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GRADE: B-

Danny Boyle films are hit or miss, some of them are stellar pieces of cinema, and others are trite pieces of garbage. Critic’s and movie buffs alike would agree that Boyle’s best movie to date is the harsh and brilliant “Trainspotting”. His first film “Shallow Grave” is a Hitchcock-esque thriller with substance and style that is also a critical darling.

Danny Boyle’s two biggest film flops “A Life Less Ordinary” and “The Beach” tanked at the box office and with fans. Last year Boyle made another small budget film that many critic’s enjoyed called “Millions”. But it is his zombie masterpiece “28 Days Later” that is my favorite out of all his movies.

“Sunshine” doesn’t have the sharp and tense action of “28 Days Later”, but it isn’t slow or plodding like “A Life Less Ordinary”. “Sunshine” is an intimate and claustrophobic look at a crew of scientist sent on a mission to reignite the sun before it collapses within itself, ultimately ending all life on Earth. The synopsis may sound like it is right out of a Jerry Bruckheimer film, but Boyle takes a more subtle approach to the Sci-Fi genre.

Boyle creates some really beautiful images and themes in “Sunshine” but as a whole the movie doesn’t compare to more intellectually minded Sci-Fi movies like “2001″ or “Alien”. As a pulse pounding action film this movie fails, but as an intelligent and provocative Sci-Fi drama it works. Most of the cohesive feeling this movie has is due to the fine acting from Cillian Murphy as the ship’s Physicist.

There is noticeably a tremendous visual style throughout “Sunshine”. The screen is awash with sparkling explosions and each frame saturated with bright colors and dimmed contrasts. Even though the plot and acting isn’t top notch, the stylistic elements and creepy mood Boyle creates in “Sunshine” make this worth the DVD viewing at home. If you are a Sci-fi fan then this is a great little find, otherwise some people may find this movie slow and confusing.

WATCH THE “SUNSHINE” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

GRADE: A

I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t see the remake of “3:10 to Yuma” on the big screen this past fall. As far as my favorite films of the year go, this movie would definitely be in my top 20 of the best movies of the year.

Now, I am not a Western movie fan at all, the genre has never really made an impression on me. Actually, I can’t even say that I have enjoyed any Western themed movie as much as I did “3:10 to Yuma”…ever.

The gritty realism and intensity in “3:10 to Yuma” is captivating to watch. The old west depicted in this film is not glamorized or made to look like a Hollywood bang ‘em up action film with cheesy costumes.

The cinematography and set designs are absolutely impeccable. The background shots and sprawling scenery are breathtaking and massive in scope. Director James Mangold ’s attention to the details pays off big time with this harsh thrill ride.

Russell Crowe plays the “villain” Ben Wade with a cold intensity while juggling human emotions and empathy at the same time. His performance is wonderful and it proves that he is the go to actor for lead movie roles that call for machismo and brawn. His evil cold hearted depiction of Wade could garner him another Oscar nomination in my opinion.

Christian Bale has slowly become one of the best “method” actors in Hollywood these days. His quietly unnerving and strong performance as a father, who yearns for his son’s respect, is moving and graceful. All of the actor’s performances in “3:10 to Yuma” deserve kudos, especially Ben Foster’s creepy role as Ben Wade’s homicidal henchman Charlie Prince.

“3:10 to Yuma” is utterly entertaining from start to finish. The last 20 minutes of this movie will have you on the edge of your seat. Within the last few frames you will find yourself dwelling on the enormity of how awful it must have been to live during this time period in the early U.S. under these conditions.

The enthralling story, exquisite acting and enormity of the details used by Director James Mangold in “3:10″ make this one of the best remakes and Western’s of all time. If you love the genre, then “3:10 to Yuma” will soon become one of your all time favorites, for sure!

WATCH THE “3:10 TO YUMA” MOVIE TRAILER HERE:

GRADE: B+

“Eagle vs. Shark” is a quirky little New Zealand comedy full of wit and charm. “Eagle vs. Shark” won’t impress some grumpy movie fans, but it is bound to find a cult following. Some folks may compare this little gem to another small awkward comedy called “Napoleon Dynamite”. Those comparisons would be fair when it comes to the style of film this is, but as far as substance and plot goes, this film won me over more than “Dynamite” did.

If you are a fan of HBO’s hilarious comedy t.v. show “Flight of the Conchords” than you may recognize Jemaine Clement who plays “Jerrod” in this oddball charmer. His nerdy poser is even more pathetic than anyone in “Dynamite”. The chemistry between him and Loren Horsley (”shark”) is believable and sweet. Watching these to awkward nerds come together is not like your average movie love story. Both actor’s play their roles with a quiet subtlety that charms the socks off of you.

The supporting New Zealander cast is uproarious and just as silly as the main character’s in this movie. There are some hidden moments of comedic genius in this film. I related to both of the main outcasts in this film, their human flaws are all too real. Along with the genuine laughs, this film provides tender and true to life moments that made me smile more than once.

If you enjoy quiet little movies with a pinch of dark humor and silliness, then “Eagle vs. Shark” will tickle your funny bone. Watching two clumsy people come together has never been so oddly satisfying. This small comedy is just right for those folks that are not looking for their laughs in all of the obvious places, this one will make you think and smile at the same time.

WATCH THE “EAGLE VS. SHARK” MOVIE TRAILER HERE:

GRADE: A

The one regretful thing about putting out your “best and worst” list of the year is that you aren’t able to watch every film and some movies slip through the cracks. I watched “Away From Her” this past weekend and it clearly is one of the best films of 2007. It also contains the best performance from any actress all year by the gorgeous Julie Christie.

This soft and tender film focuses on the devastating results of early set on Alsheizemers disease as it affects a married couple who have been married for over 40 years. This heartbreaking disease does not discriminate or wait for anyone. As “Away From Her” depicts, the results of this disease are emotionally crippling. Director/Screenwriter Sarah Polley’s script is mature, insightful and uplifting.

Julie Christie’s subtle performance is quietly un-nerving. You can see the intensity in her eloquent and understated acting. Co-star’s Gordon Pinsent and Olympia Dukakis give emotionally crushing performances as a distraught husband and wife who slowly have to say goodbye to the love’s of their lives. Watching these two actors together is a marvel. They express their loss with a painfully quiet intensity that is real. But do not worry, the depressing subject matter in this sad film becomes a harrowing tale of bravery and empathy.

This material is not easy to digest. This is a deeply sad film with some great insights. There are some poignant moments in this film that made me reflect on my own life. I found myself thinking about my own mortality and feeling glad for the blessings that I do have. This is the true mark of an emotionally charged and brilliant film. Watching “Away From Her” was a profound experience that left me feeling much richer in my life than I was before seeing it.

WATCH THE “AWAY FROM HER” MOVIE TRAILER HERE:

GRADE: A

“Futurama” is an Emmy Award-winning animated sitcom created by Matt Groening, who also created “The Simpsons”. “Futurama” aired from March 28, 1999 to August 10, 2003 on FOX before being canceled by FOX. The series has now been revived as four straight-to-DVD films that will be split into a sixteen-episode fifth season. Comedy Central has entered into an agreement with 20th Century Fox Television to syndicate the existing episodes and air the films as new episodes in an episodic format.

In January 2003, Cartoon Network began airing “Futurama” episodes as the centerpiece to the expansion of their Adult Swim cartoon block. In October 2005, Comedy Central picked up the exclusive cable syndication rights to air “Futurama’s” 72-episode run at the start of 2008, following the expiration of Cartoon Network’s contract. It was cited as the largest and most expensive acquisition in the network’s history.

“Benders” big score is the first hour and half long “feature” which brings back all of our favorite characters from the series; Fry, Leela, Dr. Zoidberg, Amy, Professor Farnsworth, Hermes and Bender. The crew is back in business delivering packages through “Planet Express” with hilarious results. The animation is still crisp and fresh and the writing has never been so sharp and witty.

Bender and Fry have always been the most beloved characters of “Futurama” and this direct to DVD movie highlights all the crazy things we love about them. In “Bender’s Big Score” Planet Express has become the victim of a hostile takeover by a company of lurid spammers and the new bosses want to send Bender back in time to steal the world’s most valuable treasures. Watching the crew back in action is a welcomed sight and the humor in this film is just as good as any big screen animated feature that is released today.

“Bender’s Big Score” has a great way of weaving many past episode plot lines through out the story, giving a nudge to die hard fans. If you haven’t had a chance to get into this irreverent cartoon then now is your chance. The return of “Futurama” has been long over due. I am thankful that the Comedy Central and FOX gave new life to this original show. Just like “Family Guy” this show will be around for a lot longer thanks to committed fans and grown up kids like me, check it out!

GRADE: D

Well, it was bound to happen folks! The “Pirates” franchise came and went, and in the aftermath we still only got one great movie out of the three that Disney released. The first “Pirates” movie was a random fluke that no one could see coming. Watching Johnny Depp flesh out a new character with such imagination and precise acting was a treat for family audiences. When both sequels were released they failed to capture the same magic as the first film creatively but they both managed to break box office records and rake in hundreds of millions of dollars.

The storyline of “Pirates 3″ is all over the place. We have to wait at least 30 minutes into the film before we get to even see Jack Sparrow. At almost three hours the drawn out plot gets lost under the weight of the movies own ego. There is a scene with Jack in limbo that is like “Pirates” on acid and it has no real significance to the plot at all, it just fills time. Even Kiera Knightly and Orlando Bloom look as if they are just on screen to pick up a hefty pay check. You can tell none of the actors have their hearts in the project anymore, they just got through the motions.

The second “Pirates” movie was too long, to convoluted and just a loud bloated mess. The only redeeming quality from that film was the state of the art special effects that were used on Davey Jones and his crew. The third film doesn’t even offer up any new images or eye popping visuals, it just regurgitates the same schlocky pirate dialog and dark set pieces that were used in the last two pictures. Not even the costumes could hold up to the first film, as we watch “Pirates 3″ we can’t help but feel that some aspects from all three films have been recycled.

When the first film was released people had their doubts that a ride at a theme park could sustain a film’s plot. Of course were wrong when it was released, but all of our worries came true in the last two installments. “Pirates 2 & 3″ just do not compare to the genius and the fresh feeling that the original movie had. It is a shame that this trilogy wasn’t fleshed out correctly. If the characters and plot were in better screen writer’s hands then maybe we could have had a truly special trilogy for the history books. As it stands the first film is the only one worth watching.

GRADE: B

All action movie fans know that the first “Die Hard” movie is the best action film ever made, hands down. Bruce Willis defined the genre with his performance as the surly macho New York cop John McClane. The “Die Hard” franchise is noted for including humor as a complement to the action and dramatic elements of the story.

I am glad to say that many years later the formula still works. The action in “Die Hard 4″ keeps you immersed into the absurd storyline as you wait patiently to hear Willis say the line we all have come to love so much, “Yippee ki yay, motherfucker”! I am here to say that it was well worth the wait.

The story for “Live Free or Die hard” follows a criminal plot targeting the nation’s computer infrastructure which threatens the technological foundations of the U.S. economy. The villain in “Die Hard 4″ is played by the super sexy Timothy Olyphant (”Go” and “Hitman”).

The far fetched “fire sale” story line centers on Olyphant’s character crippling the U.S.’s media outlets, banking institutions, public utilities and emergency resources to create chaos. It is up to to super cop John McClane to save the day in some of the best filmed action sequences since “The Bourne Ultimatum”.

While saving the day McClane must ensure the safety of a computer hacker played by Justin Long (”Jeepers Creepers” and “Dodgeball”) who is the only person able to stop the country from completely spinning out of control. Long and Willis have some great comedic banter and Willis’s tough as nails portrayal of McClane has never been so hilarious. Director Len Wisemen films the action and funny dialog with fine tuned precision.

I am hoping that this will be the last of the “Die Hard” films only because each movie up until now has been fun and exciting. I would hate for the franchise to ruin it’s reputation by putting out another film that isn’t up to par.

It is obvious by looking at him that time has taken it’s toll on Willis, but his wry sense of acting and comedic timing were able to make “Live Free or Die Hard” enjoyable. This is a great way to say goodbye to a much beloved action character who had a great run.

GRADE: B-

I am not sure why I am giving this movie a decent rating. On one hand it was completely inoffensive, fun and silly. But on the other hand, I didn’t get a lot of the humor or jokes in “Hot Rod”. Watching this film I noticed one major thing right away, this movie is made up of ideas Andy Sandberg has played with on “Saturday Night Live”. If you are a fan of Sandberg’s and of “SNL” then you can see his familiar unique comedic touch on many of the jokes that play out in this movie.

Sandberg plays Rod Kimble, a child like adult who still lives at home with his mom and stepfather. Rod is intent on becoming a major stunt man but he can’t seem to execute a stunt without nearly killing himself. A lot of the jokes in this movie are site gags and play out in the physical comedy between Sandberg and his co-stars. If you are not big on “Jack Ass” style pratfalls then this movie won’t win you over.

If you can see past the childish physical humor then there are some real comedic moments to be found in “Hot Rod”. After watching this movie I truly believe that Sandberg has the acting chops to carry his own film. Hey, if David Spade and Adam Sandler can keep making films then why not Andy Sandberg? Sandberg’s cute boy-ish good looks and sharp wit light up the screen, even if some of the jokes fall flat.

I suspect that I will need to watch this movie a couple of more times to find more funny hidden references and to get some of the visual jokes I didn’t first time around, and that is just fine with me. Even though this film has no artistic merit it will entertain the young boy that is in most grown men, but women may find this movie a tad bit immature and ridiculous in parts. That said I recommend this movie to stoners, jack asses and college fraternities everywhere.

GRADE: A+

“Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas” was originally a children’s story by Russell Hoban that was published in 1969. The plot is reminiscent of “The Gift of the Magi”, by O. Henry. The moral of that short story is that physical possessions, however valuable they may be, are of little value in the grand scheme of things. What a great theme for the holidays I say!

Jim Henson was the perfect person to bring this timeless holiday tale to life for family viewing in the early 1980’s. His interpretation is not as cheerful and warm as most children’s holiday films. The themes of “Magi” are harsh but Henson deals with the material in the most delicate way that only he and his Muppet’s could do. Throughout the film poverty, death and sacrifice of personal needs are topics raised without being too heavy handed or preachy.

The original “Emmet Otter” special was produced for HBO in 1977. It ran on that station yearly until 1979. In 1980, a heavily edited version began airing on ABC. This new version featured shortening of some songs and scenes, and the addition of a voice-over by Kermit the Frog. New un-edited versions of “Emmet Otter” are finally out on DVD for fans and families to watch and own!

The Jim Henson version of “Magi” tells the story of Emmet Otter and his widowed mother, who each want to buy the other something special for Christmas. They each are aware that the other wants something very particular and, unfortunately, very expensive. Emmet, with the help of his friends, comes up with the idea of putting together a jug band and entering the local talent contest, which has a prize of $50. Little does Emmet know that his mother is entering the contest for the same reasons.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail on the sets, costumes, voice work, costuming/props and music earned this 80’s television classic 4 Emmy Award nominations. I remember watching this special debut on HBO and then watching it’s much weaker and edited version on ABC during the holidays in the early 80’s.

I loved every minute of “Emmet Otter” and memorized all the songs when I was a kid. It still holds a special place in my heart during the holidays. I try to turn as many people onto this film as possible, especially kids old enough to handle the strong themes. If you don’t like this movie then you must be a Scrooge! Bah-Humbug!

Watch the many clips from the Jim Henson Classic “Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas” below:

THE “EMMET OTTER” OPENING SEQUENCE

SONG FROM “EMMET OTTER” - “MESSY MAMA’S BARBECUE”

SONG FROM “EMMET OTTER” - “RIVER MEETS THE SEA”

A SCENE FROM “EMMET OTTER’S JUGBAND CHRISTMAS”

BLOOPERS FROM THE MAKING OF “EMMETT OTTER”!

GRADE: D-

How much did I hate “Chuck & Larry”? Let’s just say it was close to beating “The Number 23″ starring Jim Carey (click here to read my review of that awful film) as the worst film of 2007. If it wasn’t for the brief cameos by David Spade and Nick Swarsdon I wouldn’t have laughed at all in this crap-fest.

If you have read this blog enough then you know I am gay. I have a liberal sense of what is PC and what is tacky when it comes to jokes and comedy in films. “Chuck & Larry” doesn’t offend, it is just absolutely worthless. The film tries to be a pro-gay film, but in the end it uses gay culture to get the cheap laugh.

Now I like Adam Sandler, he has his moments; “Happy Gilmore”, “Billy Madison”, “The Wedding Singer”, “50 First Dates” and “Punch Drunk Love” were entertaining pieces of cinema. So I can stand Sandler’s immature, fart jokes and macho humor.

“Chuck & Larry” from the get go has a sitcom feel to it. The cheesy special effects, the “Three’s Company” mis-understandings and the gay stereotypes are plentiful. This movie insults gay rights, gay people, gay couples, gay’s in the closet and even gay kids.

Watching Vingh Rhames come out of the closet was a funny moment, but why did her start talking like a woman as soon as the words “I am gay” started to come out of his mouth? Why does Jessica Biel’s character fall for a gay man? Why do none of the gay characters in the movie pick up on the obvious false relationship between Chuck and Larry?

I mean do we still need Streisand, Liza and Judy Garland gay jokes in a world that is able to make a film like “Brokeback Mountain” a financial hit? I know this is a movie and it’s supposed to be a “comedy”, but the set, delivery and ending of this film are just patheticly unrealistic. Since when did gays have it so good that straight people need to take advantage of our “benefits”??

Don’t be fooled by “Chuck & Larry’s” fake “soft side”. This movie not only degrades gay men, but it makes woman look like brainless drones that would think a guy that looks like Adam Sandler is hot. There is even a cruel, nasty scene with an obese man that is so out of place it is just gross.

And can someone tell me why Rob Schneider played a racist depiction of an asian person? Was that supposed to be funny? I could list the other mindlessly un-creative ways that Sandler and company tried to come off as liberal, witty and sexy but you get the picture.

To sum it up this film is absolute crap. I am confounded by the fact that this movie was a hit and has “fans”. I would love to ask those people that liked this film if saying the word “faggot” is funny and if they have any gay friends or relatives that think this kind of humor is acceptable or has any value.

I feel bad for Kevin James and Sandler, this movie is a pathetic attempt to look cool and understanding, but it is really just a vehicle to make money. Don’t believe the hype. Watching this movie won’t make you more tolerant of gays, if anything it will back up all the stereotypical things that people dislike about gays.

GRADE: B-

When the first “Ocean’s” movie debuted in 2001 it crackled with wit and charmed the socks off of the movie viewing public with it’s sleek look and star packed roster. It was a fun “popcorn” flick with no real value other than to entertain people. This was not Oscar caliber work in other words.

In 2004 “Ocean’s 12″ was released and it was a mild hit but it wasn’t the super hit that the previous film was. I personally hated that film, it was on my list as one of the worst films of the year. In my opinion it was a pathetic narcissistic journey into Hollywood biggest ego’s.

The gimmick of having multiple top billed actor’s in “13″ isn’t as obnoxious as it was in “Ocean’s 12″. The scenes with Clooney, Pitt and Damon don’t feel as if we are listening in on an inside joke like it has in the past. This movie has an even flow with it’s actor’s that “Ocean’s 12″ didn’t have. That movie was all over the map.

Although the scene with Pitt and Clooney in the airport towards then end does indulge in that snotty insider Hollywood humor for a moment. Those moments are the kind that irritate me. I get it, you’re all hot Hollywood big wigs and you are friends in real life, ha ha. I should give “Ocean’s 13″ it’s due, it comes off a lot less snarky then it’s predecessor.

“Ocean’s 13″ has a great plot and it has a lot more humor than the last two “Ocean’s” movies I think. At it’s core this is a revenge film, then it’s a heist caper and then a comedy. I appreciate all of the details that Director Steven Soderbergh incorporates into his scenes. Soderbergh is a master of the tight close up and panning huge crowd scenes within the casino. At the very least I learned a lot about the gaming industry and casinos that I had not known before by watching this film.

Al Pacino does a fantastic job as a new casino owner and he is a welcome addition to the already over crowded cast. I am really glad Julia Roberts or Katherine Zeta-Jones were not in this film, instead we get the delightful “cougar” Ellen Barkin. Barkin’s moments in this movie give “13′ that true comedic feel, especially her scenes with the hilarious Matt Damon.

Damon is on a streak lately, his roles always seem to highlight his talent’s. Even if I don’t agree with People Magazine’s pick of Damon as the Sexiest man alive, he shines in this movie a lot more than Pitt or Clooney do. Pitt seems to have taken a back seat in this film, his screen time is much smaller than the last two films.

Even though I liked this movie I am getting sick of the “Ocean” movies in general. I don’t doubt these films have a true fan following but I think it is time to retire these characters and all of the insider jokes that come with them. They were cute at the time, but I am guessing that they won’t stand up to the test of time.

In time people will look back at the “Ocean” movies as the vanity pieces they truly are. These movies are a prime example of when Hollywood has too much money to spend, but they are harmless and fun at times. Let’s just hope that this is the last movie in the “Ocean” series, this franchise is going nowhere fast and it needs to end while it’s still on top.

GRADE: B-

I was very hesitant giving this film a B-, if I were in a worse mood I may have just given it a C. These are very hard words for me to write. I love the “Shrek” films and think that the first movie was pure genius, it even won the first ever “Feature Length Animated Film” award at the Academy Awards back in 2002. The sequel “Shrek 2″ did the unthinkable by being just as good, if not better, than the original “Shrek”.

In the past animated side kicks like “Donkey” and “Puss N Boots” were delightful characters that helped to balance out Shrek’s moody disposition, in these films the pair become a bit obnoxious. The film has it’s bright moments with the focus on the Princesses being up-scaled. The voice work by Amy Poehler, Amy Sidaris, Cheri Oteri and Maya Rudolph is comic bliss. The action scenes with the Princesses get the most laughs in this film. Justin Timberlake doesn’t offer much up as “Arthur” the newest character in the series.

The animation in “Shrek the Third” is stellar and a step up from the original. The characters are more polished and the backgrounds are just as lush and realistic as ever (if not better). But as far as plot lines and story telling go, this tale of “Far Far Away” falls flat. The laughs are sporadic and they don’t come as fast as they did in previous “Shrek” movies. Some jokes I felt were too aimed at adults and just plain tacky.

The introduction of the creepy “Shrek” babies in this movie can only mean that “Shrek 4″ will be about Shrek raising a family. The premise at this point is getting thin, and if I were the producers, I would think of ways to end the franchise at #4 before the hip reputation of these films is completely ruined by mediocrity. This movies will make kids laugh and it will charm some folks, but this sequel doesn’t fall into the same “multiple viewings” category that the first two did.

GRADE: B

Director William Friedkin is best known for directing the scariest film of all time “The Exorcist”. His latest exploration into human madness and horror will leave you chilled to the bone and some what traumatized much like his horror classic “The Exorcist” did in the 70’s. His latest film “Bug” is intense, grotesque and disturbing; and I enjoyed it immensely.

“Bug” starts of slow and methodical, never giving the viewer the complete picture keeping the line between what is real and hallucination blurred throughout the film. Ashley Judd’s performance is nothing short of brilliant, and in my eyes her “Agnes” is an Oscar worthy role if ever there was one. Her dead on portrayal of a paranoid and abused woman teeters on borderline psychotic.

This movie makes a great comparison between battered woman’s syndrome and paranoid schizophrenia. The isolation and loneliness both of the characters experience in “Bug” leaves the viewer empathetic and confused so when the ending plays out we are left reeling from the disturbing images. The movie starts off with a whimper with few details and then out of nowhere spirals out of control leaving the viewer feeling just as disturbed and confused as its main characters.

I can’t recommend this film to the faint of heart, it has some seriously disturbing images and themes. Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and the remarkable newcomer Michael Shannon light up the screen with a ferocious intensity that is a marvel to watch. “Bug” can at times be seriously gory and too claustrophobic for some viewers so use caution when watching this movie. Based on a stage play the movie “Bug” will leave you twitching and feeling completely isolated. Beware!

“THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN”

This bright, completely original Terry Gilliam film (”12 Monkeys”, “Monty Pythons The Holy Grail”, “Brazil” and “Time Bandits”) was considered to be a huge flop when it was released in 1998 and is still thought of as one of Hollywood’s biggest fiascoes to this day. Although critics enjoyed the fantasy film (it has a terrific 86% on RottenTomatoes.com and is certified “fresh”) it tanked at the box office all across the globe.

“The Adventures of Baron Munchausen” tells the legend of an old man who has lived a fairy-tale life. Blending Oscar winning effects with witty humor and a terrific cast, “Munchausen” is a gorgeous sprawling film. The art direction, acting, set design and effects still hold up to this day. The film stars John Neville, Eric Idle and Sarah Polley with cameos by Robin Williams, Uma Thurman and Sting.

“DARK CITY”

Many people consider this 1998 film, written and directed by Alex Proyas (”The Crow”), to be the real “Matrix” movie. It stars Rufus Sewell, William Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland, and Jennifer Connelly. While not a major box office hit, it has a considerable reputation within the film industry, with film critic Roger Ebert proclaiming it to be the best film of 1998.

The movie begins with a man (Sewell) waking up in a hotel room with no memory. Right away we find out he is being sought out by police (who believe him to be a serial killer) and also by a group of mysterious men with psychokinetic powers. Furthermore, something appears to be wrong with the world at large because time, memory, and identity behave in unusual ways. This is not only a beautiful film but it is also VERY trippy, extremely thrilling and smart.

“GALAXY QUEST”

The sci-fi comedy “Galaxy Quest” was a huge surprise and a decent hit when it was released in 1999. The plot of the film follows a group of out of work actors who co-starred with eachother on a canceled T.V. show called “Galaxy Quest”. When aliens from another world receive the t.v. show’s transmissions in space, they assume that the shows content is real and travel to earth to find the transmissions crew.

The T.V. shows cast is kidnapped by the aliens at a Sci-Fi convention and taken to another galaxy to help save them from an evil alien dictator. Watching the human actors pretend to be their on screen characters will leave you in sticthces. This movie has an incredible screenplay and a spot on cast starring Tim Allen (who I normally despise), Sigourney Weaver, Allan Rickman and Sam Rockwell.

“INNERSPACE”

Navy pilot Tuck Pendleton (Dennis Quaid) is selected as a guinea pig to take place in an experimental project which will have him placed in submersible pod, miniaturized to microscopic size and injected into the body of a rabbit. Immediately after being miniaturized and put into a needle, the experiment takes a bad turn when the lab is attacked. The experiment supervisor escapes with miniaturized Pendleton he accidentally injects Quaid’s character into a unsuspecting civilian (Martin Short).

“Innerspace” won a couple of Academy Awards in 1987 and was directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg. It stars Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan and Martin Short. “Innerspace” spoofs the 1966 sci-fi classic “The Fantastic Voyage”. The films blend of awesome, groundbreaking effects and Martin Short’s physical comedy are definate crowd pleasers!

“ENEMY MINE”

During a bloody battle, two warring ships crash on a barren planet, with only one survivor from each ship. At first, the human pilot and the lizard like alien “Drac” continue to fight, but the planet’s harsh climate and the need to survive force them to ally. Denis Quaid stars as the human pilot and Louis Gossett Jr. plays the alien pilot in this unique, bizarre sci-fi fantasy.

The movie has some really great set designs and Quaid and Gosset Jr. give riveting performances that will tug at your heart strings. “Enemy Mine” is a thinly masked treatise on race relations, handled well by its two lead actors. “Enemy Mine” is director Wolfgang Petersen’s first American films and it is a rare find if you have not seen it!

GRADE: A

In the past few years the general public has been subjected to an onslaught of terrible or mediocre zombie films; “Land of the Dead”, “Resident Evil”, “Planet Terror”, “28 Weeks Later”, “Undead” etc. The great ones are few and far between; “Dawn of the Dead”, “28 Days Later”…and the best of the bunch has to be “Shaun of the Dead” (which is a comedy!). The genre itself has been lacking in the creative spirit which made it my favorite to begin with. This was until I watched “Fido”, a film I immediately fell in love with within the first few frames.

The Wikipedia.com plot description for “FIDO” is as follows: When the Earth passed through a cloud of space dust and the dead arose from their graves to devour the flesh of the living, it first seemed that all hope for humanity was lost. Society’s rapid slide into chaos, however, was soon halted when scientists at a company called ZomCon created a special collar that turned the rampaging animated corpses docile. Now, thanks to ZomCon, everything is under control - or is it?

I would describe “Fido” as “Pleasantville” meets “Night of the Living Dead”. But even that description doesn’t capture the brilliance of the details in this film. “Fido” not only has an ingenious premise but it crafts a tightly shrewd social commentary of the 50’s and of race relations into a comedy/zombie horror film. The film goes even further with subtle references to the women’s movement, child neglect, adultery, necrophilia, credit consumption and on, and on without being heavy handed. This movie has a compelling underlined message that just happens to be sandwiched in between gore, great performances and genius comedic dialog.

Carrie Anne Moss is captivating as the 50’s housewife Helen Robinson. Her wardrobe and her glowing classic Hollywood good looks have never been so beautifully captured onto film. Her precise movements and dead on depiction of a 50’s “super mom” will have you in stitches. Some of the more funnier moments in this film are the scenes with Moss interacting with her pet zombie “Fido”. There are some tender, touching and yes, some revolting scenes in “Fido”. If you loved “Shaun of the Dead” you must see “Fido”, it is a great companion piece to the British cult hit that stars Simon Pegg.

There are some really great performances in “Fido”. Especially by Billy Connelly as “Fido” the zombie house pet/servant. There are a lot of jokes crammed into “Fido” and I look forward to owning this movie to catch the little jokes I missed with multiple viewings. The gore is not as bad as you would think and it isn’t the focal point of the main story. I am a big fan of this new breed of zombie films my friends and I call “Zom-Com’s”. A mix of comedy and shrewd wit are always a welcome addition to my splatter flicks! “Fido” is proof that these two elements work just fine together!

WATCH THE “FIDO” MOVIE TRAILER HERE: