Possession (2002)

What a great work of art. LaBute manages to blend two time periods and the world of poets into an interesting and moving story. Very different from his other films.

Rating: B-

Duets (2000)

I'll see anything Paul Giamanti is in. He was fantastic in this. Very odd and entertaining.

Rating: C+

Se7en (1995)

That Trent Reznor music during the opening credits really sets a disturbing mood. Brad Pitt is really great in this. At the end you can really see his mind at war with itself.

Rating: B+

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Filled with a million plot holes. Not worth suspending belief for.

Rating: D

Proof (2005)

An engaging drama about mathematics, losing your mind, and uncomfortable romance. I liked it.

Rating: C+

Iron Man (2008)

Great job on the back story and build-up. Less entertaining when the evil Iron Man comes into the picture, as we are forced to endure another formulaic super hero vs. villain throw-down. The best parts are when Robert Downey Jr. is saying something. Anything. He made the whole movie.

Rating: C+

Running With Scissors (2006)

I can see what the people behind this film were aiming for. High-minded indie fare that comes from behind to win Oscar gold. The big problem? Somebody forgot to polish up the script.

This pointless film attempts to be too many things, and ends up tasting like an old soda that's been sitting out on the counter for two days. No fizz. Bland. Flat. It's parts separated from each other. You'll have to force yourself to swallow one flat scene after another to make it to the credits.

Rating: F

Shallow Hal (2001)

Jack Black, as directed by the Farlley Brothers, was a smart move. The comedy goes beyond fat chick jokes, although there is plenty of that too. As with "There's Something About Mary", there's a romance story beneath all the childish humor. Funny and fun.

Rating: B-

Bounce (2000)

A mix between "Return to Me", "28 Days", and "Sliding Doors". Kept me entertained. 

Rating: C

The Avengers (2012)

I made a fatal error before watching this latest super-budget superheroes movie. I became aware that it received rave reviews. With artificially raised expectations, I went in hoping for something on par with the first two X-Men films.

Sadly, it was ludicrous from the opening scene. Cheesy dialogue and glowing cubes of power. Run-of-the-mill Marvel schlock. ScarJo is appropriately hot in her skintight leather fighting suit, but her expertise as a trained killer is about as believable as Zeus’ brother teleporting through a wormhole to our planet in order to take it over.

The plot is trite and tired. Not even Stark’s snark can save it. What really bothers me about almost all superhero movies is that a clean headshot from a sniper would bring an abrupt end to all the crime fighting. I’m looking at you Captain America. Avengers is filled to the brim with unrealistic CGI fights and battles. It’s a repackaged Transformers movie. A few steps away from being a cartoon.

Rating: D

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Another odd comedy from Wes Anderson, following a similar cinematic style as Rushmore. Even the music selections are related. Great cast and off-the-wall characters. For those that like their comedy dark, quirky, and over the heads of mainstream America, this is your movie. I liked it.

Rating: C+

Iron Man 2 (2010)

While the first film was carried almost entirely on the brilliant shoulders of Robert Downey Jr., the sequel brings in a great supporting cast to lend a hand. The film as a whole is more consistent. It's funnier, and better written. Plus, it looks and sounds amazing on Blu-Ray. Better than the original.

Rating: B-

Contagion (2011)

A far superior outbreak film than what’s come before, including “Outbreak”. A lot of questions are raised about what we, as citizens, would do in this type of situation, but also our governments, military, and global neighbors. It was an interesting depiction of one scenario that hopefully will help us to address some of these issues now instead of when it’s too late.

The film also reminded me of a zombie movie, since it essentially breaks down to the same thing: Infected vs. Survivors. Your Zombie Apocalypse Plan would probably work in this case as well.

Rating: B

The Anniversary Party (2001)

Directed by Alan Cummings and Jennifer Jason Leigh, this is a perfect collaboration between two talented people. It's a drama that takes place in and around a house where the focus of the movie is on a married couple and their friends. If you are looking for fast action and crazy antics, skip this one. But, if you enjoy witty dialogue, subtle humor and great acting, check it out. I enjoyed watching the Sundance feature they included with the bonus features.

Rating: B-