Morning Glory

MUST-SEE: (Roger Michell) If there was ever any doubt that Rachel McAdams was America’s new sweetheart, Morning Glory bids it farewell forever. She plays Becky Fuller, an energetic, hopeful and undeniably adorable new executive producer, taking the reigns of a dying morning show to desperately try and breathe life back into its dysfunctional, yet lovable, TV family. She struggles to balance the stress of work with the threat of losing her reputation, at the same time doing her best to fall in love (with “smokin’” Patrick Wilson, no less). And not only does she run the show, she does it alongside movie powerhouses Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford.

Keaton plays morning show favorite Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton) and her new (disgruntled) co-host, is Harrison Ford playing Mike Pomeroy. Keaton’s Peck does anything she can to stay on top (including practicing a diva attitude) while Ford’s Pomeroy is less than enthusiastic about his new gig and not abashed to show it. Egos collide for a comical moshpit of monosyllabic news bits and cheesy community coverage, everyone fighting the battle of news versus entertainment.

It’s any executive producer’s nightmare—left third in command behind egotistical anchors, but somehow Fuller steers the chaos into something worth saving. McAdams is funny and real, irresistible as the lead and powerful enough to carry this film up and over its conflict, leaving its story melting in our hearts forever. You’ll leave wanting to follow your own dreams, and kick up your heels doing it. Romantic comedy pro Roger Michell pulls out all the stops for this roller coaster ride of cuteness that just escapes a chic flick label and instead takes its place in a long line of soon-to-be classics we’ll be watching again and again.

In the Loop

WORTH-IT: (Armando Iannucci) As the US President and UK Prime Minister toy with thoughts of war, a few others do everything they can to avoid it. A truly tongue in cheek comedy, this British gem is a fast-paced, witty insight into politics underneath the politics. Much more emphasized than the benefit of war or not, is who sleeps with who, who is more important, who believes what, who is on who's team, etc. etc. It's bordering so close to idiocy that you can't help but be fascinated. It's like watching a train wreck. Personalities and wit converge into something spectacular and hilarious. Peter Capaldi plays the boiling blood pressure Malcom Tucker, adviser to the vulnerable and flighty Prime Minister, perfectly casted in Tom Hollander. James Gandolfini joins the cast as the pacifist general and My Girl's Anna Chlumski makes a return to the screen as Liza, an eager and anti-war understudy in the White House. There are many more that hold hands and swap profanity to make this story an entertaining and laughable one. If you're into British comedy, this will strike the right chord with you. Prepare yourself for overused colorful language and high tempers, but look forward to outrageous dialogue and funny circumstances. This film was an unexpected treat!

Julie & Julia

MUST-SEE: (Nora Ephron) It's interesting that we never grow tired of seeing Meryl Streep run the cards in her films. Give her script, and she transforms lines to magic - always letting timeless personalities into our hearts. It's no different with her portrayal of Julia Child. Streep conquers Julia with a gusto that leaves herself nowhere to be found. And fortunately, it leaves the viewer with nothing by seriously giddy delight in watching. Julie and Julia is based on the novel by the same name. It's the story of blogger Julie Powell who decides to cook her way through Julia's first cookbook (Mastering the Art of French Cooking) in an effort to prove her own sense of self accomplishment. Her sideline to Julia's portrait is endearing and inspiring. Amy Adams plays a downtrodden spirit, desperate to feel important and yearning for something more out of her life. Unfortunately, this personality is extremely overshadowed by Julia's story - so much so that I almost hated having to transition back when the story lines exchanged turns. Any actress could have played Julie Powell. Not to belittle Adams - she did a fabulous job... But I am surprised she took this role, as it didn't give her a lot of room to show anything off, or grow a character into more than it was. In contrast, Meryl's role as Julia was astounding. She married herself to that character more than I have ever seen, allowing the audience to forget it was Meryl at all. She made me laugh. She made me cry. And overall, I have never been more delighted watching a film. It's one of the happiest, feel-good movies I have seen in awhile. I laughed throughout its entirety and was entertained well beyond my expectations. You really shouldn't miss this opportunity to enjoy yourself! Bravo Meryl - one of your best, ever.

The Last Station

MUST-SEE: (Michael Hoffman) What a surprise this film is! If you're a loyal reader, you know period pieces are my passion. But I assure you, that bias plays no part in my love of this story. My only regret is I failed to read the book first. The Last Station is the tale of Leo Tolstoy and his family and following at the end of his life. Amidst the Tolstoyian Movement, it was an era of love relating all people, religions and beliefs. It was about ridding your spirit (and life) of excess, going back to the basics and living happily without material distraction or influence. It preaches numerous things, but the success of this piece is that it humbles itself. To the very end, its unclear what parts of his doctrine Tolstoy himself actually takes literally.... in the end suggesting that the way the greater population understood them was in fact, incorrect. As a man of simplicity, but filled with love, he acted, thought and persevered with only that as motivation. And, it was contagious. Modest and warm, he earned a friend with each meeting. Christopher Plummer translates this warmth easily. And don't expect to watch this movie without a smile. The chemistry between him and Helen Mirren is electric, believable. Second to that, James McAvoy and Kerry Condon are an instant romance - innocent and undeniable, their relationship the future of what Leo meant his Tolstoyian love to teach. Love story lovers, period piece fanatics and literary minds--don't miss this one!

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus

WORTH-IT: (Terry Gilliam) For anyone who doesn't know, Gilliam's twisted, fantastical, devilish Imaginarium was the late Heath Ledger's last acting gig. He passed before filming was complete, leaving Gilliam with his tall tale unfinished--and no lead. He and co-writer Charles McKeown sat back down to re-work round 2, bringing in Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell to split Ledger's character. Although hard to imagine how one could simply substitute faces and expect it to work was questionable in my mind, but the duo did it, and flawlessly no less. Depp's appearance even gave me goosebumps (yes, this might be a little based in bias)- he does a fantastic job and leaves shoes too big for either of the other Ledgers to fill. And though I won't spoil how he does it, their creativity amazed me. No one would know an actor died halfway through the story.

To give you a little background, the imaginarium is a magical world completely fabricated from literally, your wildest dreams. One simply steps through the mirror and basks in every one of their fantasies come true. Its a journey of rediscovery and liberation, helping save souls and clean up bad eggs. Yes, the lines are fuzzy and not a lot makes sense, but we've come to expect that with Mr. Gilliam, haven't we? So, we're going with it.

The selling point for this film is the candy land carnival brought to life on screen. Bright colors, cartoon people and chocolate rivers making it a big top of entertainment wrapped up in two hours. The nonsense matters little, really... at least not to the general public. In my opinion, it doesn't have to. Life is nonsense often, dreams certainly don't make sense, and ultimately it's the what-ifs and the fantasies that make the journey so interesting. See this film to laugh out loud and exercise your imagination, while challenging your youth and spirit. We will surely miss Heath Ledger, as this script added to a short set of films just beginning to explore the depth of talent the young man had.

Up in the Air

WORTH-IT: (Jason Reitman) Do you ever get so deep into a routine that you forget what life is like outside of it? Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a top account executive at company who fires other company's employees for a living. Specializing in severance packages and "the after," he lives between airplane seats and hotel beds, laying off hundreds a week and never looking back. He's got the packing down, all the good member cards and his closest friends are employees of American Air. He's got it all, getting the best upgrades wherever he goes, steak dinners a la his company, and no baggage to come home to. In a sense, he is free... living life in the clouds, up in the air. When a Cornell honor student joins his team with new ideas threatening to keep him grounded, he is forced to see what his life has become while he's had in head in the clouds. The story is that of his re-evaluation, and while I won't spoil any of the journey for you, potential viewers, I can say that watching his rediscovery is fascinating. Clooney captures the innocence, ignorance and arrogance that Bingham has rolled into his character. He wears emotion on his face, in his body language and drenches his voice with a punch of those same feelings, making whatever story portrayed on-screen one not to ignore. The story here is funny. It's witty and sharp, laughing right back at you when you immediately wonder if the same joke is on you. Its dark and disheartening, but in a self-revelation sort of way. Its heavy on family, but dabbles in immorality... matching Bingham's inward conflict to that of life, in general. Its deep and thought-provoking. Overall, quick and painless entertainment, leaving you with slight discontentment, but inevitable encouragement to take the high road. Clooney does the job, and with newcomer Anna Kendrick as Cornell's brightest to shake up routine, and veteran (and growing personal favorite) Vera Farmiga as the mature, travel-high new companion, its a treat on-screen, for your eyes and your heart... and yes, in the end, your spirit. Up in the Air proves that at the lowest of lows we have what it takes to move on, we have what it takes to choose a different path, or recognize our current path for what it may actually offer. Surely Clooney will get the nod here, so do yourself a favor and see this flick.

Pineapple Express

ALMOST: (David Gordon Green) Well, at this point, this film came and lived out its time in the limelight a while ago... In fact, the statement it makes that it has taken me this long to come up with what to say should tell you a little bit about the motif encircling this little comedy. For those of you who haven't seen it, the synopsis is that of two unlikely acquaintances, a user and a seller. Both going nowhere, and with seemingly dead-end life situations. Seth Rogen and James Franco team up to play this funny pair, and venture into almost 2 hours of bickering, hugging, smoking and sometimes, crying. They happen to witness a crime that leaves them running for their lives and learning who their friends truly are. But wait, don't for a second think its emotional, touching, or remotely worth seeing... The humor is almost completely lost in the characters' pathetic attempts for it. The combination of poor hygeine and unhealthy habits never quite finds its way to endearing, and ultimately sens the message that smoking out was never as cool as you thought it was. Its sad, and because of that, the movie is long and ridiculous. Yes, you will chuckle a few times. Yes, you'll probably be overwhelmed at points with the urge to "relax" and yes, you will probably watch the entire thing. But, know that it isn't worth it, and there are funnier ways to spend your two hours. If you're in the mood for a plant-inspired chill-out, then watch something classic, like Dazed and Confused, or even How High - both worth at least a gram more. And lastly, if you do ignore my warnings and give this film a chance (for which I wouldn't judge you), know that James Franco will never be the handsome dude he once was (see, Milk). Scrawny bones and stringy hair plus a co-dependency on grandma do nothing for libido.

Inglorious Basterds

PHENOMENAL: (Quentin Tarantino) Absolutely fabulous! Inglorious Basterds is the biggest pleasant surprise of the year, in film. It's the story of a macho men group from America and Europe wrecking havoc on members of The Third Reich throughout Germany. Led by Lt. Aldo Raine, a unique performance from Brad Pitt, they scalp heads troop by troop, earning a most wanted reputation throughout the Nazi nation. But, its also the story of Shosanna Dreyfus, a young Jew who narrowly escaped a massacre and is now secretly living in Paris and plotting revenge against the powers that killed her family. The film is as close to perfect entertainment as it comes. Humor delights almost every line, leaving a permanent smirk on your face, whether audible laughter accompanies not, which is often does. An emotional storyline surfaces amidst the silliness and action, the dramatic plot and the suspense keep you glued to your seat and dying for continuance. The movie is long, but long due to an intricate and fascinating web of stories, climaxing at once for one literal and figurative boom. Pitt plays counter to Diane Kruger and Christoph Waltz, two brilliant minds playing incredible characters--neither of whose absence would allow this film its splendor--plus, a short scene from Mike Myers for one unforgettable ride on the Tarantino movie train. For the faint-hearted, know that this is a Tarantino flick. There is blood and gore, galore. It spares no element of a true Tarantino-style entertainment, so expect that going in. If you can climb that personal mountain, you too will be enthralled with the on-screen eye candy. I still can't decide where to rank it in my Tarantino chart. It's up there. Its phenomenal. See it!

A Serious Man

Almost: (Coen Brothers) What was promoted as "the best American movie of the year" proved, to me, nothing but a glimpse into the exploited sadness of a young Jewish family in the Midwest. The story is basically a middle aged college professor who begins to see his life unravel. His wife wants a divorce, his brother sleeps on their couch (indefinitely), a student bribes him and then threatens to sue for defamation, and someone is writing letter to the tenure board to prevent his promotion. He's got a lot going on, and there seems to be no one out there sympathizing with him. It's supposed to be funny - and most certainly it is from time to time. The utter nonsense of it all finds a chuckle and the ultimate frustration actor Michael Stuhlbarg is able to portray on his face conjures memories of animation and needs little else to pull response. Unfortunately, for me, the ridiculous storyline never crossed the line between ridiculous and "so ridiculous that it's hysterical." Instead, I found myself frustrated at such a wimpy character. Often measly personalities are endearing, because their potential is somehow revealed. Unfortunately, Stuhlbarg's Larry Gopnick is a lost cause. He literally has no balls, and as it seems, no interest in learning to grow them. People walk all over him, and if this no light at the end of the doormat tunnel is the best way the Coens can make fun of Jewish America, then I have seen enough. As a last effort to save opinions on this film, I'll admit full out that one with a little more knowledge of the Jewish faith will probably laugh much heartier - as I sat in the theatre, I no doubt found myself laughing at th "wrong" times and was apt to notice the head nods and singalongs dotted throughout the audience. These same viewers were the ones not ready to exit their seat at the end - so yes, I must have missed something. And, after giving up the chance to see Audrey Tautou as Coco Chanel, I was expecting something a little more Fargo or O Brother.

Away We Go

MUST-SEE: (Sam Mendes) Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski star as Ramona and Burt in this immeasurably adorable flick about two young lovers expecting a little one and trying to find their place in the world before it comes. It starts off light-hearted and comical, just skimming the edge of sincerity and sentiment. But then, the couple says goodbye to their only set of would-be grandparents and has to stop the car on the side of the road to let out frustration. Is this the pivotal fight making it the drama it claims to be? Nope. Just a sigh and a deep thought from Verona before picking at Burt until his struggles to make her laugh win out and as the audience, we are left smitten for a truly candid couple, ignorant to the world's judgement and dependent on a positive wing of fate to lend their survival. Their love is a unique gesture--one often underestimated here in our real world. They're frank. They're quick about their frankness. And, they've got their entire life packed in a hatchback to take across the US in search of the site for their perfect home. It's a labyrinth from here--a scurry to visit all the places where either family or friends have once described the bliss found in that particular city. From Madison to Phoenix to Miami, their little journey runs them through kooky pastimes and even stranger people. They face sadness and disappointment, are reminded of old scars and end up facing each other, wondering if this is something, if this life is something, they are really cut out for. Writers Dave Eggers and Vendela Vita bring us solid emotion as it plays out for the real people. Real fright and real issues standing in the way of happiness are put up against a kind of love unmoved by life's tragedies, and for sure not trivial consequences. They illustrate fine ordinary people moving about their way, but doing it with such an unspoken grace, one almost unrecognizable, that by the end you're gripped, hypnotized by the the tender relationship you're watching grow on screen. Believe me, I let the tears rain on this one. It catches you off guard, literally warms your heart and soul. Your emotional ups and downs are so deeply opposed that the overwhelming ride is one unfit for nonchalance. This is serious stuff, seriously good stuff. Don't miss it.

Yes Man

WORTH-IT: (Peyton Reed) From the director of The Break Up comes a Jim Carrey film that one hundred percent mocks Liar Liar, but one hundred percent entertains, again. I cannot emphasize how much this movie is like it's 1997 predecessor, but I also love that even with that complete unoriginality, it absolutely entertains. Carrey has been on a field trip doing serious films to balance out his Ace reputation (no doubt), but for his truest fans, Yes Man brings back the over-enunciating funny man that we knew and loved. Accompanied by Zooey Deschanel and Bradley Cooper, this is the story of a soon-to-be-recluse stepping out of his comfort zone to get over his ex and start living life again. With the help of a long-lost friend (John Michael Higgins) he adopts a program where all he can do to anything is say, "yes!" So, in the spirit of any Carrey personality, it's immediately taken to the extreme and too literally, setting him off on a journey of love, a promotion, new friendships, and then, eventually, jail. Between nights of too many red bulls and spontaneous trips across the country, lessons are hard-learned and relationships are tested. I am sure you can guess whether or not he makes a full recover and all is well, but I wouldn't want to spoil a movie you haven't pretty much already seen (in 1997). The bottom line here, is that if you run across this film, it's hilarious and you're in for a laugh and a much-needed dose of Carrey-humor, and who can resist Deschanel singing? But don't feel like you have to rush out to watch it. It's a treat, but it's not a treasure.

Last Chance Harvey

WORTH-IT: (Joel Hopkins) Now here is a story for the masses. An unusual love story of two adults, late in life and way past cliche. Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson play Harvey and Kate, introduced by chance in Heathrow Airport and inevitably akin. Nominated for 2 Golden Globes this story is refreshing, comedic and heartfelt, unlike the romantic comedies of its time. Harvey, an outcast in his own family, on the verge of losing his job, and facing a scary realization that he might actually be all alone meets Kate. She is a spinster who hangs with her mother and take surveys in the airport. Both intolerant of daily bullshit, but subconsciously yearning for something more than what they've made, their chance meeting takes them from making fun of each other to endless conversation and chemistry. Two of Hollywood's most congenial characters merge here, taking with them immediate fans in the hearts of their audience. The film goes by fast, meets all expectations and leaves you with a smile on your face and sparkle in your eye (most likely from a tear). No regrets from watching, although you must know there are also no big performances or life-changing story lines. It's simple life brought to the big screen, and it's in just that candor that the charm of the film wins out.

Marley & Me

WORTH-IT: (David Frankel) Based on the memoir by John Grogan, Marley and Me is the story of two young journalists making a life (and a family) in South Florida, accompanied and made more entertaining by the world's worst dog. What began as a test for potential parenthood turns into a life-long attempt to break a golden retriever with genetic defaults to misbehavior. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston find chemistry to play to John and his wife Jenny, bringing their girl/boy next door reputations to play the conservative and lovable Grogans. Where there is nothing tremendously special about this film (and no actual plot) who doesn't automatically appreciate the story of a family's love for it's pooch. Readers of the memoir know the writer is keen to recruit fans, telling his stories honestly and with genuine humor almost everyone can relate to at one point or another. And because his story is so normal, it's easy to get lost in the relationships. Just because we don't know them personally, they are real people and people who are going through one of life's most popular growth spurts. Know that you'll laugh a lot, but be ready for an emotional roller coaster. When it involves a four-legged family member, there are no doubt attachments made that are hard to break (and even harder to watch break). Fortunately, this no-plot film is a beautiful illustration of Grogan's work, and a light-hearted way to enjoy a couple hours. Don't expect Old Yeller (real-life can only offer so much!), but it's better than Air-Bud.

He's Just Not that Into You

ALMOST: (Ken Kwapis) Another film watched on the plane, this one guaranteed not as good elsewhere. Although a cute story - comical, light, honest - He's Just Not That Into You leaves a little to be desired. Packed with fun names, Aniston, Affleck, Barrymore, Johannsen, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Connelly, Justin Long, Ginnifer Goodwin, etc. etc., it's a playground for watching our girl-next-door favorites evoke flat, hormonal and otherwise typical people of the world. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed watching this film. I was entertained by the hilarity of actually knowing people like the stereotypes they offered. The writing was funny. The lives were believable, and let's be honest, the point of this book/film is undeniable. Some people are clueless, and therefore, desperate, and by illustrating it for the world, it's also extremely funny. But what I am left with after the jokes and the aha! moments is a sense of nonchalance towards the futures of any characters besides Jen and Ben. ( I can't help it, I will always be invested in Jennifer Aniston's characters, because she is ultimately Rachel... forever) The other lines were simply flat, annoying after the meat of the movie was over, and I admitted that I really didn't know them, so I didn't feel more than slight sympathy for anyone. Yikes. Don't mean to be heartless, but after watching, you've got to admit, our writers never quite gave us a deep enough introduction into any one's lives for us to believe hearts were broken or lives were altered. Ginnifer Goodwin's chatty Gigi was the closest I came to "knowing" anyone, and therein lies the wonder of dialogue, but she lives alone in that category. She reign supreme, but at the fault of no one else--they simply weren't given anything to go with. So, catch this one if you're bored, need a laugh and have money and a couple hours to spend. Nothing special or fantastic, but sufficiently entertaining and just funny enough.

The Brothers Bloom

MUST-SEE: (Rian Johnson) This movie is incredible. It has everything: hilarity,cunning, unpredictability, suspense, wit. Absolutely nothing in this film disappoints. Mark Ruffalo is stand-out as the older of the Bloom brothers--I would say his best performance ever. From hustling teeny-boppers, orphaned for their bad behavior, they grew to be the best con men in the world, millionaires riding on the earnings of those less savvy to keep up. The problem is with Adrien Brody's "Bloom," the younger brother with somewhat of a heart you might say, who wants out of the business... but not before one last con of course, one where they swindle an innocent heiress into a wild goose-jaunt across the globe. Rachel Weisz plays this Penelope Stamp, a girl locked in her own home at a young age, sheltered from the world but curious beyond sanity. She is the mark, per say, for the con, but the group (including a fiery performance by Babel's Rinko Kikuchi) finds themselves never knowing who actually is running the show. The story is a wild ride of self-discovery and imagination, but also about letting loose, trying on different hats, and overall, enjoying life as it happens. Bloom fights to escape a written life by his brother, but discovers that it's impossible to avoid love and kinship whether on purpose or not. I can't say rave more about this film. I was expertly entertained and left wanting everyone I know to see it. It's The Prestige meets Oceans Eleven and never lets you catch your breath to think what the magic ingredient is that makes it so good. Tackling every angle for any kind of audience, you'll leave with a dose of honest love, harsh life lessons, and a curiosity sparked for travel and adventure. Added to the spectacle is a muted color palette, resembling that of an old fable, Grimm's-like and fantastic. Enjoy what Johnson has created--letting yourself go on an adventure where truth is irrelevant in the face of success and good times.

Happy Go Lucky

MUST-SEE: (Mike Leigh) Golden Globe winner, Sally Hawkins stars as Poppy, a lively, optimistic Brit, enjoying every drop of life, good or bad, in Mike Leigh's latest vignette. An illustration of taking everything in stride, Happy Go Lucky is a glimpse into Poppy's day-to-day, exuding someone with everything the title promises. Often irritating to others, Poppy's uncanny ability to take light of any and everything inevitably leaves you (and those others) with a smile. Knowing full well that in real life, Poppy would 100% drive me nuts, I couldn't help but enjoy watching her on-screen, and secretly envying that positivity. Facing all of the same strife for women her age (will she ever marry, will she get to have kids, is she making an influence on her children's lives, etc., etc.), she manages to keep her focus on the good, truly living life in the moment, with no regrets and no need for second chances. Already 30 years old and still living single with her best friend, Poppy is absolutely satisfied with the present. A successful and dedicated schoolteacher and a member of a doting group of fantastic friends, she looks no farther for greater expectations. Even when her bike is stolen, her biggest woe is that she didn't get to give it a proper goodbye--she "tsks" for a moment, double-checking for it around the corner, but then merrily hops on the bus home, where she decides she'll just take driving lessons because she needed to learn that anyway. But not only does she lose her bicycle, but she is stalked and berated by a creepy driving instructor--a truly wonderful performance by Eddie Marsan and the absolute best scenes of the film (i.e. clashing stringent anger with bubbly cheer in high-heeled boots creates phenomenal suspense for these tiny scenes--erratic emotion and diverse humor pair Hawkins and Marsan's student-teacher relationship as uncanny opposites relating in the subtlest of ways). Poppy reminds us (no matter how unrealistic) that life is short and meant to be enjoyed. Laughing at hardship and taking light what is otherwise dreary makes for much more fun and much less worry. From my own intolerance for such a cheery creature at the beginning of the film was, in fact, the root of my ease by the end. Writer/Director Leigh truly captures through Poppy what we all envy, fluidly and effortlessly, using dialogue and laughter to create strong tonal quality. This film is an easy watch--a true feel-good flick. You're guaranteed to let her get to you by the end, inevitably smiling and laughing, with a renewed sense of positive flair. Enjoy!

Burn After Reading

MUST-SEE: (Coen Brothers) Burn After Reading is a hilarious illustration of the truth behind never really knowing the truth. A stellar cast, who put it all on the line to play some of the saddest losers known to modern script, eliminates the need for a drama amidst a slew of steep film (meaning, this film came out during Oscar time). It's almost as if the big names of this film did it simply to recess from the expected; it's a quick homage to why they love the screen, for themselves, not their reputation. The Coen Brothers (arses they may be) bring to accord a mess of people, starting with middle-aged gym employees and crossing all the way over society to emotionally disturbed CIA employees, common adulterers and financial swindlers. At Hardbodies Gym, Francis McDormand's Linda just wants a boyfriend, and a little plastic surgery along the way. Her best friend Chad, Brad Pitt, questionably has no brain at all so we'll say he is there for comic relief and moral support. Richard Jenkins is the manager, secretly in love with McD, but highly unaccepting of her adolescent antics and constantl havign to choose between winning her heart or running his gym. Back across town, Clooney is sleeping with Swinton who is secretly securing finances of her soon to be ex-husband, Malcovich. Insert multiple sex toys and zero compassion for a knock down love-polygon that leaves human default as ultimate humor and absolutely no room for pity. You're seeing these actors as you never have before; they aren't afraid to play fools, and lucky for us, they play most things extremely well, so this is something truly unique. As much as it kills me to pat the Coens on the back, I loved this film. It was upbeat, absolutely funny and placed some of my favorite people into a new (more diverse) light. Don't expect to be wrought with any sort of emotion upon seeing the film. There is ultimately no point to this plot, except to add a little color to a bland world of nobodies, deciding to be somebodies, or at least thinking they deserve to be. Even a teaser role from J.K. Simmons makes this film one of rare disappointment and increased ridiculousness. All in all, a fantastic success.

Vicky Christina Barcelona

MUST-SEE: (Woody Allen) Bravo to this stupendous film! Penelope Cruz, who never disappoints me, enters this film and 100% steals the show--much to my satisfaction (and her own, Congrats on the statue). Her rapido Spanish eloquently fills in the lines of a love story much unlike anything in the eyes and/or experience of a traditional sap. Take two American grads, on the summer vacation of a lifetime, living free (literally) in Spain before their real lives begin. One is a sane, rational and engaged practical played by Rebecca Hall (The Prestige) and her best friend (and counter personality) is Scarlett Johanssen, playing her God-given roll as the seductress--this time paired with qualities such as "dreamer" and "muse." She and Hall's girlfriends both find themselves in the middle of a whacked-out love triangle, or in this case, maybe more like a rhombus, as the lines often sway. Penelope is wildly appealing as a mentally disturbed ex-wife. Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) juggles multiple women with such aire and nonchalance that his bowl-cut killer is long forgotten. His voice has a dark chocolate milk quality to it that both soothes and intrigues, easily placing him as the master of the fiery trio in this story. The film is fun, quirky and a little abstract, but proves life is lived at its utmost when you can forget yourself for a minute. Vicky Christina opens new doors and illustrates a fascinating liberation that our brilliant Woody Allen executes in uniquely romanticized ways.

Sunshine Cleaning

WORTH-IT: (Christine Jeffs) Amy Adams and Emily Blunt star in a pathetically sad story about helplessly sad people trying to make it in a cruel cruel world. As a cleaning lady, Adams' Rose is unhappy, unfulfilled and ultimately convinced it is the only way to climb the social and professional ladder (Yet, into what world exactly, we are left unconvinced as this community is overridden with high school has-beens and primadona Betties). Unfortunately, as life has its way with the unfortunate, Rose finds herself in need of something bigger, something delivering a larger buck which apparently is none other than crime-scene clean up. (Big jump, I guess?) She recruits her screw-up sister, pawns off her kid (who was kicked our fo school) on grandpa, and hits up the bloody mess left in various spots of town. It's gross, but its funny, and because its desperate, its heartening. Plus, listening to Rose convinve herself in front of her old cheerleading buddies that she actually enjoys it is all the more reason to fall in love with this group of hillbillies. All in all, this film makes sad people a little more entertaining, one, by perking up the eccentric factor, and two, giving us characters played by lovable quirks themselves. Blunt is at her best, playing troubled sister Norah, tormented for the last 20+ years at never knowing her mother. She is vibrant in a quiet character and carries emotion all over her body, so much so that just seeing her face makes up endless words (that thankfully, this script doesn't compensate for). Alan Arkin pops up again (this time alive for his character's scenes) as the weirdo grandpa. A remix to Little Miss Sunshine, Cleaning delves once again into familial motif, and this time spares no unfriendly details. From the guts the sisters disinfect to the tragedy behind this family's lonely uprising, we discover a group of people who aren't happy with who they are become post-adolescence, or post-grown-up for that matter. It's a constant struggle between emotion, self confidence and self worth, all while trying to survive and raise a family. It'll wear you out; but in a "guilty pleasure" sort of way, you can't take your eyes off of them, and your heart leaks sympathy. All in all, a refresher for the sadness in the world and the eclectic peace that some find within it.

Tinker Bell

WORTH-IT: (Bradley Raymond) For anyone that enjoys Disney classics (and this director has done 4 of them), you might as well keep the fairytale alive and see all of the sequels . Most are a fine justification to the original and actually exactly what the doctor ordered for a story that you just can't let go of. For me, that is Peter Pan (and it was also Aladdin). Tinker Bell is the story of Tink--how she came to be and what her fairyness really means. For instance, did you know she was born out of a dew drop? And that once she was born she was intrinsically meant to be one particular kind of fairy (including five played by Angelica Houston, Raven Symone, Lucy Liu, America Ferrera and-wah!-Jesse McCartney). I won't ruin J.M. Barrie's continuation for all of you about to put it on your queue, but she is good at tinkering! Watch her add her special talent to a world of fairy magic, all who claim responsibility for our changing of seasons. Clearly this film won't satisfy the lot. But if you enjoy Tinkerbell and have always wondered more about our silent glittery friend alongside Peter Pan, then catch this one. It's magical and warm and honestly, it's hard to say anything bad about a perfectly made for 5-8 year olds cartoon :) Enjoy!