It's Complicated

☆☆☆☆

+
"It's Complicated" is a laugh-out-loud comedy with an outstanding cast (Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, John Krasinski).
Voted Best Ensemble Cast (National Board of Review)
-
Some say the story is just too unrealistic.

Rated R
1 hr. 58 min.

www.itscomplicatedmovie.com

Sherlock Holmes

☆☆☆

+
Robert Downey Jr.'s performance and chemistry with costar Jude Law (Dr. Watson) make Guy Ritchie's updated 'Sherlock Holmes' enjoyable.
-
Rachel McAdams was miscast

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 5 min.

www.sherlock-holmes-movie

Nine

☆☆1/2

+
"Nine" offers an award winning cast (Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Sophia Loren, Kate Hudson, Stacy Ferguson 'Fergie') and entertaining musical numbers.
-
The focus is on individual musical numbers and not the story.
"Nine" lacks character development.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 58 min.

www.nine-movie.com

Avatar

☆☆☆1/2

+
Director James Cameron creates an exciting 3-D world (Pandora: an alien moon) where the Na'vi live in harmony with nature until the humans come to destroy the land for the rich minerals.
-
At times it feels as if you are watching a very expensive video game.
The acting is uneven...good and bad.

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 42 min.

http://www.avatarmovie.com

Invictus

☆☆☆

+
Morgan Freeman is well-cast as Nelson Mandela who uses the 1995 World Cup as a way to bring together the people of South Africa.
Matt Damon turns in a solid performance as the captain of the South African rugby team.
-
"Invictus" is over 2 hours, and the excitement doesn't begin until the last 45 minutes.

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 14 min.

http://www.invictusmovie

Disney's A Christmas Carol

☆☆☆

+
Jim Carrey is excellent as Ebenezer Scrooge in this enjoyable version of "A Christmas Carol."
-
The animation is a little less disturbing than "The Polar Express"...either make a live action film or rework the character animation.

Rated PG
1 hr. 36 min.

http://www.achristmascarol

Up in the Air

☆☆☆☆

+
"Up in the Air" is an entertaining dramatic comedy starring George Clooney (Best Actor - National Board of Review) as Ryan Bingham, a man whose job is to travel across America firing people.
Award Winning Performances by Anna Kendrick and Vera Farminga

-
"Up..." is a little too callous.

Rated R
1 hr. 49 min.

www.theupintheairmovie.com

Brothers

☆☆☆1/2

+
Tobey Maguire gives an excellent performance as Sam Cahill who has to leave his family to return to Afghanistan.
Strong performances by Natalie Portman, as Sam's wife Grace, and Jake Gyllenhaal, as Sam's brother.
-
Unfortunately, the trailer tells the whole story.
Lacks Emotional "Connection"

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 34 min.

www.brothersfilm.com

The Road

☆☆☆1/2

+
Viggo Mortensen gives a strong performance in this grim post-apocalyptic film based on Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel "The Road."

Excellent Make-Up and Sets
_
Be ready for a very dismal story that offers little or no hope for the two main characters.

Rated R
1 hr. 59 min.

www.theroad-movie.com

Fantastic Mr. Fox

☆☆☆

+
"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Wes Anderson's first animated film utilizing a handmade stop motion technique, tells the story of Mr. Fox (based on Roald Dahl's best-selling children's book) who can't seem to stop stealing chickens.
George Clooney, who voices Mr. Fox, delivers the enjoyment.
-
Meryl Streep's talents are wasted on the character of Mrs. Fox.
In this time of wonderful animation, this stop motion technique looks and feels outdated.

Rated PG
1 hr. 28 min.

www.fantasticmrfoxmovie.com

The Blind Side

☆☆☆☆

+
"The Blind Side" (based on true events) is the moving story of Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) and her altruistic Memphis family who take in a homeless teenager, Michael (Quinton Aaron).

This is Sandra Bullock's best performance to date.

-
Slow Start

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 6 min.

www.theblindsidemovie.com

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

☆☆1/2

+
Fans of the Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series will enjoy this vampire vs. werewolf teenage romantic drama.
-
The dialogue, special effects, and make-up could be better.

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 10 min.

www.newmoonmovie.org

Precious

☆☆☆☆☆

+
"Precious" is the heart-wrenching story (based on the novel "Push" by Sapphire) of 16-year-old Claireece "Precious" Jones who is living a life of physical, sexual, and verbal abuse at the hands of her mother, Mo'Nique, who gives an incredibly raw Oscar worthy performance.
Early Academy Award Prediction: Nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress - Gabourey Sidibe as Precious, and Best Supporting Actress - Mo'Nique.
-
Be ready to be disturbed and moved by this movie.
Violence, Strong Language, Sexual Situations

Rated R
1 hr. 30 min.

www.weareallprecious.com

The Box

☆☆

+
"The Box" is an intriguing story that raises a serious moral question.
-
Mediocre Acting
Confusing

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 56 min.

www.thebox-movie.warnerbros.com

The Men Who Stare at Goats

☆☆1/2

+
George Clooney and Ewan McGregor add a little humor to "Men...Goats" based on Jon Ronson's nonfiction best-seller.
-
Even though the story is based on true events, it's just not that interesting (or funny).

Rated R
1 hr. 33 min.

www.themenwhostareatgoatsmovie.com

An Education

☆☆☆☆

+
A truly satisfying film about 16 year old Jenny (Carey Mulligan) who longs for an exciting life which she finds with David (Peter Sarsgaard).
-
A Few "Why did she do that?" Questions

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 39 min.

www.sonyclassics.com/aneducation

This Is It

☆☆☆1/2

+
"This Is It" is a fascinating look into Michael Jackson's genius behind the scenes as he worked on every detail of what was to be his comeback concert.
-
This documentary falls short when it comes to giving the audience more of an idea who Michael Jackson really was.
Where was the song "Ben?"

Rated PG
1 hr. 51 min.

www.thisisit-movie.com

A Serious Man

☆☆1/2


+
The Coen brothers give us a unique story (with a few smiles) about a man whose life is falling apart.
-
"A Serious Man" is another sad and depressing movie that we are supposed to love.

Rated R
1 hr. 45 min.

www.aseriousman.com

Where the Wild Things Are

☆☆☆

+
Spike Jonze's adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's book engages viewers with a visually exciting fantasy world.
-
"...Wild Things..." tries too hard to make Max's character emotionally complex.
The fantasy section doesn't always make sense.

Rated PG
1 hr. 34 min.


www.wherethewildthingsare.com

Whip It

☆☆☆1/2

+
Drew Barrymore directs and stars (along with the always endearing Ellen Page) in this amusing roller derby comedy.
-
The main story-line between Ellen Page and Marcia Gay-Harden isn't fully developed.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 41 min.

www.foxsearchlight.com/whipit

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

☆☆☆

+
Bill Hader and Anna Faris voice the main characters in this fun 3-D film based on the popular children's book.
-
Cute...Not Very Funny
Loose Interpretation of the Children's Book

Rated PG
1 hr. 21 min.

www.cloudywithachanceofmeatballs

Couples Retreat

☆☆☆

+
Vince Vaughn and Jason Bateman will make you laugh in this enjoyable film shot in sunny and beautiful Bora Bora.
-
Stupid Sexual Jokes (Yoga with Instructor Salvadore-Carlo Ponce-)

Rated PG
1 hr. 53 min.

www.couplesretreatmovie.com

Zombieland

☆☆☆☆

+
Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson manage to outsmart and "out muscle" the zombies in this crazy, laugh-out-loud film.
"Nut-Up or Shut-Up!"
-
Gorey, Violent, Gross

Rated R
1 hr. 30 min.

www.zombieland.com

Fame

☆☆1/2

+
"Fame" offers a few good music and dance numbers along with some talented actors.
-
It's hard to care about the story when there is such limited character development.

Rated PG
1 hr. 47 min.


www.generationfame.com

The Informant!

☆☆☆

+
Matt Damon plays division chief, Mark Whitacre, who informs the FBI of of a corporate crime in this interesting real life story.
-
"The Informant!" doesn't work as a comedy or drama.

Rated R
1 hr. 45 min.

http://theinformantmovie.warnerbros.com

The September Issue

☆☆☆☆

+
"The September Issue" is an entertaining glimpse into the world of Anna Wintour, editor in chief of "Vogue."
Even though the film focuses on Wintour, beauty editor, Grace Coddington steals the show.
-
Don't rule out this fashion documentary...even if you don't care about fashion or documentaries!

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 28 min.

www.theseptemberissue.com

All About Steve

☆☆☆

+
Sandra Bullock is fun in this crazy romantic comedy.
_
A Little Too Silly

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 38 min.

www.allaboutstevemovie.com

Extract

☆☆

+
Jason Bateman helps to bring a few laughs to this work place comedy.
_
Poorly Written
"Over-Done" Jokes

Rated R
1 hr. 31 min.

www.extract-the-movie.com

Inglourious Basterds

☆☆☆☆

+
Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent and Christoph Waltz star in Quentin Tarantino's surprisingly entertaining film about a group of Jewish soldiers (The Basterds) organized to get revenge against The Third Reich.
_
Violent
A Little Long

Rated R
2 hr. 32 min.


www.inglouriousbasterds-movie.com

Taking Woodstock

☆☆☆1/2

+
Jake Teichberg and Imelda Staunton turn in excellent performances.

Ang Lee ("Brokeback Mountain") captures the spirit of Woodstock...
_
...minus one of the most important elements...the music.

Rated R
1 hr. 50 min.

www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/taking_woodstock

Post Grad

☆1/2

+
Alexis Bledel as graduate, Ryden Malby, is by far the best part of this romantic comedy.
_
Michael Keaton, Jane Lynch, and Carol Burnett's talents are wasted in this poorly written, silly story.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 27 min.

www.foxsearchlight.com/postgrad

The Time Traveler's Wife

☆☆

+
Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana star in this intriguing, supernatural romance.
_
The story isn't logical.
Some of the time travel situations don't make sense.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 37 min.

www.thetimetravelerswifemovie.com

Paper Heart

☆☆1/2

+
The quirky Charlyne Yi ("Knocked-Up") and rising star Michael Cera ("Juno") star in this unique comedy/romance about the filming of a "love documentary."
_
The majority of the film centers around interviews about love that just aren't that interesting.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 28 min.

www.paperheart-movie.com

District 9

☆☆☆1/2

+
"District 9" is a unique sci-fi action (part mockumentary) film where the aliens (prawns) are captured, "housed," and supported by the South African government.
Excellent Special Effects!
_
Why would the government take 1.8 million aliens out of their ship to live among humans...even if they are in the fenced-in slums of District 9?
Violence, Language

Rated R
1 hr. 52 min.

www.district9movie.com

Julie and Julia

☆☆☆☆

+
Meryl Streep transforms herself into the truly enjoyable Julia Child, and Amy Adams gives an excellent performance as Julie Powell, the woman who takes on the "Julie/Julia Project" (cooking all 536 recipes from the Julia Child cookbook in one year).
_
Maybe a little too much Nora Ephron "fluff."

Rated PG-13
2 hrs. 3 min.

www.julieandjulia.com

Orphan

☆☆1/2

+
Isabelle Fuhrman gives an excellent performance as the deranged orphan, Esther.
The second hour will have you on the edge of your seat.
_
Peter Sarsgaard's character is written as unbelievably stupid!
"Orphan" gets off to a slow start.

‎Rated R‎
‎2 hr. 3 min.
‎
www.orphan-movie.warnerbros.com

Funny People

☆☆☆☆

+
"Funny..." is one of those rare movies that has the perfect balance of comedy and drama.

A great performance by Seth Rogen.
Jonah Hill makes me laugh once again!
_
"Funny..." could be cut by a few minutes.
Too many male anatomy jokes.

Rated R
2 hrs. 20 mins.

www.funnypeoplemovie.com

The Ugly Truth

☆☆☆

+
"The Ugly Truth" is an enjoyable romantic comedy starring the always charming Katherine Heigl.
_
Predictable
Sexual Situations, Language

Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
www.sonypictures.com/movies/theuglytruth/

500 Days of Summer

☆☆☆1/2

+
"500...Summer" is an offbeat boy meets girl romantic comedy with a little fun and fantasy.
This is Zooey Deschanel's best work yet.
_
The time jumping may be a little confusing.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 35 min.

www.foxsearchlight.com/500daysofsummer/

The Hurt Locker

☆☆☆1/2

+
"The Hurt Locker" is a compelling story of how three men, serving their last 38 days in Iraq, deal with being assigned to a U.S. Army bomb squad.
Cameo Appearances by Guy Pearce and Ralph Fiennes
_
A Little Long
Violence and Strong Language

Rated R
2 hr. 10 min

thehurtlocker-movie.com

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

☆☆☆1/2

+
Fans will enjoy this installment where Harry, Hermione, and Ron find drama and a little romance.
The special effects keep getting better.
_
The film isn't true to the book.
"Harry Potter...Prince" lacks excitement and a solid storyline.

Rated PG
2 hr. 33 min.

harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthehalf-bloodprince

Bruno

☆1/2

+
Sacha Baron Cohen's new mockumentary exposes homophobia and adds a few laughs at the same time.
_
Cohen's character, Bruno, is written as a stupid, over-the-top gay man.
As much as I didn't want this to be the case..."Bruno" does reinforce gay stereotypes.

Sexual Situations and Nudity
Adults Only

Rated R
1 hr. 23 min.

www.thebrunomovie.com

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

☆☆☆1/2

+
"Ice Age..." is an enjoyable story with laughs for kids and adults.
The 3-D tops other recent animated films.
_
The acorn-chasing Scrat seems like "unnecessary filler."

Rated PG
1 hr. 34 min.

www.iceagemovie.com

Cheri

☆☆☆

+
Michelle Pfeiffer gives a solid performance as Lea, the aging courtesan, in this Stephen Frears ("The Queen") film.
_
Kathy Bates is miscast.

Rated R
1 hr. 33 min.

www.cheri-movie.com

Public Enemies

☆☆1/2

+
All-Star Cast: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose), Billy Crudup

"Public Enemies," based on the true life story of John Dillinger, is an interesting drama.
_
It should have been more interesting.
Too Long. This film could easily be "trimmed" down to 90 minutes.

Rated R
2 hr. 23 min.

www.publicenemies.net/

Moon

☆☆☆

+
Sam Rockwell skillfully plays an astronaut who may, or may not, be losing his mind while he fulfills a three year contract on a moon space station.

_
The question is answered too early.

Rated R
1 hr. 37 min.

www.sonyclassics.com/moon/

My Sister's Keeper

☆☆☆☆

+
"My Sister's Keeper" is a moving, well-acted film that poses an interesting question.
Sofia Vassilieva 's (TV's "Medium") performance as Kate, the sick daughter, shows true talent.

_
Be ready for a tear-jerker.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 39 min.

www.mysisterskeepermovie.com

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

☆1/2

+
The "human" part of "Transformers..." is entertaining.
Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox make a great action team.

_
The story is lost in special effects, battles, and explosions.
Crazy Battle Scenes!
Which transformer is good and which one is evil?

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 31 min.

Year One

☆1/2

+
Once again Michael Cera gives "spot-on" comedic delivery.

_
Most of the laughs are in the trailer.
Some of the humor is in bad taste.

1 hr. 40 min.
Rated PG-13

The Proposal

☆☆☆1/2

+
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds make a great team in this touching romantic comedy.
Betty White adds some fun.

_
Predictable

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 48 min.