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**** STARS

Some of the best movies I have ever seen contain deeply rich characters that are complete polar opposites of me and anything I have ever experienced in life. While watching “The Wrestler” I was completely transported into the life of a washed up wrestler played subtlety and tenderly by the magnificent Mickey Rourke. Through beautifully crafted direction and eloquently written dialogue, I was able to relate to these characters and identify with their struggle.

Rourke’s complex and emotionally jarring depiction of a washed up wrestler in Darren Aronofsky’s film had me completely enthralled from beginning to end. When we first see Rourke as “Randy the Ram” he is a brittle broken down shell of a man. The scars of his life are not only visible on his tired face and worn down body but in his sad and lonely eyes. When Randy plays with the kids in his trailer park you can feel the desperation in his need to not be alone. In the scenes where he is by himself, the quiet stillness of his life is almost deafening in its sadness.

What makes “The Wrestler” a remarkable film are the multiple layers of authenticity in its characters. Rachel Evan Wood is intense and devistatingly harsh as Randy’s estranged daughter. Marisa Tomei also gives a jaw dropping performance as a stripper who meets Ram at work and then is conflicted trying to balance parenthood, love and life on her own. Her performance should garner her another Oscar nomination, finally squishing complaints that she didn’t deserve her Best Supporting Actress award for “My Cousin Vinnie” in 1992.

“The Wrestler” is at times bleak and often stomach-turning, but it definitely works as a heart-tugging character study. If you can look past the hype that is surrounding this film, you will see that if offers viewers far more than just Rourke’s performance. Here is a film that, through its intimacy touches on love, money, family, dreams and death in a way that won’t pile-drive you through the mat. This movie is simply, stellar, it is an American parable and a moving drama found in the unlikeliest of places. No other sports movie I have seen has moved in such a way as this film has, it is an instant American classic.

FILM SYNOPSIS:
It’s the summer of 1987 and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), a recent college graduate, is looking for a job. He finds it at a local amusement park and learns it’s the perfect course to prepare him for the real world. He also finds love working at the amusement park.

The film is based on the director’s experiences of the same nature working at an amusement park of the same name. The film is set to premiere on March 27, 2009 in the United States.

“Adventureland” was written and directed by Greg Mottola who also did the outstanding coming of age comedy “Superbad”. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Ryan Reynolds. The film also has a hilarious supporting cast of characters played by Kristin Wiig and Bill Hader from “Saturday Night Live”. This trailer had me in stiches, lets just hope that these aren’t the only funny parts fo the film they are showing us!

*** 1/2 STARS

“Slumdog Millionaire” could easily be called “the feel good film of 2008″, even though a lot of its emotionally charged scenes are hard to watch. This culturally rich film is crackling with color and popping with eye catching visuals. Director Danny Boyle has created a fascinating and compelling story that is not only intense; it is also sweeping and romantic. Boyle’s fast paced editing and vibrant cinematography bring life to the drab and depressing slums of Mumbai, India creating a lush landscape filled with awe inspiring images.

The film is based on the book “Q and A” written by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup. The film, shot and set in India, follows a young man named Jamal from the slums of Mumbai who appears on a game show and exceeds people’s expectations, raising the suspicions of the game show host and law enforcement. The film unfolds in a series of flashbacks that are both horrific and tender. The disturbing images of poverty and filth are softened by the realistic performances given by the young actors and true to life dialogue.

“Slumdog” forces you to experience every human emotion that a film possibly can; empathy, joy, elation, fear, tension and passion. As the film began to climax I found my heart racing and my emotions soaring. The movie’s final frames don’t feel heavy handed or forced and as the film ends you want to see more of this fascinating world. The entire experience was a rollercoaster ride of well timed up’s and downs that end with one of the best credit scenes to ever be filmed.

There are a lot of good films out this award season but not many have the same human touch that “Slumdog Millionaire” has. This movie stands out in an award season full of holocaust themed films and bio-pics. The intricate camera work will keep you on the edge of your seat while the beautiful love story will capture your imagination and steal your heart. “Slumdog Millionaire” is a movie lover’s dream that is a “must see” on the big screen.

“2012″ is an upcoming post-apocalyptic science fiction film directed by Roland Emmerich. The film has an ensemble cast, including John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Woody Harrelson. “2012″ is scheduled to be released on July 10, 2009.

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:
The world is devastated by a cataclysm in the year 2012, leaving survivors to struggle for their lives. An academic researcher leads a group of people in a fight to counteract the apocalyptic events that were predicted by the ancient Mayan calendar.

Sound familiar? Emmerich also created the silly disaster film “The Day After Tomorrow”. He also made “Independence Day” and “Godzilla” two other doomsday event style films. Man this guy needs to find another premise for his movies! Hopefully this will be a silly fun ride for the upcoming summer season.

*** STARS

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:
Frost/Nixon is a historical drama based upon the play of the same name by Peter Morgan, writer of The Queen, which dramatises the 1977 televised Frost/Nixon interviews. The film version is directed by Ron Howard and produced by Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment. The film reunites its original two stars from the London and Broadway productions of the play, Frank Langella as former President of the United States Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as British TV broadcaster David Frost.

FILM REVIEW:
I have a few issues with Ron Howard as a Director. In the past I have referred to his style as hack-ish at times (”The Da Vinci Code”, “Far and Away”, “The Grinch”). I am very excited to say that his latest film is a riveting triumph of cinema and it deserves all the accolades it will receive this upcoming movie award season. Besides the obvious educational and historical significance this film is an enthralling piece of work that had me glued to my seat.

Frank Langella as Nixon is the obvious stand out in a film filled with enormously talented actors. His gripping portrayal of Nixon isn’t an over the top caricature or an impression; it is an emotionally charged power house performance that is filled with intensity. I wanted to loathe Nixon more than this film would let me. In the end Langella gave one of the most human depictions of Richard Nixon to ever be portrayed on film or stage and I actually felt pitty for him.

This intricately staged film has a fast pace that I didn’t expect from a bio-pic/historical drama. The attention to detail in the set design and screenplay only highlight the strong performances by Kevin Bacon and Sam Rockwell. The comedic elements in this film also caught me off guard. I found myself laughing more than expected which helped cut through some of the more tense scenes like a knife. Ron Howard timed this film like clock work with every piece fitting in like perfection.

After watching “Frost/Nixon” I wanted to learn more about these interviews and see the actual footage, I felt hungry for more information. Ron Howard has made a film that will help educate people who have forgotten or don’t know much about this horrible point in our countries political system. Just as the original interviews between these two men were important, so is the message of this film.

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This tense thriller is based on the popular BBC mini-series of the same title. The film follows a team of investigative reporters who work alongside a police detective to try to solve the murder of a congressman’s mistress. If played well this teaming could be pretty fun, played bad this could be another dud along the lines of “Smokin’ Aces” (Affleck) or “Body of Lies” (Crowe).

“THE HOUSE BUNNY”

GRADE: A-

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:
When Shelly, a Playboy bunny, is tossed out of the mansion, she has nowhere to go until she falls in with the sorority girls from Zeta Alpha Zeta. The members of the sorority - who also have got to be the seven most socially clueless women on the planet - are about to lose their house. They need a dose of what only the eternally bubbly Shelley can provide… but they will each learn on their own to stop pretending to be what others want them to be and start being themselves

MOVIE REVIEW:
“The House Bunny” caught me by total surprise. I was expecting to watch a “Legally Blonde” rip-off and instead I was treated to a light fluffy surprise filled with witty jokes and spot on acting by the always charming lead Anna Farris. Though the premise may sound familiar and all too “sitcom-y” for some, the actual film is filled with fresh zingers, great sight gags and top notch physical comedy by the fresh faced cast.

The crisp and naughty jokes peppered through out this film keep it going at a steady pace with plenty of belly laughs and well written jokes that are instantly quotable. For instance, I can’t stop repeating; “the eyes are the nipples of the face”. That line alone had me laughing for days!

This movie is not just for teenage girls, this is a great comedy for young adults and grown ups alike. The majority of this film’s best moments are credited to Anna Farris’s gut busting delivery. The script has enough new material to keep you entertained through out multiple viewings. I can’t say enough about this cute little winner, go rent it and watch it with a group of people, I dare you not to crack up!

“GHOST TOWN”

GRADE: B

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:
Bertram Pincus is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. Even worse, they all want something from him, particularly Frank Herlihy who pesters him into breaking up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen. That puts Pincus squarely in the middle of a triangle with spirited result.

MOVIE REVIEW:
“Ghost Town” may not have the non-stop laughs of most modern day comedies but its quaint story and cute cast keep it from falling by the way side into DVD obscurity. Even though the plot is similar to that of other films such as “Ghost” and “All of Me”; Ricky Gervais proves that he can carry a movie, even when playing a character similar to himself.

The comic timing between Gervais and Greg Kinnear reminded me of classic Hollywood comedies starring Clark Gable and Cary Grant. The chemistry between the two actors keeps this movie from sinking into familiar territory while charming the socks off of you. The short running time and supporting work by Tea Leoni also make this film a sleeper hit, even if it failed at the box office.

“Ghost Town” is one of those little films that slips by audience’s radar but should have a new life on DVD. The romantic and at times silly premise is the perfect type of story for a weekend video night when it is rainy and cold outside. This film may not be as creative and dirty as most hit comedies that Hollywood puts out these days, but it does its job of making you smile and keeping you entertained for an hour and a half.

EAGLE EYE

GRADE: C+

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:
Jerry and Rachel are two strangers thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes Jerry and Rachel into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, using the technology of everyday life to track and control their every move.

MOVIE REVIEW:
“Eagle Eye” wants to be a trippy psychological thriller but it can’t get past its silly set up and cheesy convoluted ending. All the loud explosions and heart pounding car chase scenes in the world couldn’t save this film from its heavy handed script and fast paced frenetic energy. Even though it has its moments of fun, this film just has too much energy for its own good and there’s not enough substance to make it a great action film.

As much as he would like to be, Shia Labeouf is not the next big action star. His all too familiar delivery and snarky teen demeanor hamper this film from being a good DVD rental. I wouldn’t say this film is terrible but it is far fetched and silly at times. The plot device comes off as a cop out and the eventual “pay off” at the end leaves you feeling empty. It’s as if the screenwriters were taking bits of other films and mashing them together to make a vehicle just for Labeouf’s rising star.

This film is not un-watchable but it does plod along and you can guess each twist before it even hits the screen. That said, there are some cool camera angels and a few snazzy car chase scenes that will entertain you enough to keep you involved until the movie ends. It’s the movie’s final act that will have you scratching your head and laughing at the implausible ending. If you’re easily entertained by loud noises and colorful explosions then you will enjoy this piece of junk food for the eyes.

“9″ is an upcoming animated, feature-length adaptation of Shane Acker’s short film of the same name. Although CGI, the movie will have a stylized look resembling stop motion which Tim Burton called “hauntingly beautiful”.

“9″ takes place in a world parallel to our own, in which the very legacy of humanity is threatened. A group of sapient rag dolls, living a post-apocalyptic existence find one of their own, (Elijah Wood), who displays leadership qualities that may help them to survive.

The conflicted, but resilient group includes (Christopher Plummer), a domineering war veteran; (Martin Landau), an aged inventor; (John C. Reilly), a stalwart mechanic; (Crispin Glover), a visionary and artist; and (Jennifer Connelly), a brave warrior. The trailer also shows two hooded rag dolls with the numbers 3 and 4 on them. In addition a large strong rag doll has the number 8 on his shoulder.

The look and feel of this animated film is truly original and I for one am really excited to see this glorious piece of work. Let’s hope this film doesn’t suffer from the same curse as this year’s biggest flop “Delgo”. That animated film may have looked sleek but it has already gone down in history as the biggest film flop ever! Cross your fingers for “9″ folks!