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