How Do You Know?

☆☆

+
In this romantic comedy (that offers a few laughs) we meet Lisa (Reese Witherspoon)…who after being cut from the USA softball team begins dating Matty (Owen Wilson)…a Major League womanizer and baseball player.
George (Paul Rudd), who is down on his luck…facing financial ruin…meets Lisa and the love triangle is complete.

Jack Nicholson stars as George’s father.
_
This film just doesn’t work.

The characters have no chemistry.

It’s just too hard to believe that Witherspoon’s character, Lisa, would make such stupid decisions…go on a second date with Matty after being disgusted by his behavior on their first date…and even worse…move in with Matty without even knowing if the relationship is monogamous.


Rated PG-13
1 hr. 56 min.

Visit the movie website and see the trailer!

The Fighter

☆☆☆☆1/2


+
Based on a true story, “The Fighter” is the dramatic story of "Irish" Micky Ward's (Mark Wahlberg) journey to the light welterweight title…supported along the way by drug addicted half-brother Dicky (Christian Bale), Alice (Ward’s mother played by Melissa Leo), and girlfriend Charlene (Amy Adams).

Nomination worthy performances by Bale, Leo, and Adams.
_
Hard to believe the group of adult sisters never left the house without each other.

Rated R
1 hr. 54 min.

Visit the movie site and see the trailer!

The King's Speech

☆☆☆☆☆

+
One of the best films of the year…”The King’s Speech” (based on actual events) tells the story of Bertie (expect an Academy Award nomination for Colin Firth), a man with a debilitating speed impediment who becomes King George VI.
In an attempt to overcome his stammer, Bertie begins working with an unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue…played exceptionally by Geoffrey Rush.
Director Tom Hooper manages to create a dramatic and moving story told with a sense of humor.
_
Was Guy Pearce the right choice to play King Edward VIII?

Rated: R
1 hr. 51 min.

Visit the website and see the trailer!

Black Swan

☆☆☆1/2

+
“Black Swan” is the compelling story of New York City ballerina Nina (Natalie Portman…expect an Oscar nomination), who is competing with Lily (Mila Kunis)…a dancer new to the company, to keep her leading role in Swan Lake. As Nina prepares, she becomes increasingly obsessed with becoming the Black Swan.
_
“…Swan” is a disturbing story that lacks even a hint of joy.

Rated R
1 hr. 50 min.

Visit the "Black Swan" website!

127 Hours

☆☆☆1/2


+
“127 Hours,” brought skillfully to the screen by director Danny Boyle, is the incredible true story of Aron Ralston (James Franco), a mountaineer who becomes trapped in an isolated canyon in Utah. After five days, Ralston makes an agonizing choice in order to survive.

Oscar buzz about Franco’s performance.
_
Difficult to watch, disturbing content (bloody), claustrophobic

Rated R
1 hr. 33 min.

Visit the website and watch the trailer!

Burlesque

☆☆☆☆

+
“Burlesque” is an entertaining musical drama featuring Christina Aguilera in her first role as Ali a small town girl who heads to Los Angeles to become a singer. She finds work and a little romance at Tess’ (Cher) Burlesque Lounge.

Terrific feel-good moments where you want to stand and cheer.

Stanley Tucci gives an excellent supporting performance.
_
The plot is a little thin…and it may not be Cher’s best…but it’s fun.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 40 min.

Visit the movie's site and watch the trailer.

Love and Other Drugs

☆☆☆1/2

+
“Love and Other Drugs,” based on Jamie Reidy's memoir "Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman," is a skillful blend of comedy, romance, and drama.
Anne Hathaway gives a fine performance as Maggie, the sexy and beautiful woman who won’t be tied down…until pharmaceutical salesman Jamie (excellent work by Jake Gyllenhaal) comes along and changes both of their lives.
_
A few over-the-top, poorly written characters.

Adult Content: sex scenes, nudity, strong language and some drug use

Rated R
1 hr. 53 min.

Visit the official website and watch the trailer!

Morning Glory

☆☆☆

+
In this enjoyable comedy, Becky Fuller (spot on performance by Rachel McAdams), hired as the new producer of “Daybreak”…a failing morning-news program, decides to revamp the show by adding famous anchorman Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford). Pomeroy, who believes in no nonsense journalism, clashes with Becky and his co-host (Diane Keaton).
_
A whole lot of fun is drained from this movie because Harrison Ford’s character is just too much of a jerk…for more than half of this predictable movie.


Rated PG-13
1 hr. 42 min.

Visit the movie website and watch the trailer!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I

☆☆☆☆

+
Potter fans will enjoy “…Deathly Hallows, Part I” where we find Harry, Ron, and Hermione (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson) on an exciting quest to find the remaining Horcruxes…in an effort to defeat the powerful Voldemort, who now controls the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts School.

Except for a few differences, Part I of this two-part finale stays true to the book.
_
Following the books…the films keep getting darker. Keep the little ones at home.


PG-13
2 hr. 26 min.

Visit the official website and watch the trailer!

Due Date

☆☆☆

+
Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) is detained on a flight from Atlanta to L.A. and in a desperate attempt to make it home in time for the birth of his child, decides to accept a cross-country ride with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (the wacky and ubiquitous Zach Galifianakis).

This entertaining journey ends up being the ride of Peter’s life.
_
“Due Date” is a little too silly and implausible.

Rated R
1 hr. 40 min.

Visit the Movie Website and Watch the Trailer

For Colored Girls

☆☆☆

+
“For Colored Girls,” based on Ntozake Shange's 1975 play, is the emotional story (told through poems) of several women of color who come together because of rape, abortion, abandonment, HIV infection, and murder.
A well-acted drama (directed by Tyler Perry) with an all-star cast including Kimberly Elise, Janet Jackson, Loretta Devine, and Thandie Newton.
_
One too many poetic monologues…some forced into scenes where the content does not work.
Violence (rape, murder), sexual content, strong language

Rated R
2 hr. 0 min.

Visit the Movie Website!

Conviction

☆☆☆☆

+
In this amazing true story, Hilary Swank stars as Betty Anne Waters a high school dropout who spent nearly 20 years working as a single mother while putting herself through law school…all to become a lawyer to overturn her brother’s (Kenny Waters played by Sam Rockwell) unjust murder conviction.

Minnie Driver and Juliette Lewis add excellent supporting performances.
_
Some say we know the ending at the beginning.


Rated R
1 hr. 47 min.

Visit the Movie Website!

Hereafter

☆☆1/2

+
“Hereafter” (directed by Clint Eastwood) is an interesting story that explores the lives of three people who have a connection to the afterlife.
Matt Damon turns in a believable performance as psychic George Lonegan.

_
This slow moving story misses a perfect opportunity to go deeper into this fascinating subject.

I was expecting so much more.

PG-13
2 hr. 6 min.

Visit the Movie Website and See the Trailer!

It's Kind of a Funny Story

☆☆☆1/2

+
“It’s Kind…Story” is an entertaining dramedy with heart.

Craig (Keir Gilchrist), a depressed, suicidal teenager finds a friend (Bobby…Zach Galifianakis), a new love (Noelle…Emma Roberts), and himself during a short stay in the adult psychiatric ward of his local hospital.
_
May be a little slow at first and a little sentimental at the end.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 31 min.

Visit the Movie Site!

Life as We Know It

☆☆☆


+
In this fun romantic comedy, Holly (Katherine Heigl) and “Messer” (Josh Duhamel) go from having one terrible date together to being parents of the orphaned daughter of their mutual best friends who die in an accident.
_
No surprises here…very predictable.

Jean Smart (“Designing Women”), who plays Holly’s mother, is wasted as nothing more than an extra.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 52 min.

Visit the Official Website...See the Trailer

The Social Network

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
One of the most compelling movies of 2010...“The Social Network” is the story of Harvard undergrad, Mark Zuckerberg (outstanding performance by Jesse Eisenberg), who creates one of the largest and most popular social networking sites.

“Facebook” not only brings Zuckerberg riches…it also brings him personal and legal complications.
_
Mark Zuckerberg reports that the movie is almost entirely fictional, but…

Aaron Sorkin, the screenwriter, and David Fincher, the director, insist that the film is accurate.


Rated PG-13
2 hr.

Visit "The Social Network" Official Movie Site

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole

☆☆1/2


+
This wonderfully animated fantasy follows Soren, a young owl enthralled by his father's stories of the Guardian Owls, and his brother Kludd, who scoffs at the same stories. The owlets face kidnapping and battles between the Guardians and the Pure Ones.
_
“Legend…” lacks heart and a genuine connection to the the characters.

Rated PG
1 hr. 30 min.

Visit the Movie Site

The Town

☆☆☆1/2

+
In this engaging Boston crime-drama (directed by/starring Ben Affleck), longtime thief Doug MacRay (solid performance by Affleck), who has fallen for a bank manager from a recent job (Rebecca Hall), plans to leave his life of crime behind and start anew.

Strong supporting cast: Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively

_
Violent
A Little Long

Rated R
2 hr. 3 min.

Visit "The Town" Website

Going the Distance

☆☆☆1/2

+
In this heart-warming romantic comedy loaded with laughs, Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) meet, fall in love, and try to make their long distance relationship work.

Erin’s sister Corinne (Christina Applegate) and Garrett’s roommate Dan (Charlie Day) really add to the fun with strong comedic performances.
_
Predictable
Keep the kids at home: Adult Language and Nudity


Rated R
1 hr. 49 min.

Visit the Movie Site

Get Low

☆☆☆☆

+
In this humorous and heart warming film, which is a mixture of folk tale, fable and real-life legend, a 1930s Tennessee hermit named Felix Bush (award winning performance by Robert Duvall) threw his own funeral party... while he was still alive.

Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray, and Lucas Black add to this tale with fine supporting performances.
_
“Get Low” may have been released too early for top honors.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 43 min.

Visit the Movie Website

The Switch

☆☆1/2

+
In this rom-com, Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) 40 and unmarried decides to become pregnant using a donor, but best friend Wally (the always enjoyable Jason Bateman) doesn’t support the idea. Wally makes a secret move that changes everything.

Solid supporting cast (Jeff Goldblum, Juliette Lewis, Patrick Wilson).
_
Haven't we have seen this story before?
Struggle between comedy and drama.

PG-13
1 hr. 41 min.

Visit the Movie Website

Eat Pray Love

☆☆☆

+
In this quietly engaging drama, Liz Gilbert (played with ease by Julia Roberts) is a happily married woman who realizes something is missing in her life and she needs to make a change (which includes a divorce). Liz decides to take off on a round-the-world journey…a quest for personal and spiritual growth.

Based on the popular memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert
_
This story will be satisfying for individuals who also maintain an interest in personal and spiritual growth.

Rated PG-13
2 hr 13 min

Visit the "Eat Pray Love" Official Movie Website!

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

☆☆☆1/2

+
In this wildly creative action comedy Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) falls for Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), but before they can be together he must defeat all seven of her evil exes.

The video game generation will appreciate the gaming details used throughout the film.
_
The overall film (especially the fantasy elements) may be too quirky and off-beat for many movie goers.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 52 mins.

Visit the Official Movie Website!

Dinner for Schmucks

☆☆☆

+
In this off-beat comedy…Tim (Paul Rudd), who is being considered for a promotion, is torn as to whether or not he should accept an invitation to a special dinner hosted by his boss where the execs bring unusual guests for laughs at their expense.
Tim meets Barry (Steve Carell “gets” this complex character and plays him with finesse) who would be the perfect dinner guest…sure to secure the promotion.
_
“Dinner…” is wacky and at times stupid.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 54 min.

Visit the Official "Dinner for Schmucks" Website

The Extra Man

☆☆1/2

+
"The Extra Man" is a quirky dramedy (from writer/directors Pulchini and Springer-Berman best known for "American Splendor") that follows Louis Ives (Paul Dano), a lonely writer (with a secret) who moves to New York City and rents a room from Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline), an eccentric playwright and social escort for wealthy widows. The two men form a unique relationship.
_
Even with some laughs the film has a gloomy tone…similar to “American Splendor.”


Rated R
1 hr. 45 min.

Visit "The Extra Man" Website

The Other Guys

☆☆☆1/2

+
In this action-packed comedy two dysfunctional New York City detectives (Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg) take on a high profile case full of crazy antics.

Ferrell “reels it in” a bit to hit the right comedy mark as detective Allen Gamble.
_
Be ready for some silliness.

Don’t’ leave too early…one funny scene after the credits.

PG-13
1 hr. 47 min.

Visit "The Other Guys" Official Web Site

The Kids are Alright

☆☆☆☆


+
In this well-acted (expect a nomination or two) and endearing dramedy Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore) have two children (conceived by artificial insemination) and are in a long-term relationship that is tested when the kids decide to contact their donor father (Mark Ruffalo).
_
The storyline related to Jules’ indiscretion perpetuates the idea that being gay is a choice.

Rated R
1 hr. 44 min.

Visit "The Kids are Alright" Movie Site

Salt

☆☆☆1/2

+
An action-packed mystery thriller (full of twists and turns) that answers the question, “Is Evelyn Salt (dynamic performance by Angelina Jolie) a CIA officer loyal to the United States or a Russian spy?”
_
In a wild chase scene, there is just no way the CIA agents would be able to keep up with Salt as she jumps from a freeway overpass to the top of a semi…then to the top of another vechile…

The ending points to a “Salt” sequel.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 40 min.

Click Here to Visit the Official Movie Site

The Girl Who Played With Fire (Flickan som lekte med elden)

☆☆☆1/2

+
In this mystery thriller (and strong sequel to “The Girl…Tattoo”) Lisbeth (excellent performance by Noomi Rapace) and Mikael (Michael Nyqvist) get involved in an investigation, to expose a sex-trafficking ring and clear Lisbeth of murder charges.
_
Swedish with English subtitles

This one is for adults only (violence, rape, strong sexual content, nudity and language).

Rated R
2 hr. 9 min.

www.dragontattoofilm.com

Inception

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
Leonardo DiCaprio, as Dom Cobb a thief skilled in stealing secrets in an individual’s dream state, leads an all-star cast (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, and Marion Cotillard) in this exciting sci-fi thriller with a perfect ending.
_
Some may find the story confusing (and a little long)…stick with it and the details will be revealed as the film progresses.

Moviegoers will be talking about this one after leaving the theater.

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 28 min.

www.inceptionmovie.com

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

☆☆1/2

+
Nicolas Cage stars as Balthazar Blake a sorcerer living in present-day Manhattan…searching for his magical protégé. After finding and training Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel) in the art of magic they set out to defend the city from Blake’s arch-nemesis.

The special effects steal the show in this fantasy adventure.
_

Maybe if we recast a few actors, change the script, and add more magic…it would be better.


Rated PG
1 hr. 52 min.

www.sorcerersapprentice.com

Despicable Me

☆☆☆1/2

+
In this animated comedy, the world's greatest villain Gru (Steve Carell) plans to steal the moon, but three orphan girls get in the way.

Steve Carell adds the fun in an outstanding performance, but Elsie Fisher as Agnes gets the biggest laughs…”It’s so fluffy. I’m going to die!”

_
Don’t leave too early…stay through the credits.

2-D…3-D…you decide?

Rated PG
1 hr. 35 min.

www.despicable.me

I Am Love (Lo Sono L'amore)

☆☆☆

+
Set in Milan, Italy this dramatic love story follows, wife and mother, Emma Recchi (Tilda Swinton) as she pursues a risky passion.

Tilda Swinton gives a flawless performance (in Italian).

The cinematography is beautiful…

_

but may be considered heavy-handed and self-conscience.

This film lacks character development and emotional depth…I expected to be moved.

Rated R
2 hr.

www.iamlovemovie.com

Cyrus

☆☆☆

+
In this enjoyable dramatic comedy, John (John C. Reilly), a divorcee with no social life, meets Molly (the pitch-perfect Marisa Tomei). Although she appears to be the perfect woman, John discovers there is another man in her life.

The craziness begins as we get to know the other man, Cyrus (Jonah Hill).
_
The relationship between Molly and her son Cyrus is unusual and bordering on disturbing.

Rated R
1 hr. 32 min.

www.cyrus

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

☆☆☆

+
In the third installment of the “Twilight Saga,” while several mysterious murders are taking place in Seattle, Bella (Kristen Stewart) must choose between her vampire boyfriend Edward (Robert Pattinson) and her werewolf friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner).

The “newborns” storyline and the extra action make this romantic fantasy a little more fun.

-
Dialogue, meant to be serious, had viewers laughing throughout the film.

Put shirts on Jacob and the pack…it’s just gratuitous.


Rated PG-13
2 hr. 4 min.

www.eclipsethemovie.com

The Last Airbender

☆☆

+
In M. Night Shyamalan’s fantasy adventure, the Fire nation has declared war on the Air, Water, and Earth nations. Aang, the young Avatar, must develop his skills and stop the Fire Nation.

Strong special effects are key in this family film.
-
Confusing plot, silly dialogue, and some terrible acting ruin this movie.

Save your money…it’s not necessary to see “The…Airbender” in 3-D.
The craze has taken over to allow studios to charge more money.


Rated PG
1 hr. 43 min.

www.thelastairbendermovie.com

Winter's Bone

☆☆☆☆

+
In this award winning (Best Picture Sundance Film Festival), well-acted, engaging, dramatic thriller, Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence), who lives in the Ozark Mountains with her brother, sister, and sick mother, faces great danger as she searches for her drug-dealing father.

The story provides hope,

-
but this is not a happy film…may even be considered grim.

A little more of an emotional connection would make this a perfect film.


Rated R
1 hr. 40 min.


www.wintersbonemovie.com

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

☆☆☆☆

+
"Joan...Work" is a funny, touching and honest glimpse into the comedienne's struggle to stay on top in the entertainment industry at the age of 75.

Fans know Joan Rivers' work, but this documentary shows a very personal and endearing side of the actress/comedienne.
-
This one is for adults only.
Strong language and content.

Rated R
1 hr. 24 min.

www.joanriversapieceofwork.com

Knight and Day

☆☆☆1/2

+
June Havens (Cameron Diaz) finds herself in the middle of a secret mission with undercover agent (Tom Cruise) in this action-packed romantic comedy.

Diaz and Cruise make a good team in this fun summer ride.

-
Sure the plot is preposterous…just sit back and have fun.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 50 min.

www.knightanddaymovie.com

Toy Story 3

☆☆1/2

+
The toys are back (Tom Hanks is back as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack as Jessie) in this animated, action-adventure that is fun for the family (especially the young ones).

Gotta love the toys...

-
but you don't have to love the story. Once again we find the toys separated from Andy and struggling to get back home.

The 3-D is fun, but may not be worth the extra money.

Rated G
1 hr. 43 min.

www.disney.toystory3

The A-Team

☆☆☆

+
"The A-Team" (Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, Sharlto Copley), a group of war veterans accused of committing a crime, are out to clear their names in this wild (and at times funny) action adventure.

Outrageous, well-planned, well-executed and fun to watch covert "ops."
-
So many bullets and so many missed targets!

Don't leave too early...quick scene after the final credits.

PG-13
1 hr. 57 min.

www.ateam-movie.com

Killers

☆☆

+
Ashton Kutcher stars in and produces this romantic comedy where the new groom has a "killer secret."

Katherine Heigl (who always lights up the screen) and Catherine O'Hara, (who always delivers the laughs) give it all they've got...
-
...but they still can't completely save "Killers." Poor dialogue, uneven acting, and a slow start really destroy this film.





Rated PG-13
1 hr. 40 min.

www.killersfilm.com

Sex and the City 2

☆☆☆☆

+
Two years later the ladies (Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie, Kristin Davis as Charlotte, Cynthia Nixon as Miranda, and Kim Cattrall as Samantha) are back dealing with the challenges of motherhood, careers, and relationships in this entertaining sequel filled with laughs, tears...and of course high fashion.
-
Viewers may need to be familiar with the series (or the first installment) to truly have fun with "Sex...2."

Rated R
2 hr. 26 min.

www.sexandthecitymovie

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

☆☆☆1/2

+
The enjoyable and action-packed “Prince…” (based on a video game) finds Prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) on a quest to save a magical dagger that can turn back the hands of time.
-
Even though it's probably just Disney fun, contemporary language/phrases ("Is that all you've got?" and "I don't trust the government. That's why I don't pay my taxes.") take viewers out the movie time period.

PG-13
1 hr. 56 min.

www.princeofpersia

Babies

☆☆1/2

Guest Reviewer: Rory Baker


+
In following four different babies from around the world, Mongolia, Namibia, San Francisco and Tokyo, from birth to first steps, the director did an visually stunning job of filming within their natural environments, without forcing an agenda or bias.

-
Although this movie shows universal development, I was hoping for more contrasting and comparing of the children's outcomes from the varied environments, including social and economic status.

Rated PG
1 hr. 20 min.

www.babies

Shrek Forever After

☆☆☆☆

+
Shrek, board with his day-to-day life, makes a deal with the evil Rumpelstiltskin that turns his happy life upside down.

"Shrek Forever After" (starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, Jon Hamm, John Cleese, Jane Lynch, Kathy Griffin, Mary Kay Place, Meredith Vieira) is packed full of fun, good music, 3-D, and a touching story.
-
So many stars...and too little screen (voice) time for Jane Lynch, Kathy Griffin, and Jon Hamm.

Rated PG
1 hr. 33 min.

www.shrek.com

Iron Man 2

☆☆☆1/2

+
Billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), who lives a double life as a billionaire inventor and superhero Iron Man, is not only facing powerful enemies (Ivan Vanko played by Mickey Rourke) but is also under pressure to share his advanced technology with the U.S. government.

Robert Downey Jr. leads an all-star cast (Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, and Sam Rockwell) and delivers the fun in this entertaining film.
_
Less action than "Iron Man."
Don't leave too early! You'll miss an important scene.

PG-13
2 hrs. 4 min.

www.ironmanmovie.com

La Mission

☆☆☆1/2

+
Benjamin Bratt stars as a reformed ex-con father who is devastated when he discovers that his son has been living a secret life in this heart-wrenching family drama.
-
The message along with the Mission lingo and lifestyle are heavy handed.

Rated R
1 hr. 57 min.

www.lamissionthemovie.com

The Eclipse

☆☆

+

Michael Farr (Ciarán Hinds), who is adjusting to the death of his wife and raising their two kids alone, has been seeing and hearing strange things in the house late at night. He isn't sure if he is simply having terrifying nightmares or if his house is haunted.

The story has tremendous potential.

_

The characters, their relationships, and the intriguing question of ghosts vs. nightmares are not fully developed in this slow moving film.

Rated R

1 hr. 28 min.

www.theeclipsefilm.com