The Changeling

Excellent movie about a mother at odds with the LAPD after they return “her” missing son to her – only the child is not hers. Angelina Jolie and John Malcovich star. Heartbreaking and tragic true story. The only flaw in this movie is the police captain’s occasional Irish brogue which sometimes lapses back into an American accent. Sorry, but little details distract me. I definitely recommend it.

Passengers

Too reminiscent of another movie about a shrink from about 10 years ago. Anne Hathaway stars as a psychologist assisting a group of plane crash survivors with their post traumatic stress. The characters all act eerily, and I kept thinking this felt very much like a certain director’s work, but if I tell you who, it will certainly give away the end. This one really isn’t nearly as good as that other movie and unless you live in a cave, I am certain you have seen it or at least its famous catch line. I’ll be happy to tell you which one if you ask. Also, Anne Hathaway was way too young for the part, unless she was some sort of child genius who accumulated all of her degrees as a teen. I’d say don’t bother with this movie and wait for it on cable.

Rachel Getting Married

Not a happy feel good movie. Anne Hathaway stars as the black sheep family member who is released from rehab to attend her sister’s wedding. Extremely well acted and will probably get plenty of award nominations. However, as most indies are, it can be grueling to watch. You get to sit through ALL of the long winded and embarrassing rehearsal dinner speeches. And I wish they had cut out a long, dull scene where they were competing over who could load a dish washer better. It is still a very moving film. Only for those who have the patience for indie films.

Sex Drive

Silly teen movie that steals directly from A Sure Thing as a teen drives from Chicago to Tennessee to meet a girl he met online. Along for the ride is the girl he really likes (gee, I wonder how that will turn out…), and his very strange pudgy friend who is an unlikely chick magnet. James Franco is hilarious as the bully older brother; in fact he completely embodies “Stifler” from American Pie. Seth Green has a small role as a sarcastic Amish mechanic. There isn’t much originality here, as it steals from several movies. But it’s good for a few laughs if you’re in the mood for that sort of thing.

Choke

Great premise, but too much nudity for me. Sam Rockwell (Charlie’s Angels) as a “historical interpretor” (one of those guys who dresses in early American dress at a folk park) who is also a sex addict with a mother (Angelica Huston) in the hospital suffering from dementia. He falls for his mother’s doctor, all while trying to keep his addiction under control and hoping to learn who is father is before his mother dies. I thought it was a very original story, but too many bare boobs that I never wanted to see. Funny in parts but mostly bittersweet. Overall a good movie for those who like indies.

The Secret Life of Bees

A good chick flick that takes place in the segregated South during the summer of 1964. Dakota Fanning and her maid (Jennifer Hudson) befriend a local beekeeper (Queen Latifa). I won’t give away anymore. Equal parts tragic and heartwarming. Bring tissues. My only complaint is that Latifa’s character should have looked a bit older.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Cute kiddie movie about a spoiled and pampered pup who gets lost in Mexico and tries to find her way home. Drew Barrymore, George Lopez and Cheech Marin provide some voices and Piper Perabo and Jamie Lee Curtis star.

W., A Life Misunderestimated

I was expecting this Oliver Stone effort to be a guilty pleasure of watching Josh Brolin playing the bumbling idiot. While there was some of that - especially in the beginning - the rest of the movie felt dry; like a made-for-TV movie. Josh Brolin was perfect, he completely embodied Bush, from his facial expressions to his mannerisms to his voice. Thandie Newton was terrible as Condoleezza Rice, she seemed constipated, stiff, and her face looked like she had Bells Palsy. (They should have used Janet Jackson instead – she did a great impersonation on SNL a few years back.) Richard Dreyfess played Cheney well. But the movie was dull. We all know the story; there was nothing new here. Oliver Stone took some liberties with W’s relationship with his parents, and what was discussed when they were deciding to invade Iraq. Stone skipped over Bush’s failure with the Texas Rangers and lightly skimmed over the rest of his occupations up to his eventual running for office. And what’s with all the constant super close-ups of Brolin stuffing his face with food, drink, etc. throughout the entire film? I’d say wait for it to come out on video. Or cable.

Religulous

Bill Maher pushes a lot of buttons about people’s faith in this documentary. If you are sensitive about the topic, then this movie will probably offend you. I think it is healthy to push buttons and get people to think. I didn’t agree with all of Bill Maher’s conclusions, but I found the movie quite amusing and laughed out loud several times. He picks on pretty much everybody (gay Muslims, ex-Jews for Jesus, that wacko who has folks believing he is the second coming of Christ, and a Holy Land amusement park!), and those TV evangelists deserved it the most. He inserts amusing tidbits from various religious movies, and even Scarface! For a documentary, it kept me interested and never bored. I enjoyed it, but like I said, it may offend some sensitive folks.

Flash of Genius

Good movie about the frustrating legal battles that tore apart a man’s life after Ford Motor Company stole his invention for the intermittent windshield wipers. Greg Kinnear stars. I enjoyed it.

Body of Lies

Another movie on terrorism that takes you all over the Middle East hunting for bad guys. Plenty of action and suspence. Leo DiCaprio as a CIA operative at odds with his boss in DC, Russell Crowe. Very exciting; if you haven’t had enough of movies on terrorism already.

Eagle Eye

Good action film. This movie brings paranoia to a new level. Shia Labeouf stars with Michelle Monaghan as they follow orders from a mysterious voice on the phone that seems to have all-seeing eyes. Another one of those movies that leaves too much to chance, yet seems to work out almost perfectly. It is still very exciting, and once you figure out where the orders are coming from, it will bring to mind a certain old Stanley Kubrick movie. Oops! Did I give it away? Lots of explosions, shoot outs and car chases. Enjoy.

The Duchess

Good period film. Ralph Fiennes plays a perfect scoundrel of a husband. You will love to hate him. Keira Knightly as the popular duchess who must put up with her philandering husband, all in the name of social standing in stuffy old England. I’m not a Keira fan, but she does play the part very well. Will probably be nominated for plenty of awards. I enjoyed it. Only for those who like the corset and wig films.

Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist

Cute teenage movie. The movie follows a couple of groups of high school seniors through an endless night around NYC clubs as they search for the location of an elusive rock band, while two girls vie for the affections of geeky Michael Cera (Juno, Superbad). I’m still not sure what either girl saw in Cera, but the movie is entertaining - and there is a running theme with some bubble gum. I wasn’t paying attention to the gum until one particularly gross – and unforgettable – scene with the drunk blonde, so I’m not sure when it all started. I loved the gay band members; they were probably my favorite part of the movie. I kept hoping a certain arrogant and condescending bimbo would get punched in the face. A fun movie for those who like teenager films.

Miracle at St Anna’s

Good movie, but too pat of an ending. The movie begins enticingly enough with a veteran who kills someone he recognizes from WWII. Most of the rest of the movie takes place during WWII with the plight of 4 black Buffalo Soldiers as they rescue an Italian boy. All of it was excellent, except for the end, which ties everything into a big shiny red bow. I was disappointed in the ending, but the rest of the movie was excellent, even powerful. Your call.