Tower Heist (2011)

Somewhat entertaining, despite absolute stupidly and massive plot holes, as only Brett Ratner can deliver. A competent cast and bits of witty dialogue kept things afloat.

Rating: C-

Secretary (2002)

Spader has never been better. Maggie Gyllenhaal is an acting genius. Perfect chemistry in an unorthodox love story.

Rating: B

Ratatouille (2007)

Good fun as usual from Pixar. It's Mrs. Frimby and the Rats of Nimh
meets Top Chef.

Rating: C+

Machine Gun Preacher (2011)

Gritty true life story about a born again biker who lets the calling to help the Sudanese children consume his life. It’s a pretty amazing tale and they did a good job of bringing it to the screen. Gerard Butler is on his A game as usual. He plays a very flawed character attempting to make amends for his past sins. It certainly shines a light upon a terrible problem that is much easier to ignore. Definitely worth a rental.

Rating: C+

The Devil's Backbone (El Espinazo Del Diablo) (2001)

A terrific Spanish film. It has a "Sixth Sense" spookiness about it, and some of the camera tricks they use are fantastic. I forgot I was reading subtitles after 15 minutes. Great acting, even if the story has been done in various ways before. Odds are they used this one as a foundation.

Rating: B

Re-Animator (1985)

I'd heard a lot about this movie over the years. Supposed to be a "classic", Wasn't worth my time. Horror films usually aren't.

Rating: D

The Darkest Hour (2011)

Along the same lines as another CGI heavy alien movie, Skyline. And just as bland. Acting and dialogue are weak. Special effects are cool.

Rating: D

Once (2006)

Brilliant. Perhaps praise can only appropriately be given in the form of lyrics, which is what makes up more than half of the film. A musical, in the nontraditional sense, with songs and vocals that are reassuringly good.

The film could have flopped had the director gone with actors over musicians. Fortunately, he cast musicians who can also act. And not just act, but portray a genuine affinity for each other on camera. Something that has eluded even some of Hollywood's greatest married couples sharing the same screen. (Tom & Nicole anyone?)

Everything about this film is low budget, all of which plays to its advantage. It reminds us why we keep watching so many films, despite being burned by so many bad ones. Because sometimes, you might just discover an Irish gem, and fall in love with cinema all over again.

Rating: A-

Dude, Where's my Car? (2000)

This movie was bad. Sure, I might have chuckled from time to time, but overall, it was one unfunny joke or gag after another. Lame plot, lame acting, lame everything.

Rating: F

War Horse (2011)

Old school epic, often reaching back to Gone With The Wind flair. It’s a pretty film that focuses on the life of a horse. The cast and story are ok. I was wowed by anything but the cinematography. If you are looking for a war film that the whole family can enjoy, this is a solid option.

Rating: C+

Spider (2002)

I was curious about this latest David Cronenberg film with Ralph Fiennes. It starts out Slllllloooooowwwwww, and keeps that pace for most of the movie. When the story is finally revealed, I didn't really care. Not worth the trouble.

Rating: D

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-

J.S.A.: Joint Security Area (Gongdong gyeongbi guyeok JSA) (2000)

A mystery with an interesting premise, but poorly crafted. I liked the idea of North and South Korean soldiers fraternizing across the DMZ. I was even willing to overlook the lack of acting talent. But Koreans don’t know how to give a satisfying conclusion. I didn’t buy anyone’s motives. Things were scattered and dreary by the end.

Rating: D

The Painted Veil (2006)

Not your typical epic love story, which is a good thing. A very solid drama with even better cinematography. The film is beautifully shot and while it unfolds slowly, you won't regret sticking it out until the end.

Rating: C+

16 Blocks (2006)

A decent bad cops vs 1 good cop action/drama with a nice acting turn
by Mos Def, although I never did get used to that obnoxious accent he
was using. I like seeing Bruce taking roles where he's acting his age or even older. (another example: Sin City) It goes against most other leading men in Hollywood who insist on pretending they are 20 years younger. (I'm looking at you Harrison Ford in Firewall)

Rating: C