Doubt

☆☆☆☆☆

+
Meryl Streep gives an Oscar winning performance.
Viola Davis, Amy Adams, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman are wonderful as well.
The story is so well-written that you will still have doubt at the end.

_
The conversations will go on long after you leave the theater.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

☆☆☆☆

+
'The Curious...' is a unique tale based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Excellent Performances, Special Effects, and Make-Up

_
The trailer tells most of the story.
Almost three hours...a little long.

The Reader

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
Kate Winslet is outstanding as Hanna, the tram ticket-taker turned Nazi concentration camp guard.

_
Many reviews of the 'The Reader' give away Hanna's secret.

Frost/Nixon

☆☆☆☆

+
Director Ron Howard and writer Peter Morgan create a fascinating look at the Frost/Nixon interviews from 1977.
Excellent Performances by Frank Langella as Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as David Frost.

_
Many question the historical accuracy.
Some say the material is better suited for HBO or PBS.

Four Christmases

☆☆1/2

+
'Four Christmases' was more fun than I expected.
Great Cast (Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight, Kristin Chenoweth)

_
Many family members are unbelievable.
A few scenes are silly.

Seven Pounds

☆☆☆1/2

+
Will Smith
'Seven Pounds' is an intriguing film about a man haunted by a tragic event.

_
A Little Slow
Aspects of the story are similar to a few other films.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

☆

+
Keanu Reeves is well-cast as Klaatu, the alien with no emotion.

_
The story is weak, and I didn't care about the characters.
What were Jennifer Connelly and Kathy Bates thinking when they signed-on to do this film?

Milk

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
'Milk' is a captivating biography dealing with the struggle for equal rights.
Sean Penn deserves a nomination for his performance as Harvey Milk.

_
There is some controversy related to the historical accuracy.

Slumdog Millionaire

☆☆☆1/2

+
'Slumdog' is a unique and compelling story about how a young man from the slums in Mumbai knows the answers to the questions he encounters as a contestant on the Indian version of "Who...Millionaire."

The unexpected dance number, shown as the final credits roll, is the most joyful part of the film.

-
Don't expect a happy film about a game show contestant.
This film is violent, slightly depressing, and several scenes are tough to watch.

NOTE: I saw 'Slumdog' again, and I enjoyed it much more the second time because I was able to see past the violence and disturbing situations.

Australia

☆☆☆☆

+
'Australia' is a picturesque and touching epic dealing with racism, war, and romance.

-
A Little "Campy"
Visual Distractions and Inconsistencies

Twilight

☆☆☆

+
'Twilight' is a unique and engaging vampire story that creates a high level of tension.

-
Slow Start
Make-Up
Some Weak Dialogue

Quantum of Solace

☆☆1/2

+
Action-Packed Adventure
Daniel Craig as Bond and Judi Dench as M

-
Chaotic camera work ruins the chase scenes.
Violence

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
'The Boy...' is a poignant story of the Holocaust as seen through the eyes of a child.
Asa Butterfield (the boy) and Vera Farmiga (his mother) give excellent performances.

-
violent and disturbing situations

The Secret Life of Bees

☆☆☆☆

+
I enjoy begin 'moved' by a movie, and 'The Secret Life...' is one of the most moving movies I've seen this year.
Dakota Fanning deserves recognition for her performance.

-
Be ready for an emotional ride.

Happy-Go-Lucky

☆☆☆☆

+
Sally Hawkins gives one of the best performances of the year.
No sex, violence, nudity, or bad language.

-
The storyline is a little "thin."

Changeling

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
One of the Best Films of 2008
'Changeling' is an engrossing film based on a true story.
Angelina Jolie and Jason Butler Harner's Performances

-
Violence
This film is for adults only.

W.

☆☆1/2

+
Josh Brolin plays a convincing George W. Bush.
Director, Oliver Stone, creates an interesting story that is based on published accounts and reports.

-
Thandie Newton as Condoleezza Rice

Religulous

☆☆☆1/2

+
Clever and Funny
Whether you agree or disagree with Bill Maher, he raises some thought-provoking questions.

_
This film will "push some buttons."

Rachel Getting Married

☆☆☆

+
This is Anne Hathaway's best work to date.
'Rachel...' is a well-cast drama that looks at a family dealing with a past tragedy.

_
If you're looking for light and fun, skip this movie.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

☆☆☆☆

+
'Nick..' is one of the best comedies I've seen this year.
Michael Cera is a natural in front of the camera.

-
One Disgusting (Funny) Scene

Call + Response

☆☆☆

+
Important documentary that includes alarming information about the human slave trade.

_
It's difficult to assign a star value to a movie like this.
The message is important, but the film may not hold your attention.

Eagle Eye

☆☆1/2

+
Action-Packed Thriller
Shia LaBeouf is a compelling action hero.

-
Frenetic Chase Scenes

Lakeview Terrace

☆☆☆

+
Engaging Suspense Thriller
Samuel L. Jackson gives us a disturbed and unsettling main character.

-
Predictable
Some Violence

Ghost Town

☆☆☆

+
Ricky Gervais and Téa Leoni
This comedy/fantasy offers a few laughs and is surprisingly touching.

-
My expectations were a little too high.

Burn After Reading

☆☆☆1/2

+
'Burn...' is an entertaining comedy with that "Coen brothers' edge."
Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand give us quirky and comical characters.

-
Some Violence

Traitor

☆☆☆

+
Don Cheadle
'Traitor' will hold your attention from beginning to end.

-
Pay attention to the details...a little complicated.

The Women

☆☆☆

+
All-Star Cast (Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith)
Writer and director, Diane English, creates an enjoyable, updated remake of the 1939 film.

-
Don't go expecting the original. It can't be beat!
Slow Start

Hamlet 2

☆☆1/2

+
Steve Coogan creates a genuine character that "elevates" this film.
You'll find yourself rooting for the drama class.

-
It's hard to get "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" out of your head.
It's a mix of silly and truly funny.

House Bunny

☆☆

+
Anna Faris' Comedic Delivery
Who doesn't love to go back to their college days?

-
Dim-Witted Dialogue
The Zeta Alpha Zeta sisters are "over-the-top."

Henry Poole is Here

☆☆

+
Adriana Barraza's ('Babel') performance/character adds a bit of joy to this film.

-
Overall, it's just too gloomy.

Frozen River

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
Melissa Leo's performance is worthy of an Oscar nomination.
Intriguing and Suspenseful
Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize

-
Grim...but not completely.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

☆☆1/2

+
Strong Cast (Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall)
Smart and Sexy

-
Bland Narration
How about a happy, committed relationship?

Tropic Thunder

☆

+
A Few Laughs

-
'Tropic...' is stupid, too long, and a few scenes make no sense.
Violence, Strong Language, Sexual References

Brideshead Revisited

☆☆1/2

+
'Brideshead...' is an interesting story about desire, religion, and control.
Ben Whishaw "captures" the character of Sebastian.

-
It felt a little long (2 1/4 hours).

American Teen

☆☆☆☆

+
A fascinating look at senior year.
This documentary captures the drama, pressure, pain, and joy of 12th grade.

-
I would have liked more structure in the story line (a little disjointed).

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

☆☆☆1/2

+
'The Sisterhood...' is a winning sequel.
It's an enjoyable look at friendship and family.

-
Of course we don't believe the traveling jeans fit all four girls.
Who cares?

Pineapple Express

☆☆☆

+
James Franco and Seth Rogen make this movie work.
Crazy, Outrageous, and Fun!

_
Drug Use, Violence, Language, Sexual References
Take the kids to see 'Journey...' or 'Hancock' instead.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

☆☆1/2

+
You'll have fun watching this action-adventure.
Tough Female Characters (Maria Bellow, Michelle Yeoh)

-
Is it Brendan Fraser's acting or the writing that makes him such an unlikely action hero?
Too many foolish lines.

Swing Vote

☆☆☆

+
There's more depth to this movie than I expected.
One of Kevin Costner's better performances.

-
Sure...it's far-fetched.

Finding Amanda

☆☆1/2

+
Matthew Broderick "nails" the comedy and heartbreak.

-
"Finding..." is too heavy on the heartbreak.
Limited Release

The Dark Knight

☆☆☆1/2

+
Heath Ledger's performance is reason enough to see this action packed movie!
Great Cast

-
Violent. This film is not for kids.
It's a long one (2 1/2 hours).

The X Files: I Want to Believe

☆☆☆

+
This is an engrossing thriller.

-
A little "lite" on the supernatural.
Mulder and Scully are still dealing with some of the same issues.

Step Brothers

☆☆1/2

+
It's hard to beat Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly's comedic delivery.

-
There is a fine line between funny and stupid.
Leave the kids at home (language, sex).

Meet Dave

☆

+
Eddie Murphy is right for the part of Dave.

-
Kids under ten may appreciate this silly film.

The Wackness

☆☆☆

+
This film is quirky but enjoyable.
By the end of the movie I cared about these characters.

-
If you're looking for an uplifting story, this isn't it.
The 1994 expressions were way off (peace out, awesome...not in 1994).

Tell No One

☆☆☆1/2

+
This suspenseful drama is filled with plot twists.
'Tell...' was awarded four Cesars (France's Oscar), including best actor and director.

-
French with English subtitles
Pay close attention because it gets a little complicated.

Mamma Mia!

☆☆☆1/2

+
This movie is entertaining!
Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, and Julie Walters deliver the laughs...and sing pretty well too.

-
The story is "forced" to fit the music.
The music is "forced" to fit the story.
Maybe one problem with casting.

Brick Lane

☆☆☆

+
An engaging glimpse at life and the human spirit.

-
I wanted a deeper look at how certain events affected the characters (a suicide and the impact of 9/11 on Muslims).

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

☆☆

+
Special Effects
Creative Creatures
(Thanks to Pan's Labyrinth's Guillermo del Toro)

-
It's a mixed-up fantasy-drama-comedy!
A few too many moments of nonsense.
Fish-Man and Fire-Girl's powers are rarely utilized.

Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D

☆1/2

+
Enjoy the 3D.
'Journey' doesn't take itself too seriously.

-
Keep your expectations "in check."

Roman De Gare

☆☆☆☆

+
This intelligent thriller raises many intriguing questions.

A film that doesn't depend on graphic sex and violence to tell a first-rate, "tension-filled" story.

-
French w/ English Subtitles

Savage Grace

☆☆1/2

+
Well-Acted
Eddie Redmayne plays "unusual" very well.

-
This film is based on a true story, which makes it even more disturbing.

Wanted

☆

+
Angelina Jolie plays a convincing "bad girl."

-
Once again, it's all about the violence.

Wall-E

☆1/2

+
Excellent Animation
I heard a few laughs in the theater.

-
This mechanical object did not come to "life."

Mongol

☆☆☆1/2

+
Engaging Story
Cinematography

-
This film is a little heavy on the bloody battle scenes.

Hancock

☆☆☆

+
Hancock is an entertaining superhero.
Jason Bateman adds some laughs.
I liked the "twist."

-
The explanation of Hancock's history is a little weak.

Get Smart

☆☆☆

+
Steve Carell is a great Maxwell Smart.
Plenty of laughs.

-
The story falls a little short.

The Incredible Hulk

☆☆1/2

+
It's a fun ride.
Edward Norton and Liv Tyler give good performances.


-
The mix of animation and live action didn't work in this film.
Didn't we just see another version about 5 years ago?

The Happening

☆☆

+
This film is successful in creating an eerie mood.


-
I'll admit to still being a little confused as to what was happening.
This isn't Zooey Deschanel's best work.

The Promotion

☆1/2

+
A Few Laughs
Good Cast

-
It's difficult to like the two main characters.
Moody...a little depressing.

Kung Fu Panda

☆☆☆

+
The animation is excellent.
Jack Black adds the fun!

-
Be prepared for noise. This movie is for kids.

Sex and the City

☆☆☆1/2

+
This is a fun and sexy movie with heart.

-
I'm not sure if it will be as popular with people who didn't follow the HBO series.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

☆☆☆1/2

+
A Fun Adventure
Attention to Detail (cars, clothes, expressions, etc.)
Cate Blanchett can do anything!

-
Sometimes it's just too silly.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

☆☆1/2

+
Limited GRAPHIC violence.
The children have improved as actors.

-
The story doesn't have the same magic as "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."
The special effects fell short of "The Lion..." as well.

The Visitor

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
"The Visitor" is my favorite movie of 2008 (as of May).
This is an original and moving story.
Richard Jenkins' performance is "real."

The ending is perfect.

-
Even though the ending is perfect, you'll want more.

Iron Man

☆☆☆

+
Robert Downey Jr. is well-cast as lead character, Tony Stark.
Comic book fans will be pleased.

-
Keep the little ones at home.
This movie is too violent for small children.

Baby Mama

☆☆☆

+
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler make a great team.
Amy Poehler hits all the right "comedic notes."

-
A few confusing scenes with the doorman.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

☆☆☆1/2

+
I laughed a lot!
This film has a great sense of humor.
Each character is strong.

-
Keep the kids at home (nudity, sex, and adult humor).

21

☆☆1/2

+
Good story that creates a high level of tension

-
Leaves too many "Why did they do that?" questions

Leatherheads

☆☆

+
A few laughs
The cast: George Clooney, Renée Zellweger, and John Krasinski (The Office)

-
Not enough for this great cast to work with...something's missing.
I find words and expressions that aren't true to the period (1925) distracting.

In Bruges

☆☆☆1/2

+
Entertaining
Brendan Gleeson brings true depth to his character.
My favorite Colin Ferrell performance to date.

-
Some may say that's it too bloody, but this is a film about two hit men.

Vantage Point

☆☆☆

+
Well-Crafted
Exciting
Great Chase Scene

_
Why are so many of the good movies so violent?

The Hammer

☆☆☆1/2

+
I laughed out loud.
Great sports story (w/ a little romance).

Who knew Adam Corolla could act?
He is a natural in front of the camera.

-
Poor Film Quality
Limited Release

The Bank Job

☆☆☆1/2

+
This film creates a high level of tension that is definitely engaging.
The fact that this screenplay is based on a true story makes it even more interesting.

-
A few scenes may be too violent for some moviegoers.

Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who

☆☆1/2

+
Some of the best animation I've seen.
Steve Carell and Jim Carrey bring a little extra "fun" to their characters.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

☆☆☆

+
Frances McDormand is excellent as Miss Pettigrew.

Once again, Amy Adams is perfect.
She is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses.

-
It ended too quickly. I wanted more of these two characters.

The Other Boleyn Girl

☆☆

+
Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson pull it off.
Interesting Story

-
Don't know that it can be depended on for historical accuracy.

Mad Money

☆1/2

+
It's just fun.

Cloverfield

☆☆1/2

+
Exciting Story
Great Pace

-
Hand Held Camera (a little distracting)

Keep the monster a mystery!
We saw it much too early in the movie.