The Last King of Scotland

MUST-SEE: A good political warfare movie teaches its audience, as well as entertains them. Comparable to Hotel Rwanda and Blood Diamond, The Last King of Scotland does both. And the quality of this one falls right in the middle of those two. We are introduced to Dr. Nicholas Garriger (James McAvoy), who abandons his comfy home and promising career in Scotland to pursue a career in medical relief in Uganda. Young and naive, Nicholas accepts a job as personal doctor to the president, Whitaker's Idi Amin. Everything is a party until Amin's personality seeps through. People go missing, people are found dead, and most start to live in fear. Dr. Nicholas finds himself a prisoner in the unrest, unable to leave, unable to speak, and fearful of his every move. The film does a fantastic job of creating the sense of fear that spread across Uganda during the regime's assaults. Whitaker earned his Oscar for his portrayal. The director didn't hold back either, exposing even the most graphic details of Amin's power trip. There is no room for tears, though, in this movie, which sets it below Rwanda, because suspense and anxiety, and disgust take precedence. This film is fantastic. The acting deep and emotional. The scenery beautiful and entrapping. The story powerful and grotesque. It's not light. It will leave a pit in your stomach, so know that going in, but let it's story grip you despite and you'll support the Academy on this one.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

WORTH-IT (Verbinski): The third installment of Disney's favorite franchise has been getting a lot of heat. Whether they complain it is too long, claim it was too confusing, or insist the ending was awful, everyone is finding something wrong with it. My suggestion is to get over that Part 3 wasn't the perfect ending you envisioned. First of all, you didn't write it, you didn't direct it, so basically, it isn't your movie to disapprove. Aside from those assumptions, I think Pirates 3 was a solid next chapter. Yes, the ending is foggy. Verbinski is quoted as saying they are leaving the ending open for a fourth, but not binding themselves to it. If we could all take a step back to early Disney movies... you'll remember that almost every one finished up with a happily ever after that we could re-visit for life. (Remember Aladdin 2, Little Mermaid 2, ETC.?) Fortunately, all the fantasy tales provide just that, a tale. NOT a lifetime time line. So, embrace Pirates 3 for what it leaves to our imagination, and appreciate that they MIGHT revisit Jack and friends come several years, to compensate the growing curiosity you were left with at world's end. 3 offers great humor, stronger characters, more digitalized wonder, and a special appearance by Keith Richards himself (the vision of Cap'n Jack). It's a long movie, rounding out at 3 hours, and it's a delicate weave of pirate code, myth, and water. But, it comes together in the end. Everything makes sense, and you spend many moments wanting to cheer on different guys. You never know who to trust, never know who to hate, and in the end, are left wanting more. So, take your thinking cap, and keep your eyes wide open. It's a vision of digital candy and an earful of witty one-liners, all thrown in with intricate story lines. Have fun with it!

Waitress: Don't Wait to see it

(Shelley) MUST-SEE: From this day forth, Keri Russell is in my book. I've never seen Felicity, so really only knew her for her bouncy curls and cutesy smile. Lord, underestimation of the year. She was great! She was quirky, funny, and convincing. (And that cutesy smile is only one of her many talented faces). Waitress surprised me. I expected the usual quirkiness of a Sundance flick, but it carried beyond that. Sure, it started slow, keeping us entertained by the "pie culture" of down-south somewhere, and the anti-maternal antics of Russell's character. And, of course, bringing Andy Griffith into the picture drew swarms of blue-hairs. (And his sour character was the one most loved). But the story, a predictable one, was intriguing and unique in its own sense. We knew what was going to happen, but we held on to watch Russell's Jenna tread her path. All of the characters made me feel their heartache. I shed tears. I laughed out loud. I identified. Shelley delivered a stellar film here, and I suggest it to all. I think men and women can both appreciate the humor and the heart of this film. It brings out the good and the ugly and it helps us to laugh and cry at both. Watch this film. It's transcendence is truly a pleasant surprise.

Shrek the Third: Third Time's a Charmer

WORTH-IT: This third installment was a complete joy to watch. I loved the storyline, but despite the plot, the script is hilarious. The story doesn't even have to be good, because the humor overrides anything sub-par. And the humor is complex and diverse. It covers several senses of humor (dry, tongue-in-cheek, satirical...) and requires an appreciation for every one. I laughed out loud for the majority of the movie. The introduction of every fairy tale character ever creates a nostalgic trip back for viewers of all ages, and, as every good family-friendly comedy should, it appeals on two levels:one for kids and one for adults. I loved it. It keeps the stage open for a Shrek 4 and entices audiences to keep coming. I'll see the fourth. And the fifth. And so on.

Stomp the Yard

QUESTIONABLE: Its hard to think of exactly what I want to say about this movie. I want to describe the energy well enough to keep your opinion aimiable, but in reality, I don't think you're missing too much by skipping this one. The dancing, stepping, and music was phenomenal. Rap, R&B, and rock collide to pump up the teams, the crowds, and the viewer. But, the acting, the back-up storyline, and the execution fell slack. Actually, it fell OFF the yard. Good ideas left out to dry, powerful monologues slammed into a brick wall before blooming, and the potential for incredible digital videography was lost. I think it goes without saying that this is stereotypcial for most dancer movies, but I was thoroughly disappointed this time. I love Chris Brown, but his big-name pull only pulled until he got shot. From then on, it was a laugh, accompanied by great moves and music.

Fracture

WORTH-IT: (Gregory Hoblit) Fracture is an entertaining movie. The acting was great, the story was compelling, and the trickiness is awesome. As far as one of my favorite movies... it didn't make the cut. (Which is rare, but I am working on narrowing my scope). I was thoroughly entertained. I love Anthony Hopkins and he mastered this role, as his usual bad guy. Gosling I have developed a much deeper respect for and am excited to see him continue to pursue roles with this kind of depth. He did a wonderful job. I hated him and then was on his side, and was completely convinced each time. My confusion is that the twist to the story seemed obvious the whole time. Therefore I could not figure out whether we were supposed to have figured it out and the point was to simply enjoy watching Gosling's character suffer to figure it out, or if I just caught on early, in which case, it was way too obvious. Either way, I liked it for whichever it attempted to be and think it can appeal to anyone looking for a good courtroom drama mixed with a Hopkins-esque psycho defendant.

Little Children: Big Success

WORTH-IT: This movie was a real delight to see. I don't know what I was actually expecting, but it included the idea of something dark, disturbing, and saddening. What I experienced was something beautiful, something genuine, and something enlightening. First of all, the film is a perfect mix of emotion that you can't help but compare to real life. I laughed out loud as much as I shifted to the edge of my seat, as much as I held my breath. It could have simply been a story about two people trying to blend into their stereotypical suburbia, but instead adapted to several themes of sex, lust, boredom, independence, and maternity. The bottom-line (stated by the narrator) was that where our past was forever going to be bad, the future was what mattered. All the characters' struggles are because of the past, and through their 'little children,' they see a brighter future. But underneath, the film is much more complex. It deals with sex, adultery, and violence, but if you can get past the graphics, the story can really take you deeper. Whether its your story or not, empathy plays a part. No one is really the bad guy, so you have to identify in your own mind (or heart) with the feelings of the character. Its an effort to paint the lives of ordinary people through this small town. So, see this movie. Appreciate it for its simplistict surface, but reach into its complex weave of personality and life. Let it affect you. Let it entertain you. And amidst it strong thematics, don't hold back your laughter.

Blood Diamond: You may think you want a rock...

WORTH-IT: (Edward Zwick) Wow. This movie slid under the rug during Oscar season. It was ridiculously intense, emotional, beautiful, and REAL. Zwick (Legends of the Fall) spared no blood, no heart, no soul for the reality put forth in this film. Based on true events, Blood Diamond captures the tragedy behind diamond harvesting in South Africa. "TIA" is what the Africans repeat, standing for "this is Africa," as a way to explain their violent existence. In a state of civil unrest, the people of South Africa are ripped apart, burned, and stolen by refugees illegally sending diamonds across the border to be sold to "young American women dreaming of a storybook wedding and a big rock on their finger." Leo DiCaprio does a phenomenal job as the heartless smuggler out to use and abuse to get his ticket out of the war zone, a 100 carat blood diamond. But the spotlight belongs to Djimon Hounsou. His character is the face of the crisis, and his performance grips you from the beginning. He's a father, a husband, a partner, a prisoner, and a hero. I can't find many negative things to say for the film, other than its gory and violent, so be wary if you can't handle that. It's a very real film, that hits close to home for anyone with a taste for diamonds, and may prove to violent to endure for some. I could have done without the Leo-Connelly love-fling, as it did nothing for the film but give Leo's character an outlet to reveal his softer side. And her character's inconsistency was distracting. But given a chance, this film tells a story that deserves publicity. And its done well. It reaches the heart, it pleases the eye, and it touches the soul. Djimon should have won the Oscar. His voice and his drive serve as the power source for the movie's impact.

Stranger Than Fiction: Not your typical Ferrell

WORTH-IT: (Marc Forster) This is a quiet movie. Writer Karen Eiffel, a worn-out Emma Thompson, narrates the life of Harold Crick, an independent and dedicated Will Ferrell. Movie-goers should first and foremost throw out your previous Ferrell opinions- whether it be you like him or not, because this is a step in the opposite direction for him. After clearing your mind of these predispositions, you will most likely enjoy the film. It provides an entertaining romp through the "last" days of Crick's life, as narrated by Eiffel. Humor surfaces often, the characters grow and change, and the story is unpredictable. I will admit it is slow, but that speed comes with an aesthetic flair in this film, as the slow passage of time reflects the monotony of Crick's life, Eiffel's struggle with writer's block, and the pangs of waiting for time to pass. Essentially, the story is all about waiting: waiting for ideas, waiting for the bus, and waiting for your death. But the beauty of it is that through the waiting, you might discover a life you weren't expecting, and then time may pass too quickly. I enjoyed this movie, and recommend it to ones who want a solid entertainment, easy on the mind, and simple for the emotions, yet fantastic in story-telling. (As for comparison to Forster's other work... Finding Neverland remains my favorite)

Post Oscars: Make sure you see these!

The Oscars receive a lot of fire for their lack of substantial film, poor presentation as an awards show, and biased Academy selections. I disagree 100%. I absolutely love the Oscars. They fire me up to see new films, enlighten my scope for Foreign Language films, and encourage me to formulate my own opinions. Every year, I try to see all the nominated films, familiarize myself with the nominated actors/resses, and make my own guesses. This year's lot contained some gems, which you MUST see. Take to heart my recommendations. Appreciate each film for the intended way. Watch the movie how the director created it, not how Hollywood has taught you to perceive good entertainment. There are few happy endings, few moral characters, and little English, but each was deserving in its nomination, and most, in their win.

VOLVER: MUST-SEE (Pedro Almodovar) Phenomenal. Emotional. Beautiful. Cruz comes across as I have never appreciated her before. The storyline is not a typical American one, but engulfs your soul into the a mother/daughter/family intimacy. I loved it. Most beautiful scene- Cruz (lip) sings a song her mother taught her, amidst a film-crew wrap-party painted with vibrant colors, elated spirits, and an overwhelming sense of emotion.

PAN'S LABYRINTH: PHENOMENAL (Guillermo del Toro) This was my favorite Oscar Nominee. I was pleasantly surprised by the plot, the characters, and the creativity that went into the characters. Pan's voice is hypnotic. The character's are inspiring. It is Alice in Wonderland for the grown-up. To spar the negative reviews: NO, this is not a children's movie. No one proclaimed it to be. There is death, dying, war, and torture. It IS in Spanish, so understand you'll be reading subtitles. But get over subtitles. Film in Spanish is the most beautiful way to hear a script. You may feel overwhelmed in the beginning, but five minutes in until the end, you'll have forgotten you were reading the lines flying through your head.

NOTES ON A SCANDAL: MUST-SEE (Richard Eyre) Cate Blanchett rocks this film. Once again, not a traditional American plot, so don't watch with a closed mind. Let yourself be touched by these characters, and you'll be blown away by their magnitude.

DEPARTED: MUST-SEE (Martin Scorsese) Forget they're using the "F-Bomb" so often, otherwise you'll miss this incredible Boston-mafiesque story. Pay attention as well. It's a tricky plot. But see it. Vera Farmiga is incredible. Leo surpasses expectations again, and Jack continues to please (although looks worse than ever).

HALF NELSON: MUST MUST-SEE(Ryan Fleck) Touching. This movie really touched my heart. I can't think of a less cheesy way to put it. All "Notebook" haters, do not discard Gosling's performance in this one. The story is about two people, of opposite backgrounds, learning to love themselves through loving each other. But platonic love. There is no pedophile story here. A young girl helps her teacher see he can do better, while he encourages the same for her. There are drugs.There is sex. But its depicted in a way to educate and illustrate the genuine struggles involved with life on the hard road. It breaks your heart; but in a realistic way, that makes you clutch your heart rather than wipe your tears.

HAPPY FEET: MUST-SEE (George Miller) This was the best animation film, (although MONSTER HOUSE and CARS were must-sees as well). A sweet story that enlightens children and adults of global issues. The environmental issues were just right in their intensity. And Mumble's voice is to cute to hate. The music provides laughter and chills, and the animation is often more realistic than cartoon. Don't forget Robin Williams makes an appearance and brings his famed humor to the screen,making this flick irresistible.