0.02.

Alien – 11/10/09 at home – It’s hard to believe that this movie is nearly as old as I am.  It’s also hard to believe that this is the first time I’ve seen it.  So, at this point, not really the suspenseful scarefest that is advertised.  As a matter of fact, it’s sort of unbelievable…provided that you believe in alien life in the first place.  Anyway, not a terrible film, but the “electronics” has not aged well.  Plus, calling the computer ‘Mother’ is sort of odd as well.  So, it’s an okay film, but if you’re looking for something scary, you’d do better than this.  That’s my $0.02.

Born to Be Wild: American Ballet Theatre - 11/3/09 at home – This was a really interesting look at the 4 male leads for American Ballet Theatre.  It was short, only an hour long and featured an actual ballet at the end by the four gentlemen, who are not only incredible dancers, but are also easy on the eyes.  I’m secure enough in my manhood to say that.  I’m not really spoiling anything buy revealing all this.  It’s sort of a documentary and covers the dancing lives of these gentlemen.  Very entertaining.  That’s my $0.02.

Dr. Zhivago – 10/22/09 – Three and a half hours.  That’s how long this film is.  It has an overture, an intermission, and an entr’ acte.  Between all of that, it has three hours of snow, Bolsheviks, and Omar Sharif and Julie Christie.  Was it good?  Eh, I suppose.  It wasn’t terrible.  When it started, I really had high hopes that Alec Guinness would be in it more, but he wasn’t.  The weird part was this was written in 1965 at the height of the cold war, and so this was a film about Russians featuring Englishmen speaking in English accents.  It wasn’t too strange until I heard one line of “old chap” and that kinda killed it for me.  It’s a sweeping epic…but I don’t get what all the fuss is about.  Plus…Lara’s theme gets REALLY old after a while.  That’s my $0.02.

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl – 10/21/09 – If you like Python, you’ll love this.  It has some new stuff at the beginning and then delves into their classic material at the end.  It’s a live performance which makes it all the more hysterical.  I particularly enjoyed the Philospher’s Soccer match and the Lumberjack song.  Definitely worth a look see, at least that’s my $0.02.

Ali - 10/12/09 – It’s hard not to come away from this film feeling that Ali was nothing more than a pawn in a larger game and he never really realized it.  Plus, with the womanizing, it’s hard to paint him in a good light.  Still, you can’t take away the fact that he was a great athlete and he stood up for the things he believed were right, even in the face of overwhelming unpopularity.  Will Smith does a great job in this film and the surrounding actors are, given what little I know of the story, very true to life.  However, if you’re looking for a film on boxing, or Ali’s life, this may not be the one for you.  It only covers a small portion of his career…albeit the most turbulent portion…but, it may not be worth your $0.02.

Brigadoon - 10/11/09 – I’m sure that 1950s musicals are not your thing.  They’re not really my thing either, but this conjures great old memories.  It was the musical we did my sophomore year of high school.  It was the first time I’d “trod the boards” and I still remember the songs, lo these two decades later.  Still, it involves wonderful dancing with Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse, and a loving curmudgeon of Van Johnson.  Oddly, those were the days I enjoyed most in high school…and this is worth your $0.02 only if you have good memories of it.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End - 10/9/09 – I’d heard not great things about this film.  All in all, it wasn’t terrible, but it was wildly extraordinary and unbelievable.  Still, Disney managed to squeeze three films out of a slow boat ride at Disneyworld…and it was still better than some of the crap that passes for cinema these days.  As always Keira Knightley was stunning, and Depp was his usual weird character.  Plus, a cameo by Keith Richards that wasn’t in the least out of his character. It’s not bad for an afternoon if you’ve got nothing else to do. That’s my $0.02.

Mon Oncle Antoine - 10/6/09 at home – I’d always imagined that if I wrote a story, it would be like this one.  Ordinary people living ordinary lives with nothing out of the ordinary happening to them.  I never thought it would be a great story and would make an even worse film.  However, the bleak backdrop of ’40s Quebec in winter and the homely and ordinary citizens make this film compelling in an odd way.  It’s not exciting and it won’t have you on the edge of your seat, but it was a film I wanted to see through to the finish.

The Luzhin Defense - 10/2/09 at home – If you like chess, you’ll love this film.  If you don’t like chess…well, you might still like it, but it may seem a bit odd.  Turturro and Watson are very good in this film which is a dark look at child prodigy, Luzhin, based on a Vladimir Nabokov book.  The accents are a bit strange, but not terribly so that it’s overwrought.  And, the lady who plays Watson’s mother is a brilliant portrayal of an arrogant wealthy American.  I think it’s worth your $0.02.

Chariots of Fire - 9/28/09 at home – For some reason, I never saw this when it came out.  It’s an excellent film about morality, integrity, and running during the 1920s, specifically before and during the 1924 Olympics.  Mr. Abrahams and Mr. Liddell became national heroes because of the events depicted in this film.  The soundtrack is by Vangelis which now seems very dated, but back in the 80s was very cool, and I remember listening to it on LP as my family owned a copy.  I can recommend it as worth your $0.02.

Death Race - 9/20/09 at home – Sometimes I’m just in the mood for some weird movie that is filled with explosions and car chases, etc.  This fit the bill for last night.  And, all in all, it was a pretty decent film.  I mean, you have to buy in to the concept that prisons are allowing prisoners to kill each other on the internet for profit as part of an entertainment package, but once you get beyond that…it’s a pretty good movie.  Jason Statham is an interesting actor.  He seems really good, but you don’t know because most of the films he’s been in have been sort of fringe-y and esoteric.  Regardless, if you’re looking for some mind-numbing violence and gratuitous use of weaponry, this is worth your $0.02.

Moonraker - 9/20/09 at home – Yet another James Bond film, again one which I’ve seen bits and pieces of, but still enjoyed it.  It was a little far-fetched, but this came out in 1979, after Star Wars had hit the big screen, so laser battles in space not all that unbelievable at that point.  The special effects left a little to be desired, although, they did do zero-gravity fairly well.  Plus, hot space babe uniforms are worth your $0.02.

Unforgiven – 9/16/09 at home – As previously stated, I don’t care for westerns.  And, I believe that this qualifies as a western.  Still, it turned out to be a pretty decent film.  I’ve never been much of an Eastwood fan either, but I like the idea of the western with comic moments.  Eastwood getting on a horse is classic…but the story is incredible and while the ending could certainly have been different, it IS a western.  So there you have it, it’s worth your $0.02 in my opinion.

The Express - 9/15/09 at home – The awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching story of Ernie Davis, the first African-American Heisman trophy winner who helped lead Syracuse to a national championship in the face of racism in the early 1960s.  Yes, it’s one of those films, but this story is important for everyone on every side of the color line.  It has an excellent cast (speaking of which, are Dennis Quaid and Kevin Costner the only actors allowed to do sports movies now?) and being as it’s based on true events, it really hits home.  Definitely worth your $0.02.

The Spy Who Loved Me - 9/14/09 at home – I think I may have seen bits and pieces of every James Bond film.  This is no exception, but it is interesting to see one from start to finish.  I am a Roger Moore fan…and I love Richard Kiel’s “Jaws” character…and this one seemed to be less about gadgets which, though I love Q, sometimes the gadgets are a little over the top.  Anyway, this one was worth your $0.02 with everything you’ve come to expect from the Bond series.

Gangs of New York – at home – A moderately historically-accurate film, these featured great performances by Lewis, Broadbent, DiCaprio, and Diaz.  An interesting look at the “creation” of New York through the lives of natives and immigrants.  Of course, it’s a Scorsese film so it’s bloody and gratuitous, but once you get past that, you start to glean some of the history of it all.  I thought it was a decent film, but it may not be for everybody.  Worth your $0.02 though.

Role Models – at home – When this came out in theaters, it looked pretty funny.  But again, we were victims to the trailers.  It was funny to a point, then it just became vulgar and stupid.  Paul Rudd looked embarrassed to be in the film for most of the movie, Seann William…whatever his name is was more of the same American Pie character and then the kids were way out there.  Nobody has kids like this.  Well, maybe somebody does.  Also, Jane Lynch is weird!  Anyway, this movie has some funny moments, but overall not really worth it.  Just watch a Seth Rogen film…same effect!  That’s my $0.02.

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai – at home – This movie was truly bizarre.  It didn’t make a lot of sense, it was random science-fiction that seemed poorly made.  Poor Lithgow and Lloyd had to star in this low budget nonsense.  I can’t recommend this film at all because it was just so jacked up!  I do wonder whatever happened to Perfect Tommy though.  Definitely not worth your $0.02.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age – 8/31/09 at home – A continuation of the original, or it at least seemed to be.  I actually found this one to be a bit more entertaining what with the introduction of Sir Walter Raleigh.  It’s a little more action oriented toward the end which makes for some decent cinema, but the story is also engaging.  I find myself drawn to find out more about this period of history because of this movie.  And for my $0.02, that’s what a decent movie will do.

The Pianist – at home – An amazing story of a Polish pianist who spends most of World War II evading the Third Reich because he is Jewish.  The sheer number of scenarios that nearly destroy him are mind-boggling and the tale of his continued struggle is heart-wrenching and heroic.  I cannot begin to imagine what life in the Warsaw ghetto must have been like, but this film pulls no punches.  It is graphic in places, but not so much that it’s unwatchable.  That’s my $0.02.

Eagle Eye – 8/16/09 at home – If you’re the paranoid type, this film is not for you.  If you fear technology, this film is not for you.  If you’ve seen 2001: A Space Odyssey, then you’ve already seen part of this film.  That might be a little bit of a spoiler, I suppose, but when you see it you’ll understand.  However, it moves at a fast enough pace with enough cool gadgets to make it enjoyable, a la James Bond.  That’s my $0.02.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist – 8/16/09 at home – At first, we thought this one would be rife with references we didn’t understand, e.g. “bridge and tunnel”, but we stuck with it and found it to be very entertaining and a tiny look back at some moments in our own lives.   It’s definitely a love story…but the twists and turns to get there are exciting.  Plus, you have to love a gay band with no drummer and a Jewish band named “Oz-Rael”, at least that’s my $0.02.

Coraline – 8/14/09 at home – I’ve only read one Neil Gaiman book, but I gotta believe that most of his stuff is really good, especially as I’ve enjoyed immensely this second Gaiman-based film.  Exquisitely animated in stop-motion, this movie had me excited from the opening title sequences.  It’s well-written, well-crafted, and definitely worth your $0.02.

Of Mice and Men – 8/12/09 at home – This has to be the saddest film, and saddest book, I’ve ever experienced.  When I read the book, I was near tears.  And, now, to see the film, I knew it was coming and I was still heartbroken.  Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney, Jr. were simply amazing and apart from the sound, which was scratchy at times, this film was nearly perfect.  I can’t recommend it enough.  It’s definitely worth more than your $0.02.

(500) Days of Summer – 8/8/09 at Showcase Cinemas Stonybrook – This was the best film I’ve seen in a long time.  Well-written, well-acted, just basically a brilliant all-around film.  Gordon-Levitt has come a long way since Third Rock from the Sun, Deschanel is charming and sexy, and the rest of the surprisingly small cast was outstanding.  This was one of those films that you wanted to stick around and watch again and then go buy the soundtrack on the way home.  I can’t recommend this film enough.  It was the best movie that you didn’t watch this weekend and it will be next weekend too if you don’t go out now.  That’s my $0.02.

Shrek the Third – 8/7/09 at home – This film was made solely to cash in on the Shrek franchise and merchandising.  It had very little quality in the screenplay and while the animation was fine, it just wasn’t a very good film.  We watched it, or rather it was background noise to a fussy baby which is fine because it wasn’t very watchable.  Again, more morality.  Can’t we make some movies without a non-subtle “moral of the story?”  I don’t recommend it.  Just watch the first or second one over again!  That’s my $0.02.

Watchmen – 8/6/09 at home – I’m not a graphic novel person.  I’m not a comic book person.  But, I do like superheroes.  And, it turns out that this film, while a little heavy handed in the morality department, did contain some superheroes.  I think you might have to like graphic novels to get into the grimy, gritty world of the Watchmen, otherwise, it may not be your cup of tea.  Still…it’s moderately entertaining, though wholly unbelievable in practically every sense.  That’s my $0.02.

For Love of the Game – 8/5/09 at home – Who doesn’t love a Kevin Costner baseball movie?  This one was a little heavy on the love story, but since Kelly Preston is easy on the eyes, it wasn’t all bad.  Billy Chapel is a pitcher at the end of his career trying to decide his own fate, both on the mound and in real life and it’s predictable.  However, the moments in the baseball stadium are very good because of how he thinks of the pitches and his relationship to other players.  It’s worth it if you like baseball, that’s my $0.02.

A Mighty Heart -7/17/09 at home – An incredible story about Mariane Pearl and her struggle through the abduction and murder of her husband Daniel Pearl.  This isn’t really a spoiler either since most everyone knows about the murder of Daniel Pearl as it was the only news for several days in 2002.  Anyway, the story is true, the heartache is true, the pain is true.  This film is difficult because of it’s subject matter, but redeeming in how it was handled.  I’ve never been a big Jolie fan, but she is spectacular in this film.  Also features the lovely Archie Panjabi who I think is pretty great.  This film, if you can stand the emotional upswell, is well worth your $0.02.

A Hard Day’s Night – 7/17/09 at home – It’s difficult not to spoil this film, because there’s not much to it.  It’s pretty much several Beatles music videos strung together with some weirdly concocted story about Paul’s strange (but clean!) grandfather and their trip to London.  Seriously, that’s the extent of it.  It has no cinematic value, in my opinion, unless you really, really love Beatles music.  That’s my $0.02.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – 7/15/09 at Stonybrook Cinemas – Wow!  These films just get darker and darker and this one absolutely takes the cake.  I wish they’d make a mini-series to put in everything from the books, but maybe it’s better this way.  It’s still 2 1/2 hours, but it goes so fast.  Alan Rickman is the freakin’ bees knees man.  His Snape character is rich and delightful in its sinister way.  And, I’ve never been a huge Helena Bonham Carter fan, but seriously, she is hot in a barking mad lunatic sort of way.  Incredible! So, if you’re a Potter fan, you’ve already seen this anyway.  If you’re not a Potter fan…well, I can’t recommend the entire series enough, but especially this installment.  Definiteyl worth my $0.02.

A Fish Called Wanda – 7/15/09 at home – I’ve heard for years how wonderfully funny this film was and how it was a must see and how I would just think it was great.  So, finally, I sat down to watch it.  Boring!  Not all of it you understand, but most of it.  Sure, I love the John Cleese parts, but the Michael Palin stutter got old really quick.  And Curtis is hot, but Kline is not and his character is even worse.  It just seems really dated and I don’t see how I would’ve enjoyed it that much back when it came out in the 80s or what not?  Don’t worry, not the first time I’ve been recommended a film and been disappointed.  Not worth my $0.02.

Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who – 7/9/09 at home – Apparently we’re into the animated films lately…but you should definitely check this one out.  Yes, it’s a treatment of that brilliant book and it’s extremely well done.  Carrey and Carell are excellent, but Carol Burnett steals the show with her kangaroo voice and the character of Katie, played by Joey King, is worth two viewings of this film.  The character is adorable and the things she says (or doesn’t say) are incredibly funny.  Now, here’s the problem…I’m such an adult now that I couldn’t enjoy this film without dwelling on deeper meaning and that sort of ruins it for you, especially if you despise the idea of “deeper meaning” in literature and film.  But, I suppose, deeper meaning from Dr. Seuss is worthwhile and is worth my $0.02.

Bee Movie – at home – C. and I caught this one evening while waiting for the baby to finish her nightly meal and drift off to sleep.  Seems that’s the way we get a lot of movies in these days.  Anyway, the concept of a talking bee, and then the lawsuit, well, it’s definitely a leap of faith…but the story is very interesting…both from the human and from the bee perspective.  Fortunately, Seinfeld’s shtick didn’t get too old before the movie finished and the animation was very good.  I can recommend this one because it does have some good moments.  At least that’s my $0.02.

The Beach – at home – I watched this one morning while home with the baby.  She like to sleep late and I’m already up, so why not take a little advantage.  First, let me say, I did not realize Leonardo DiCaprio was such a good actor.  I think I was blinded by his charming good looks, but he’s really very decent.  Second, Tilda Swinton scares me.  She’s a wonderful actress, but she always plays a character that is very frightening in some way, at least in the movie’s I’ve seen.  Finally, whatever happened to Virginie Ledoyen?  Sure, she was sort of eye candy…but, the good sort.  Okay, I’m a sucker for French accents.  Anyway, this is a very interesting tale…somewhat “Lord of the Flies” somewhat “LOST”,but all in all worth your $0.02.

My Super Ex-Girlfriend – 6/29/09 at home – There are two redeeming qualities to this film…Eddie Izzard and Rainn Wilson.  Other than that it’s corny and ridiculous.  Sure, Uma Thurman and Anna Faris provide some eye candy, but really…Super ex-girlfriend?  That’s just dumb.  And, wait til you see the shark.  Ridiculous!  Anyway, if you get this, just let me tell you that it’s not worth your $0.02.

Jet Li’s Fearless – 6/29/09 at home – Based on the story and myths of Huo Yuanjia, this film features Jet Li (obviously) and an amazing display of martial artistry.  Li presents his country’s hero with an impressive display as well as a well-written story.  If you like martial arts and beautiful scenery, then you will enjoy this film.  It was definitely worth my $0.02.

Up – 6/28/09 at Showcase Cinemas Stonybrook – We saw this in digital 3D which is a pretty cool cinematic trick and the story is really pretty good, but this film is sort of a downer.  It’s definitely not “up,” except for the balloons.  But it’s an excellent story with wonderful voice work by Ed Asner and who ever plays the little kid Russell.  I can definitely recommend this film with the caveat that it’s not all comedy.  But it’s definitely worth your $0.02.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith – 6/26/09 at home – A pretty interesting movie with some great chemistry between Jolie and Pitt.  And, that’s what makes this film really work.  I mean sure, the big guns and spy stuff, plus the driving skills…that’s all well and good.  but, honestly, the therapy sessions are the real scenes in this film.  It was a little Ocean’s 11 meets James Bond.  That’s my $0.02.

Into the Wild – 6/23/09 at home – A strikingly beautiful film about a tragic figure.  While watching this movie, I couldn’t help but align myself with the main character, understanding his desire to seek out a new life for himself, considering his circumstances.  However, I also couldn’t help wondering if some therapy (or even a possible diagnosis of mental illness) might not have led to the ending that it did.  Still, he set out to do what he desired and I would imagine that during his journey, he was happy.  The transformation of Emile Hirsch is nothing short of amazing.  This film is definitely worth more than your $0.02, but it can be difficult to watch.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 – 6/14/09 at home – Not having seen the first one, I didn’t realize that it wouldn’t make any difference.  My wife caught me up on the basics in a matter of seconds.  That, coupled with the opening sequence, made this film stand alone.  Not that it made it any more believable or interesting.  It was definitely a chick flick and as such I’m not really one to recommend it.  I do, however, think Alexis Bledel is gorgeous and a very good actress.  That’s my $0.02.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – 6/8/09 at home – A film based on a video game, so right off the bat it’s going to require some suspension of disbelief.  Sort of a female Indiana Jones, even complete with father issues, and curves in all the right places.  That said, the Illuminati make an appearance in this one and naturally the supernatural also appear making some really odd statues come to life.  The scenery is gorgeous, and I don’t just mean Jolie.  Also interesting to see a pre-Bond Daniel Craig in this one.  Not a great film, but if you liked the video game…it’s worth your $0.02.

Titan A.E. – 6/8/09 at home – A fairly decent animated film with an interesting story.  Unbelievable, but it is animated science fiction.  I don’t think Matt Damon and Drew Barrymore’s forte is voiceover.  It seemed a little forced.  As I recall, critics didn’t like this, but it wasn’t terrible.  I guess what I’m saying is that it was watchable, but not a must see.  That’s my $0.02.

Disturbia – 6/5/09 at home – A sort of Rear Window for a new generation.  David Morse may be one of the creepiest actors since…well, maybe since John Malkovich, but wow, he just exudes creepy.  And Shia LaBeouf and Sarah Roemer create a wonderful chemistry as neighbors.  I don’t want to ruin it for you, but this one is certainly suspenseful a la Cape Fear with Robert DeNiro.  Hollywood has fallen short of crowning LaBeouf the new Prince of Cinema, but these types of films are going to go a long way.  That’s my $0.02.

Angels and Demons – 6/4/09 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – Our first trip out without the baby and it was well worth our time.  What an absolutely stunning movie!  It grabs you from the first moments and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final minute.  Tom Hanks is the consummate actor and Ron Howard has directed a brilliant film.  If you read the book, you’ll want to see the film.  If you haven’t read the book, you’ll want to see the film, possibly even more.  It’s better than The Da Vinci Code, at least that’s my $0.02.

December Boys – 6/3/09 at home – At first, I wasn’t too excited about this film.  Starring Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame and no one else you’ve ever heard of, the story of four orphans who go on holiday and vie to be adopted.  It doesn’t turn out like you thought it would and it is a really good coming of age story.  There are several very interesting characters and I recommend it if you can find it somewhere.  That’s my $0.02.

Fred Claus – 6/2/09 at home – Okay, I thought this would be stupid, but it’s very entertaining.  I like Vince Vaughn, and Kevin Spacey does a star turn in this particular film, but the funny stuff is all elves.  They’re great…even Ludacris as the DJ elf.  Now, I wouldn’t rank it up there in the pantheon of holiday films (Christmas Story, Elf, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), but it has a decent start and there are some aww moments if you want to take your best girl to see it…that’s my $0.02.

Space Chimps – 6/2/09 at home – Okay, I only watched this because I was up early with the baby and there was literally nothing else on that was even remotely interesting.  Surprisingly enough, this was not bad.  It’s sort of an SNL get-together, but being animated you don’t have to be reminded of that fact every minute.  Ostensibly about the return of chimps to space after a long hiatus from the space program…they meet the first extraterrestrials and chaos ensues.  Naturally, being an animated film, it has a moral lesson…but you can get over that.  That’s my $0.02.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall – 6/1/09 at home – All in all, a pretty decent film.  Good performances from Segel, Bell, and Kunis with some very enjoyable moments.  Seriously though, Jack McBrayer is brilliant in this film (as he is in 30 Rock as well) and if only for a few more minutes of celluloid, he would’ve stolen the show.  Absolutely hilarious!  But, this is not another Judd Apatow redux (though Jonah Hill does appear), this is actually funny well-written and not fraught with goofy humor.  There’s actual substance to this one…and that’s my $0.02.

Kung Fu Panda – 5/26/09 at home – Who doesn’t love Jack Black?!  And, the rest of the cast is star-packed with none other than Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, and Jackie Chan.  Yes, it’s animated predictability and is extremely goofy.  It’s chock full of slapstick physical comedy…as you would expect from a Jack Black vehicle…which is great fun for the kids, and myself.  I laughed through most of this film and I did enjoy the “message.”  Plus, the kung fu is pretty impressive.  That’s my $0.02.

Amazing Grace – 5/26/09 at home – The story of William Wilberforce and his crusade to eliminate the slave trade in Britain.  While my wife noted some minor anachronistic flaws, the story overall is wonderful and also includes an inclusion of the namesake song as part of the reason for Wilberforce’s desire, though this also seems a bit of dramatic license.  Still, it makes for some decent cinema.  I do want to point out the strength of acting from the leading lady Romola Garai.  Not only beautiful, but a very good actress.  It’s worth your $0.02 if you enjoy period films, especially dealing with social issues.

Frida – 5/25/09 at home – A brilliant star turn for Salma Hayek about an extremely talented painter.  This film was an eye-popping delight from start to finish.  The colors, the music, the “magical realism” of paintings and dreams coming to life.  Plus, what an incredible life…married to Diego Rivera, friends with Leon Trotsky.  Just incredible.  If you don’t know Frida Kahlo’s work, I highly recommend this film as an entrance into her world.  That’s my $0.02.

Starter for 10 – 5/25/09 at home – Let me say first that this is a great film.  I enjoyed it immensely, particularly McAvoy’s character and the leading lady played by Rebecca Hall.  However, let me now tell you that this film is really nothing more than a John Hughes film with an English backdrop.  You can see it coming from the early going of this film and while it doesn’t lessen the value of the movie, it makes it extremely predictable.  That’s my $0.02.

Be Kind Rewind – 5/21/09 at home – An okay film with a really good cast.  Jack Black, Mos Def, and Danny Glover…with a guest role for Sigourney Weaver, however, it really doesn’t help the film much.  It’s kind of goofy, with a feel good message, but the goofiness is the only part that’s really that good.  The message portion is sort of trite and contrived.  Anyway, that’s my $0.02.  I suppose it’s worth it for Jack Black’s shtick.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford – 5/21/09 at home – My daughter and I watched this one this morning.  Well, she slept through it because she’s 2 weeks old, but I watched it.  I don’t know this story, but it was extremely interesting from an acting standpoint.  I truly enjoyed performances by Affleck and Pitt as they seemed to truly feel the stress of being outlaws in an increasingly civilized world.  I look forward to reading more about Mr. James and Mr. Ford…but this movie is really good if you want a decent film about outlaws and really good costumes!  Also, what happened to James’ kids?  Did they live normal lives after that?  Anyway, that’s my $0.02.

I Am Legend – 5/19/09 at home – A fairly sophisticated look at doomsday virus turns city into wasteland with cannabalistic survivors.  I enjoyed the vampiric “dark-seekers” and Will Smith makes a great play as the “last-man-on-earth.”  But, the big player in this film is the way they’ve portrayed the city in its neglected state.  To imagine how the world would look without human caretaking is certainly an interesting vision.  If you enjoy science fiction, you will enjoy this film.  That’s my $0.02.

Get Smart – 5/18/09 at home – I thought that maybe Steve Carell had become less funny, but honestly, this film played directly into his wheelhouse.  And Anne Hathaway as Agent 99 was pretty brilliant as well.  If you enjoyed the original series Get Smart, then you will love this film.  If not, you will think it’s goofy and stupid and probaby won’t get the humor anyway.  That’s my $0.02.

Leatherheads – 5/16/09 at home – Okay, I don’t know if this how pro football got it’s start and I can’t be bothered to check at the moment, but I doubt it.  Still, it’s an interesting take and I enjoy a good period sports film with authentic uniforms.  And Clooney and Krasinski make a great team.  If you can ignore Zellweger, which is hard to do I know, then it’s a decent film and not as bad as critics said it was.  At least, that’s my $0.02.

The Gold Rush – 5/13/09 at home – Not so much a silent film, but a remake of a silent film…I think.  Anyway, it’s gold (no pun intended) from Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp.  If you know anything about Chaplin at all, this is what you know of him.  Particularly, the “dancing rolls” routine and significant physical comedy.  Though it’s a mere 75 minutes long, it does seem to be a little long in the drawers after a while.  The narration, read by Chaplin, is a little grating, but it does help move the action along.  That’s my $0.02.  It’s definitely worth your time, if for no other reason its historical value.

I’m Not There – 5/8/09 at home – How much do you know about Bob Dylan and his life?  Not much?  Well, go ahead and skip this film.  However, if you do know Dylan and all of the various phases of his existence, then I’m gonna go ahead and recommend this film.  I don’t know Dylan, so it’s was a strange little film, but if you’re savvy, it’s really well acted, and it’s certainly a differently directed film.  And, hey…the music is great.  That’s my $0.02.

Roman Holiday – 5/7/09 at home – This is a snappy little picture that does wonders for Gregory Peck’s and Katharine Hepburn’s complexion, but it’s hardly deep cinema.  It’s an interesting take on what might happen if a princess got loose from her handlers, but certainly, in this day and age, highly unlikely.  It was neat to see Rome without all the traffic, having seen it with tons of traffic and all those people.  The best parts may have been when Eddie Albert was on screen.  It’s sort of fluffy in its makeup and not even a decent travelogue.  That’s my $0.02.

Horsefeathers – 4/30/09 at home via Hulu.com – A Marx Bros. film that I haven’t seen? Odd!  Actually, there are probably several I haven’t seen, but this is one of the more famous ones.  Groucho is leading a college, both presidentially and athletically.  Chico and Harpo are up to their usual shenanigans fleecing all manner of people and possibly each other.  This one also features Zeppo as Groucho’s son.  There’s some business about a college widow which seems just about the strangest term I’ve ever heard, but a brief internet search turned up a decent answer, so I’ll let it slide.  Anyway…typical Marx Bros., but not really one of their best.  Still it’s worth your $0.02.

The Sting – 4/22/09 at home – Why did I wait so long to see this film?  Robert Redford and Paul Newman are at their absolute peak in this picture.  It was a brilliant take on mobsters and grifters and racketeering, or at least a jovial look at it.  It was a very fun picture with decent music by Scott Joplin.  I highly recommend it, if for no other reasons, the costumes.  Man, I was so born in the wrong era.  I love those outfits.  I would dress up all the time if I could dress like that.  Worth your $0.02 just for the outfits.

It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World – 4/19/09 at home – This movie is moderately dated as the plot is driven by the chance that people might find $350,000.  I’m not suggesting that’s not a lot of money…but in today’s world, what with the term “trillion” being thrown around, it’s not a manic amount.  Anyway, the cast is overloaded.  Everyone who was ever anybody in comedy was in this film when it was made.  It was very funny with slapstick moments and comic stylings.  I recommend it just for celebrity sightings.  It’s worth your $0.02.

Rory O’Shea Was Here – 4/18/09 at home – I’m not sure exactly why we chose this film from Netflix.  It might have been one that seemed good at the time…who knows?  Anyway, it turned out to be an excellent film.  James McAvoy’s title character is a wonderful role for a very talented actor, but the rest of the cast nearly steals the film from him.  From the moment we meet Michael and Siobhan, we are engaged in the story.  I sat riveted through the entire film which is a clear look at society’s handicapped and how they’re treated by the public, by family, and by those who genuinely care for them.  Highly recommended and worth more than your $0.02.

Semi-Pro – 4/8/09 at home – I’m not sure why I even started this film.  I had wanted to see it when it first came out, but not intently.  It seemed funny, but you know how these things are.  Truth is, it was actually pretty humorous.  Especially the bear wrestling and the alley-oop.  Will Ferrell very rarely lets you down.  I wouldn’t break down doors to get this film, but if you happen to catch it, you won’t be bored.  It’s worth at least half your $0.02.

The Bad News Bears – 4/6/09 at home – Starring the beautiful Tatum O’Neal and the famous mug Walter Matthau, this film is about more than baseball.  Sure, it’s practically entirely filmed on a baseball diamond and it’s about a little league team…but there’s so much more to it, especially in the last half hour.  If you’ve ever wanted your parents to be proud of you or maybe pushed your kids too much…this film is for you, but be aware that you may find yourself in a starring role.  Plus…it’s about baseball, definitely worth your $0.02.

Adventureland – 4/5/09 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – So…more than 2 months since I last saw a film in the theatre.  Well, I suppose it was worth it.  For all its commercials (and cast members) you’d really have thought this was going to be a comedy.  And, there are funny moments…but, honestly, not a comedy.  Still, a decent film, but don’t go for the laughs.  Go for the story, go for the soundtrack, go to relive all your crappy summer jobs and 1987.  It’s worth your $0.02 for the giant ass panda.  And for Lisa P. rocking the “off-the-shoulder” t-shirt look.  Razz-ma-tazz!

The Bourne Ultimatum – 4/4/09 at home – Finally finished off the Bourne series and it was very, very entertaining.  I think maybe I’ll have to read the books.  Of course, this one, like the other two, deals with Bourne continuing his quest and the intrigue, the backtracks, the conspiracies of all that involved.  There were several car chases which had me absolutely stunned.  I do enjoy a good car chase.  Anyway, this film (and the other two) are definitely worth your $0.02.

Clear and Present Danger – 3/25/09 at home – I swear I’ve seen this movie before, but apparently not all the way through.  Which, by the way, is how I read the book…not all the way through.  It’s a classic “Jack Ryan” film and who doesn’t love Harrison Ford and James Earl Jones.  Plus, the idea that it’s completely believable adds to the cinematic greatness.  If you love conspiracy and intrigue, this is your film.  If not, may I recommend something a little less action oriented.  That’s my $0.02.

Grace is Gone – 3/25/09 at home – I had really been anticipating this film, not solely because it’s a John Cusack film, but the idea intrigued me about a man who has to tell his daughters that their mother was killed in Iraq.  It’s a topical film, unfortunately, and had great promise.  However, the acting all seemed a little bland.  Cusack zones out at first and while this is probably an ideal reaction, it doesn’t make for great cinema.  It’s still a good film…sort of a coming of age type issue for the eldest daughter.  It’s worth your $0.02 if you’re a Cusack fan, but otherwise, you can skip it.

Toi et moi – 3/22/09 at home – One of my new favorite actresses is Marion Cotillard, she is just lovely and wonderful.  And she is what drives this film, the rest is just sort of so, so.  I didn’t much care for the photo-novel aspect of it all, but I understand that was one of the characters’ outlets…so it was an interesting device, but not my cup of tea.  Anyway, the music is very beautiful in this film (I recommend the Nocturne by Schubert at the end)  and it will hold your attention.  That’s my $0.02…especially for the music.

The Bourne Supremacy – 3/19/09 at home – So, this sequel was better than the original.  The story line followed a little more clearly, the action/intrigue seemed more intense.  I really got into it apparently.  C. was laughing at my intense rocking in my chair, which I apparently do when I’m really involved in something (a la Mario Kart Wii).  So, some new players, some familiar faces…but an incredible film.  Definitely worth your $0.02.

The Magnificent Seven – 3/11/09 at home – I don’t, as a general rule, like westerns.  However, with the cast list on this one, I made an exception.  Brynner, McQueen, Bronson, Coburn, etc.  Plus, with soundtrack by Elmer Bernstein and based on Kurosawa’s The Seven Samurai how could it be bad.  Well, some of the acting was suspect, not from the major players, but some of the minor players.  The Bernstein soundtrack was good at the beginning and then sort of annoys after a while.  It’s a decent film…except for the kid gunslinger who was like your kid brother who won’t leave you alone when you’re playing with your friends and then is a complete ass when you do let him play.  But I digress…it’s worth your $0.02 for McQueen’s acting and Coburn’s knife throwing.

Elizabeth – 3/8/09 at home – I found this film to be underwhelming.  For all its awards, which my wife points out may not have been for acting and storyline, it seemed to be lacking.  Plus, I find succession lines of royalty completely confusing, so it may not be my thing.  One thing I did find uncanny was Blanchett’s striking transformation into an exact replica of the pictures of Elizabeth I that we see in history books.  It was a fine film, but if you’re not a history buff…maybe not your thing. That’s my $0.02.

The Bourne Identity – 3/6/09 at home – This was an interesting film, fast-paced, action-packed.  Almost a little too fast-paced actually.  It seemed as if there were some things that were simply glossed over or not explained very well.  We’re planning to watch it a second time to see if it is similar or better.  Still, it’s a good movie for action fans, and fans of intrigue, espionage, and conspiracies.  I anticipate watching the sequels…and possibly reading the books (which may lead to some insights that were not available in the film).  That’s my $0.02.

The History Boys – 3/1/09 at home – A pleasant little film about a group of young men who are attempting to gain entry to Oxford and Cambridge.  Little known fact (or maybe not so little known), the alumni list of Oxford counts among itself twelve (12) saints!  SAINTS, people!  Anyway, Harry Potter fans will no doubt recognize Uncle Vernon and Madame Olympe among the cast.  The movie is pretty good, fast paced and genuinely funny at times, however, the Netflix disc had a couple of scratches at certain plot points and so I wasn’t able to follow it completely.  Still, worth your $0.02.

Cabaret - 3/1/09 at home – I didn’t enjoy this film all that much.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good movie…but probably a better stage show.  Liza Minnelli doesn’t thrill me at all.  I’m sure that she’s a great singer, but as an actress…well, not so much.  Joel Grey was fantastic and I wish there had been more of him on screen.  The last half hour or so, I just sat through glumly so that I could say I watched it.  The other actors were bland and joyless and I realize it was a film set in pre-WWII Germany, but aside from the Kit Kat Klub, it was boring.  That’s my $0.02.

An American in Paris – 2/24/09 at home – Well, if this wasn’t sheer joy!  Paris, dancing, Gene Kelly, and music from George-frikkin’-Gershwin.  I mean, seriously, how much more gay could I be?  It’s a lovely film and though it got a little psychedelic toward the end, it was quite entertaining.  And, how you can you not enjoy Gene Kelly tap-dancing in Paris? With little Parisian kids?  Just too much fun…definitely worth your $0.02.  Especially if you like musicals.

Atonement – 2/19/09 at home – My wife tried several times to watch this film and fell asleep each time.  I’m not sure how.  Not having read the book, this film, though directed in weird flashbacks, seemed driving from the outset and was an outstanding story.  I’d love to read the book now…though, knowing the outcome may make it difficult to get through.  This is not a happy story, as I think all Ian McEwan books are pretty dark.  But occasionally, one needs a dark, intense film to balance out your life.  At least, that’s my $0.02.  Plus…Keira Knightley in a wet camisole.  HAWT!

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 2/19/09 at home – This may have been the last of the National Lampoon’s films worth seeing, Chevy Chase is at it again with slapstick humor and overt sexual ogling.  Featuring a young Johnny Galecki (of Big Bang Theory) and Juliette Lewis, this may be one of the great Christmas films of all time.  Worth your $0.02 for the scene in which he gets the Christmas lights to work.

Trainspotting – 2/13/09 at home – A bizarre look in to the world of heroin addiction featuring a young Ewan McGregor in the grossest bathroom scene ever depicted and a young Kelly Macdonald in all her naked glory.  Once you get past the Scottish accents, which make it a little difficult to understand at times, it’s an enlightening movie if for no other reason you understand that heroin addiction is evil.  Truly a marvelous film from the director (who also directed Slumdog Millionaire) that showcases great performances by several cast members.  I’d use my $0.02 to watch it again, though, both baby scenes are disturbing.

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape – 2/11/09 at home – Three movies in one day?!  I must’ve been terribly bored.  And this one was the last one and there was very little to cheer about in this film.  It’s about a depressing family and their depressing lives and how it doesn’t really get much better.  It does, however, feature an amazing performance by Leonardo DiCaprio.  Depp and Lewis are also good in their roles…but DiCaprio steals the show.  It’s worth your $0.02 if you like dysfunction and family turmoil.  Otherwise, don’t bother.

Glory Road – 2/11/09 at home – I think that there is an inordinate amount of these “racism brings team together” films, but I didn’t live through the 50s and 60s, so I can’t imagine what it was like.  And, since all of these are based on true stories, I weep for humanity.  Not the least of which is that this one features my particularly racist state school, University of Kentucky (note Confederate flag waving in the background), of which I’m not a fan.  Still, this is a great story and it’s a very thoughtful, emotional movie.  Definitely worth your $0.02…but if you’ve seen Remember the Titans, then you’ve really seen this film already.

Taxi Driver – 2/11/09 at home – I’m usually not a Martin Scorsese film fan, and this one was really no exception..  Foster and DeNiro were quite good, but Shepherd seemed to have a blank look on her face the entire time…as though she were stoned or something.  It’s a violent film at least in the end…and naturally, the cursing is out of control.  But, oddly enough, my favorite part was Scorsese’s cameo in the middle of the film.  Other than that, really nothing special.  And the soundtrack during the film leaves a lot to be desired.  Not worth your $0.02.

Love In The Time Of Cholera – 2/8/09 at home – A very faithful representation of the novel in my opinion.  Granted, the novel is thick and lush with description, so naturally, you can’t put everything in the movie.  Still, it was very good and Bardem’s portrayal was wonderful.  I will say it wasn’t the best movie I’ve ever seen.  Leguizamo’s character and acting were extremely wooden and stilted.  But if you are a fan of love, then this is worth your $0.02.

In Bruges – 2/7/09 at home – I had originally thought that this was a comedy, and I suppose it was a somewhat black or dark comedy.  The subject matter was not humorous, but there were several light moments.  Farrell, Gleeson, and Fiennes make this a very interesting film and though it is alternately maligned and exalted throughout the film, Bruges itself cuts quite a figure as the backdrop for this film.  As well, this being the director’s first film, it was quite good.  It’s worth your $0.02 for the Hieronymus Bosch dream sequence.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? – 2/4/09 at home – A quirky little movie featuring live action and animation that, even after a couple of decades, features mostly seamless interaction.  Christopher Lloyd is terrifying as Judge Doom, Bob Hoskins is average as Detective Valiant…but the show stealers are the animated characters, which feature some of your well-known favorites.  Sight gags and pratfalls abound in this cinematic spectacular that is worth your $0.02 if only for Jessica Rabbit’s famous line, “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.”

To Sir, With Love – 2/4/09 at home – A brilliant film with Sydney Poitier that most certainly was the forerunner for such films as Lean on Me and Dead Poets’ Society.  Poitier takes a job as a teacher in a rough area of London and finds himself in over his head with a group of ruffians and ne’er-do-wells.  The film, naturally, takes the predictable course, but is heartwarming and inspiring. Also stars a young Patricia Routledge of Keeping Up Appearances fame.  The film’s theme song is sung by Lulu, one of the film’s students and is definitely worth your $0.02.

The Reader – 1/31/09 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – The depths of soul in this film are palpable and to be unmoved by its’ story is unimaginable.  The story of a love affair, the Nazi regime, and one person’s pride made for a brilliant movie that will certainly be in the running for best picture.  I still have questions about the film, but not ones that can be discussed without getting into spoilers.  Sufficed to say, Winslet had the performance of her life and this is a film that will be talked about for some time.  Definitely worth your $0.02.

Rachel Getting Married – 1/30/09 at Village 8 Theatres – This was my wife’s pick and since we had free passes, I thought what the hell.  Exactly, what the hell?  Why do film makers feel we have to live through other people’s misery?  Yes, we get it, other people have problems and their lives are screwed up, but don’t put us through it.  We’d rather be entertained.  And, how multicultural do you have to be these days?  The wedding scene was just WAY over the top and unnatural…and went on way too long.  All in all, not worth my $0.02.  And, I don’t care for Anne Hathaway at all.

Edmond – 1/28/09 at home – A bizarre little indie film featuring William H. Macy as a guy who has finally had enough and unleashes his rage on a city that he feels has kept him down.  Y’know, many times I think that the screenwriters who put together these films are merely flunkies from the psych department at their local college.  This film was unnecessary and didn’t clear up anything at the end.  It was mostly just a 48 hours in the life of a guy who went crazy, but tried to explain it away by saying he was alive and clear-headed.  Not worth your time or your $0.02.

Howl’s Moving Castle – 1/25/09 at home – Unfortunately, this is two hours I will never get back.  I am amazed that this film garnered so many ‘best film’ awards.  The story was random and nonsensical…a fairytale should have some sort of flow and this seemed to jump in towards the middle and move about in any given direction.  I think it wanted to be a lot of things, but it wasn’t any of them.  And to think they wasted all those talented voices, because the cast is certainly worth your $0.02.  Billy Crystal was great, but even his character was poorly drawn.  For my money, an animated feature had better be drawn well.

Doubt – 1/24/09 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – A mentally intense film that dissects the hierarchy of the Catholic church and all its formerly hidden secrets in full view makes for some amazing performances from the entire cast, most notably Streep, Hoffman and Viola Davis.  Seeing this film with someone who lived through this era, it was a bit disturbing.  And having been an altar boy myself, it certainly made for some interesting dialogue after the film.  Worth your $0.02 just for the mental anguish between Hoffman and Streep.

Slumdog Millionaire – 1/24/09 at Cinema de Lux 20 Stonybrook – A beautiful love story born from the depths of poverty in a Mumbai slum, this film is probably the best film I’ve seen in four months (given a brief look back at the reviews).  It details the story of how an uneducated “chaiwallah” advances during a stint on the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.”  The love story almost seems secondary, but it is the thread that underlies this entire film and makes it most likely the Best Picture of 2009.  My $0.02 for a great love story.

Camille Claudel – 1/21/09 at home – A depressing biopic of sculptor Claudel and her relationship with Rodin.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful film and Adjani and Depardieu do an outstanding job as Claudel and Rodin, respectively.  However, the story is sad and it doesn’t get any better as the film goes along.  It’s certainly an interesting story though, even more so since we’ve been to the Musee Rodin in Paris and have seen both artists’ works.  Claudel was a tortured soul, of that there is no doubt…and Rodin may have been her only friend.  It’s not a feel good movie, but if you need to cry, this is worth your $0.02.

Valmont – 1/19/09 at home – This is a much older film that I found on OvationTV the other day and I vaguely remember wanting to see it when it came out.  Unfortunately, it was not as good as I expected it to be.  Annette Bening seemed as if she was acting through clenched teeth.  Colin Firth seemed as if he was playing a role he’s unfit for.  Fairuza Balk, very young, possibly just after the “Return to Oz” film.  It’s an interesting little period film based on “Dangerous Liaisons”, but it is somewhat flat.  Oooh, also features a post-”E.T.” Henry Thomas.  Not really worth your time, but that’s my $0.02.

WALL-E – 1/19/09 at home – A wonderful little PIXAR/Disney film about robot love, environmentalism, and responsibility for our own actions.  I wasn’t too excited about this when it came out, but it was amazing to see the range of emotion that can be conveyed by non-human entities.  Plus, it’s a warning about what can happen if we stop paying attention to what we’re doing to the earth.  And…congratulations to Ben Burtt on some great sound effects as well as the voice of WALL-E.  Star Wars geeks love Ben Burtt!  That’s my $0.02.

Transsiberian – 1/18/09 at The Neighbors – I think that this film wanted to be two different things: first, a psychological profile of various people tossed together on a train and second, a crime thriller.  It doesn’t really pan out on the first count, and the second count was sort of an afterthought when the director didn’t pass Psychology 300.  It’s a decent film I suppose, but it’s a little messy all the way through and toward the end there seems to be some unnecessary violence.  The accents were better though.  Not necessarily recommended, at least that’s my $0.02.

Seven Years in Tibet – 1/18/09 at The Neighbors – I wanted to see this movie when it first came out and it didn’t disappoint too much.  If you can grit your teeth through the agonizing Austrian accent that Brad Pitt has chosen, then the rest of the movie should be interesting.  To realize that it is also based on real-life events makes it all that more poignant.  The story of Heinrich Harrer and his relationship with the current Dalai Lama make for an interesting story against the backdrop of the incursion of communist China into Tibet.  It’s definitely worth your $0.02, just ignore the accents.

Ewoks: Caravan of Courage and The Battle for Endor – 1/14/09 at home – I’m choosing to tackle both of these movies at once because for all intents and purposes, they’re practically the same film.  Same family, same basic characters, similar dangers.  One thing you should know is that these are Emmy-winning films (for special effects).  Caravan of Courage is the better film, story-wise and effects wise.  Battle for Endor is somewhat slap dash, although it does feature a fairly spry Wilford Brimley and one of my favorite characters, Teek…who, in reality was sort of a precursor to Jar Jar Binks, but I digress.  Anyway, these films were made in the mid-80s at the end of Star Wars mania as we experienced it.  It does feature the very young and adorable Aubree Miller as Cindel Towani and your favorite Warwick Davis as the lovable Wicket.  And, especially during Caravan of Courage, you see a lot of parallels between Mace Towani and Luke Skywalker.  I’m sure this is no coincidence.  However, I caution you that this is not the best cinema available.  It’s pretty crappy, but it fills an afternoon if you’re a Star Wars fan.  That’s my $0.02.

From Russia With Love – 1/11/09 at home – I’m sort of a behind the scenes James Bond fan.  I don’t have to see each new film as it comes out, but I do enjoy the series.  Plus, I like the Sean Connery model.  However, I’m not a huge fan of this film.  Sure it’s got all the intrigue, the Cold War references, the neat gadgets (and in this one they’re fairly believable), but the story was sort of random.  I guess I never really got into the SPECTRE plots.  I like the idea of one villain at a time.  I suppose that’s why I like Star Wars vs. G.I. Joe…the Emperor is so much easier to dislike than a whole boatload of criminals with nobility titles.  Anyway, this is a decent film, but not the best of the bunch.  That’s my $0.02.

1408 – 1/10/09 at home – I’m not a fan of scary movies, so these sorts of films are a stretch for me to watch.  I have to watch them in the daytime and I have to make certain that I push these images from my head when I’m in dark spaces.  Plus, it’s a John Cusack and Samuel Jackson movie which I like.  But, honestly, this is more mind freaky than scary, which I suppose is very similar in essence.  However, this wasn’t a great film, but it was good for people who don’t like to be too scared.  At least, that’s my $0.02.

Run Fat Boy, Run – 1/7/09 at home – Another Simon Pegg feature…and he’s brilliant.  This is David Schwimmer’s directorial debut and he did a pretty amazing job.  Plus, it focuses on a marathon, so that’s another point as well.  It’s a great, funny story with wonderful characters.  Incredible acting from Pegg, Thandie Newton, and Hank Azaria…although, I wasn’t all that wild with Azaria playing the bad guy.  Anyway, it was a cute film and it certainly deserves my $0.02.

Silk – 1/4/09 at home – A beautiful film that drove me to the internet to search for this period of Japanese history.  For your information it is the end of the Edo period of Japanese history.  Regardless, it is an interesting love story between a French silk merchant, his wife, and the concubine of a Japanese lord.  Alfred Molina plays a very interesting role as well in this film.  I must admit that I was more interested in the Edo period than I was the film, so I may have missed some salient points, but from what I did see, I thought it was very interesting.  That’s my $0.02.

Talk To Me – 1/2/09 at home – As with all biopics, the truth is what you believe, or Voltaire may or may not have stated at one point: “History is fables agreed upon.”  I’m sure that there is a lot of truth to what we see about the story of Petey Greene, but internet searches after the film revealed a lot about the man that pointed out the differences between myth and legend.  There are also those who believe that it takes the stereotypical black man of the late 60s-early 70s to a whole new level (almost Tim Meadows-like) and that may be true, but it makes for some decent cinema.  If you’ve never heard of Petey Greene, I say see the film.  If you knew Petey Greene, maybe you should just remember the good times.  That’s my $0.02.

Meet the Robinsons – at home – Now this was some decent animation and great story.  Both C. and I enjoyed this film and its cast of zany characters.  It is, in my opinion, perfect for children.  It has value statements about good and bad choices AND it’s fun and entertaining.  And, the person who played Michael “Goob” Yagoobian was perfect.  I loved his moments the best and wish there had been more.  That’s my $0.02.

The Darjeeling Limited – at home – Up until about the last 20 minutes, this movie didn’t make any sense at all.  Unfortunately, the last 20 were not redeeming of the film.  It was a clattering mess of strangeness that was bizarre from beginning to end…somewhat mimicking the train that they’re on.  Apparently, I don’t care for Anderson films (Wes or Paul Thomas), but this was Owen Wilson WAY over the top as far as crazy goes.  I think Adrien Brody must’ve been drunk when he signed on to do this, but he does at least have the best part in the film.  Maybe the sequel (Hotel Chevalier) would shed some light on it all, but I’m afraid to waste my $0.02 with it.

The Tale of Despereaux – at Baxter Avenue Theatres – This was a cute little animated film that was part Ratatouille and part Three Musketeers and part Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.  It wasn’t anything special, but it was about the only movie that wasn’t heavy in it’s subject matter that was worth seeing when we went to see it.  There were no real standouts in the film and as I recall, the lighting for the film (except for the city of rats) seemed to be overly bright.  Maybe it was just me.  It’s a neat little fairy tale, but the moral is vague.  That’s my $0.02.

Goya’s Ghosts – 12/22/08 at home – Okay, who doesn’t love a good Spanish Inquisition movie, especially one with Natalie Portman?  Well, this one is hard to watch, almost unbearable…but I stuck with it, mostly because I don’t know much about the period and I was interested to find out what happened.  Starring an amazing cast of Bardem, Portman, and Skarsgard (also, Randy Quaid…WTF?) this follows the story of Francisco de Goya and one of his models and their lives throughout the Inquisition, the invasion of the French and the resulting problems with clergy, etc.  I don’t want to give too much away, but if war, torture, and devastation are not your thing (then you must not be from the Bush Administration)…and I don’t recommend this film.  Otherwise, it’s very good, at least that’s my $0.02.

Charlie Wilson’s War – 12/13/08 at home – An interesting biopic on this senator from Texas.  Plus, who doesn’t love Hanks and Roberts.  From what I’ve read, the film follows the story (and the players) pretty closely and manages to paint a modestly balanced picture.  I’m sure there are embellishments, but with personalities like these, you don’t have to go far.  I certainly recommend seeing it if you’re at all interested in the Afghanistan region, particularly in the early 80s.  That’s my $0.02.

Diner – 12/11/08 at home – For a film that’s 25 years old at this point, it still stands up fairly well.  I wasn’t a huge fan of all the characters, but they each had their individual quirky charm.  The cast is incredible and the story, while a little exaggerated in my opinion, (though, what do I know, I wasn’t alive in 1959), is believable.  The best part in my opinion is that it doesn’t really end, it’s just a story…sort of a week in the life.  Worth watching for the “football quiz” scene.  That’s my $0.02.

What Dreams May Come – 12/10/08 at home – I didn’t realize how difficult this movie was going to be to watch.  It was the subject matter, not the film itself.  It was actually well produced and the visual effects were very interesting. d But, if you’re married and have children, this might not be the best of films to choose.  Williams and Sciorra were very good, but Gooding was brilliant.  At least that’s my $0.02.

Charlie Bartlett – 12/6/08 at home – This is a quirky little film about high school and what it takes to fit in and how everybody suffers, regardless of what “class” or “clique” they belong to.  In addition to an intriguingly introspective role for Morton Downey, Jr. (in my opinion) this movie hosts a brand new set of actors who, while acting upon the usual stereotypes for high school films, actually manage to show that high school can be survived.  C. and I both enjoyed the film and recommend it.  That’s my $0.02.

Apocalypto – 12/2/08 at home – This movie is bloody, gory, violent, scary, and interesting.  It follows a familiar theme, but in a totally different setting from that which we’ve ever seen before.  I have more than just a passing interest in the Mayans and Aztecs and the mystery of their civilizations.  This movie gives a more sensationalized view of how things probably happened within these civilizations, but…hey, if you’re looking for accuracy, find something on National Geographic.  This is Hollywood…and that’s my $0.02.  Oh…and if this wasn’t apparent, this film is not, I REPEAT, NOT for the faint of heart.

Gone Baby Gone – 11/21/08 at The Neighbors – As I understand it, this was Ben Affleck’s directorial debut, and what an incredible start.  With an incredible cast of new and old, this film is well done from beginning to end.  Just when you think you have it figured out, it moves to something else.  It’s absolutely amazing.  Now, the subject matter is extremely adult, and at times very difficult to watch…but if you can stomach that, it’s simply amazing.  I can recommend this as definitely worth your $0.02.

Pretty in Pink – 11/16/08 at home – I didn’t grow up watching John Hughes films.  I never had a crush on Molly Ringwald.  Thus, I didn’t care for this movie.  It was bizarre in its treatment of high school.  Those people weren’t real.  Nobody had parties like that.  Did they?!?  If they did, I was certainly never invited.  And, if I was on the flip side, my friends weren’t as strange as Duckie, or Annie Potts’ character.  It all seemed just a little over the top and ridiculous.  And, it could also be a change in the times…maybe things WERE like that back then, but I doubt it.  Anyway…I suppose it’s worth it to see a young Jon Cryer and James Spader.  That’s my $0.02.

Smart People – 11/9/08 at home – This was C.’s choice and it was a decent film.  The cast was stellar and, as such, it was extremely well acted.  The story was a little slow, but all in all it was a pretty good film.  The problem was that this story was not really believable.  I suppose it could happen, but it was almost a little too much fairytale.  And, if you think Ellen Page in Juno was good, you should try her out in this film.  She’s an incredible actress with a wide range.  And, seriously, who doesn’t like Thomas Haden Church?  That’s my $0.02.

The Fog of War – 11/1/08 at home – When I ordered this film from Netflix, I was really hoping to understand more about the Viet Nam war which I’ve always been curious about.  And while this film does dwell somewhat with the Viet Nam war, it’s more about Robert McNamara and his life and career.  It was certainly an interesting look at his view of behind the scenes and how that more than likely differs from how other people viewed this portion of history.  At times, you feel sorry for McNamara.  This film is structured around eleven lessons that McNamara says he has learned over the course of his career and it’s certainly worth your $0.02…especially if you were involved in any part of this section of history.

Mr. Magorium’s Magic Emporium – at home – I was surprised that this movie didn’t get wonderful reviews.  It’s not the best film I’ve ever seen, but it certainly wasn’t the worst and it definitely had some charm.  Portman and Hoffman were very good…but the young boy probably steals the show.  Still…a movie about a magic toy store can’t be all bad, right?!  That’s what I thought.  You should check it out and don’t always believe what the “real” reviewers have to say.  That’s my $0.02.

A Night in Casablanca – 10/9/08 at home – Another Marx Bros. flick featuring an obviously older set of brothers, but still the same classic physical hijinks, excellent musical production and Groucho’s famous walk.  Typically, these movies were made to showcase the wit of Groucho, the musical talents of Chico and both the musical and physical abilities of Harpo.  This movie was no exception.  The story is merely background noise to what is actually going on.  The brothers are at their best during the”taste-testing” scene, Grouch moving from room to room to woo Beatrice, and Harpo explaining the “plot” to Chico.  Not their best…but definitely worth my $0.02.

Appaloosa – 10/5/08 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – Dad and I went to see this film and we both enjoyed it.  It’s definitely a Western as several people are killed within the first minute of the film (this is not really a spoiler!), and aside from Renee Zellweger (who I can’t really stand), it’s a fine film.   Harris and Mortensen are believable, at least to me, as gunslingers who aim to clean up a town being ruined by Jeremy Irons.  (Haha, “aim”, get it, gunslingers…aim, ha! Oh shut up!)  Anyway, I don’t much care for westerns, but it was really decent with a little humor thrown in for good measure.  That’s my $0.02.

A Night At The Opera – 10/4/08 at home – This is quite possibly my favorite Marx Brothers film of all time.  It’s a love story, it features great music by both Chico and Harpo, the fabulous antics and sharp witticisms of Groucho…and, seriously, the state room scene on the steamship is absolutely hysterical.  Those of you who may not have seen the Marx Bros. should definitely check this one out and if you have seen them…watch this one again!  That’s my $0.02.

Cast Away – 9/27/08 at home – I’m surprised I waited so long to see this movie.  Sometimes movies get put away in your mind and you forget about them, and then when you run across them again, you find yourself berating yourself for not seeing it sooner.  Anyway, this is that film.  And I’ll say that Tom Hanks was incredible in this film.  And, I can’t imagine going through this…not the least of which would be the plane crash…but, it’s just amazing.  And it ends well.  Maybe not the way you want it too, but it ends well.  That’s my $0.02.

Balls of Fury – 9/23/08 at home – I thought that this might be mildly entertaining.  It wasn’t really.  It was utterly predictable and with very few laughs.  Christopher Walken was pretty humorous and Maggie Q was fetching…but beyond that, well, it wasn’t much.  It wasn’t immanently unwatchable, but it was close.  That’s my $0.02.

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry – 8/28/08 at home – This was an okay movie.  It’s premise a little far-fetched, but it didn’t suck…which is what you hope for in a film populated by SNL members.  And, I know this makes me sound like a perv, but seriously, Jessica Biel was super-hot in this film.  You watch it and tell me she’s not…I dare you!  I’ll bet you my $0.02.

Definitely, Maybe – 8/22/08 at home – This movie, for me, was sad.  It was a well made film and I would watch it again…not the least of which is because of Abigail Breslin and Ryan Reynolds…but it was heartbreaking on different levels.  My wife, on the other hand, didn’t think it was sad, but found it happy.  So there you have it.  You rent it and see which $0.02 works for you.

Ask the Dust – 8/19/08 at home – I didn’t care for the first half of this film, but after the earthquake it gets a little better.  As I recall, it’s similar to the book…but I remember the book being just a little more gritty.  The clothes and scenery were a little too Hollywood trying to imagine Los Angeles in the 30s, at least, in my opinion.  And I didn’t care much for Colin Farrell’s performance, but Salma Hayek was good, especially at the end.  That’s my $0.02.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars – 8/15/08 at Tinseltown Theaters – Okay, so I have a weakness for Star Wars.  But, this film is probably the worst of the bunch.  It is written for children…that’s obvious.  The dialogue is trite and ridiculous.  Like Hannah Montana joins the Jedis or something.  And, the drag queen Hutt is…well, it’s awful.  And offensive on some levels.  Plus, the music is not John Williams which makes it pretty bad.  I can’t imagine why Lucas would’ve signed off on this…except to make money.  I can assure you, I will be buying no toys from this farce.  That’s my $0.02.

Gandhi – 8/12/08 at home – An incredible film that tells the story of Mohandas Gandhi who became father of the nation of India.  When this film came out, it swept the Academy Awards for the most part…and it’s no surprise.  It’s an excellent film (although long, about 3 hours…but does have an intermission) and is definitely worth viewing.  I recommend it for anyone, but particularly anyone who is interested in the India/Pakistan skirmishes.  That’s my $0.02.

The Sandlot – 8/11/08 at home – Not as good as I had remembered it being when I was younger, but still a great movie that makes me tear up.  If you love baseball and loved being a kid, this film is for you.  Totally worth it for several scenes and of course it has James Earl Jones…has he ever made a bad film?  That’s my $0.02.

A Good Year – 8/9/08 at home – A pretty decent, albeit fairly predictable film.  However, let me turn your attention away from the main character (Russell Crowe) to point out Ms. Archie Panjabi and Ms. Marion Cotillard…both OUTSTANDING actresses, not only in this film, but in many others.  It also doesn’t hurt that they’re gorgeous and with amazing accents.  Easily could be Bond girls…anyway, that’s my $0.02.  Totally worth an afternoon.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues – 8/4/08 at home – I loved this book, more than I thought I would.  I should’ve known that the movie would not be as good.  It was disjointed and poorly shot in my opinion.  As if the cowgirls decided they were going to make a movie, and, of course, had no idea about lighting or staging or anything.  It doesn’t get my $0.02 even with Tom Robbins as the narrator.  Read the book, skip the film.

The Matrix Reloaded – 8/4/08 at home – I can’t believe it took me this long to watch the sequel.  I hope the third one comes up on one of the movie channels soon so I can see how it all ends.  The scene with the Architect is mind-blowing and I’m going to search for the soliloquy as soon as I finish this review.  If you liked the first one, you’ll love this one.  Definitely worth your $0.02.

Nancy Drew – 7/27/08 at home – Don’t even ask me how we started watching this…I think there was nothing else on.  Emma Roberts is really good, but the kid who plays Corky (Flitter?) steals the show.  The moment where he falls after running up the steps…I laughed until I was in tears and couldn’t breathe.  I watched it 3 or 4 times…it’s a hilarious sight gag and it almost looks like a deleted scene or blooper…but it keeps rolling.  Unbelievably funny.  Anyway, it’s pretty predictable.  And not much like the original Nancy Drew books in my opinion (Yeah, I read Nancy Drew as a kid…wanna fight about it?)  Worth your $0.02 just for Corky’s fall…I swear.

The Dark Knight – 7/26/08 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – It took me a while to see this one due to the way payday fell, but WOW!  I really liked Batman Begins, so this one was gonna have to be extra special.  It was really good with Ledger playing an amazing Joker…and how about the makeup on Aaron Eckhart as Harvey “Two-Face” Dent…was that CGI?  Absolutely incredible.  It was really quite stunning, although very loud and fairly gruesome for only PG-13.  Anyway, definitely worth your $0.02 for continuing this series.

Casino Royale – 7/26/08 at home – This is the new Bond film with Daniel Craig…and every time I think I’m finished with watching Bond movies, they turn up a decent one.  This one is less fraught with interesting gadgets and Craig is a little more rough around the edges than Brosnan which seems better somehow.  Plus, how can you not absolutely love Dame Judi Dench as “M.”  She’s wonderful.  Worth my $0.02.

The Day the Earth Stood Still – 7/24/08 at home – This film only appealed to me from the standpoint that some of the dialogue was used to name characters in Lucas’ ROTJ (Klaatu, Barada, Nikto).  Other than that and the lovely Patricia Neal, this movie is your typical 50s/60s “fear the aliens, Commies are out to get us” cinema.  It’s not great as science fiction goes, it’s more of a morality tale and it’s not even very good at that.  The acting is at times wooden, and at times melodramatic.  That’s my $0.02.

Vantage Point – at home – When this film came out, it looked excellent, then it got bad reviews, and so it was relegated to home video status.  We finally got it and it was a decent film, although the flashbacks and forwards were a little tedious at the beginning.  It was interesting to see the puzzle pieces fit together.  So it’s not a bad film…yet, another fairly good thriller…especially if you like conspiracy theories.  That’s my $0.02.

The Good Shepherd – at home – A veiled look at the beginnings of the CIA, this film is disturbing, but probably not all that far from the truth (if it were ever known.)  Matt Damon is brilliant in this role, and I have a new respect for Angelina Jolie, but I don’t know that she was right for this part.  She played Margaret very well, but Clover is not quite her character…even though they’re the same person (and that is not a spoiler.) That said, this is a fairly decent, subdued thriller…might be worth your $0.02…although, I caution…it’s 3 hours long.

Lars and the Real Girl – at home – This is an extremely quirky film along the lines of Fargo, but not as comedic…although it was billed as a comedy.  For me it was strange and almost sad.  It’s about a guy (Ryan Gosling) who purchases a “Real Doll” and falls in love with her.  Emily Mortimer and Patricia Clarkson provide outstanding roles in addition to Gosling.  It’s definitely a strange film, so use your $0.02 wisely.  It may not be for you.

The Wizard of Oz – 7/12/08 at The Palace Theatre – This movie is timeless.  Honest to Shatner, people will be watching this film for centuries and they will love it just as much as we love it now.  Every time I see it, I cry when the Tin Man says “Now I know I have a heart, because I can feel it breaking.”  How absolutely wrenching is that?  Gah…tears me up man!  I’m a sensitive guy through and through…and this film is worth more than any $0.02.

Priceless, or Hors de Prix – 7/11/08 at Village 8 Theatres – This was my wife’s choice…a French film with Audrey Tautou.  It provided several laughs actually and was a fairly decent film.  Naturally, it being French, there was a little nudity and a lot of pretty scenery.  It was worth my $0.02 just for the ending, which I won’t reveal here.  Sufficed to say, it takes dramatic turns from scene to scene.

The Last Mimzy – 7/11/08 at home – My wife likes to start movies and then fall asleep during them, leaving me stuck with watching it, or turning it off.  I generally watch it mostly because I have nothing better to do.  So, here I was, watching this as my wife slept on the couch.  It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either.  The idea is so far fetched, and using Mimzy as a deus ex machina rather than explaining things certainly made it easy on the writer.  However, it was my choice since Rainn Wilson was in it…and he was pretty good.  I suppose for child-like sci-fi, it wasn’t bad, but the child actors were not very good at all.  That’s my $0.02.

Premonition – 7/6/08 at home – I wasn’t really watching this movie, I was only half-watching while goofing around on the computer.  But, what I did see was a huge mess of movie that didn’t make much sense.  And since these are spoiler-free movie reviews, I can’t even tell you about the ending.  Suffice to say, the moral of the story might be that sometimes things just happen.  But you don’t need Sandra Bullock to write it all down and go half crazy trying to figure that out.  It was dumb, that’s my $0.02.

L.A. Story – 7/4/08 at home – I’ve never been a huge Steve Martin fan, but this was a decent film.  It was recommended by my wife and it definitely had its humorous moments.  It’s definitely dated at this point, but it has a great cast with several cameos that are interesting.  It’s worth seeing, if for no other reason the highway sign.  That’s my $0.02.

Children of Men – 7/1/08 at home – A rather disturbing premise of a film in which humanity has imploded (not altogether unbelievable) and the survivors have split themselves into authority and refugee (almost prescient).  There is a fertility problem and no one has seen a baby in 20 years.  However, the movie never really fleshes out who is who and what they’re fighting for, so it’s very confusing even though you know who to root for.  It’s very Blade Runner meets 28 Days in a way.

Man of the Year – 6/29/08 at home – Has it really been a month since I watched a whole movie?  Sheesh…way too much Mario Kart.  Anyway, I remember thinking that this movie looked cute, but not too substantive when it came out.  Now that the election season has begun, it seems a little more pertinent and the story, not all that far fetched.  Certainly an excellent cast with Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney, Jeff Goldblum, and my favorite Lewis Black…but it does just sort of end.  It’s a little too clean in its makeup, but it’s interesting for an evening.  That’s my $0.02.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – 5/26/08 at Stonybrook Cinemas – My review may very well be shorter than the title I mean, honestly?! Are Lucas and Spielberg vying for some sort of record with these titles.  Anyway, I’m sure you’ve heard by now that it’s not as good as, or it doesn’t live up to, the first three.  I thought it was a great ride.  Sure there’s some unbelievable stuff, but that’s part of the fun.  It was good to see Karen Allen again and how can you not just be giddy over Harrison Ford’s smirk.  LaBeouf and Blanchett were good as well.  It’s a fun adventure movie…that’s my $0.02.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets – 5/21/08 somewhere over Europe – The sequel is just as good as the original, which is to say it’s decent. I can’t remember exactly what I wrote about the last one, but this one has similar suspense. It’s also a fairly interesting story, albeit entirely unbelievable. Of course, that’s rather ironic since I just said I believe in Loch Ness monsters! Anyway, it’s worth it if you’re on a flight across the ocean. That’s my $0.02.

Waterhorse – 5/11/08 somewhere over the Atlantic – An interesting little movie that I had forgotten about until it came up on the screen during my American Airlines flight. The story of the Loch Ness monster, which I believe in actually. I know it’s weird, but I truly believe something is down there. Anyway, it’s a pretty good show. I can’t speak to a lot of it, because I hate flying and I can’t really focus on much of anything besides not crashing. It’s probably worth your $0.02, though.

Water – 5/2/08 at home – This is a tantalizing film about widows in India before their independence from the British. Most striking is the acting ability of Chuyia, the littlest widow. Such amazing range for such a small child. Anyway, this is an incredible story of love, honor, sacrifice, despair, and confusion. It has just about everything. I enjoyed it very much and I definitely give it my $0.02.

Volver – 4/29/08 at home – An interesting little film about a Spanish woman and her family and how they all interact with each other when her aunt dies. It’s a very strange intermingling and has some fairly adult thematic elements. Penelope Cruz is not just eye candy in this film and the Spanish language is very engaging. I think mostly because I speak some Spanish. Anyway, it was worth my $0.02.

The French Connection – 4/29/08 at home – A movie about drugs and cops. It has a really good scene where Hackman is driving, chasing down a subway car, but other than that, it wasn’t much. It probably would’ve been better had I seen it on something other than basic cable so that all the “offensive” things weren’t taken out. All in all, it wasn’t that great…that’s my $0.02.

Wimbledon – 4/14/08 at home – Ah, love and tennis! It’s a match…okay, enough with the tennis analogy. This actually was a decent movie. It’s a romantic comedy with Bettany and Dunst and it’s not half bad. Totally predictable, but Bettany provides a decent share of laughs. Supporting cast is typical as well. If you like tennis, it’s a fine film. If you don’t like tennis…well, I’m sure there’s a similar film with your particular sport featured. That’s my $0.02.

Sin City – 4/4/08 at home – This movie had been on my radar, mostly for the incredible cast. I’m not even gonna name them because it would take up all the review space. Truth be told, this movie is beautiful and is probably extremely worthy of its graphic novel roots. However, I think that the story is maybe told better through graphic novel form. Not that it wasn’t a good film, it just wasn’t a great film. It was gritty and well filmed, but the story didn’t flow all that well. And, “graphic” is certainly a good word as this is not for the kids. At least, that’s my $0.02.

Mrs. Pettigrew Lives For A Day – 3/22/08 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – This film stars the newest darling of cinema, Amy Adams, the incredibly talented Frances McDormand and for you Harry Potter fans out there, the inimitable Shirley Henderson (you’ll recognize the voice) in a wonderful film about a woman who overcomes incredible odds to help another woman understand about life choices all in the span of a day. The film is opulent in its cinematography and the story, while very similar to things you’ve seen before, is told brilliantly over the course of an hour and half. It’s definitely worth your $0.02. Also, the soundtrack is fabulous.

Paris Je T’aime – at home – A great compilation of film shorts, all filmed in the beautiful City of Lights. There are several famous people in these films, to name a few, Juliette Binoche, Elijah Wood, Natalie Portman, Gena Rowlands, and Nick Nolte. The films, for the most part, are not long enough to get really involved in, but they do provide some quick interesting vignettes set in Paris which is a great place to film. I highly recommend this “movie.” That’s my $0.02.

Van Helsing – at home – I had wanted to see this movie for a while. I’m always fascinated by Dracula movies because there’s always this element of history to the story. This was more than just a Dracula movie and it was pretty decent. Beckinsale’s makeup was a little funny…it made her less cute than she really is. But, speaking of makeup, the Nosferatu queens and the changing back and forth between werewolf and human was pretty good. I’m always interested in the change between werewolf and human…one of the best in my opinion was Professor Lupin in the Harry Potter films. Anyway…this is sort of campy, but it also has an interesting story to it, so it’s not just camp. That’s my $0.02.

Fast Food Nation – at home – I didn’t read the book, but I saw Super Size Me which is in the same genre. This was like a historical fiction more or less. It didn’t really happen, but it could have. Or maybe it did happen and the names have simply been changed to protect the innocent. The scenes at the end were very documentary like and grotesque…and yet, I still don’t mind being a carnivore. I understand the process and the sacrifices that others go through to get me my burger…but I still like my burger. Although, I do eat less of them. Anyway, this is a film about the burger industry and illegal immigration and corporate greed and sellouts…but it’s worth your $0.02 to make an informed decision.

300 – at home – Thanks to S. and S. for the loan of this DVD. I had wanted to see this film, but now I’m kind of glad I didn’t pay $8 to see it at the theatre. If you like the idea of comic books come to life with barest of deference to historical content…then this is your film. Even all the blood is not gory…it’s very super-realized. It’s okay, but not great. That’s my $0.02.

Jumper – at Stonybrook Cinemas – I wasn’t feeling great, so my lovely wife C. took me to the movies for “Wishes Day.” I wasn’t too good at coming up with wishes, especially with my bad ankle, so we settled for a movie. It was actually a half decent film which was left wide open from a sequel/TV series angle. Hayden Christiansen was a much better actor in this than in Star Wars and any film with Samuel L. Jackson has to be good. If your first choice is sold out, this is worth your $0.02.

There Will Be Blood – at Baxter Avenue Theatres – I don’t like Paul Thomas Anderson movies. This was a Paul Thomas Anderson. Thus, I didn’t like it. Ostensibly based on the book Oil! by Upton Sinclair, but I’ll bet loosely. This was a decent film for the first third, and then the weirdness set in and it didn’t get any better beyond that. It ended bizarrely which led S. and I to really be disappointed in the whole event. Anyway, not worth your $0.02 regardless of how many Oscars it gets.

The Bituminous Coal Queens of Pennsylvania – at home – This was C.’s choice. It was about a 50-year-old beauty pageant in southwestern PA and the area’s affiliation with coal. The coal parts were interesting for me, the pageant parts…not so much. The lead voice in this film, one of the pageant winners from a few years ago, was annoying and made this film difficult to watch. In my opinion, this film was made simply to stroke the ego of the woman in question. That’s my $0.02.

La Vie En Rose – at home – A beautiful film about the “Little Sparrow”, Edith Piaf and her stellar rise from the dirty streets of France to become one of the most famous voices ever. With a voice four times larger than her tiny frame, she became world famous and deservedly so. This is a wonderful biopic with outstanding actors creating her world and her life through her music. Definitely worth your $0.02.

Junebug – 2/4/08 at home – This had the impetus to be a great film. Amy Adams has a breakout performance in this film, but the script sort of falters near the end and there seemed to be a subtext to the film that neither C. nor I were able to pick up on. It just sort of ends vaguely, but there were certainly bright moments to the film and the cinematographers choices (although sometimes TOO dark) were interesting and gave a lot of motion to the film. That’s my $0.02.

Drop Dead Gorgeous – 1/31/08 at the Neighbors’ – This was a funny little fluff of a film with a pretty decent cast. Allison Janney is my absolute favorite, she has such great comic timing. The film wasn’t great…it started out fast and then turned into a quagmire of crap. If you watch the first half hour and then imagine your own ending, you’ll probably be better off. That’s my $0.02.

Control Room – at home – a documentary about Al-Jazeera, and before you just tune out, understand that they’re THE news source for the Arab world and from what I saw in the film they attempt to portray as balanced reporting as much as possible…at least more so than FOX or other “reputable” news organizations. The most interesting quote was from a gentleman who works for them (or so I surmise) who when asked if he believed that America would be okay and would recover from its ill-advised foray into Iraq said “Yes, yes, I believe in America, because I believe in their Constitution.” Funny to hear someone from another country say what very few Americans even consider. Definitely worth your $0.02.

Outfoxed - at home – a documentary about FOXNews and Rupert Murdoch and how they’re taking over the world. Yeah, it’s conspiratorial, but it’s not like a liberal couldn’t do the same thing and there would probably not be a movie made over it. I don’t watch FOXNews or its subsidiaries and I don’t intentionally listen to that crap that spews from the mouths of those who work for FOXNews, so it affects me very little. That’s my $0.02.

Metropolitan – 1/24/08 at home – A quirky, dry little film about spoiled socialite debutantes on the Upper East Side. It’s not very redeeming of people my age who were born into affluence. Still, it’s about relationships and the problems they cause and if you can get over the fact that there’s very little action and a whole lot of ’salon-ing’ (and not the hair kind), then you might enjoy this film. I had to look up a couple of the things they were talking about though, so it’s an intellectual film…at least that’s my $0.02.

The Savages – 1/21/08 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – This film is sad. There are humorous moments, but overall this film is sad. Also, if you have any relationship issues with a) a significant other, b) a parent, c) a sibling, or d) an animal…you should not see this movie. I was not prepared for the depth of this movie and it caught me off guard. I guess I hadn’t read the brief synopsis of the story and merely went to see it because of the actors, who, by the way, do an excellent job with all of the difficult issues. Linney and Hoffman are amazing in this film. Anyway, that’s my $0.02.

The Nativity Story - 1/13/08 at home – Okay, first off, this film is exactly like the book. And, one should certainly hope so. But don’t dismiss it simply as a Christian fairy tale. This film is well done and provides an interesting and sometimes witty look at the story of the Nativity. It provides some historical intrigue as well as some cultural background that gives new insight (at least to me) on the entire story. I like the story and this movie makes it come alive. And for those of you who are anti-religion, just watch the film and fast forward the angel parts…which were also well done….although the shepherd scene could’ve been a little more dramatic. It tended toward the uneventful. Still, worth my $0.02 when it was all said and done.

Return to Oz - 1/5/08 at home – I saw this film back when it was on the Disney Channel, before Disney got all “teen-perfect”, so late 80s. Anyway, it was strange then and it’s still strange now. According to my wife it’s a mixed-up version of some of the sequels to Wizard of Oz that Baum wrote. Still, it’s a little frightening, more so than the original in my opinion. The “head” thing with Mombi still freaks me out in a Mommie Dearest kind of way, screaming “Dorothy Gale!” Still it’s not an altogether bad movie and it’s quick. Plus, if you’re a Fairuza Balk fan (Who isn’t?! Um…okay.) this is her first film and, at times, she sounds just like Judy Garland. Freaky. Worth your $0.02 if you’re an Oz fan.

Sweeney Todd - 12/29/07 at Baxter Avenue Theatres- Okay, I didn’t know the story behind this film. I’d never seen the play and I’d never heard the soundtrack. Well, let me say, the movie is gritty and gory and wonderful and perfectly Tim Burton. With an all-star cast in Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman, it is one of this season’s best films. However, I can’t tell you enough how gory this film is. If you don’t like the sight of blood, skip this one. That’s my $0.02.

Juno – 12/28/07 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – A wicked smart little film about teenage pregnancy and marital issues which is brilliantly written with a great soundtrack. With a great cast led by Ellen Page (as the title character Juno McGuff), it’s an entertaining movie that is sure to please you even though it tackles several difficult issues. If for no other reason, it’s fun to check out Rainn Wilson as the shopkeeper at the beginning of the film. I’d give it more than my $0.02.Au Revoir, Les Enfants – A beautiful film about two boys at a boarding school in France during the Second World War. It’s poignant and charming and evokes such strong emotion. I loved this film and I highly recommend it. Plus, because of the beautiful flow of the French language…it just sings to you. Definitely worth your $0.02.

Enchanted – A great new film that is very Disney while making fun of Disney films. It features an up and coming Amy Adams, a smart Patrick Dempsey, a wonderful little ingenue in Rachael Covey, and some nice cameos from Idina Menzel, Susan Sarandon and Julie Andrews. It’s a kid-friendly, adult-friendly movie. I highly recommend it, with all $0.02.

School Ties – I’d seen snippets of this film over time, but never the whole film (which is part of the criteria for being reviewed here). It features Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck…ostensibly before they were who they are. Anyway, it’s an interesting film about religious intolerance and the politics of high school sports. The plot is predictable and this was probably the precursor to all those coming-of-age-prep-school movies of our time. It’s worth your $0.02 if for no other reason to highlight the problems with religious intolerance.

Art School Confidential – I’m not sure what this movie was trying to be, a comedy? A drama? It was a little all over the place and none of those places were really any good. It had a lot of characters that were not anything and the likelihood of any of this taking place is a little surreal. I don’t recommend this movie, not even for $0.02.

Muppet Movie – One from the childhood and it still is a great movie. I mean, how can you not like a singing frog? Plus, a very interesting cast of characters beyond the Muppets. It has all your favorites, plus a great song by Rowlf and a wonderful performance by Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem. If you don’t like this film, then your inner child has grown up as well and all is lost. That’s my $0.02.

Domino – Truthfully, my only interest in this movie was Keira Knightley. I realize that it’s based on the life of Domino Harvey and her disavowal of her rich lifestyle to become a bounty hunter. I think maybe the movie was a little too fictionalized. It’s all a little too unreal, but maybe it happened. I don’t know. Anyway, Keira was good as was Christopher Walken. I’d say it’s worth half my $0.02.

Lackawanna Blues – The true autobiographical story of a boy growing up in a boarding house and all the characters that appear and disappear in his life. It’s an interesting look at one woman’s desire to change the world and her tireless efforts to raise a child in a volatile atmosphere. It has great performances from several characters, but most noticeably S. Epatha Merkerson who I believe won an Oscar or something for her performance. It’s been a while since this movie came out, so my memory is fuzzy. Anyway, it’s definitely worth your $0.02.

King Arthur – 12/1/07 at home – This film was one of the last films in a whirlwind of movies about ancient heroes overcoming all odds to defeat the enemy (Think Troy and Kingdom of Heaven). Anyway…not to spoil it, but it ends up like most of these films. It had very few redeeming values short of Keira Knightley who is seriously hot, even in the weird fashion she sports toward the end of the movie. If you’re a Clive Owen fan, this one’s for you. It would be nice to know what happens to Lancelot’s family though, that’s my $0.02.

Baby Blues - 11/24/07 at home – This is a little French film with Audrey Tautou. Unfortunately, I found it to be dated and not very good. It seemed like an extended version of a 1970s crime tv show. There’s not really much reason to see this, unless you just like Audrey and subtitles. Everyone else is pretty forgettable, and you already know the story, even if it takes odd turns to get there. That’s my $0.02.

Bad Reputation - 11/23/07 at home – This is a miserable excuse for a B-movie production. The story is believable enough, until the lead girl goes on a killing rampage. We only watched this because a friend of ours, Elizabeth Kirven, is in it…for about 2 minutes. It went from bad to worse, plus the premise to get you there is violent. Don’t bother…that’s my $0.02.

Munich – 11/18/07 at home - A movie about an international tragedy…well, to a degree. It’s a well-made film; suspenseful, dark, and intelligent. However, it’s just sad that the politics involved are still the same thing today as they were in 1972. Eric Bana and his “team” play their roles very well. And Geoffrey Rush is very good, almost eerily good. But, the movie is very sad from a state of the world perspective. And it just doesn’t seem to be getting any better.

Harold and Maude – 11/17/07 at home - I’d heard good things about this film. Even C. said it was a good movie when she saw me watching it. It wasn’t bad. It does have a decent message I suppose and it’s a quirky little film. Harold is obsessed with dying…Maude is interested in Harold’s view on things. I think it might have been better back in the 70s, but it’s not too bad now. At least that’s my $0.02.

The Big Lebowski – 11/16/07 at home – I can’t believe it has taken me this long to see this movie…especially since LebowskiFest originated in my town. It’s an interesting film…although, very strange. It might not be for everybody. The story at first is a little disjointed, then it slowly makes its way around and then it ends and you’re still not sure what happened exactly. I’d love to see a Lebowski prequel to get an idea of how we got to this point. And, what’s the deal with the Stranger? Anyway…it has a few funny moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily go out and rent it. John Goodman plays a great part…that’s my $0.02.

Kissing Jessica Stein – 11/3/07 at home – This was probably the first mainstream lesbian movie I ever knew about that didn’t involve vampires or some such. All in all, it wasn’t a bad film. Lead character (Jennifer Westerfeldt?) falls for a girl while looking for a decent guy. She was a little Woody Allen herself and sometimes hard to follow…but the premise was interesting and not a half bad film. I saw it edited, so the language was censored and who knows what else…but it’s worth a look, I suppose. That’s my $0.02.

Scoop – 11/2/07 at home – I’m not ordinarily a Woody Allen fan, but I’d heard good things…plus, it starred Scarlett Johannson, so how can you go wrong there. Actually, it was a pretty decent flick, although the plot was a bit far-fetched. I mean, how many American high school students meet well-connected Britons vacationing in Palm Beach and sleep with movie directors in hotel rooms? Still, it was sort of a funny Match Point. That’s my $0.02.

Serenity – 10/23/07 at home – This was the sort of wrap-up to the television series “Firefly”, which I watched recently and I have to say that for the most part, it was really good. All the characters got in to the act, a lot of the story was concluded, but it’s hard to wrap up a bunch of storylines in an hour and a half. So the character development suffered a little…but true to the show, it was pretty good science fiction. Mr. Universe was a little much, but I guess that’s to be expected. I wish we’d seen more Alliance action, but hey, it’s about the crew, not the villains. It’s a decent film, but I recommend the TV series first…that’s my $0.02.

Michael Clayton – 10/19/07 at Stonybrook Cinemas – I didn’t know much about this movie, but I highly recommend it. It’s sort of Erin Brockovich meets The Firm almost, with a little thriller intrigue thrown in for fun. I thought it was an excellent movie…George Clooney is wonderful and Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack and Tom Wilkinson also produce some outstanding performances. I will say that there are some moments in the film that creeped me out because it’s not just made up, you know that there are real people out there that do this sort of thing…and that is truly scary. It’s not a Halloween flick, unless real life scares you…and that’s my $0.02.

The Black Dahlia – 10/13/07 at home – Sometimes you think a movie is going to be great, just because of the cast and the poster art…and then it’s crap. Well…Hello Dahlia! Aside from Scarlett Johansson, who is my latest favorite actress (and not just because she’s hot) and Hilary Swank, this movie is all over the place and is poorly conceived. A twist ending is supposed to be just that, not an ever maddening series of wacky contrivances. It’s based on a true story, but it’s been fictionalized obviously. And not well…at least that’s my $0.02.

Across the Universe – 10/8/07 at AMC Theatres 24, Downtown Disney, Orlando, FL – I had lusted over this movie since I first saw a trailer for it. It looked lush and wonderful and exciting and beautiful. And, there I was in Orlando (a select city) just in time to see it. It opens everywhere today and I highly recommend seeing it, because it is stunning. It’s a beautiful story and a well-made movie. The soundtrack is entirely The Beatles and Julie Taymor has done an outstanding job with this film. As well, Evan Rachel Wood is just adorable in this film. I would give it more than $0.02 and I plan to see it again.

Brokeback Mountain- 10/2/07 at home – Okay, so possibly because of my relatively enlightened life, I don’t get all the fuss. I mean, I understand that being gay in Wyoming in 1963 was probably very unpopular, but I just don’t get why this movie got such rave reviews. Heath Ledger spends the entire movie sounding like he got a wad of gum stuck to his molars; Anne Hathaway shows her tits once and that apparently makes her star because she’s hardly in the movie after that and says even less. The only good acting really comes from Ledger’s wife in the film, whose name I cannot even remember. I just wasn’t impressed. But you know…I’m not from Wyoming. The cinematography was nice, but even that seemed sort of like a matte background for the most part. That’s my $0.02. I’m glad I didn’t pay to see it at the cinema.

Syriana – 9/30/07 at home – I heard this movie got panned when it first came out and I sort of understand why. You never really get to feel with the characters, they’re merely pieces of a puzzle; a puzzle that really doesn’t make a picture. Even at the end, you’re still sort of wondering…WHAT?! Still and all, it could’ve been a decent movie, what with a great cast and a promising premise…but it falls short and it makes you sort of sad and befuddled. At least that’s my $0.02.

Once – 9/22/07 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – This is a beautiful film with great original music (that we bought shortly after seeing the film) about a boy who meets a girl and they share a love of music and how that shapes their lives for the better part of a couple of months. It was filmed in Prague and Ireland, so of course, it’s filled with lush landscapes. It doesn’t end the way you want it to, but it ends the way it should. At least, that’s my $0.02.

Pan’s Labyrinth – 9/21/07 at home – I thought this movie would be more fantastic, but it was grounded in real life with a smattering of fairy tale thrown in. Plus, it’s a violent and disheartening movie that shows off what war and evil are truly about. It is, however, a very good story and the acting is superb. I even like the fact that it’s in my second language (sort of). It’s a movie that is definitely worth its awards, but it’s not what you would sit down with your family to watch, in my opinion. Still, the faun is worth your $0.02. You’ll see what I mean.

Aeon Flux – 9/18/07 at home – When this movie came out, it was roundly panned. And, truth be told, it wasn’t the most compelling movie I’ve ever seen. However, remembering a few of the Aeon Flux cartoons from MTV back in the day and seeing the visual orgy available in this film, it really wasn’t all that bad. There were some decent fight scenes, an unbelievable story but it is science fiction and Charlize Theron in really tight (and sometimes very little) clothing. All in all, it was worth my $0.02

An Inconvenient Truth - 9/8/07 at home – I had heard great things about this film. About Al Gore’s ease, about the importance of the topic, about how it woke us up to the truth of global climate change. Problem is, in my academic career, I’ve become aware of most of this already…so for me, a lot of it was repetition. I highly recommend the film, only if you haven’t had a geography class in the last 20 years. Or if you need a refresher course. That’s my $0.02.

SuperBad – 8/31/07 at Stonybrook Cinemas – I was worried that I had lost my taste for sophomoric fart/penis humor. Rest assured, I’m still as juvenile as I’ve ever been. This movie is raunchy from the get-go and it was funny from start to finish. It did seem a little long, but the whole movie was worth it. It was vag-tastic…or worth your $0.02.

Everything is Illuminated - 8/28/07 at home – I had no expectations for this movie, having heard nothing about it. It started out great and was comedic and strange in all the right places…and then it finished beautifully, less comedic and less strange, but poignant and caring. It’s the story of a grandson searching for the woman who saved his grandfather during the war. It becomes the story of redemption for an old man. It’s a beautiful movie with sweeping shots of the Ukraine and it’s a film well worth seeing, at least that’s my $0.02.

The Pursuit of Happyness – 8/26/07 at home – I resisted seeing this movie. I didn’t want to join the hype, I didn’t care about a feel-good story. I just wanted to ignore it. However, as with all things, I finally relented. It’s a difficult movie to deal with because the film deals more with the pursuit than with the happiness. The pursuit is agonizing and it makes for a strong film, but painfully so. And, they do explain the misspelling of happiness in the film, so that’s worth $0.02.

The Queen - 8/19/07 at home – I know very little about the British monarchy and I was hoping that this movie would shed some light on the head of the royal family, but it doesn’t. As a matter of fact, it deals only with her handling of the Lady Diana debacle (or at least a fictional account thereof) and I have to wonder if this wouldn’t have been a better movie had it dealt with Queen Elizabeth II’s entire reign, rather than just the last 10 years. Regardless, Helen Mirren does an excellent job and if the movie is true at all…then Tony Blair’s wife is a real beeyotch. But if you’re interested in traditions and a possible understanding as to why what occurred happened as it did, then it’s worth your $0.02. Otherwise, find a decent biography.

Broken English - 8/12/07 at ApexVillage 8 Theatres – A little indie film starring Parker Posey and a bunch of people you don’t know. It started out a little slow, but once she meets Julien and then goes to France it picks up speed. Parker plays a woeful dater who seems to have horrible luck with men. It doesn’t end like you think it might, and that’s what makes it worth your $0.02.

Who Killed the Electric Car? - 8/10/07 at home – An outstanding documentary that discusses the myriad facets of the electric car controversy. It seems that this country could’ve been well on its way to semi-independence, if not completely, from foreign oil. However, everyone from car companies to the California Air Resources Board to the federal government to even…gasp…us, as the consumer, are prime suspects in the murder of the electric vehicle. Needless to say, the Bush administration seems largely to blame for appointments and policies that made this possible. Regardless, this is worth your $0.02…which is what you might have been paying in gas had the electric car really come on the scene.

The Constant Gardener - 8/5/07 at home – It seems that I see all the Oscar-worthy films well after the voting has been held, but I certainly would’ve made this film top of the list. Ralph Fiennes does an outstanding job in this film as a man trying to figure out the who/why of his wife’s murder. It takes some interesting twists and turns with Rachel Weisz starring as his wife and a particularly despicable (it turns out) Bill Nighy. He’s in a lot of movies that I’ve seen lately. Anyway, that’s my $0.02, and I think it’s worth yours.

Avenue Montaigne – 8/4/07 at home – Another fine French film starring no one in particular, but which held my interest and was quite entertaining. It’s a story about the intertwined lives of several people who come into contact with a waitress, during their most dire moments. The waitress was not really central to the film, as the DVD cover suggested, but she played a bit part in all of the comings and goings. If you like a little sadness in your movies…but also a little happiness, then this film might be worth your $0.02.

The Simpsons Movie - 8/3/07 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – The Simpsons are better suited to a half hour format, but honestly, this movie was a laugh riot from the opening of Ralph Wiggums singing the 20th Century Fox theme. If you’ve ever seen an episode of the Simpsons, you know what you’re in for…if you’ve never seen an episode of the Simpsons…well, I think you might be dead. Check the obits before paying your $0.02 to see this movie.

Brazil - 8/3/07 at home – An interesting film from Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame. It’s a futuristic Orwellian piece of science fiction that is truly bizarre and frightening in weird ways. A Walter Mitty character dreams of his true love and how he battles the forces of evil to free her and become her hero. If you can stand the explosions and the weird Ministry offices, it’s definitely worth your time and your $0.02.

Fantastic Four - 7/30/07 at home – I don’t remember much about the Fantastic Four, other than it was a cartoon when I was really little, and I liked the Thing character. The other parts were boring as I remember. Well, this isn’t much different. Except, these days, I’m much more interested in the Sue Storm character. Jessica Alba as the Invisible Girl. Otherwise, this movie is not worth your $0.02.

The Chorus (Les Choristes) – 7/22/07 at home – This is an entertaining little French movie that sees an older musician taking a prefect’s job at a school for boys who have been deemed incorrigible or dangerous. He teaches them to sing and combats the headmaster’s “action-reaction” course with kindness and understanding. It’s a great little film that, although you’ve seen this theme a thousand times, never ceases to win your heart. Plus, the singing alone is worth your $0.02.

Rear Window - 7/21/07 at The Palace Theatre – There’s something very retro about going to see an Alfred Hitchcock movie in an old theatre. It is, in my opinion, a very cool thing to do, no matter how old you are. Rear Window is just about as classic as it gets…Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. Man, Grace Kelly was freakin’ gorgeous. I mean, I knew that already, but her role as Lisa Fremont made it all the more obvious. You should know the plot by now, but knowing it doesn’t make it any less intriguing. It’s an outstanding movie with the classic Hitchcock cameo. Check it out, it’s worth your $0.02 and more.

Holiday Inn - 7/18/07 at home – This was an odd movie choice in the middle of July, but it was on and I was intrigued to see the beginnings of my favorite Christmas carol “White Christmas.” Bing and Astaire are, as usual, amazing. The singing and dancing is really incredible, even if the story is a little hokey. It’s a fun old movie, but I think it would be better around Christmas time. Plus, as with a lot of old movies, the black maid is a bizarre caricature, but inevitably has wise words throughout the film. But, that’s my $0.02.

Hacking Democracy – 7/15/07 at home – You’ve seen the bumper sticker/t-shirt that says “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.” It’s one of my favorites and it’s true. Well, I am outraged and I have been paying attention, but it seems as though they keep getting away with it and there’s very little we can do about it. This movie about the Diebold voting machines and their gross inconsistencies, blatant lies, and secretive cover-ups borders on diabolical. How can we trust anything if we know that we’re not even in control of our own destinies. It’s all you can do to keep from shouting motherf***er at the screen. At least that’s my $0.02.

Transformers - 7/11/07 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – So, I had heard nothing but wondrous things about this film and being a child of the 80s, I sort of had to see it. Well, let me just say, it was pretty awesome, but it had it’s down moments too. First, it takes a while to get going, then there’s the whole love story angle (which is not bad considering Megan Fox) and, well, yeah, the implausibility of alien robots…but hey! The effects are amazing and are really the reason to go see the movie, plus there’s some government conspiracy stuff thrown in for all you buffs. So, it’s fun and it’s not a rental because these robots simply would not do on a small screen. Go to the matinee I suppose…that’s my $0.02.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – 7/11/07 at Stonybrook Cinemas – An amazing addition to the Harry Potter series. We bemoan the fact that they leave stuff out of the movie that we considered important in the book, but honestly, the movie is already 2 1/2 hours. A book-length film would have to be a BBC miniseries. All your favorites are there, although not in huge roles and the newest characters take up quite a bit of the celluloid. However, Dolores Umbridge is easy to hate…and the end of the film may be worth my going back to see it in 3-D. That would definitely be worth my $0.02.

Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World - 7/8/07 at home – Albert Brooks is not my favorite comedian. I kind of get him, but sometimes it’s just lame. This movie was kind of lame, but after I read over at IMDB what he was trying to do, it sort of made sense…and honestly I hope it worked, but we’ll see. So far, nothing, but y’know. Anyway, it’s about a guy who’s contacted by the government to find out what makes the Muslim world laugh and write a 500-page report on it. It has some funny moments, but mostly it’s kind of flat. At least that’s my $0.02. Maybe you really love Albert Brooks.

Nanny McPhee - 7/7/07 at home – My wife C recommended this one and I have to admit that even though it’s probably a “children’s” movie, it really hits some good points, plus it has Colin Firth who is great and Emma Thompson who is outstanding. It’s about a group of kids who terrorize every nanny they’ve ever had until Nanny McPhee comes along and the lessons they learn about life and its consequences. It’s predictable, but it is a kid’s movie, so don’t go looking for high drama…just understand that it’s a good story…that’s my $0.02.

Evan Almighty - 7/7/07 at Preston Crossings Cinema – This was a decently funny movie with an overarching higher concept that wasn’t too preachy. Still, it wasn’t my favorite. I love that Lauren Graham was in it, because she thinks I’m cool. I think I’ve had enough Steve Carell for a while, and of course John Goodman is always good. Wanda Sykes…please go back to comedy, stay away from acting. The editing apparently called for cutting to Wanda every 4 minutes for a one-liner. It was sad. And, sadly, not enough Morgan Freeman. But really, the story is pretty good if not a little far fetched. Still…I suppose it could happen. At least that’s my $0.02.

Blood Diamond – 7/1/07 at home – Yet another film about another conflict over resources in other countries that we as industrialized and terribly pampered countries know nothing about because not only is it hidden from us, we choose not to know. I gained respect for DiCaprio as an actor in this film and Hounsou and Connelly give worthy performances as well. But the importance of this film and others of its ilk cannot be expressed enough in my $0.02. We need to wake up as a country and it can’t happen soon enough.

Jarhead - 6/27/07 at home – This film was recommended by a friend of mine after I suggested that I wouldn’t see it because I didn’t need a movie that glorified war. In his estimation, this film did nothing to glorify or recommend war and I heartily agree. If anything, it shows us that more than likely, what we imagine to be war is merely portrayed as such in the movies. Gyllenhaal, Foxx, and Sarsgaard…all men with double letters in their names…manage to show us the utter downside of the first Iraq war. And I recommend it for the same reasons it was recommended to me…and that’s my $0.02.

Les Poupees Russes - 6/27/07 at home – The sequel to L’auberge espagnole was possibly even more brilliant than the original. Not to mention, both C and I have a crush on Kelly Reilly. She was wonderful in this movie and while the supporting cast minus Romain Duris was pretty much background noise, the movie was funny, and sad, and beautiful. I highly recommend both films, they’re worth more than $0.02.

The Producers – 6/17/07 at home – So it was a movie, that became a play, that became a movie musical? Or something like that. So the story you’ve probably guessed by now, or have seen in one form or another. Anyway, Lane and Broderick provide the humor for this production (although, if you saw the Mostel/Wilder version, it’s very, very similar) and actually Thurman and Ferrell are outstanding in this film. Come to think of it, most of the supporting actors are “fabulous” (pun intended, you’ll get it when you see it). I think the original is better, but I like Gene Wilder…so that’s my $0.02.

Ocean’s Thirteen - 6/16/07 at Showcase Cinemas De Lux 16 on Preston – Mere days after seeing the second one, we caught the latest installment of the Ocean gang wreaking havoc in the Las Vegas area. This movie features the crew using some sort of burglar’s code to justify the taking of just about everything from a casino developer (in one of Pacino’s lesser roles). The usual hijinks ensue and just when you think they’re not gonna pull it off…if you enjoyed the first two, this one won’t disappoint. At least, that’s my $0.02.

WordPlay - 6/11/07 at home – This is a short documentary about crossword puzzles, their makers, their players, Will Shortz, and the National Crossword Puzzle Competition in Stamford, CT. It includes several celebrities, not the least of whom are Jon Stewart and Mike Mussina. It’s incredible how excited these folks get about their crossword puzzles, but I know the rush. Once you’ve finished the NYTimes puzzle once (in ink, no less) you gain a superiority over mere mortals. To do that sort of thing in less than 5 minutes is god-like. C and I do the NYTimes Magazine puzzle in the back of the LEO over the course of dinner every once in a while…sometimes we even finish. If you like crossword puzzles, this is your film. That’s my $0.02.

Dogville - 6/11/07 at home – I was able to get this on the IFC and I didn’t know much about it, but I was hooked once I saw the setup. It was very “Our Town” with it’s set layout and if you don’t like that at first, turn it off, because for 3 hours it’s nothing but that set. Still, it’s an incredible piece of cinema because of how it uses the set. And the story is a very interesting one and I don’t want to ruin the ending for you because it’s frightening and stunning and incredible all at once. You should definitely see it for several reasons, not the least of which is Kidman and Bacall; that’s my $0.02.

Knocked Up - 6/10/07 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – If I heard it advertised once, I heard it a thousand times. This was supposed to be the funniest movie of the year. The one where you split your jeans laughing. And it is funny and at times hilarious. But maybe I’m over the sophomoric crassness of fart humor and pot smoking. Or maybe it was just built up to be too much. Plus, they kept hyping it as “from the director of 40-year-old virgin” which I didn’t care for. All in all, it’s worth seeing, but it’s not something you’ll buy on DVD to watch over again, but that’s my $0.02.

Ocean’s Twelve - 6/9/07 at home – The second installment of the revived Rat Pack scenario with the usual suspects being hunted by the guy who they ripped off in the first movie. Plus, they’ve added a sort of playboy archenemy to add to their usual frustration with plans going awry. It’s a good movie and I love all the gadgets and how they pull things off. Plus, Julia Roberts gets to pretend to be Julia Roberts in an odd Bruce Willis cameo scene. It’s worth seeing on video…at least that’s my $0.02.

National Treasure – 6/8/07 at home – This movie sort of latched on to some of the DaVinci code madness that gripped the nation with its secret codes and secret societies, but brought it home with it’s connection to our forefathers. And it’s a pretty decent flick because it stalls long enough to make the suspense believable. However, it’s fairly typical and short of all the historical shots, it rather lacks anything memorable. So much so that I couldn’t even remember I had watched it a couple of days later…so that’s my $0.02.

Beyond Rangoon – 5/3/07 at home – I had heard of this movie when it first came out, but didn’t see it because it wasn’t my sort of thing. Political oppression, freedom and democracy marches…I was much more into other things. But my family’s church has recently received to this country a Karen family from Burma via Thailand and this movie becomes much more poignant when you realize what people are going through for freedom. Unfortunately, things in Burma have not changed much and this film is still important. Arquette’s acting is a little whiny and McDormand is not in it nearly enough, but you get to meet U Aung Ko who was involved in the series of events that led to this movie. That is worth the $0.02 and more for this film.

Waitress - 5/24/07 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – I’ll admit it. I didn’t want to see this film because I thought it was a chick flick. And it was…but honestly, it was one of the best chick flicks I’ve ever seen. A story about a woman who gets pregnant, but doesn’t want to be and her attempt to leave her abominable husband. As the movie progressed, I really thought it was going to end badly. I won’t ruin it for you because I think it’s a movie you have to see. It’s a star turn for both Keri Russell and Andy Griffith…I know, odd pairing, but what the hey! Plus, local boy Jeremy Sisto provides an antagonist you love to hate. That’s my $0.02.

Stranger than Fiction – 5/9/07 at Hilton Head Island – I expected this to be a typical “funny man” Will Ferrell movie, but it turned out to be an outstanding film that wasn’t your typical Will Ferrell movie. It’s a great story about an ordinary man and the story of his life as it is narrated by Emma Thompson. It seemed a lot like my life oddly enough. Not totally, but enough that I would have paid more that $0.02.

Night at the Museum - 5/8/07 at Hilton Head Island – This is a great film featuring Ben Stiller about how the museum comes to life at night and the hilarity that ensues. Of course, it’s also about a father/son moment and that’s fine, but the museum moments are much better. The “poignant” story is much less interesting. At least that’s my $0.02.

Bobby - 5/7/07 at Hilton Head Island – It is evident to me through this film that idealism died in 1968 at the Ambassador Hotel. A historical fiction look at the assassination of Bobby Kennedy through the eyes of workers and guests at the infamous hotel, it was sad to see this horrible event in history. Mostly because you got the feeling that had Bobby Kennedy lived, the course of this country could have been quite different…and better…and that’s my $0.02.

The Last King of Scotland - 5/7/07 at Hilton Head Island – A historical fiction biopic of infamous Ugandan dictator Idi Amin through the eyes of his young Scottish doctor. It is amazing to me that this is not all that distant history. Amin died in exile in 2003. What really got to me in this film is this is basically a dictator that England installed and then when things started going horribly wrong they did nothing to try and rectify it, at least not publicly. The result of colonialism is on shameful display in this film, that’s my $0.02.

Jesus Camp - 5/6/07 at Hilton Head Island – Frightening does not begin to describe this film. It’s about a summer camp for evangelical Christians in North Dakota that is “training” young kids to fight in the army of God. There is an element of lunacy to the whole affair. A seemingly lonely older woman is defending the camp using the argument that Muslims are training their kids to strap on bomb belts and AK-47s and that teaching them young is the only way to reach them. The bad part is, these kids seem just to regurgitate all they’ve been taught in a rote method as a way to fit in. I’d love to meet these kids 30 years from now…that would be worth my $0.02.

Gosford Park - 4/29/07 at home – This was an Oscar-worthy picture when it came out a few years ago and it does have that sort of tone to it. Especially with such an amazing cast. But, this film isn’t very good until someone gets killed. It drags on and on in that Anthony Hopkins/Emma Thompson, dreary British servant sort of way…then somebody dies (specifically Dumbledore, I mean, Michael Gambon’s character) and the pace picks up a bit. The twist at the end is very interesting and sort of redeems the film. Helen Mirren’s soliloquy about “the perfect servant” was very good. A decent “the-butler-did-it” (but he didn’t) sort of mystery…that’s my own $0.02.

This Movie Is Not Yet Rated – 4/24/07 at home – An alarming look at the MPAA rating system and the players behind that system. Jack Valenti is as crooked as they come in my book and this movie basically proves that time and again. Granted, it’s a documentary involving conspicuous private investigators and it rather reeks of “Michael Moore”-ism, but one of these days, all these conspiracies are going to add up to something. Not to mention, the MPAA doesn’t make itself look very good on many fronts…not the least of which is their “Spanish Inquisition” style appeals system. McCarthyism for the movies, at least that’s my $0.02.

Leaving Las Vegas - 4/18/07 at home – My wife warned me that this movie was bad. Not a bad film, just no redeeming value. No character to root for. Unfortunately, she was right. And the sad part is, you wanted it to end differently, but it doesn’t. Nicolas Cage is destined to drink himself to death. Elisabeth Shue is a hooker who falls in love with the alcoholic because she’s lonely and needs someone just to fill the empty space. And it turns out exactly the way you think it will…no happy ending. It’s sad and depressing…but it’s a decent film. That’s my $0.02. Whatever happened to Elisabeth Shue?

Babel – 4/13/07 at The Neighbors’ – This was a slightly interesting movie, if for no other reason, because of the variety of landscapes. But, the whole movie was a slightly disparate conglomeration of scenes with a strange thread that ran through the entire film. It wasn’t hard to follow, but it was a very odd movie. It’s worth seeing I suppose, but I can understand why it might not have won anything. At least that’s my own $0.02.

Fear Strikes Out -4/2/07 at home – The autobiographical story of Jimmy Piersall, major league outfielder for, among others, the Boston Red Sox. This is Anthony Perkins pre-Psycho and Karl Malden at his best in my opinion. It details Jimmy’s early life and rise to the ranks of the major leagues and his battle with “nervous exhaustion” or bi-polarity. Also in the cast, a beautiful young Norma Moore. However, the best part of this film is the directing and Malden’s portrayal of Jimmy’s demanding father. It would be a great movie to illustrate how not to push your children to achieve your dreams…or at least that’s my $0.02.

O, Brother Where Art Thou? - 3/20/07 at home – I loved this movie. The characters, the dialogue, the cinematography, the story. It’s amazing, from the opening chain gang to the historically accurate dynamite “salvation” scene. And the music…oh, my, lord…the music! If you don’t love this soundtrack, well, you’re not my people. And that’s my $0.02.

Charlotte’s Web – 3/18/07 at Village 8 Theatres – Okay, are you ready for a shock? I’ve never read Charlotte’s Web. I’d read it about halfway through one day and I fell asleep, but in all fairness, I had been up really late the night before. This is a great story, if not the best movie in the world. I liked Beau Bridges’ character (as minor as it was) and I enjoyed the animal character voices. The movie also made me cry, which I am totally okay with. It was a good way to spend the afternoon, or at least that’s my $0.02.

Strictly Ballroom - 3/11/07 at home – That Baz Luhrmann is an entertaining director. This opening salvo of the Red Curtain trilogy is a comical, yet poignant, look at the world of ballroom dancing. The intrigue, the desire, the really bad hair and costumes. If this movie doesn’t make you laugh and cheer, then you’re truly missing out. That’s my $0.02.

Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner - 3/4/07 at home – I’d had a string of bad luck with movies lately. I tried Va Savoir and Quo Vadis, both to no avail…so this was my third try and it was perfect. A story about an interracial couple telling their parents they’re getting married. Tracy, Hepburn and Poitier are singularly and collectively brilliant in this film. The first half is witty and it transitions seamlessly into poignant and heartwarming. As a matter of fact, the end prompted me to write a long overdue love letter to my wife. I think you’ll find it’s a perfect blend for a movie…that’s my $0.02.

Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle - 2/11/07 at home – An intriguing movie about the life and times of Dorothy Parker and her circle of friends. I didn’t at all care for Jennifer Jason Leigh’s affected accent for Mrs. Parker, but maybe that’s how she really talked. The movie itself is fairly decent with quite a collection of star cast members; Matthew Broderick and Gwyneth Paltrow to name just a couple. And the costumes and sets were all nicely done. There was just something about it…and I keep going back to the voice by Leigh as the problem. I did like the way she said “Shit!” with a pronounced T at the end. That’s my $0.02.

The Illusionist - 2/10/07 at home – This movie, I couldn’t remember if I’d heard good or bad things about it. It was either this one or The Prestige, which I’ve not seen yet. Anyway, this one is really very good…and even though the magic tricks are done with special effects, they still seem like magic which continues the illusion if you will. Plus, Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti are generally very good. And Jessica Biel was not bad, although her accent slipped here and there. Worth your $0.02. One question, was there actual historical content…or was that just random backstory?

Monster House - 2/10/07 at home – Finally…a movie to restore my faith in animated films. This is a great little story (although, not necessarily for children in my opinion) with some great characters, especially Chowder. I thought that animated films had gone the way of the force-feeding the moral to you, but this one is subtle at its best. Definitely worth your $0.02.

Max - 1/27/07 at home – I really like John Cusack. And I like John Cusack movies. This one is not your basic John Cusack movie…but it’s a decent film with a very Cusack character. Cusack plays a guy trying to convince Adolf Hitler to channel his rage into his art. We all know how that turns out, which makes for interesting viewing. I think the movie is well acted and it’s a decent story, but I can see why it probably wasn’t a huge box office hit. The cinematography is very good. Germany in 1918 was more than likely even more bleak than this film lets on. It’s an interesting premise though…at least that’s my $0.02.

Superman Returns – 1/13/07 at home – I’m not a huge disciple of the Superman series, so I can’t compare it to any of the others. However, knowing what I know about Superman, this one seemed a little odd. It really seemed as if Lex Luthor had considered everything, and I realize that this is the nature of superheroes, but Superman shouldn’t have been able to lift an entire kryptonite-based island. But Brandon Routh makes a good substitute for Christopher Reeve. That’s my $0.02.

The Oh in Ohio - 1/3/07 at home – A quirky little film about sexual relationships. It actually left half of the story unfinished in my opinion, but Parker Posey led a great cast in this film. Mischa Barton starred as a young student who manipulates her teacher sexually. It’s a fairly decent film, but again, very strange and somewhat unfinished.

The Da Vinci Code - 12/3/06 at home – It was hard to watch this film after having read the book…especially with such a long gap in between reading and viewing. However, it certainly was entertaining and slightly suspenseful, even though you already knew all the answers. Hanks, Tautou and Reno were decent, but the scene stealer was Sir Ian McKellen. Bettany and Molina could’ve been much better with more screen time. That’s my $0.02.

Tsotsi - 11/27/06 at Lutz Hall, University of Louisville – An amazing film about a thug who carjacks a woman and accidentally kidnaps her infant in the backseat. The light and shadow of this film is incredible, excellent cinematography. I think that this should be required viewing for people who’ve never left the country and don’t understand how bad the rest of the world is as far as poverty is concerned. This is an Oscar-winning film for a lot of reasons…that’s my $0.02.Big – 11/26/06 at home – I had forgotten how entertaining this film was. Tom Hanks is irrepressible as a kid who got his wish to be big. Some would say that this was Hanks’ entrance to the big time…entirely possible. His scene with Robert Loggia in FAO Schwarz is outstanding, but the whole movie is definitely worth seeing. That’s my $0.02.

Say Anything…- 11/12/06 at home – Say what you will about this film edifying the slacker lifestyle or lacking artistic merit, it basically defined a generation. I love this movie for a variety of reasons; favorite lines, the boombox/trenchcoat scene, kickboxing “sport of the future”. You can’t watch this film and not find something to love. Lloyd Dobler…you are my hero. That’s my $0.02.

The Station Agent - 11/11/06 at home – An interesting little indie film about a guy who inherits a train depot and the people who enter his life after he goes to live there. A lot of the movie is quiet (little/no dialogue), but you don’t really need it. Great performances by Dinklage, Clarkson, and Cannavale as the main trio. I’d heard several recommendations about this film and it’s definitely worth the $0.02.

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington – 11/5/06 at home – Ah, just before the election, a movie about a true American who believes in the ideals and goodness of government. Jimmy Stewart is just absolutely homemade apple pie in this film. And, though it ended a little differently than I had remembered, it was still very, very good. And how about that Clarissa Saunders, she’s gorgeous and smart too. Anyway, this is a good movie to watch regardless of which side of the aisle you’re on…at least that’s my $0.02

Capote - 10/22/06 at home – I simply cannot wait to read this book, or at least the book that this movie was about. Regarding Capote’s writing of In Cold Blood, this movie is stark and heart-wrenching from all points of view. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is an outstanding Truman Capote in this film and this movie should be experienced. The view of Leavenworth prison across the snow-covered Kansas landscape is worth my $0.02 alone.

Marie Antoinette - 10/20/06 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – Oh, the opulence of 18th century France! C’est magnifique! It was simply amazing the splendor of this film. Now, I don’t know squat about this particular part of history…all you ever hear is the “Let them eat cake!” part. But if this movie is even remotely true, while there are certainly aspects of their lives that were decadent and over the top, truth is she probably only wanted everyone to share her happy life. At least that’s my $0.02. You should see this movie. It is grandiose and the soundtrack is faboo.

Akeelah and the Bee – 10/15/06 at home – A warm and fuzzy movie about a girl from a downtrodden neighborhood who becomes a National Spelling Bee winner. It’s well-acted and while predictable, it’s worth seeing. Laurence Fishburne is outstanding in his role…as is Akeelah. That’s my $0.02.

Accepted - 10/10/06 at Village 8 Theatres – It was a Sunday afternoon and honestly, there’s not much on at the theatres that we’re interested in seeing. So, we checked out this “Warren Cheswick” film and found it to be extremely entertaining and very funny. Yes, it’s a typical college stand-up-to-the-man film, but it was atypical in its removal of gratuitous sex and nudity and fart jokes. So it was actually family entertainment (somewhat) while not being innocuously insipid. That’s my $0.02.

Crash - 9/29/06 at home – An incredibly interesting and disgusting film on race in America. This film goes there…many times, and leaves you stunned at the unbelievable ways that people can treat others. Unfortunately, I think that a lot of this movie is true in its representation of real life and until we come to terms with our visions of our fellow humans, life is going to be the same. That’s not good, but the film is…it’s worth my $0.02.

Over the Hedge - 9/10/06 at Village 8 Theatres – This film came highly recommended from several sources and it was pretty good, but it wasn’t top notch. The problem with a lot of these animated films is that they spend a lot of time building up the “moral of the story” and it’s not as humorous. Trust me, a theatre full of children doesn’t get the moral, they’re there to see a funny movie. Or maybe I’m just too old for movies of this sort. Either way, it’s a good movie for your $0.02. Ben Folds provides the soundtrack…magnificent.

Fried Green Tomatoes – 9/2/06 at home – I’d seen bits and pieces of this film over the years, but Carrie insisted that I sit down and watch it. It was a very good film, but I think mostly because the cast quality made it outstanding. Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary Louise Parker are genuinely great together as are Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy. I know a lot of you are thinking it’s a chick flick, but it’s much more than that. It’s definitely worth your $0.02.

City of God – 8/29/06 at home – This is apparently a film based on true events in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. It is bloody and awful and sad. Each character has their own flaw and it would be terribly unfortunate to grow up in a place such as this. It makes you think about the place you live and how it’s not really as bad as you think it is.

Bell, Book, Candle – 8/27/06 at home – Kim Novak is sultry and gorgeous in this film and Jimmy Stewart, well, I mean, if there were a Hall of Fame for acting. This is also one of Jack Lemmon’s first films, but I simply can’t say enough about Kim Novak. Her voice, her body, her hair…she’s stunning. And the story is a pretty decent one at that. That’s my $0.02.

Puppet Master – 8/26/06 at home – Dear lord…what an absolute piece of shit. The effects were awful, the acting was atrocious, the plot was unintelligible and to top it all off, this horror movie was not even scary. Not even remotely scary…unless you consider that someone actually wasted money to commit this crap to celluloid. GAWDAWFUL!! Don’t waste your time…that’s my $0.02…which is what the production values were.

Little Miss Sunshine – 8/20/06 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – This film was outstanding. The cast alone makes this worth seeing. I laughed, I cried…it became a part of me. And the bus…the VW bus…it totally cracks me up. You have to see this movie. It has your family in it. I guarantee it. If it doesn’t have your family in it…you’re not normal. At least, that’s my $0.02.

Good Night, and Good Luck – 8/17/06 at Hilton Head – This was very good and incredibly short. I really thought I would find out more about the history of the situation, but they didn’t really delve into it. It was simply Murrow v. McCarthy and how that played out on television. It’s worth your $0.02 especially if you have no idea what happened back then…there is some history to it.

Failure to Launch – 8/15/06 at Hilton Head – I wasn’t terribly excited about this movie, but it turned out to be pretty good. I mean, Terry Bradshaw? But still, it was a decent movie and Zooey Deschanel was great. I loved her character. It’s worth watching because it’s a different take on things and the locales are different than most movies.

Match Point – 8/15/06 at Hilton Head – This is a great Woody Allen movie. It had intrigue and great characters. Scarlett Johannson was great and not just because she’s like my new crush or anything. I highly recommend this, if for no other reason the surprising conclusion to all of it. It’s definitely worth more than $0.02.

The Ron Clark Story – 8/13/06 at Hilton Head – Actually, a half decent story about Ron Clark, the teacher from North Carolina who moved to Harlem to make a difference…and did. Matthew Perry actually does a pretty good job and the kids are believable. Still, this is pretty much a “Stand and Deliver” or “Lean on Me” flick…at least that’s my $0.02.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby – 8/13/06 at Northridge 10, Hilton Head – This was hilarious. It makes some great fun of a subculture of the population that really brings it on themselves. And one of the most amazing things of this movie was the product placement. It’s beyond blatant. There might as well have been a corporate logo at the corner of the screen the entire time. The only part I didn’t like was Sacha Baron Cohen’s take on the French Formula One driver. So over the top that it was dumb. Definitely worth the money…at least $0.02.

Hardball - 8/13/06 at Hilton Head – Okay, so I finally understand why people don’t like Keanu Reeves. This movie was pretty much crap…but it was about baseball, so I watched it. The premise is not just tired, it’s unbelievable. Skip this one…that’s my $0.02.

Team America: World Police - 8/9/06 at home – As social satire, this just tries to take on too many issues at once. As comedy, it lacks. Kim Jong-Il sounds like Cartman and that’s about as funny as it gets. The premise is interesting, but it just takes too long to get going. Plus, it’s extremely crass and gross…but what do you expect from the makers of South Park? Don’t bother…that’s my $0.02.

A Love Song For Bobby Long – 7/28/06 at home – This was a really good movie. I really enjoyed the acting of Scarlett Johansson and John Travolta. The story and setting are outstanding. Good ol’ New Orleans. Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans? I do. This movie was a great little vehicle for all the characters and it was engaging. The kind of movie you don’t even want to pause to go to the bathroom. That’s my $0.02.

You, Me and Dupree – 7/26/06 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – Okay, it’s predictable and it’s not really a movie you want to pay money for, but I chose it over seeing “The Devil Wears Prada”. It was worth it for a couple of scenes…mostly the scenes with Kate Hudson, although Owen Wilson “throwing 7 kinds of smoke” is really, really good. Dillon and Douglas are forgettable…they just barely move the story along. It’s crap, but I didn’t have to think about anything. That’s my $0.02.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest – 7/15/06 at Stonybrook Cinemas – Pirate movies are fun. Pirate movies of late are unusually brilliant. I’m sure that this is due in no small part to Keira Knightley, Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom…plus an amazing cast of supporting characters. If you haven’t “set sail” to see this set of movies, you should be forced to walk the gangplank. Aaarrr, get thee to a theatre and see this film.

The Lost World – 7/14/06 at home – This is a weird B-movie from 1960 with Claude Rains and Jill St. John. The “dinosaurs” are completely hokey e.g., a monitor lizard with a prosthesis cowl and a caiman with small plastic horns Plus, having the obligatory cannibal tribe that doesn’t speak English and the fact that St. John carries a poodle with her throughout the movie makes this just as corny as can be. Not really worth my $0.02.

The Manchurian Candidate – 7/3/06 at home – We picked this up on TiVo and it was well worth the time. Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep provide a bizarre look at politics, war, and greed in this scary little tale. It’s probably a bit far fetched, but it’s worth your $0.02 if only for the paranoid conspiracy theory that fuels this remake.

Shattered Glass - 7/2/06 at home – This film with an all-star cast is a little indie flick about the Stephen Glass debacle at The New Republic magazine. It’s well-acted and a terribly interesting story about journalistic integrity. Christiansen, Sarsgaard, and Sevigny produce memorably performances as 3 of the main characters. I highly recommend this movie.

Cars - 7/1/06 at Stonybrook Cinemas- This is the animated film of the year…or so I’ve been told. It was okay. It had its funny moments, but for the most part, Pixar has done better. I think it had a good message about people not speeding through life, “stopping to smell the roses” so to speak. It illustrated that nicely with the Route 66 vs. Interstate argument. As a geographer, I’m thrilled with those types of things. It’s worth your $0.02.

Nacho Libre – 6/24/06 at Baxter Avenue Theatres- Okay, so Jack Black is hilarious. Jack Black as a luchador should be magnificent. Jack Black as a monk, masquerading as a luchador should be side-splitting. Unfortunately, it was none of these. It was dumb, very few laughs. So obviously, I’m not a Jared Hess fan (director of this and Napoleon Dynamite), but Carrie is and she didn’t like it either. Not worth your $0.02 even if you’re a Jack Black fan. I wouldn’t even rent it.

Night of the Living Dead – 6/22/06 at home – I’m ordinarily not a big fan of scary movies, but this one turned out to be not as scary as you might imagine. I mean…ZOMBIES…FLESH-EATING ZOMBIES for crying out loud. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a real bummer. I won’t ruin the ending, but it doesn’t turn out well for anyone really. This one probably really did cost about $0.02 to make…but it’s worth it for the opening scene in the graveyard.

Our Man Flint - 6/14/06 at home – This is a classic James Coburn “James Bond spoof” flick. It has a very, very catchy theme and Lee Cobb is great as the head of Z.O.W.I.E. It’s goofy fun with attractive women and corny villains. It’s basically a college film spoofing James Bond. I fell asleep, but I don’t think that was due to the film, I was just tired. Plus, Flint has some great gadgets. It’s worth about $0.02 and probably cost that to make.

Bee Season – 5/31/06 at home – I was interested in seeing this because I have an affinity for spelling bees. I was quite the speller when I was younger and I still maintain a pretty good advantage over most. This was a strange movie with the Jewish mysticism thrown in and the Hari Krishna’s and the kleptomania. The spelling bee was just kind of a background for the weird family issues. I didn’t get the ending…but it’s worth your $0.02. None of the acting is terribly memorable.

Dark Prince: The True Story of Vlad Dracula – 5/13/06 at home – Happened across this movie on SciFi after the last half of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Thought it might be interesting. The acting left a little to be desired, but the story (if indeed it is true) was sad and intriguing. If you look past the “supernatural” ideas of the movie, the story behind the man is one of valor and courage in the face of outstanding odds. It’s worth your $0.02 if you’re interested in the historical aspect of Dracula.

The Hidden Fortress – 5/12/06 at home – My buddy John got me this movie for my birthday and this was the first chance we’d had to watch it together. Ostensibly, this Kurosawa film is one that Lucas based the original Star Wars film on. If you watch it in that frame of mind, you can see the entire thing unfold. The two main characters are obviously C3PO and R2D2. It’s a good film, but if you’re addicted to action movies today, this action movie will leave you wanting. It’s a slow film, but it’s also 45 years old. You may not be interested in Japanese cinema, but this one is better than his Seven Samurai. At least, that’s my $0.02.

Wicker Park – 5/8/06 at home – Okay, 3 movies in 3 days…I must’ve been bored. Well, this one was the least of the 3. Josh Hartnett’s acting leaves something to be desired. Matthew Lillard is a little goofy, but he’s the best of this movie. It was kind of a creepy stalker movie and it was extremely sad in places…but it’s one of those movies. To be seen only if there’s no baseball on…that’s my $0.02.

Thank You for Smoking – 5/7/06 at Stonybrook Cinemas – This was seen somewhat at the recommendation of my friend Lindsey. It was a great movie, although short. The story of a tobacco executive and his ability with words as he deals with his own life. Several star turns in the film, but you gotta love Katie Holmes as the slutty reporter and “The Marlboro Man”. And let me just say that Robert Duvall is becoming my favorite actor. That’s my $0.02.

Walk the Line – 5/6/06 at home – An incredible story about Johnny Cash and his life. I thought that the performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon were incredible, but not necessarily Oscar-winning. They did an amazing job with the soundtrack. And Jerry Lee’s performance was worth at least $0.02.

The Jacket – 4/25/06 at home – This is a fairly powerful story…at first. Then, it becomes a Douglas Coupland novel and gets weird. Still, it’s a neat idea and it was well acted. Kristofferson is very creepy. Adrien Brody was great to begin with, then it just falls a little flat as he figures out what’s going on. Keira Knightley is hot as ever and while her American accent is okay, she can only do what the script gives her. If there’s no baseball game on, it’s worth your $0.02.

V for Vendetta – 3/19/06 at Stonybrook Cinemas – I just wasn’t prepared for how good this movie would be. The effects, the acting, the statement that the movie makes regardless of what you think it’s saying were all top notch. Now, I realize that the original writer of the comic books wanted his name removed because he says that the movie doesn’t keep to his original vision. I can appreciate that, but I can’t imagine that his vision or statement would be any more powerful than that which I saw on screen. The final scenes are worth your $0.02 and more. Scary and possibly empowering.

Spanglish – 3/19/06 at home – I had heard that this movie wasn’t good, but it turned out to be a pretty great movie about family and, oddly, immigration and culture and, well, it was just interesting. Adam Sandler plays a great role as does the rest of the cast. And if you need to watch a movie with a hottie in it, then Paz Vega is worth your $0.02 as Flor. No, Florrr. No, no…Florrr. Trust me, you’ll understand.

John Carpenter Presents Vampires:Los Muertos – 3/18/06 at home – See, now the first one was good. Yes, this was a sequel, starring Jon Bon Jovi. Yes, THE Jon Bon Jovi. Anyway, entirely predictable, especially if you saw the first one. I don’t recommend it unless you’re bored. But, the surfboard was worth about $0.02.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin – 3/13/06 at home – Okay, I don’t see what all the fuss is about. It wasn’t that funny. The funniest moment for me was the physical comedy as Steve Carell careens through the billboard near the end of the movie. It just seemed tired. Maybe I’m getting old, but I wouldn’t pay $0.02 for it.

Mrs. Henderson Presents – 3/5/06 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – Regardless of what my wife says, I did not go see this just for the nudity, although Kelly Reilly and cast are great in the buff. Except Bob Hoskins…gaah! Anyway, this is a great story and Dame Judi Dench again with an outstanding performance. Based on a true story, this is definitely one to see. The music and choreography, although very dated being as it’s a period piece, are worth more than your $0.02.

Hotel Rwanda – 3/2/06 at home – This movie sickens me. Not the gore, not the genocide…the fact that governments around the world just let it happen as if Rwandans were mere animals fighting in a cage. A wholesale slaughter of nearly a million people sickens me. And unfortunately, Joaquin Phoenix’s character was dead on with his quote “People will see this footage, say oh, that’s sad, and go back to eating their dinner.” We should be irate and outraged at this sort of thing that seems to happen far too frequently. A cheer for Paul Rusesabagina’s true honor in helping the Rwandan people, regardless of Hutu or Tutsi. Also, a cheer for Don Cheadle and his outstanding performance. Nick Nolte also produces a great character.

Mystery of the Nile – 2/25/06 at Louisville Science Center IMAX – This is a wonderful new film at LSC IMAX. It follows an intrepid crew from the source of the Nile River to the Mediterranean Sea, something that had not been done before apparently. The film is well done and has a minimum of wild IMAX movement if you get easily motion-sick. There is one plane trick that caused me to look away…but overall the film is outstanding.Dick Tracy – 2/18/06 at home- A cold snowy afternoon left me watching this fairly decent movie from about 15 years ago. The makeup and cinematography are wonderful. Also, the wardrobe department did an outstanding job with this cartoon effect. If you’ve ever read Dick Tracy, it’s terribly predictable and while I can’t stand Madonna, she did a half decent job in this movie. Flat Top and Mumbles are worth my $0.02.

Waiting for Guffman – 1/29/06 at home – This is one of the first offerings from the Christopher Guest/Eugene Levy camp and its farcical look at community theater is a crackup. Some of their movies are awkward to watch because you know these people, or even worse, you are these people…but they manage to produce a believable, funny look at ordinary walks of life. Parker Posey and Eugene Levy absolutely make me laugh. A song about stools is worth $0.02.

The Red Violin – 1/16/06 at home – I’d been wanting to see this for some time. It’s a decent movie, but there’s never really a climactic ending. It’s about the journey of the violin over the past 400 years, but there’s not really a finality to it. The cinematography is about all that’s worth the $0.02.

The Family Stone – 1/8/06 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – Okay, so this was supposed to be a comedy. It’s not. NOT AS ADVERTISED. It had some funny moments, but overall, not a comedy. Definitely a drama. It’s hard to review after that. So basically, it’s not worth my $0.02.

Days of Thunder – 1/6/06 at home – I don’t know jack about NASCAR, and I don’t want to know jack about NASCAR. I just like the sound of the cars racing by on my surround sound. Robert Duvall is a good actor…and this movie is before Tom Cruise got all Scientology weird. Plus, Nicole Kidman with a cool accent…that’s my $0.02.

The Skeleton Key – 1/1/06 at home – Okay, I think I’ve said before that I don’t like scary movies, but occasionally I like to get the blood pumping. Anyway, this one turned out to be not so scary…I mean, it had it’s share of “skincrawl” moments, but it was more of a weird voodoo mystery than a horror movie. But, the best parts of the movie are Kate Hudson in her underwear…that’s my $0.02.

Forces of Nature -12/28/05 at Louisville Science Center IMAX Theater – I really wanted to see this movie, but I’m not super keen on IMAX films. They make me dizzy. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t as good as I had hoped. I definitely got dizzy and there seemed to be a lack of “force” behind the “nature”. It was interesting to learn how they’re predicting earthquakes, but most of the rest of the film was nothing you didn’t learn in 6th grade science class. At least, that’s my $0.02.

Rent -12/26/05 at Village 8 Theaters – Okay, I didn’t know much about Rent, not having seen the show and only having heard the soundtrack once or twice, but now I’m a convert. It’s a great story with great characters (most of the original cast on Broadway from what I understand). There are several outstanding scenes 1) La Vie Boheme at Live Cafe 2) Angel’s “Christmas dance” at the beginning and 3) Collins’ song at the church. Those were my favorite moments. And since this movie had already been reviewed positively on the Forum (Thanks Angie!) I would suggest that you go see it before it disappears. At the Village it’s just a little more than $0.02.

Santa vs. The Snowman -12/22/05 at Louisville Science Center IMAX Theater – I had a bout with “short-timers” at work and decided to blow off the rest of the day to visit the LSC with Carrie, Jason, Avery and Ashley. We checked out this film mostly for the girls, but it’s a pretty cool film. Plus, the minute homages to Star Wars did not go unnoticed. It’s a neat little tale about Santa and a voiceless Snowman. Naturally, it has a moral to the story. I don’t remember what that was. For kids, its definitely worth your $0.02.

King Kong – 12/16/05 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – You heard it here first…sort of. King Kong is amazing. It’s the way action adventure films should be produced. It’s an amazing story with amazing acting Aside: that’s without dialogue most of the time and a brilliant backdrop for all the scenes. Naomi Watts and Jack Black offer outstanding performances, but the gold star goes to the big ape. You forget quickly that this could never really happen when you’re watching it all unfold. I have several favorite scenes, but I think my favorite is when Kong is fighting the Tyrannosaurus. I’d pay double my usual $0.02.

Batman Begins – ??/??/05 at Stonybrook Cinemas – This is a brilliant new Batman film. This is how all of the Batman films should’ve been. The first one was good, but this latest attempt will resurrect the series in an all new way. Christian Bale is an outstanding Batman…a brilliant successor to Michael Keaton. Plus, the new Batmobile is worth my $0.02.

Kingdom of Heaven – 12/12/05 at Scott and Becky’s house – Orlando Bloom is a very pretty individual. Hard to see him as a blacksmith and a Crusader and a military strategist on par with Saladhin. Still, the movie’s okay. And totally weird how the same shit is going on today, in the same region, with the same personality conflicts. That’s my $0.02.

Knights of the South Bronx – 12/11/05 at home – It was a long Sunday afternoon, so I saw two movies today. Anyway, this is your standard “teacher-in-a-rundown-school-teaches-kids-an-alternate-way-of-life-through-”fillintheblank”-and-they-go-on-to-win-magnificently-changing-lives-around-them”. Still, it’s about chess, and the little kid who plays Dawson (a kindergarten wunderkind) is brilliant. Also stars the kid who plays Walt on “LOST”. It’s good for $0.02.

Mary Reilly – 12/11/05 at home – This movie could probably just have easily been about Jack the Ripper as opposed to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It’s your classic Victorian England setting with tortured characters. Julia Roberts Aside: more Julia Roberts’ movies? was decent, but her accent wasn’t the best. John Malkovich is scary regardless of how he sounds, but he did a good job of playing both parts. And the final transformation was worth the $0.02.

Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe – 12/9/05 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – You can’t have a much better movie than this. It was a spectacle to say the least. The White Witch’s performance was outstanding and Aslan was just about as perfect a lion as can be created. Don’t spend too much time analyzing the movie though. Just relax and let the fairy tale wash over you. By the way, if Mr. Tumnus doesn’t look exactly like my brother-in-law, you can have my $0.02.

Sideways – 12/6/05 at home – Incredible movie. Magnificent performances by Giamatti, Church, Madsen and Oh. Particularly Giamatti and Madsen. I wasn’t too thrilled with Maya at first, but her lines about wine being “alive” were stunning. Giamatti steals this movie. Church and Oh were in the movie for people who could care less about wine…but Sandra Oh has an infectious laugh and is brilliant at the end. This “vintage” is worth way more than $0.02.

My Best Friend’s Wedding – 11/30/05 at home – This was not as good as I remembered it being. Forgetful performances by everyone really, except Rupert Everett. Julia Roberts wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t her best. At least, that’s my $0.02.

Sling Blade – 11/30/05 at home – Sort of a take off on the “Of Mice and Men” genre. Billy Bob Thornton is very good in this, although, he seems to become less and less mentally handicapped as the movie progresses. It just seems that he understands more and has a larger vocabulary. You had to feel something for him. Dwight Yoakam, Robert Duvall and John Ritter make appearances in the film. Ritter’s is the least believable…at least that’s my $0.02.

Ladder 49 – 11/20/05 at “The Sanctuary”, Slade, KY – The “feel good movie of the year”. No, not really. Actually, there’s very little in this movie that makes you feel good. It’s an excellent movie about the profession of firefighting. At least, it seemed to be to the untrained eye and what little I recall from discussions with Buck. It was worth the afternoon and Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta were both very good. Either way it was $0.02.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (IMAX)- 11/18/05 at Stonybrook Cinemas – This series just gets better and better. This latest installment doesn’t miss a beat and pretty much covers everything in the book which is amazing considering the size of the book. The kids are all growing up before our eyes and the story becomes more intriguing with each film. I didn’t think Voldemort was as scary as he could’ve been, but it is still basically a children’s film. The effects are incredible…especially the dragons. And how about the those Beauxbatons girls…HOT! At least, that’s my $0.02.

Shopgirl – 11/13/05 at Stonybrook Cinemas – This is better than Lost in Translation. It’s the same type of movie in my opinion, but it’s much better. I disagree with the ending narration because I don’t think it has to be that way. Still, Claire Danes and Steve Martin are very good in this film. I didn’t read the book, but Carrie said it was much better than the book. It’s not really a feel good movie, but it’s a pretty great quirky drama. Worth the $0.02.

While You Were Sleeping – 11/6/05 at home – I really should’ve been sleeping. Actually, the movie wasn’t all that bad, but I was really tired. Still, the tv was on, so what the heck. Sandra Bullock is very good in this movie. Bill Pullman is not a romantic lead. He’s bland. However, they come together to make a decent not-so-holiday “holiday” movie and if there’s nothing else on, you might be able to fall asleep to it. You already know the ending anyway. Yes, it’s one of those. So, watch it or don’t watch it. It’s your $0.02.

Elizabethtown – 10/16/05 at Stonybrook Cinemas – Carrie wanted to see Elizabethtown and I’ll admit that even though the reviews were mixed, I thought it might be worth our time. It’s a decent story, but the editing of this film is atrocious. You never know what city you’re in…fortunately, I’ve lived in one of them my whole life, so it was easy to spot some landmarks. Plus, I could identify with a lot of the movie. It’s a fun movie to take your girl on a date and the “phone”, “memorial” and “road trip” scenes are worth the $0.02.

Ray – 10/14/05 at home – I tend to see biography movies that are all about how wonderful a person’s life was and what wondrous things they did. Well, Ray Charles had a tumultuous life and overcame substantial difficulty at not only his own expense but at the expense of a happy family life. Still, the man could flat out jam on the piano, even in his 70s and this movie has an awesome soundtrack. Jamie Foxx did an outstanding job. Regina King was also quite good in this movie. It’s definitely worth your $0.02.

Pieces of April – 10/4/05 at home – We picked up Showtime and cancelled HBO, so I decided to TiVo a few things to see what they had to offer. Katie Holmes is amazing in this film. Actually, the entire cast lends wonderful performances to an incredible film that really takes a good look at the family. The story is of a girl whose family is coming to visit her in New York for Thanksgiving dinner. I can’t believe how great this show was and why I missed it until now. The film is worth more than $0.02.

The Incredibles – 11/26/04 at Showcase 16 Cinema de Lux -Pixar continues to amaze with their incredible computer generation. Plus, the voices and the excellent script contribute to an amazing cinematic showcase. Congrats to Brad Bird on the voice of Edna…spectacular. Plus, having my wife, my parents and my in-laws with me made for a wonderful evening as well. Everyone thought it was worth their $0.02.

Private School – ca. 10/20/04 at home – Okay, so this is my vice, my secret pleasure. I like 80s co-ed movies with gratuitous sexual situations and nudity. The movies are stupid, but the girls are cute. Phoebe Cates and Betsy Russell provide more than enough excitement for 97 minutes of goofy antics and Porky’s-style shower scenes. Plus, seeing Cates in the buff is worth more than my $0.02.

The Village – ca. 8/10/04 at Hilton Head, SC – This is the one movie we went out to see on our anniversary vacation. I was in the mood to be scared, but it wasn’t scary. It’s quirky as with all Shyamalan movies, but it really didn’t appeal to me. His earlier movies are so much better…that’s my $0.02.

Mystic River – 7/25/04 at home – My wife and I rented this one because it was supposed to be a good movie and because an old housemate of hers is in it…Zabeth Russell. Two for two that night, because Zabeth was in it, albeit briefly, and the movie was good. However, it was most definitely not a feelgood movie. It was chilling and most definitely disturbing. Clint Eastwood provides for an evening of twists and turns and an all-star cast provides a bizarre look at thug-life New England. But that’s my own $0.02.

Knockaround Guys – 7/9/04 at Scott and Becky’s House – A girl’s night out provided for an evening of movies at the neighbor’s. We picked up this flick in the hopes that it would provide the sort of testosterone high that is normally associated with Vin Diesel flicks. Unfortunately, this one rather stalls and is fairly predictable. Even John Malkovich couldn’t save it and Seth Green’s laughs were few and far between, because let’s face it, that’s why he’s there…at least, that’s my $0.02.

Spiderman 2 – 6/30/04 at Showcase Cinema de Lux – A great sequel. The best sequel I’ve seen since…1980. With a lot more story and a great new villain (or semi-villain, depending on your view), this latest chapter is one for the ages. Spidey’s own inner turmoil (civic duty vs. peace of mind) is shown very well and the shot of Spiderman hitting the car after a fall is stunning. Literally. Definitely worth more than my own $0.02.

Fahrenheit 9/11 – 6/26/04 at Showcase Stonybrook – With all the houha going on about this movie, I naturally had to see it. (For some reason, I avoided ‘The Passion’, but…whatever.) I was stunned in parts and not surprised in others. Moore’s film is not a documentary, but it is compelling. It’s not like it’s hard to make Bush look like an idiot…but that’s my own $0.02.

Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban – 6/6/04 at Showcase Stonybrook – An outstanding new chapter in the Harry Potter series…although, now that I’ve read the books, there is so much story that they left out. I know, if it had been the whole book, the movie would’ve been 12 hours long. Still, I think there is some stuff they could’ve put in. The best part is when Hermione rings Draco’s bell. And Lupin’s alter-ego is light years ahead of the Lon Chaney version…much more human and realistic. It’s a great addition to a great series of movies…at least that’s my $0.02.

The Ring – 5/27/04 at home – I’m not a scary movie fan and so I don’t ordinarily go in for this sort of thing, but it was still daylight outside, so I went ahead. Ten minutes into the movie, my phone rang. Creepy. After an hour and a half of somewhat creepy, somewhat detective story, I’m totally sucked into the movie and an assumedly scary part forces me to cover my eyes. At the very same moment, the cat leaps up onto the couch by my head. I let out a yelping expletive and scared the cat. At this point, I turned it off, so I don’t know how it ends, but a neighbor says it’s not worth $0.02.

The Seven Samurai – 5/7/04 at John’s House – I’ve been wanting to see this movie since I found out that Lucas was inspired by it. I don’t think I was prepared for it properly. The high pitch of some of the dialogue and the fact that there is a lot of screaming sort of turned me off to it…however, Kurosawa directs a highly dramatic, emotionally intense film and the scenes from intermission on were outstanding. I wish that I had seen more Japanese cinema beforehand to have something to compare it to…but it was definitely worth my $0.02.

The Prince and Me – 4/30/04 at Tinseltown Theatres – Okay, Tinseltown is not my first choice of theatre, mostly because of the high prepubescent pheromone factor. Fortunately, most of them were hanging around outside. Secondly, this was not my choice of movie. But the choices were this and Mean Girls and the latter was not accepting passes which my sister and brother-in-law had to use. Yes, it’s predictable, yes, it’s schlocky and smarmy, but yes, it does feature the beautiful Julia Stiles and the first cinematic lawn mower race for “all the marbles” that I can recall. It definitely provides some laughs and one moment where my wife gasped as the Queen of Denmark (yeah, right!) opens her jewelry vault. Yes, vault…that’ll cost me more than $0.02.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – 4/6/04 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – Jim Carrey breaks out of his goofy mold and Kate Winslet puts in an outstanding performance as Clementine. A movie about erasing the memories of a loved one that you don’t want to think about anymore stretches the believability factor just a little bit. Still, any movie with Kirsten Dunst dancing around in her underwear can’t be all bad…but that’s my $0.02.

Uptown Girls – ?/??/04 at home – Dakota Fanning is an outstanding actress and she’s only 9 or 10. Brittany Murphy makes me laugh. Unfortunately, this movie is predictable and short on laughs…it does have a decent ending and some good moments, but not necessarily a must see film…at least that’s my $0.02.

Catch Me If You Can – 3/18/04 at home – Tom Hanks is an amazing actor. Leonardo DiCaprio is pretty decent too, I just don’t like him. But the real story behind this movie outweighs them both. Frank Abignale goes from innocent kid to global con man to federal compatriot and the whole time you’re thinking…this guy has some serious cojones. You’ve got to have an iron gut to pull off what he did and make it work…that’s my $0.02.

School of Rock – 3/12/04 at home – Jack Black is The Next…you can fill in the blank. He’s funnier than John Belushi, he’s a better actor than Chris Farley, and to my knowledge he has no vices that are going to force him to an early grave. He’s the next Jack Black and that’s what makes this movie amazing. I mean, the kids are great too, but the focal point of this film is Jack Black and his rise to stardom with the greatest rock-and-roll show of all time…that’s my $0.02.

Phonebooth – 3/6/04 at home – Two movies in one night…yes, I’m a couch potato. So what?! Anyway, this movie was originally pulled from distribution back during the sniper shootings in D.C. and for good reason. However, this movie is quite good, especially since most of it is pretty much one scene, a downtown New York phonebooth. It is certainly not a boring movie, but definitely very frightening. Definitely worth renting…at least that’s my $0.02.

Whale Rider – 3/6/04 at home – This is a wonderful story about a young girl whose father has basically abandoned her with her grandparents and her grandfather, upset that she is not what he expected of a grandchild, has little time for her while he tries to uphold the traditions of his tribe and culture. If you didn’t get enough of New Zealand through “Lord of the Rings”, this should be just enough to put you over the top…and that’s my $0.02.

The Triplets of Belleville – 2/12/04 at The Kentucky Theater – This superbly animated flick is interesting to say the least. It’s almost a silent film with a great soundtrack. The story is very intriguing and the odd part is that aside from the opening, the triplets don’t even show up until halfway through the movie. The sound effects, the soundtrack and the animation are enough to hold this movie up, but the story has it’s redeeming qualities as well. That’s my $0.02.

Pirates of the Caribbean – 2/9/04 at home – I’m sorry I didn’t see this movie sooner. It was an astounding display of special effects and costumes. The story is wonderful even if you don’t consider that it was based on a Disneyworld ride. Johnny Depp is smashing as a sun-spiked, rum-soaked pirate. And once again, Keira Knightley is hot! Or at least that’s my $0.02.

Girl with a Pearl Earring – 2/1/04 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – The cinematography in this movie is wonderful. Scarlett Johansson portrays the infamous girl and from what I understand the movie follows the book (although I’ve not read it) fairly well, but naturally leaves a lot out. It’s a decent movie, but not a must see…at least, that’s my $0.02.

Something’s Gotta Give – 1/11/04 at River Falls Cinemas – This movie lacked a lot of things. It lacked more Amanda Peet nudity. It lacked less Diane Keaton crying. It lacked much less Jack Nicholson nudity. It lacked much more Frances McDormand acting. It lacked laughs and while the ending was decent…it just seemed a bit off. Not as advertised, or at least that’s my $0.02.

Big Fish – 1/8/04 at Showcase Stonybrook – This movie is just a sight to behold from start to finish. The story and it’s portrayal by an all-star cast is just fascinating. A young man yearns to learn the real story of his father who is dying. His father has fabricated many tales over the years, but we learn that all these tales are based in fact and that the father really is who he says he is. Tim Burton’s best movie since “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and it hearkens back to his masterpiece “Beetlejuice”…but that’s my $0.02.

Love Actually – 12/19/03 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – This was a wonderful holiday film with a host of great actors. Alan Rickman is very droll and I enjoy his acting very much. Hugh Grant is silly…but he always plays someone who would be like me. The worst part of this movie is Billy Bob Thornton. Fortunately, he’s only on for a short time. Oh, and Keira Knightley is hot. That’s my $0.02.

Mona Lisa Smile – 12/11/03 at Showcase Stonybrook – Julia Roberts plays a radical teacher at a hoity-toity women’s college in the 40s-50s. Of course, she tries to get the girls to see another way of life than the “Stepford” way, but this naturally rubs the administration the wrong way. It’s a decent movie, if for no other reason it has a great cast. Still, it’s a rehash of the Dead Poet’s Society formula. But, that’s my $0.02.

Lost In Translation – 11/3/03 at Baxter Avenue Theatres – While I wasn’t really excited about seeing this movie, I certainly got my money’s worth. It’s a great movie about an old actor who is now doing whiskey commercials in Japan and his interactions with a young newlywed who has accompanied her rock-star photographer husband on a photo shoot. The movie takes a serious look at friendship that goes beyond the bonds each has with their respective partners and whether or not age has limits to love. At least, that’s my $0.02.