Let Me In - 9 stars out of 10

Let Me In - 9 stars out of 10

"Let Me In" seamlessly incorporates a vampire into the real world with one of the most believable portrayals of vampires that I have seen. Step aside, Twilight - this love story is far superior to yours. The story manages to be incredibly romantic despite its two main characters being 12 years old. I credit this to two factors: 1. The chemistry between Chloe Grace Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee creates gold on the silver screen. Their emotions are precise and real as Moretz shows compassion and sacrifice at all of the perfect moments. 2. The stunning musical score by Michael Giacchino is never overdramatic but consistently enhances the extreme amount of emotion exuded throughout the film. I expected another "typical" vampire movie but vampires almost become an afterthought as the obstacles in their relationship become the main theme, making it more of a drama than a horror film. "Let Me In" gains its realism by excluding coffins and garlic, and by engaging the viewer through storytelling instead of focusing on blood-sucking special effects. The horrific imagery is tasteful but brutal. Most importantly, the imagery is sparse and makes a huge impact when it occurs. The scene in the tunnel left my jaw on the floor and the hospital fire... that was one of the most amazing scenes that I have seen in any horror film. I was struggling to find a flaw with this film (Richard Jenkins even had a nice role!) until the penultimate scene in the swimming pool - that broke my willful suspension of disbelief. Aside from that misstep, "Let Me In" gets my vote as the best vampire film in cinema, past or present.

Private Benjamin - 6 stars out of 10

Private Benjamin - 6 stars out of 10

Spoiled brat joins the army. Spoiled brat gets some structure. Everything turns out as you'd expect from a comedy... or does it? Private Benjamin is a good film because it breaks away from the expected 80's storyline and provides more than a few surprises. The similarities in the mannerisms and facial expressions of Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson (mother and daughter) are eerie. The film's highlight is Eileen Brennan (Mrs. Peacock from "Clue", amidst an impressive Hollywood resume) as the role must have been written for her. Much of the movie is fluff but Goldie Hawn is endearing and worth the watch.

The Town - 9 stars out of 10

The Town - 9 stars out of 10

"The Town" is more than just another action film. It is an incredible blend of action and drama, creating a poignant moment in a cultural Boston setting. I typically make a point to avoid any movie with Ben Affleck but I'm glad that I made an exception. Affleck has a strong performance, perhaps his best character ever, and he did a great job directing. Renner was very good but I'm not sure if his performance was Oscar-worthy. In my opinion, the stand-out performance was Blake Lively. She was perfect as the trashy but tempting single mom, with her voice trembling and eyes filled with emotion. The acting was very strong all around, even though I felt awkward a few times, being reminded of Armageddon because Rebecca Hall looks a little like Liv Tyler. I expected more of this film to contain bank robbery sequences but was glad that the film went in the direction that it did.
P.S. Fenway Park... genius.

Mortal Kombat - 3 stars out of 10

Mortal Kombat - 3 stars out of 10

Mid-90's CGI and above-average martial arts sequences brings THE classic fighting game to life. Acting? Eh. Story? Eh. Watching Veronica Vaughn kick butt for 90 minutes? Definitely worth it! It isn't a cinematic marvel but seeing these childhood video game characters brought to life creates a nostalgia that makes Mortal Kombat fun to watch.

Laura - 8 stars out of 10

Laura - 8 stars out of 10

"Laura" is a gem in the film noir repertoire. The screenplay gives possible guilt to every character while creating several twists that you will not believe. All of the suspects and possible solutions to the murder are like a carnival for the mind as you will continue guessing up until the final moment of the film. Gene Tierney is lovely, especially under bright interrogation lights. Clifton Webb earned his Oscar nod as the well-spoken Waldo Lydecker, particularly with his narration of an extended flashback. Dana Andrews and Vincent Price also give memorable performances as this solid core of actors draws you into the mystery, revealing whodunit, and then revealing whoREALLYdunit.

Nowhere Boy - 10 stars out of 10

Nowhere  Boy - 10 stars out of 10

I don't understand how this film has not attracted more attention!  Nowhere Boy is an incredibly creative telling of John Lennon's childhood, focusing on the dramatic struggle of power between his mother, Julia, and his Aunt Mimi.  Kristin Scott Thomas is incredible in every film but I was very pleasantly surprised by the acting of Johnson and Duff.  These three strong from start to finish, accentuated by the acting of Sangster.  The screen play is genius, blending the dramatic dynamic between Lennon and his "moms" with the formation of the Beatles.  Johnson makes the perfect John Lennon, particularly his singing.  The film features and emotional climax, with tears in the eyes of John and Julia, Mimi's voice quivering as she recounts the events of her nephew's childhood, rivaling the most chilling emotional moments in any movie.  This film is among the greatest biopics that I have seen and whether you are interested in learning about where this Beatle came from or experiencing virtuosic acting within an amazing true story, you must see this film.

Cloak & Dagger - 2 stars out of 10

Cloak & Dagger - 2 stars out of 10

After being led to have a very high expectation for this film (from my college roommate who probably hasn't watched this movie since 1992), I was very disappointed by Cloak & Dagger. This movie cannot be considered a family movie since it lacks content for anybody 12+ years of age and therefore must be considered a kids' movie. Henry Thomas falls short of his acting quality in E.T. All of the acting is mediocre (a la Home Alone 3). I did like the plot twist with the old married couple but other than that, this movie made me very aware that I was watching an 80's kids movie.

All About Eve - 9 stars out of 10

All About Eve - 9 stars out of 10

All About Eve provides genuine look into positive and negative aspects of theatre through an incredible story with unexpected twists and turns. The film is highlighted by the distinguished acting of several giants of the silver screen, as demonstrated by the Oscar nominations presented to Davis, Baxter, Holm, Ritter, and an Oscar win for George Sanders. Although I could go on and on about the fire in Davis' eyes or each wonderful scene featuring Holm, Anne Baxter steals the show (literally and figuratively!) It is hard to see her as anything but a sweet and plain girl until her transforming scene, suddenly shedding her innocence and revealing herself to be a gorgeous, manipulative, and conniving woman. The only thing that can beat this revelation is her emotional breakdown as the truth is revealed with one of the most potent slaps in film history. The narrative technique is wonderful as the opening sequence sets up an underlying mysterious question throughout the movie: How Eve will rise to receive such an award? This realistic portrayal of Broadway divas reveals the good and bad as the truth is revealed regarding the consequences of using people to get to the top... all under the guise of a beautiful violin theme and an innocent and devoted fan.

Kindergarten Cop - 7 stars out of 10

Kindergarten Cop - 7 stars out of 10

Fun for anybody, even more fun for teachers! Schwarzenegger steps out of his typical action hero role to play comical undercover cop John Kimble. In this classic, the cop takes on his trickiest assignment ever - posing as a kindergarten teacher and dealing with these out-of-control children. Arnold ends up in a ton of hilarious situations that would not be nearly as funny without his stature or accent. Penelope Ann Miller provides some great eye candy for the film as this unique story progresses. The movie is complete with cheesy love story, a few action sequences, and several one-liners that are still often quoted 20 years later.

Bad Company - 5 stars out of 10

Bad Company - 5 stars out of 10

Jerry Bruckheimer's name gives me a certain expectation and this film did not live up to that expectation. Billed as an "action comedy," there was not enough comedy to qualify it as such. Chris Rock was amusing, but not funny enough to call this a comedy. The film has some entertainment value but the average script and average acting are the reason for the average rating. I typically love Anthony Hopkins but the spotlight was stolen by the stunning Garcelle Beauvais during her 12 minutes of screen time. I'd watch it agian, but only i the background if there was nothing else on.

Inception - 10 stars out of 10

Inception - 10 stars out of 10

"Inception" is the most mind-bending film since The Matrix. Where The Matrix operates on two levels, Christopher Nolan's film operates on FOUR (or possibly even five!) It's all-star cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, and Tom Hardy in his breakthrough performance. The acting is solid from start to finish. Although the acting does not create biopic realism (like The King's Speech or Twelve Angry Men), it possess the necessary intensity to drive this thriller for its entire 150 minute duration. Every aspect of this film works together to turn this into an "experience."  The amazing thing about Hans Zimmer's score does not come in the form of memorable themes that appear throughout the film; instead, it fills you with heart-pounding emotion without even realizing it.  The winner of 4 Academy Awards (including Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects), Inception takes a far-fetched concept and makes it 100% believable from a visual and conceptual standpoint. The anti-gravitational scenes in the hotel takes "Matrix-esque" special effects to a new level with a smoothness that feels frighteningly real. The simultaneous timeframes, including the slow motion of the van, are genius and the only way to bring this mind-blowing situation to life. You won't need a map to navigate this film, but it gets better each time you watch as you can better grasp the depth of each level occuring on the screen. Though many have complained, the ending will leave you on the edge of your seat as the line between dreams and reality becomes blurred... and we're made to contemplate whether it matters.

Rain Man - 10 stars out of 10

Rain Man - 10 stars out of 10

Penn has I Am Sam, De Niro has Awakenings, but it all began with Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man.  Hoffman took a huge career risk to portray the autistic Raymond Babbitt but managed to create a tasteful appreciation for the high abilities of the autistic community.  The story is an amazing tale of brotherly love, starting with selfishness and transforming it into compassion.  While Hoffman's flawless performance is the focal center of the film, Cruise provides the transformation that takes place around the center.  Both actors were stunning and few actors have deserved an Oscar more than Hoffman in this performance.  Rain Man is an amazing cinematic experience and needs to appear on everybody's movie bucket list.  Twice.

Rocketman - 9 stars out of 10

Rocketman - 9 stars out of 10

Rocketman may not be a very well-known film but this hidden gem provides constant slapstick humor and ludicrous situations that will keep you laughing for hours after it is done. Harland Williams nails his role as Fred Z. Randall, a clumsy science nerd that you'll love to watch getting into trouble. And there is a lot of trouble to be had at NASA and on Mars! His quirky qualities are consistent throughout and his one-liners are hilarious (Fun is my Chinese neighbor's middle name)! Williams is surrounded by solid acting by Jessica Lundy, William Sadler, Jeffrey DeMunn, and Beau Bridges. If you haven't seen this film, you'll love the humor (regardless of your age) as this smart script delivers laughs from start to finish (and then some).

The Legend of 1900 - 6 stars out of 10

The Legend of 1900 - 6 stars out of 10

This film is all about the music. The jazz in the piano duel sequence is fantastic and I adored the scene where he is recording the music that comes into his heart as he watches "the girl" through the window. I enjoyed the idea of 1900 playing music to match the inner-thoughts of the people that he sees. The piano-driven score by Ennio Morricone (same guy that penned "The Mission") is stunning, bringing an emotional response to each moment throughout the film. Unfortunately, I had a major issue with this film. Any story that is focused around music, particularly a pianist, MUST have the actors' fingers perfectly synced with the music. They did some cool visual effects with several hands playing at the same time but when it comes down to it, there were many times that the fingers were out of sync with the piano music. Unacceptable The Legend of 1900 doesn't offer much in the realm of acting. Tim Roth was okay but Pruitt Taylor Vince was... just awful. His acting was obnoxious and fake and I cringed every time that he opened his mouth. This film offers a unique story and several AMAZING musical sequences, but overall it only deserves an average rating.

Winter's Bone - 8 stars out of 10

Winter's Bone - 8 stars out of 10

"Winter's Bone" is a unique sociological look into life in the Ozark Mountains. I love the synopsises that say that the lead must navigate through a "dangerous social terrain" - that description is spot on. Jennifer Lawrence shows acting maturity beyond her 20-year-old body as every line is delivered by her or to her. Few characters are involved in every moment of the film as Ree is, but Lawrence handled it masterfully. I believe that in a 5-nomination year, "Winter's Bone" would not have received an Oscar nod for Best Picture, but it certainly deserved its nominations for Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenplay. Perhaps the craziest performance came from Dale Dickey. Her character was insane and she brought the raw nastiness necessary to make an old, 5'2 female character terrifying. The story took some very unexpected turns. When I saw the chainsaw, I kept thinking "What is that thing for?" I wish I hadn't found out. That definitely has earned a spot on my list of most devastating movie moments. And the devastation comes completely from Lawrence's facial expressions during that sequence. Winter's Bone is a bit unconventional but really pushes the boundaries of the sociological drama.

The Wolf Man (1941) - 2 stars out of 10

The Wolf Man (1941) - 2 stars out of 10

The Wolf Man is one of the weaker films in the classic monster movie genre. After seeing the horrific 2010 remake, it makes me question whether it is the story and not the director/actors. I enjoyed the under-developed love story that is atypical for this genre and harvesting this aspect could've made this into a memorable picture. The film has an interesting concept but there isn't really anywhere for the story to go. Perhaps this is why it is only 70 minutes long...

Nosferatu - 4 stars out of 10

Nosferatu - 4 stars out of 10

A legend of the silent film era, Nosferatu tells the story of Dracula (but unsuccessfully tried to avoid copyright infringement by changing the names of the characters). Although the courts ordered all existing prints of the film to be destroyed, we are fortunate that a few survived and were restored so that we can relive this historic film. Max Schreck's make-up creates a horrific experience for anyone. Although I am not a fan of silent films, I can appreciate this one for its impressive 1920's cinematography and freakish main character.

Son of Frankenstein - 1 star out of 10

Son of Frankenstein - 1 star out of 10

A failed attempt at bringing Mary Shelley's monster to life for a third time. While the first two Frankenstein movies focused on the monster, Karloff barely appeared in this film, unsuccessfully revolving the plot around Dr. Frankenstein's son and creating a snooze-fest. For some reason, the monster has regressed and can no longer speak, debunking the entire plot of The Bride of Frankenstein. The only cool thing about this film is that monster-movie legends Bela Lugosi (who plays Ygor) and Karloff appear on screen together but... the movie was still awful.

The Bride of Frankenstein - 8 stars out of 10

The Bride of Frankenstein - 8 stars out of 10

The original Frankenstein focuses on the creation but The Bride of Frankenstein is superior because it focuses on the actual monster. The monster ends up in several memorable situations, particularly with the blind musician in the woods. Karloff gets a chance to actually act as the monster gains a limited vocabulary and a few emotions. While Ernest Thesiger shows genius (or perhaps madness) as Pretorius, I found Una O'Connor to be absolutely obnoxious and I considered rating this film lower because of her. I just wanted the monster to kill her the entire time. The creation sequence in this film is much more detailed, with more gadgets and gizmos, elaborate "sciencey stuff," and a chance to see what actually happens on the roof. This sequel takes Mary Shelley's story to a new level of visual horror.

Frankenstein (1931) - 6 stars out of 10

Frankenstein (1931) - 6 stars out of 10

Frankenstein is THE classic movie. Without fancy special effects, Frankenstein's simplicity is what makes it wonderful. The introductory "warning" to the viewers adds to the timeless quality of this well-known tale. Although its "scare factor" doesn't affect adult viewers as it did 80 years ago, this film is still a rite of passage for children who are learning to face their fears. The story of Frankenstein's monster does not need any twists - the monster's gruesome appearance is enough to give body to this straightforward film.

The Duchess - 7 stars out of 10

The Duchess - 7 stars out of 10

I get the impression that when Saull Dibb took on this project, he said "We're going to win an Oscar." This is the type of dramatic film that is typically in contention for Best Picture but it fell slightly short. Most importantly, I now know that I may legally hit my wife with a stick as long as it is not wider than my thumb. [sarcasm] The costuming and artistry are excellent in this period piece and I did not even lose patience with Keira Knightley, who often appears to be delivering her dialogue with cotton balls in her mouth. I feel as if she was empowered by this role and it pushed her acting to a new level. There is a great emotional dynamic running through the story as Ralph Fiennes creates frustration through his actions. I was particularly impressed by Hayley Atwell, who I hope will continue to gain popularity among casting directors. Rachel Portman's hauntingly beautiful score perfectly bridges the dramatic (and sometimes devastating) moments together. Her impressive resume (including "Never Let Me Go" and "Chocolat") continues to grow through her chilling string melodies. This gripping true story looks like it would be boring but actually offers a unique perspective into what happened behind closed doors amidst the aristocracy.

Conviction - 3 stars out of 10

Conviction - 3 stars out of 10

Conviction is a touching story but moves so slow that it's difficult to keep your eyes open. Sam Rockwell is a fine actor but this role did not afford him many opportunities to act. The most impressive part of the film comes in the form of Swank, Driver, and Leo's accents. Unfortunately, Good Accents + Bad Script = Boring Movie. This true story had great potential but, aside from some nice dialogue at the end, it falls flat. Even great actors can't legitimize this one.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) - 8 stars out of 10

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) - 8 stars out of 10

The Day The Earth Stood Still is counterintuitive to what I typically expect from a sci-fi film - rather than relying on special effects, this film focuses on the talent of its actors to create an out-of-this-world experience. A few alien lights, a breathtaking closing monologue, and a clear bottom line whose message permeates deeper than a 50's alien movie is this film's equation to become a part of cinematic history. Michael Rennie is perfectly cast as the well-spoken, intellectual Klaatu and has wonderful chemistry with the charming Patricia Neal. This film falls somewhere between a monster movie and a critically acclaimed film, and I respect it for achieving greatness through imaginitive storytelling and great acting instead of special effects without substance.

Friday the 13th (2009) - 5 stars out of 10

Friday the 13th (2009) - 5 stars out of 10

Warning: This is NOT a remake, but instead a "reimagining." A pretty standard slasher film: Sex, nudity, profanity, stereotypical "high" black guy, stereotypical intelligent Asian guy, drugs, alcohol, and of course a few dozen graphic deaths. This movie lacks a clever twist - it merely introduces the characters, shows most of them die, then ends. Giving credit where it is due, the movie is extremely intense and really does culminate at the end with a great line from Amanda Righetti. Jason is really scary but throughout the movie, little emotional attachment is felt toward any of the characters. This is a good one to watch with a cuddle buddy but don't expect it to to change your worldview or anything spectacular.

The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad! - 8 stars out of 10

The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad! - 8 stars out of 10

This cop parody hits just about every visual gag in the book, while carrying on a dialogue of constant innuendo and stupidity.  And it is amazing.  It is not safe to look away for a single moment or you'll miss at least 3 jokes.  Leslie Nielson is incredible in this slapstick role, landing somewhere between stupidity and loveability.  No object is safe from destruction with Lt. Frank Drebin around, whether it is a $20,000 fish or his very own car.  This film is filled with classic comedic moments, from O.J. Simpson getting shot (and subsequently falling into every thinkable unfortunate situation) to Nielsen's flashy umpire calls and the player piano going crazy and he tries to catch all of the Ming vases.  "The Naked Gun" is not intended to be taken seriously and each gag (whether subtle or obnoxiously obvious) will have you laughing from start to finish (and beyond).

Full Metal Jacket - 8 stars out of 10

Full Metal Jacket - 8 stars out of 10

Full Metal Jacket, notorious for its realistic opening portrayal of boot camp, lives up to its expectation. The first 30+ minutes of this film are brutal and raw but give a unique insight into boot camp while creating an appreciation for the men that survive and become Marines. R. Lee Ermey is incredible in this role, often given the freedom to improvise on set to bring realism to his drill instructor role. The film slows down after the boot camp portion but still delivers impressive special effects and a few intense battle scenes. The film manages to keep a "characterless" feel as if the only characters are the Marines in general, though Modine, Howard, and Baldwin manage to stand out with memorable performances. With it's memorable opening sequence, you haven't fully experienced war films until you have seen Full Metal Jacket.

Never Let Me Go - 9 stars out of 10

Never Let Me Go - 9 stars out of 10

"Never Let Me Go" is one of those films where I just sigh a soft "Wow..." as the credits begin to roll. Despite its lack of success in the box office, this film takes an absolutely fascinating concept and uses it to raise questions regarding the value of human life, ethics in the medical profession, and your personal priorities in life. Although I cannot even reveal the content of this film to avoid a spoiler, I can tell you that it's a perspective-changer. I love that the first 1/3 of the film make it impossible to understand why this is considered science fiction, as this tunnel vision is necessary to the themes presented later in the film. Its slow pace is necessary for the emotional crescendo that builds as the story nears its inevitable conclusion. The film offers a talented cast but is driven by its unique story instead of the acting. That being said, Carey Mulligan estabilshes a beautiful blend of emotion and stoic resignation. This is a wonderful contrast to Andrew Garfield, whose emotions are always visible. The plot is accentuated by the tragically beautiful violin solos featured in Rachel Portman's soundtrack. This is one of the hidden film gems waiting to be discovered.

The Band Wagon - 7 stars out of 10

The Band Wagon - 7 stars out of 10

A show within a show, what could be better? Ah, a DISASTROUS show within a show! The Band Wagon is one of film's classic musicals, featuring the wonderful dancing stylings of Fred Astaire. "Beautiful Dynamite" Cyd Charisse lights up the screen with elegant beauty and witty attitude. One of my issues with this film is the unconvincing dubbing over Charisse's singing. The dubbed voice has a very different quality from her singing voice and it was distracting. Also, I failed to see how the musical numbers at the end could make a cohesive show. Was each number a children's book? Regardless, the subway dance sequence with the gangsters was pretty awesome. This film is often mentioned in the same breath as Singin' In the Rain but, despite the many parallels between the films, it cannot begin to compare. This is not a knock against The Band Wagon, but rather a compliment to the perfection attained by Gene Kelly's film. I was very glad that Nanette Fabray had her own song toward the end - early on I was afraid that her radiant talent would be underused. Despite the negatives mentioned in this review, The Band Wagon is a wonderful film with many enjoyable scenes. The scene where Jack Buchanan is telling the backers about the musical (which sounds nothing like the script) is hysterical, and the party scene after the Faust show opens is so fun - I just wanted to be there with them! This film should be on the bucket list of any musical score and if you need a reason to watch, just remember: "That's Entertainment!"

I.Q. - 3 stars out of 10

I.Q. - 3 stars out of 10

This film was just an excuse to dress Walter Matthau up as Albert Einstein... hardly a good reason to create a movie. Granted, Matthau was amazing but the story was awful. All 3 of these stars are for Matthau and the 3 German guys. Robbins and Ryan don't deserve any stars. There were some cute visual moments in the film; unfortunately, they were outnumbered by the eye-rolling moments. Overall, the story lacked punch. And a movie soundtrack based on variations of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star? Way too cheesy. I wouldn't recommend this film, even as something in the background as you do work.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind - 8 stars out of 10

Close Encounters of the Third Kind - 8 stars out of 10

In 1978, the special effects of Close Encounters of the Third Kind earned it an Oscar nomination in that category and, if not for Star Wars, it easily would have won. After 33 years, the effects are still realistic and impressive. This film is more than just an alien movie as it features dramatic performances, particularly Dreyfuss as he struggles to understand the madness that has overcome him and Garr as she tries to be patient with her husband but is pushed to her breaking point. Dillon was nominated for an Oscar and was pretty good, though I was more impressed with the two aforementioned actors. In spite of the great acting, the most memorable moments from this film all involve special effects. The toys in the bedroom, Dreyfuss' intense encounter in the Jeep, and the musical communication with the spaceship have earned their spot amongst the greatest sci-fi scenes out there. Though it moves a bit slow, Close Encounters is a film that will continue to thrill forever.

The Fighter - 9 stars out of 10

The Fighter - 9 stars out of 10

When you watch "The Fighter," you will swear that you are watching a documentary. Director David Russell did this film perfectly, with a focus on the family drama, enough action to keep the film moving, and four incredibly gifted actors. At first, Christian Bale kind of reminded me of "Prison Mike" from the Office but as his character developed some depth, he proved to have an excellent interpretation of crackhead Dicky. Although he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, he was not better than Geoffrey Rush. Then again, in 2010/11 all performances seem miniscule when muttered in the same sentence as Colin Firth. Melissa Leo was good, but Amy Adams was just as good (if not better). Either way, this film definitely deserved to take the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. As for Mark Wahlberg, he is the man and his opportunity to win an Oscar is coming in the near future. Outside of acting, "The Fighter" offers well-crafted cinematography in all of the boxing sequences and gritty dialogue that brings this dysfunctional/depressing family to life. Not the best film of 2010 but memorable acting performances by the four leads make this film worth watching again.

The Ugly Truth - 7 stars out of 10

The Ugly Truth - 7 stars out of 10

I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed "The Ugly Truth." Granted, it is much raunchier than your classic chick flicks like "You've Got Mail" and "While You Were Sleeping," but Katherine Heigl is adorable and makes a great match for Gerard Butler on screen. Their feisty chemistry is very fun, though the hallway scene is anything but fun as inevitability sets in. For the duration of the film, I was convinced that Bree Turner was actually Judy Greer, but that's probably because Greer and Heigl played together in "27 Dresses," not to metion that Turner looked exactly like her in this film. Average substance but enjoyable characters mean that I would definitely watch this film again.

The Devil's Backbone - 8 stars out of 10

The Devil's Backbone - 8 stars out of 10

"The Devil's Backbone" is a very upsetting movie. With its incredibly devastating images, it is more disturbing than scary (though it sports one of the most effective jump moments in any movie). Showing young boys breaking their ankles and having shrapnel removed from their backs will keep you cringing and make you susceptible to the sad undertones that fuel this nightmare. Unlike "Pan's Labrinth"s imagery-driven intensity, this film gains its intensity from gifted actors, particularly child actors Fernando Tielve and Inigo Garces. Their convincing emotions will draw you into the film. Additionally, the beautiful Irene Visedo will make it difficult to look away from the screen while Eduardo Noriega makes a sinister antagonist. When you realize who the true bad guy is, you'll find him absolutely despicable and want to throw things at the tv. The film successfully avoids the typical "sci-fi confusion" as the most confusing part about this film is its title, suggesting that it will be about demons instead of ghosts (note: if that is what you wanted to see, watch "Devil" which is, in fact, about the devil). Finally, I must acknowledge Guillermo del Toro for another intense and perfectly delivered story. I don't think that it's as good as "The Others" (which was also released in 2001), but it's a very effective ghost story that will have you grasping your cuddle buddy and trying not to look away.

Get Low - 8 stars out of 10

Get Low - 8 stars out of 10

"Get Low" is an underrated drama loosely based on a true Tennessee legend. It tells the story of an angry and misunderstood old man who isolated himself from society and then arranged a "funeral party"... while he was still alive. Duvall puts forth an Oscar-worthy performance, realistically portraying this tough (but increasingly fragile) old man. He perfectly displays a mask of nastiness and attitude to hide his sensitivity and devastation inside. The storytelling is wonderful, building up curiosity about Duvall's past. The plot progresses slowly but I was okay with that, since the film is only 100 minutes long. The film does a particularly convincing job or transporting you back to Midwestern America in the 1930's through it's musical score and scenery. Aside from Duvall being amazing (as always), I really enjoyed Bill Cobbs. He an Murray brought some much-needed comic relief to the dramatic intensity, though I was more impressed with Murray's ability to play the serious scenes so well. The pinnacle of the movie occurs when Robert Duvall delivers a rivetting recollection of the events that shaped the latter half of his life. This is definitely a great character study as Duvall's layers are peeled away to reveal his 40-year-old secret. "Get Low" may not be on many peoples' Top 100 movie lists but it's definitely worth watching for it's unique story and great actors (particularly Duvall, who was robbed of an Oscar nomination). It is amazing that he still possesses such an articulate acting ability in his late 70's and beyond.

James and the Giant Peach - 2 stars out of 10

James and the Giant Peach - 2 stars out of 10

Dumb. As a child, this movie terrified me. As an adult, it was hard to keep watching. If you want stop-animation, watch Nightmare Before Christmas, Wallace and Grommit, or Fantastic Mr. Fox. The animation was decent but the story was dumb. With the exception of a few clever lines, this entire movie fell flat for me and I was desperately searching for other things to do so that I didn't have to waste my full attention on it. A few star voices, a typical Randy Newman score, and Tim Burton's name are not enough to earn a decent rating from me if the story is not well done.