Beginners

MUST-SEE: (Mike Mills) There is no better advice than to see a film with no prior expectations. Just that mindset led me into Beginners with a simple and curious intelligence and in turn, wrapped me up in a snuggly blanket of emotion, love and tenderness so complex that it simultaneously left me hurting and happy. The story is that of a budding relationship between father and son, only occurring much later in both of their lives and not until the father has come out of the closet. His ability to love and speak about love, and therefore teach love, erupts from within deeply altering his son’s life as he’d tried to live it. That familial love story mirrors many variations on the emotion throughout the film, touching any viewer with a genuinely good story. Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer have instant chemistry, easily believable as a quirky pair just getting to know each other, despite an already existent and unconditional love. Writer/Director Mike Mills writes this one to cheer and inspire and leave you feeling enlightened in love—no matter your politics, it’s a guaranteed treat.

Trivia! Did you know Mike Mills is married to one of my filmmaking idols, Miss Miranda July?!

Look for the review in Insite Atlanta's June issue!

Insidious

MUST-SEE: (written by Leigh Whannell and directed by James Lee) It’s a tough thing to do these days, making a horror film that actually leaves a mark beyond the theater. We’re doing good to get a legit scare every few years, but a rare film makes it into your mind for longer than the time it takes to sleep through the night. Somehow, Aussie filmmakers and long time friends James Wan and Leigh Whannell have found a way to capture that essence, initially with their first film, 2004’s Saw, and now with a new deliverance of terror in Insidious. It’s the story of a young family, parented by Rose Byrnes and Patrick Wilson, settling into a new house with three children. Aside from the expected stress of starting over, strange things start to happen around the house. The alarm goes off in the middle of the night, stuff keeps getting moved around, their oldest son falls into an unexplained coma and strange sounds get picked up on the baby monitor. Eeriness slowly envelops both the house and the film, and you find yourself on the edge of your seat, awaiting a good jump or a deep shudder. Both come, but don’t think you’ll be able to predict it. The writer-director team aces the scare tactic, leaving you terrified to stay in your seat and anxious to get the lights back on. It’s what we’ve been waiting for in the realm of scary films, a completely unique story, one creep enough to send you home checking your surroundings and certainly leaving its mark. Don’t miss it, but don’t see this alone. Oh... and check out Insite Atlanta's online archives to see my interview with the masterminds behind the mayhem (March issue).

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

Rare Exports: Christmas not just for Kindred Spirits

You better hope you’ve been good this year, especially if you’re spending Christmas in Finland.

Finnish legend claims that Santa Claus lives in the northernmost region of Finland, tucked away in the mountains of Korvatunturi, or Lapland. Where, exactly, is a mystery, but thanks to Finnish Director Jalmari Helander, we’ve got a pretty educated (and, well yes, fictionalized) guess as to how. In his recent Christmas thriller, Rare Exports, he introduces us to this exact small, remote town north of the Arctic Circle filled with infinite snow and mystical reindeers. Here, an American-led team is excavating the local mountain, until they discover mysterious sawdust scraps and a large mass of ice deep within the rock. Tension emerges stemming from moral-based rules that are immediately laid down, but the men are never fully explained the contents deep within the mountain, a secret that’s been buried for many years, and scarier than any of the children (naughty or nice) could imagine. It’s the original Santa Claus. Don’t think for a second that there is a snow-white beard or a red and white coat to go along with the creature that they’re calling by that familiar name. The thing that they’re about to dig up carries images more in line with demons. Think horns, pointy teeth, boiling cauldrons, whips and lashes. Coal should be the least of these kids’ worries.

It’s not a far cry from Finnish folklore of Saint Nicholas that parallels Germanic mythology where Odin was a god of inspired mental activity. He knew when you were angry, enraged, or thinking “naughty” thoughts (clearly the modern song leaves out a few lyrics). He was accompanied by several creatures that kept him informed of what the people in the world were up to… hint hint, like an elf on the shelf. Physically, the similarities get even more oddly comparable. Odin often wore a long beard and a hat. He carried a staff and a cloth sack. Sounding familiar? Both Saint Nick and Odin traveled on flying animals and gave gifts to good children. And although nowadays, the image of Saint Nicholas is kind and warm, his roots suggest more than a creative idea as Helander’s twisted inspiration.

Rare Exports is a distorted fairy tale somewhere between the Coca-Cola Santa and the god of the dead. Somewhere. If you’re ho-hum about watching the same Christmas movie over and over, take your hum bug to a new level and entertain your holiday with the weirdest story you’ll see for a while. It’s creepy and thrilling, outlandish and fantastical, and despite a rushed and cheesy ending, the film stays deep in your thoughts long after your de-trim the tree. The ending seems rushed and ill fitting, but overall special effects make it realistic. Simplicity in plot and execution make it believable and candid. And, as with any good film from The Netherlands, a sense of grotesque and oddity make it something so far removed from our American traditions that it can be anything but ignored. Expect to grip your seat, laugh out loud and raise your eyebrows, but don’t expect to be getting what you want this Christmas.

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.

Erin Brockovich

MUST-SEE: (Steven Soderbergh) Well, this is an oldie - yes... but if you know me at all, you know I have a long list of stuff I should have seen years ago. In my defense, this movie came out when I was too young to see Rated R movies, this one apparently too provocative (i.e. the way EB dresses).

But, alas, many years later... It came on television one rainy afternoon (and, let's be real - this one is always on television), and I settled in for what turned out to be a riveting and unforgettable story. That story is of the real-life Erin Brockovich - a single mom working for a local lawyer to pay off her legal fees from an accident case. Wearing mini skirts and low-cut tops, Brockovich struts through the corporate world, raising highbrows higher than her heels, but somehow making a reputation for herself that stretched beyond those hemlines. Given a menial task by her boss, she uncovers a multi-million dollar case against P&G. Apparently, their plants leaked fatal chemicals into the city's water system, exposing hundreds of families to life threatening diseases that would be carried through generations.

A true David versus Goliath fight, Brockovich claims a right-hand seat to steer the case for the benefit of the people, inspiring her own colleagues to fight for humanity. Its a story of love and loss and keeping your head up... as well as sacrifice and compromise. Brockovich puts it all on the line (family, love, reputation, her job) to reach a hand out to the people of this unfortunate town, proving that you can mix love and business.

I know most of the world has seen this flick, but for the minority out there - I encourage you to put it on your list. It's inspiring and fascinating, both a tremendous performance from Julia Roberts and a well-adapted screenplay. I wish movies were still this unique!

Where the Wild Things Are

ALMOST WORTH IT: (Spike Jonze) It's the children's book come to life, but this go-round also aged and matured, almost cynical and sadly jaded. Yes, the imagination and wonderment that made the picture book is deeply explored in the film, but to a stronger point of melancholy nostalgia, rather than mystical escapism. If you're not familiar, the story is about Max, a little boy with few friends and lots of creative imagination. Always striving for attention from his family, he's used to finding ways to entertain himself despite the neglect - sending him on a journey to a land far, far away from everything. He washes up on the shore of a shattered forest, inhabited by a group of giant creatures of all shapes and personalities, who we can tell are suffering from emotional and physical unhappiness within their circle. Claiming to be king, the creatures rejoice in a leader who can bring light back into their community and as a result, vow to do whatever the new king says. Max delights in the new responsibility, which grants him acceptance, friendship and respect all at the same time. It's during his stay on the wild island that Max realizes what life is all about, particularly when your imagination can no longer solve all your problems. Sure, you can find joy by letting go and just having fun, but the reality is that there is more to life. It's about building and growing relationships with the people you love. It's about compromise and sacrificing things for the betterment of society. It's also a reminder that not everyone is happy all the time, and keeping your own spirit in perspective helps you help others.

The film tells that story well. The morale is candid and clear and the chemistry between a slew of phenomenal voices (Keener, Gandolfini, O'Hare, Whitaker and Paul Dano) and an intelligent script was entertaining, and in my opinion, the life force behind its success. The film is definitely not for children. It's filled with dark humor and sardonic thematics. It also covers heavy topics, leaving your heart and mind slightly downtrodden and oddly unsettled. I can't say that I am glad I saw it, or that you're missing out if you don't. It didn't leave an impression, other than a slight frown and lost hope. The storybook created a fantastic sense of imagination, both supporting flagrant make-believe and inspiring individuals to hold onto their innocence. The film, however, borders on belittling that theme - reminding us grown-ups that life is happening and that it mostly sucks, no matter where you "go" to escape it. Bottom line, this film was a literal bummer!

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!

New Moon

WORTH-IT for Twilighters: (Chris Weitz) Well, it's the second installment of the infamous Twilight saga, this time with a new director, a beefed up cast and overseas cinematography all working to try and overshadow that the truth of the matter - nothing is really going on. I mean, stuff happens, yes. The Cullens say goodbye to Forks, Jacob turns into a werewolf, and Bella leads him on romantically while living adventurously to get Edward back. Its teen angst at its peak... unfortunately all the little things going on lead nowhere (and just wait, there are till 2 more movies until the ending!). It's the curse of a saga. You're doomed with the rising action only. There's no climax, so in essence, no excitement or closure. Be reassured though, our young teens are learning to act, and with the director change, a missing spark was definitely found. It was a huge improvement over the excessive awkwardness encompassing Twilight #1, feeling more like a movie, and less like an audible illustration. Special effects were nicely done and Dakota Fanning was a good surprise. All in all, I enjoyed this one much more than Twilight, but can't recommend it to anyone who wasn't a fan of the novel. It holds no clout as a stand-alone movie and watching these actors learn to do their jobs is not something to waste your time doing when the movie offers no enjoyment on its own. So, bottom-line: Twilight fans - this is a much improved second installment... you should see it, and I am willing to bet you'll be much more satisfied with this one...

The White Ribbon

WORTH-IT: (Michael Haneke) Nominated for best Foreign Film and Cinematography this year at the Oscars and winner of The Palm D'Or at Cannes, The White Ribbon is clearly something to see. It's the story of a small German town, a community seemingly simple and serene, filled with homely and vanilla people. No one has more than they need. Everyone knows each other. For the most part, life is a routine. From our perspective, it seems like the routine has been the same for hundreds of years, until an ill-intended practical joke sets off a series of horrific and unexplained acts violence. The unexplained hatred hints at its origins throughout the movie (a vengeful farmer, a jealous father, joking children, etc.) revealing that even in the simplest of societies, human nature remains the same and, above all, emotions rule. Haneke marks his forte with the unexplained crimes and pointing fingers, persuading the audience to believe one thing over another before showing them that they're wrong. As he does in all his film, he piles up pounds of evidence, all pointing in different directions, leaving you to solve the mystery for yourself. Or, not to solve it at all. Haneke's unique stories never seem to have an clear ending, or even a clear morale. He simply illustrates humanity, bringing unspoken circumstances to the surface. Haneke's work isn't for everyone. His black-hole endings will surely frustrate some viewers, and in this particular film, the simplistic characters and monochromatic canvas will leave some feeling slighted. But, I encourage those who appreciate a spooky and timeless tale of unsolved mystery and murder to settle into this black and white and have fun trying to put his pieces together.

Crazy Heart

WORTH-IT: (Scott Cooper) I keep talking about movies that have really surprised me. I'd made a bad habit of forming opinions too early based on predictable trailers and was limiting my cinematic exposure in doing so. But, with all the flicks thus far that I keep saying that about, I've really got to kick that. Crazy Heart was one I was anything but excited to see. The preview made it look like The Wrestler (which I loathed) and it was all about country music (another thing I hate). Throwing Jeff Bridges into the mix did even more of nothing for me... Sorry guys, he's just way before my time. So, with all my low expectations, sure enough, the reviews came in, and it was the movie to see. Critics claimed Bridges was "unbelievable" and Maggie Gyllenhaal had a sure-fire nom come Oscar time. The more I heard, the more curious I became, and actually will admit that when I did make it to the theater, I really was feeling pretty apt anticipation.

Well, it fulfilled the media-ensued expectations. Bridges was incredible, making a sad, hopeless man into an endearing protagonist. Despite that I have never seen him in a movie (I know, I know, I have work to do) he immediately won me over an had my vote for his Oscar nom. Maggie G. (my #1 girl) tagged along perfectly, bringing an otherwise minor role to life as a bright-eyed yet weathered, young reporter. An unlikely match on-screen, the duo make this relationship believable and genuine--one you root for knowing full-well what's actually good for them.

Even the music was pretty noteworthy. Despite a questionable choice in casting Colin Farrell as the up and coming music star (I mean, really. Colin Farrell will never pass as a country music star. Never. It was painful and hilarious all at the same time.), the music they wrote for this film sticks with you. It's universally just good music, something that I can imagine myself listening to with all the windows down, blah blah and all that stereotypical shit. But, it's not shit - it was impressive, unique, enjoyable and something I'll definitely download to keep enjoying it.

I urge everyone to put this on your list to see. Music-lovers, it's a no-brainer. Everyone else, it's actually a well-told story and a damn good movie so don't pass it up.

The Hurt Locker

MUST-SEE: (Kathryn Bigelow) So, its taken me awhile to get up a review on this one, but don't think it's because I didn't like it. This film actually fascinated me to the point that I've been troubled with how best to relay my thoughts and be able to adequately emphasize how well I think it was done. It's the story of a gutsy branch of the armed forces in charge of seeking out bomb threats, diffusing them and collecting the evidence. Not to pun the profession, but each job is literally a ticking bomb. Potential danger exists with every second. Lives are at stake and the conditions are never controlled. It's a huge job carrying a lot of weight, and seriously overlooked. The Hurt Locker follows one particular group, led by its newest member, a cowboy diffuser played by Jeremy Renner. It's appeal for me is that it plays like a documentary, making the danger all too real and ultimately hard to ignore (or forget). The documentary film-style, one similar to District 9, or TV's The Office, offers something that is actually real somewhere. It's happening right now, and the tragedy we see on screen is a real person's heartbreak. Bigelow does a phenomenal job of keeping the line blurred between raw and entertaining. Can you really say you liked watching it, knowing that it's not just a movie? Be prepared for unbearable suspense, teeth-gritting anticipation, and some tears you won't know were coming. I'm not convinced it should have beat out Avatar's cinematic history-making for some of its Oscars, but I can't deny that it was a fantastic story, and uniquely told to the point its impact leaves a lasting bruise.

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.

An Education

MUST-SEE: (Lone Scherfig) This has to be one of my top picks from the list of Oscar noms this year. An Education is a superb story about a mature young woman intellectually polished and preparing for Harvard, yet unsatisfied with what the world at present has to offer. But Jenny's vanilla perspective of the world all begins to shift when she is charmed by the dapper (and much older) David, who opens up doors for her to experience the world's culture of fun music, rare arts and constant travel. To Jenny, this is what she's been waiting for, and inevitably, this is what tempts her to teeter from what Harvard studies could yield her versus how life experience would entertain her. She dives head first into this new, "officially mature" life, surprisingly blessed by her parents (although shunned by her educators), to get the most out of every day. The film is funny and real, innocent, yet wise, and touching to the point of teary eyes. Carey Mulligan creates Jenny to grab at your spirit, forcing you in and out of the story and convicted along with her decisions. She is convincing and ravishing, blowing your mind as she transforms easily from drab and conservative 16-year old to poised and elegant woman-of-the-world. The story hits ups and downs, but is never dull. In the end, you'll leave uplifted, reassured and entertained. Don't miss this quirky piece - a raw life lesson and educational romance.

Coco avant Chanel

MUST-SEE: (Anne Fontaine) I'm a sucker for a period piece. I also adore vintage fashion and French films. In Coco Before Chanel, all my favorite things are rolled into one romantic fashion-forward fairytale. The story begins in a nightclub where Coco and her sister perform cheesy song and dance for pocket change, living in cramped quarters and dreaming of stardom amidst sweaty suitors and dirty dresses. But plans change when her sister meets a gentleman and moves away, halting the dynamic duo's dreams and forcing Coco to pursue her a future on her own. She ends up as a hidden muse on the estate of the wealthy Etienne Balsan - an infamous host of wild parties, tremendous imbibing and fabulous (in his opinion) material things. Coco, ridden to the shadows, spends her time perfecting her hat-making hobby and sewing new clothes, grabbing attention despite Balsan's attempts to keep her a secret. With her androgynous outfits and trendy chapeaus, she lights a fire under the staple trends, building a reputation for herself with each stitch. Squeeze in a long journey of love and heartbreak and you end up with Coco Chanel - the only woman ever to own a professional powerhouse in her own name.

Audrey Tautou plays Coco as a spunky, independent and sardonic woman. Serious about her own interests and eager to impress, but unwilling to compromise, Tautou rounds out Coco as a woman to envy - both professionally and spiritually. The film plays through lightly and genuinely - remaining entertaining and visually stimulating. You'll enjoy it if you're into the aforementioned things I love. It's whimsy and stylish, and a story woven together as easily as Chanel's hats. It'll inspire you to stick to your dreams and polish your talents, proving that you can never underestimate what you are capable of accomplishing. Enjoy this one!!

Precious (Based on the novel Push by Sapphire)

WORTH-IT: (Lee Daniels) Every so often, I watch a movie that literally shuts me up. It throws tragedy, sadness and unbelievable stories so hard at me that I have trouble reacting in a timely manner. It takes a long time for the ugly bits and pieces to sink all the way in (if I can bear to let them at all). Precious is one of those movies for me. 16-year-old Clarice Precious Jones has 2 children by way of her father. She can't stay in public school, can barely read or write, and is constantly abused, both physically and verbally by her mother. Gabourey Sidibe plays this tragic young woman with gusto, raw emotion and utter ingenuity. She captures the true innocence of a 16-year-old personality, abused and torn down, but eager for acceptance and lots of love to give. We watch her grow intellectually and emotionally and see her hopeful adaptation to constant bad news. Her story is dotted with fascinating characters that build a community of hopeless-on-the-outside teenagers learning from each other and growing as a result. It's a reality check and a punch in the stomach, but after you catch your breath, its an unbelievable story of perseverance and faith.

Unfortunately, the film itself wasn't something incredible for me. The American Beauty-like existentialism felt disconnected and unnecessary. In fact, looking back, I don't think the movie would change at all if those snippets were left out. The real-time in the film was too real, too raw to interject such fantasy, despite its efforts to illustrate Precious's coping methods. It didn't work for me. I also saw red flags of over-emphasized liberalism when the sexual orientation of the teacher was brought up at all. She was a flat character, despite her large presence in the film, meaning there was no real point to delving into her personal life. Especially when the topic led to the line saying "homos weren't the ones raping me, or selling crack" it seemed surface, and a strained effort to pronounce homosexual acceptance. Not relevant!

Overall, whether you see this film or not is a personal decision. You won't miss out on anything but a fabulous illustration of hope and an Oscar-winning performance by Mo'Nique. It's still sitting with me. I am still processing a lot. And, finally, its hard to say you liked a story abut rape, teen pregnancy, AIDS and illiteracy... but I will say that I am glad I watched it. It adds a little more depth to my perspective and a re-vamps my sense of faith.

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

WORTH-IT: (Wes Anderson) Another take from this year's Oscar Animation Category, the stop-motion Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on the novel by Roald Dahl, is a worthy watch for Anderson-lovers. It's the story of a quirky fox family, on the run after Mr. Fox steals from the local farmers-3 of the biggest in the industry. All is well, and Fox's night of adventure seems harmless upon initial steal, that is until the farmers take revenge, threatening rodents of all species in the process of killing Fox. The film is fast-paced, heavy on Anderson-style dialogue and thought-provoking in very subtle ways. It's any Anderson movie. And as with all of those, for me, it was a bit disconnected, but in the end, left me with a strong suggestion of newly learned life lesson and a new perspective on survival. With the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and more this film has added personality and credibility, picking up what could have been vanilla animation with unknown actors. Each voice carried the quirks of its owner, helping add depth to the roles and chemistry between characters. It's opposite end of the spectrum from Dahl's earlier adapted novel, James and the Giant Peach - and even less for kids. In fact, I think most kids wouldn't notice if all the dialogue was left out. Bottom-line on this one, I love Wes Anderson, and saw this film for that reason only. If you're not a fan, and didn't like Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Darjeeling Limited, etc... you won't be on board with this either. On the other hand, if you do enjoy his eclectic story-telling, Fox is another great addition, right on par with what you'd come to expect from Anderson's films. I won't say its my favorite, but its worth seeing.

Up

MUST-SEE: (Pete Docter and Bob Peterson) I hope that by the time I am finally getting this post up, most--if not all--of you will have seen it. If not, stop everything and give yourself over to this feel-good flick. Up is the story of 78-year old Carl Fredricksen and his journey via balloons to Paradise Falls, South America. A life-long dream to visit, in his old-age it seems easiest to pick up his entire house and literally relocate. Unfortunately, plans don't stay easy. Russell, a young and curious boy scout (A Wilderness Explorer on the search for his "assisting the elderly" badge) was on his door step when the house took air, bringing unwanted company along for the ride. From here, its a hopeful tale of love, life lessons and self-discovery. It reminds us to stay in the moment, grabbing life by the horns when it lets us, making the most of every day. It also reiterates that love comes in many forms. It's not always about your favorite hobby, or your soul mate, but everything else as well--from friendships to accomplices to general company and unconditional loyalty. It's an escape from reality that brings your ego back down to earth. Anyone will appreciate the humor and everyone can relate to the life-love motif. And you don't have to take my word for it (quote borrowed from LeVar Burton), Up was nominated for several Oscars--not just the animation category. It lives up to its nods and is deserving of its win. Make sure to add this one to your list immediately!

The Blind Side

MUST-SEE: (John Lee Hancock) Despite love for Sandra Bullock and love for sports movies - The Blind Side was nowhere near the top of my list to see in theaters. Especially when Oscar season was quickly approaching (this time being back during the holidays), I didn't want to waste time spending my money on universal sappy sports movies that wouldn't even be mentioned come Academy night. Well, as most all of you know, this didn't really pan out. Even as I rolled my eyes at the suggested Oscar nods for Sandra's performance, I had no idea that not only would Sandra be nominated for Best Actress, but the film would be up for Best Picture too!

So, reluctantly, I dragged my sister (who represents the opposite end of the fan spectrum, as she was bouncing off the walls to see it) to dollar popcorn night at the Regal Cinema and I settled in to see if Sandra could impress me.

Well, my foot went really well with that popcorn.

The story of the Touhy family was powerfully endearing. Bullock was like I have never seen her before - taking a real woman of deep and intricate layers and making us see the real story behind Michael Oher. You easily forget that its advertised as a movie about sports, instead watching a story of character building and the love that bonds a family together. It takes the spirit of Remember the Titans and adds touching depth that left me teared up and feeling like I knew them. My advice is to not make the mistake that I did. Don't discredit The Blind Side, calling it a cheesy football story or whatever else. It's real stuff, and Bullock is doing some serious performing to make it so. It leaves you humbled, yet hopeful and inspired. My apologies writers - this one is good to go.

District 9

WORTH-IT: (Neill Blomkamp) Unlike most movies today, District 9 never attempts to follow the rules of reality. Million of aliens are living in a fenced in neighborhood outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. The interact with the locals, the locals can understand their click-gurgle language, and their broke-down UFO is just chillin' over the skyscrapers. Nothing new. Never once does the film place itself deep into the future or use some overlooked history page to make its script believable. Its truly outside the realm of realism... and I love it. We're back to Independence Day.

The story (relating Apartheid to the rest of the world) is that the MNU of Johannesburg need to relocate the aliens from their current slums to a man-made campground, far from the human population and strictly quarantined by militia. To keep things legal and "fair," the MNU must get a signature from the aliens being evicted. Using this walk-through to arrest and detain law-breakers (you know, aliens with guns, suspicious garbage, general things they don't have permission to collect). Its rash, of course, and violence ensues as the aliens fight back for their right to habitate. What's weird though, is that director of the eviction, Wikus Van De Merwe gets sprayed by one of these suspicious collectables and can't seem to shake the side effects. Before you know it, he's vomiting an oil spill, losing fingernails and growing scales. Gross to the general public, but to MNU, he's valuable--and hours after he was promoted to lead this expedition, he is now being hunted for alien-human DNA and infected body parts.

The rest of the movie is jam packed with science fiction gore and political impression, but the chase and the fight is worth watching. It's a unique film-style, shot as though a documentary, that makes the movie go by fast and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I won't say its effects can even compare to the old days of Men In Black, but it is a good view, and even with those vanilla special effects, it works for me. You won't be into it if you're not a gore tolerater or if you can't dig science fiction, but whether you see it or not, know that Apartheid was a huge piece of South African heritage, and they're succeeding in getting the message out - aliens or not.

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!