Robert Downey Jr. has the title role.  His alter ego, weapons specialist and technological genius Tony Stark is kidnapped by war terrorists and forced to re-create one of his super-weapons.  Smart guy that he is, he makes up an iron suit and explodes his way to freedom.  I have always loved Robert Downey Jr. as an actor and it is so great to see him in a role like this where he can really shine. 

Back home, pretty assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow slumming it in a supporting role) has newfound meaning in Tony's life.  Tony's mentor, a creepy looking bald Jeff Daniels, ends up having ulterior motives.

Great dialog, strong characters and lots of action.  Maybe too much cartoonish action when two Iron Mans get to battling it out.

No surprise that the movie pulled in over $100 million its first weekend and is already slated for a sequel.
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Robert Downey Jr. has the title role.  His alter ego, weapons specialist and technological genius Tony Stark is kidnapped by war terrorists and forced to re-create one of his super-weapons.  Smart guy that he is, he makes up an iron suit and explodes his way to freedom.  I have always loved Robert Downey Jr. as an actor and it is so great to see him in a role like this where he can really shine. 

Back home, pretty assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow slumming it in a supporting role) has newfound meaning in Tony's life.  Tony's mentor, a creepy looking bald Jeff Daniels, ends up having ulterior motives.

Great dialog, strong characters and lots of action.  Maybe too much cartoonish action when two Iron Mans get to battling it out.

No surprise that the movie pulled in over $100 million its first weekend and is already slated for a sequel.
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Chronologically, Michelle Monaghan is just the right age for her character, almost 30.  But I don't buy Patrick Dempsey as 32.  I felt he was a little too old for the role.  But they could have changed the script just a little bit to have it make more sense - I don't know why they didn't.

Anyhow, Hannah goes to Scotland on business for six weeks and during this time Tom wakes up to the fact that they are meant to be together.  Unfortunately for him, Hannah comes back engaged to a handsome, rich, sweet Scottish man who has swept her off her feet.  Since Tom is her best friend, Hannah asks him to be her maid of honor.  He reluctantly accepts, thinking he can win her over in the process.  With the help of his buddies, Tom has a plan.  Hilarity ensues.  Nice location shots in Scotland, some over-the-top humor, and an appropriately happy ending.
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What makes the movie so good is that the characters are all really well drawn - they're real people, not caricatures.  The story has depth, we come to understand the circumstances that led our characters to this place, so we have more empathy for them in this situation.

This is not a movie for everyone - it's rated R - there's lots of nudity and lots of sex, both physical and talked about.  And there are also lots of laughs.  It's a very funny movie.
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Leatherheads works best when it is in romantic comedy mode.  When it gets into slapstick, it feels silly.  Great date movie.  Really fun to watch.
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Brandon's war buddies are as shaken as he is by their experiences, but they each handle it in a different way. Steve, played by Channing Tatum, actually re-enlists, knowing that the war offers him job security as a sniper, a job he is good at.  His fiance Michele, played by Abbie Cornish, is tired of waiting around for Steve, so she dumps him, and ends up helping Brandon figure out what he is going to do. 

Stop Loss is heartwrenching.  It's a story that needs to be told, and it should be eye-opening for audiences.
]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> The always-wonderful Frances McDormand plays Miss Pettigrew, a down on her luck nanny without a job.  She stumbles her way into an interview, and ends up spending the day as a social secretary.  Amy Adams, hot off of "Enchanted," plays Delysia LaFosse, an aspiring actress/socialite in London at the beginning of World War 2. The two need each other, and end up helping each other.

Sweet, lovely, fun, whimsical.  Loved it!
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Mom hires a matchmaker, and the boys come parading in - Penelope hides, but when the guys catch wind of what's up, they flee quickly.  A crafty journalist smells a story, and the stalking begins.  Max (James McAvoy) becomes a candidate, but does he have what it takes to break the curse?

Reese Witherspoon produced and has a nice role as Penelope's new found friend.  This is a sweet story of love, with wonderful messages.  A must-see for girls of all ages.
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The funniest line in the movie is when the new crew in town performs and gets heckled - someone in the crowd yells out: "This isn't High School Musical!"

Greg and I were the oldest ones in the audience.  There were a few other parents there probably because they drove their kids.  Mostly young teenagers.  Some great messages about friendship, being true to yourself.
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The setting is awesome.  It's supposed to be the Caribbean but it's actually Queensland, Australia.  It will make you want to take a vacation!  Absolutely beautiful water and beaches.
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Wonderful performances from two masters of their craft - Nicholson and Freeman have terrific chemistry.  Sad, but sweet, and some nice moments for each of these fine actors.
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It was about ten minutes in before there was any dialogue.  We meet Daniel Day Lewis' character as a young man just getting started in the oil business.  He works hard, and suffers, obviously putting everything he has into making himself and his company a success.  And it finally pays off, big time.  When one of his workers, a single father, dies in his well, he takes the boy as his own.

As the business grows, the man becomes more greedy, and more desperate, and more corrupt.  He buys land in California, and drills like crazy.  He makes promises he can't keep, and gets a whole town to buy into his vision.  Meanwhile a bad accident leaves his son deaf, and a long-lost  half brother comes back into his life.  If there's one thorn in his side, it's the local evangelist.  A real battle between the two, and in the end, no one wins.

This is a dark movie - a real character study.  Interesting, but not for everyone.
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The movie is about all the adventures and life lessons that Chris encounters on this journey. He soon finds that it's not so much about the trip to Alaska, as it is the journey within. This is a very spiritual movie, one that stays with you long after it's over.

Emile Hirsch stars as Chris. He is absolutely amazing in the role. I'm so surprised he didn't get a nomination. Sean Penn directs. I heard that Sean Penn got the rights to the book, and then he waited until the family was ready before he started working on the project. He was very sensitive to their feelings. Hal Holbrook has a small part as a sage and friend that Chris meets along the way, and he was nominated as Best Supporting Actor for the role.

Rated R - it's heavy, very emotional. A good one to see with your teen. Opens up a lot of questions for discussion.
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The story is this girl has been a bridesmaid 27 times, and she's secretly in love with her boss, but can't bring herself to tell him.  Meanwhile, her attractive younger sister comes to town, and the boss falls for her.  While all this is going on, a handsome reporter (James Marsden) assigned to the wedding beat, decides to do a story on this perpetual bridesmaid.  There is instant animosity, followed by the requisite getting stuck together and then a hilarious rendition of "Bennie and the Jets" while intoxicated, and the two are a couple.  For about a minute.  She discovers his story, dumps him, and more complications ensue until we have a happy ending and everyone ends up with who they're supposed to be with.

Katherine Heigl is charming - so natural and easy - the camera loves her.  She will likely get lots more of these type of roles.  James Marsden has been around for a long time (X-Men, Spiderman, Enchanted) but now he's coming into his own as leading man material.  They're great together.
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Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays John.  He's done great work this year, and a lot of it!
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Sassy banter between these two major stars is the highlight of the film.  Aaron Sorkin, who is so good at political comedy, wrote the screenplay.

Another quick history lesson - one that we all wish had ended on a better note, given what we know has happened since then.
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The writing is very well done.  The acting is first rate.  It's the emotions that make this movie as good as it is.  Some violence, as this is set in war time - but definitely a movie that teens can see, and learn from.
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The tone is very dark, no music, very sparse settings and dialogue.  Interesting, creative, and  disturbing all at the same time.
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The music is mesmerizing, the score so perfect for the action. And the costumes are breathtaking. Atonement has award-winner written all over it. A must-see. Some grizzly war scenes, so be warned.  My only criticism is that I would have liked a little more joy, a little more happy, before the two were thrown into such tragic circumstances.
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The writing is top-notch.  The characters well drawn and relatable.  This is a terrific movie, that is sure to generate discussion among parents and teens.
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The movie is wonderful!  It is magical, adventurous, and wild.  And it looks like we're going to see more of it, because the ending left us hanging, ready for a sequel!  Since this is part of a trilogy of books, I expect that the movies will follow the same format.

Great cast - Nicole Kidman is the evil one in the movie.  Daniel Craig is the mysterious good guy.  Dakota Blue Richards is the most amazing little girl!  She is brave and strong and sweet and vulnerable all at the same time.  A true heroine!

Effects are incredible.  I love the armored bear!  The costumes, the setting, the whole vibe is other-worldly.  Tons of great messages about friendship, loyalty, determination, strength, and being true to yourself.
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Robin Wright Penn is the Queen. Anthony Hopkins is the King. Ray Winstone is Beowulf, the new guy in town who comes to kill the monster. And, believe it or not, Angelina Jolie is the monster's mother! Beowulf is based on the old Nordic poem, and I wasn't familiar with the story, but I know that it's one of Freddy's favorite books.

For teen boys, they'll probably really love it. Girls, I don't think so. Kids under 10, no way.
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When Evan can get away from the home, he heads to New York City, and is taken is by an Oliver Twist type of group of young runaways who play music on the streets and split the money with their self-appointed leader, Pip (Robin Williams).  Pip acts as a kind of surrogate father to the kids, but he doesn't always have their best interest at heart.  He changes Evan's name to "August Rush" to keep the authorities from finding this musical prodigy.

Meanwhile, Lyla's heart is aching, as is the songwriter's.  Her father tells her the truth on his death bed and she goes in search of her son.  The songwriter goes in search for Lyla.  Evan is in search of his parents, and eventually, amazingly, they are all brought together.

The movie pulls at your heartstrings a little too hard - our emotions are literally orchestrated.  Keri Russell is wonderful.  Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a really good singer, and Freddie Highmore is as good as always.  Terrence Howard is the Child Protection Services authority to helps out.  Robin Williams is his usual crazy like a fox self.


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The plan centers around a young girl who must go undercover to befriend this man's wife, and then seduce the man to earn his confidence and trust.  The girl is amazingly good at what she does, for being so naive and scared, she is absolutely committed to the cause.

The movie is rated NC-17.  There are lots of graphic, violent sex scenes.  This is not a movie for the faint of heart.  But the story is solid, and compelling.  We care about these people, and we learn a little bit about what was going on during that time in history.  This is more than a drama, it's a tragedy, and it will stay in your mind for days.
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Giselle wastes no time turning Robert's world upside down, while Robert grounds Giselle in this "real" world.  Mix in the evil Queen's stooge, Robert's long-time-with-no-commitment girlfriend and a feisty little chipmunk and you've got a charming cast of characters worthy of a Disney classic.  Susan Sarandon is marvelous as the Queen - clearly relishing the role.  Amy Adams is the new All American romantic comedy girl - you will see a lot of her.  James Marsden is sweet and handsome, a real prince!  And Patrick Dempsey has quite an arc, going from sad and lonely to smitten and hopeful as he falls for this other-worldly girl he can't quite understand.

Nods all over the place to other Disney Princess films - if you've seen them you are sure to appreciate the references.

Great movie for moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, princes and princesses!
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What we love about Remy right off the bat is that he's got passion.  And he's different from those around him in that he has ambition, as well.  He's curious, and clever, and brave - a great combination for a Disney hero.  And he's confident, even given the most unlikely circumstances under which he must perform, which makes us root for him all the more.

Ratatouille says a lot about friendship, following your dream, and being true to yourself.  It's a wonderful movie for the whole family.
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Three storylines intersect to comment on the current war situation.  The professor brings in a student for a chat - the student is disillusioned and unmotivated, but the professor sees something in him and wants him to achieve more, to step up and care more.  He tells the story of two of his students who did just that, by going against his advice and signing up to serve in the army. 

At the same time, the two soldiers are off to fight this new, secret mission, the bright idea of Cruise's senator.  The soldiers fall out of a helicopter and are left to fend for themselves in enemy territory. 

And simultaneously, the senator is pitching his "save the world" strategy with the reporter, asking for her help in getting the word out that this idea is viable, and the solution that has been long sought to end the war. 

Redford doesn't have to work too hard on the acting end, he's mentoring, which comes naturally.  As the senator, Cruise is smug, snarkily so, not winning over any fans with his transparent smile.  Not much of a stretch.  Meryl Streep stands out, conflicted over her part in this sham, feeling guilty, and used.  Michael Peņa and Derek Luke are amazing - look for leading men roles for both of them in the future.

The movie is very dialogue heavy - lots and lots of talking.  Some war violence.
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Much of the movie plays off these two men separately, moving in two different worlds.  When they finally come together the scenes are electrifying.  Two Oscar winners, and you can see why.

The movie clocks in at about 2 1/2 hours, but the pace is quick so it doesn't seem that long.  Very intense, lots of violence.
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The audience was a mix of date night couples and older teens who are Steve Carell fans.  The movie actually got applause at the end.  I loved it!  No sex scenes, no violence, no swearing, just lots of good writing and acting - quite refreshing!
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At the psychologist's urging, Gus and Karen go along with Lars' delusion, hoping that whatever triggered the need for such will dissipate.  The whole town ends up participating in the charade, and Lars continues his relationship with this doll, "Bianca."  In the background is Margot, who works with Lars and attends his church.  She's had a crush on Lars, but he can't handle it.  Bianca is his girlfriend.  Just when it seems that this might be a permanent situation, something triggers in Lars, and he makes some changes in his life.

This movie says so much about relationships, and the power of community.  It's about love and healing and getting to know each other, and getting to know ourselves.  I was lucky enough to hear the director, David Gillespie, speak about the movie at a screening.  The whole film was shot in 30 days, and they stuck to the original script without any re-writes. 

Lars and the Real Girl is a very sweet movie, and I know we'll be hearing more about it come awards time.


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The script is phenomenal.  It's history, after all.  True events are always more compelling to me than something that is merely made up.  Cate Blanchett reprises the role that made her a movie star and she is even better, if that is possible, this time around.  What an amazing actress, and what an amazing character she gets to play!  Elizabeth is definitely larger than life.  In this story, she's a mature queen, confident and cool.  Abbie Cornish is her favorite lady-in-waiting, "Bess," a young lady devoted to her queen.  Clive Owen is the intriguing Sir Walter Raleigh, the one man who catches the attention of both of them.  It's an interesting love triangle.

When I asked Shekhar Kapur about this triangle, he explained that his take on it was that Elizabeth and Bess are actually the same person.  Elizabeth represents the spiritual, the divine.  Bess represents the mortal, the material.  In order to rule England, and lead victoriously in this war against Philip of Spain, she must not be distracted by her mortal self, she must be immortal.  So as Bess ultimately "wins" Sir Walter, Elizabeth is free to serve, to follow her destiny. How insightful, how intense.  I vote for this guy for best director!

The mythology involved in this tale, the imagery, the scenery, the camera work, the costumes - all the absolute best.  Well done.  Brilliant.
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This has to be rank right up there with one of the worst movies I've ever seen.  Not just this year, but ever.  The parts that are supposed to be funny, are just not funny at all.  The violence is over the top, in a bad way.  And the sex is pretty bad, too.  How this movie got an "R" rating and not an NC-17 is beyond me.

Clive is a reluctant hero, on a self-proclaimed mission to protect a baby.  Seeing this poor little baby in jeopardy makes my skin crawl.  How could anyone consider this entertainment?

The only reason I'm not giving it an F is because Clive Owen is still a hunk.

Don't see it.
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Here the official website for the movie for more information.  This is a must-see.

http://wip.warnerbros.com/11thhour/
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Cute movie, but nothing amazing or original.
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We meet Marigold in the airport, she is late for her flight to Bombay and lies her way onto the plane, yelling at her agent on her cellphone the whole way.  We get the message, she's obnoxious.  It doesn't take much to knock her down a few pegs, as she's stranded in India with no job and no luggage.  Opportunity presents itself in the form of a role in a Bollywood film, and she takes it, even knowing that she is unqualified because she can't dance.  Her handsome choreographer, Prem, rescues her and the two fall in love.

There is a clash of cultures, and a few obstacles to overcome before we can have our happy ending.  Meanwhile we get the requisite Bollywood dance numbers and some broad humor.  The costumes are just beautiful - the whole movie looks like one big fantasy.  And of course the setting is breathtaking.

It's a corny romantic comedy, but I enjoyed it thoroughly!
]]> Becoming Jane stars Anne Hathaway in the title role.  Back in the time when women were expected, even required, to marry in order to secure a future for themselves, our dear Miss Austen bucked the trend and determined to make a life for herself "by the pen."  She turns away the attention of young suitors, until she meets her match in one Mr. LaFoy.  The two dislike each other at first, then challenge each other intellectually, then finally give in to their undeniable attraction.  They're good for each other, and yet, it's the challenges of life, rather than love, that inevitably keeps them apart.

The role of Jane suits Anne Hathaway like a glove.  The actress looks like she belongs in this era.  Costumes are beautiful, setting is lush and authentic.  Many would call this a "chick flick" and women definitely will like the movie more than men will.  Partly because we love Jane Austen's books, and are excited to see the author come to life on film.  And partly because we're swept away as a strong, independent young woman experiences romance both with a dashing young man, and a literary calling.  Well written and expertly directed, Becoming Jane is sweet and strong, just like its heroine.


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Fairy tales are traditionally violent, so that is the caveat here - this movie is not for young children.  Teens will adore it, but young kids will likely find the scenes too frightening, even though most of the "gore" takes place off-screen, and thus, in our minds.

This is a story of transformation.  A young man goes on a journey to please who he thinks is his true love.  He ends up discovering his real true love, and himself, along the way.  Claire Danes is the star who falls from the sky and is looking for her way "home."  Michelle Pfeiffer is the witch who wants to cut out the star's heart so that she can be immortal.  Robert DeNiro is the in-the-closet pirate who helps the young couple.  They're all really good, and over-the-top in the kind of way that you should be in a fanciful fairy tale.

Truly delightful -  I loved it!
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This part is just so right for Matt Damon.  He doesn't have to say much, all of his acting is in his facial expressions - very intense, deep, and thoughtful.  Julia Stiles plays his de-facto side-kick, and she's great, strong and decisive.  The whole cast is great - Joan Allen, David Strathhairn - terrific performances.

The chase scenes are amazing - so much action, but not too much.  This is a thinker's action movie.  And though we have some resolution at the end, we can hope for a fourth Bourne movie.
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I had my doubts about John Travolta in the role of Edna Turnblatt, but he is absolutely precious!  And Nikki Blonsky couldn't be better.  Zac Efron, who made a name for himself in High School Musical, is just darling.  Michelle Pfeiffer is a hoot.  James Marsden has the moves, and a GREAT voice - who'd have known?  He's so hot - always my favorite in the X-Men movies, this guy has talent!  And Queen Latifah - LOVE her, as always, she's just awesome.  Everyone is just really good.  The music is wonderful, the choreography is fantastic.  I hope to see this movie have lots and lots of nominations come awards time, because it deserves it.  The best part, you leave the theatre humming and smiling - and SO glad you had the experience.  Go see Hairspray!
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The plot is all about a former government employee's plot to take over the world via the internet.  Justin Long is the computer geek who starts out as Bruce's assignment and ends up being his sidekick.  They're a cute team.

Fun movie, a little over the top, a little loud, but a good night's entertainment.
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Weddings are a popular backdrop for romantic comedies, and in any good comedy, you need conflict.  That's where Robin Williiams, or Reverend Frank, comes in.  His course on marriage is a requirement to a wedding at his church, so the young couple goes along with it.  Of course, mayhem ensues, there's the misunderstandings, the over-the-top physical comedy, the misinterpreted intentions - the total formula.  Throw in a few robot babies and poop jokes and you've pretty much got the idea.  Of course, the requisite happy ending makes it all worth it.
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Sicko looks at the American health care system.  It's a system that is dysfunctional at best.  We pay way too high premiums for our health insurance, and still have to pay deductibles and co-pays, and even after all that we're often denied the services we desperately need.  The alternative?  A universal health care system like they have in England, France, Canada - and yes, Cuba!  Moore addresses all the "socialized medicine" fears that the government has instilled into us over the years, and takes us to these other countries to compare.  Wow.  It's a very effective approach.

I think this movie will affect people in one of two ways.  It will either make them want to move to a foreign country - as many Americans have already done, and it's very tempting to do!  Or it will make them want to stand up and fight for what should be a basic human right: affordable health care available to everyone in the U.S.

In California we have a proposal for a Universal Health Care Plan: Senate Bill 840.  Unfortunately, our governor has already vetoed it once - but we're trying again with a grassroots effort.  For more information, go to the website: http://www.OneCareNow.org
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When the sweet daughter comes home from college, under suspicious circumstances, Mr. Brooks has some hard choices to make.  But, since this is a movie, and the story is propelled by drama, he makes all the wrong choices.

Demi Moore is the detective who is on his trail, but who can't get more than one step behind him.  She's going through a nasty divorce, to another guy who is bad in a different way - makes you wonder if there are any good guys in the movie?  I guess the wife (Marg Helgenberger) is good, but with all this going on behind her back she has to be pretty stupid.

Some very violent scenes - this is a HARD R.  Not for teens... not really even for adults unless you like blood and gore - more a horror movie than a thriller.
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Knocked Up is from the same people who brought us "The 40 Year Old Virgin" which I also liked, but Knocked Up is sweeter, sunnier.  It's about two people who might never have gotten together if their one-night stand hadn't resulted in a pregnancy.  They are so opposites that they have to work for the attraction, but when they really get to know each other as people they find some common ground.  Meanwhile, the married couple with kids provides the B story, a kind of glimpse into the future for the newly pregnant ones.

Fresh, funny, warm.  I could relate.
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But the movie has a few things going for it.  It's worth it just to see Johnny Depp.  And then Keith Richards comes in as his pirate dad, hillarious!  And Keira Knightley is such a strong role model for girls - she actually becomes the pirate KING at one point - you go, girl!

There's also the recurring theme that I've seen in a lot of movies where the bad guys are the good guys - the pirates are the ones with the code of honor, whose word means something.

The movie broke all kinds of records opening weekend and they're already talking about #4... what else can they do?
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Sweet and funny, the animation is colorful, the action is fast and fun.  A nice early summer escape, an entertaining night at the movies for fans of all ages.
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Adrienne Shelly wrote, directed and has a lead role in this movie. Unfortunately, she was murdered just before Waitress was accepted into the Sundance Film Festival so she is unable to enjoy the accolades that she is now receiving.

Jenna (Keri Russell) is a waitress in a small town diner that specializes in the pies that she creates inspired by her own life events. She's stuck in a crummy marriage to a controlling and jealous husband (Jeremy Sisto), and squirreling away money for her escape when she finds out she is pregnant. Although unhappy with her current condition, she experiences a kind of awakening when she falls for her doctor (Nathan Fillion), new in town, and married. Jenna relies on the friendship of her co-workers, the fiesty Becky (Cheryl Hines) and lovelorn Dawn (Adrienne Shelly). Andy Griffith has a great role as "Old Joe" who owns the diner and dispenses his own brand of wisdom.

Well written, beautifully acted, charming and poignant all at the same time.

The movie has a website where you can submit a name for your own life-inspired pie - very cute! Mine is "Seduce Me Away from this Computer Pie."
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/waitress/
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The story is bizarre - good guy with dead dad meets bad girl with absent mother - bad girl beats up good guy to the point of unconscious and leaves him for dead.  Good guy's "spirit" falls for bad girl, bad girl "saves" good guy, then dies.

There are so many things that don't make sense throughout the whole movie.  I found myself rolling my eyes and making script notes in my head for the writers.

I don't think teens will be interested in this movie - even though it's PG-13 and clearly aimed at that audience.  The teens who were in the theatre with me were the ones who were laughing the most in the inappropriate places.
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Well written.  I usually find holes everywhere but this story is really tight and well constructed.  Loved it!
]]> Jindabyne at a special pre-release screening. This is a very interesting, thought-provoking, conversation-stimulating movie.  Australian made, and set in the small Australian town of Jindabyne in South-East New South Wales, Jindabyne looks at how a lurking evil infests a community, and the affect that it has on the people and their relationships. 

Gabriel Byrne has the lead role, a gas station owner caught in the midst of mid-life, a strained marriage and an anxious little boy.  His sole source of recreation and decompression is fishing, his passion.  When out on a long-awaited trip with his buddies, he comes across a body.  And that's when his troubles really begin.

Moral dillema, how to handle the situation.  The choices the men make in the moments that follow greatly affect their future and how they are viewed by the people in their town.  It sets up a racial divide, and a gender divide, as each family member experiences the fall-out.

Laura Linney, one of the best actresses of our generation, I really think she is as good as Meryl Streep but she just doesn't get the credit she deserves.

Gabriel Byrne was gracious enough to talk about the filming of Jindabyne.  He is brilliant, and his insights were fascinating.

I can always tell a movie is good when we talk about it all the way home, and with Jindabyne, that's what we did.
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Things go awry and poor Mark ends up getting set up for a political assasination.  But he's more clever than these guys bargained for, and the cat and mouse chase is on.  The movie is pretty formulaic, one girl, an unlikely sidekick, and lots of action.  What do you expect when the movie is titled "Shooter?"  I like Mark Wahlberg as an actor, but this isn't an award-winning performance.  His strength is that he's kind of playing a guy much like himself, and that character has worked for him in the past, too.  I liked him in "Invinsible" much more.  And he was nominated for his supporting performance in "The Departed" when he really had to step up his game in scenes with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Sheen.
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Unfortunately, the movie itself is not so hot.  No, it's not confusing - I was able to follow it just fine.  It's just that it's all gimmick, and gimmick only goes so far in a movie.  It's an interesting gimmick, basically Bullock's character experiences days of a particular week out of order, so she has a sort of amnesia certain days of the week, and then a kind of clairvoyance the rest of the time.  The drama is that on one of those days, her husband dies in a car accident.  Can she prevent it from happening?  Is she going crazy?  Is her marriage falling apart?  Or is this all a part of some dark conspiracy?

Julian McMahon plays the husband - a normal guy, a departure from the actor's usually eccentric characters.  Their two kids are darling - and great little actresses.

In the end it's not so complicated.  But the ending is unsatisfying, nothing is really resolved.  We don't know the real "why" or "how"  - there are a lot of questions unanswered and a lot of holes left to be filled.
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The story is corny, and sweet.  It is something that would have been right at home on Lifetime Television or The Hallmark Channel.  Rich, spoiled slacker is offered an undisclosed inheritance, if he can pass a series of challenges.  Each challenge ends up being a gift - something the young man is supposed to learn to make him a better person, someone worthy of this undisclosed inheritance.  The guy is reluctant to get involved, but his curiosity gets the best of him and he goes along with it.

When it comes to the gift of friendship, he meets Emily (our cute Abigail!) and her young, single mother.  At first he things he can just use them, but as he learns more about their lives, he gets drawn in, and starts to care.  These two women end up changing his life, his attitude, and his perspective.

Drama, sadness, lessons learned and the requisite happy ending prevail.  A little preachy, but if you like an extra lump of sugar this just might be your cup of tea.
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At one point, Wilberforce, a young and charismatic politician, comes to a crossroads.  He has discovered God, and is tempted to give up his successful career to join the clergy.  His good friend, with political aspirations to be Prime Minister, invites an eclectic group of people to plead their case to Wilberforce.  They are each dedicated to ending the slave trade in England, and they need his help to do it.  As one woman put it: "We understand that you must decide between serving God, and serving the people.  We suggest a way that you can do both."  He makes this his life's work, and almost gives his life for it when he becomes deathly ill.  But then, he meets a woman, who inspires him, and gives him that second wind he needed to keep going.

There are so many things to love about this movie.  It is empowering, inspiring, and beautifully done.
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Spanish with subtitles.
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The simultaneous storyline is about a pedophile who has served his time and now lives in the neighborhood with his mother.  Jackie Earle Haley is nominated for his performance in that role.  He's the town pariah, and he knows it, and yet he is not equipped with the tools to better himself or his situation.

There's no good guy in this movie, and no bad guy.  The whole set-up is tragic from the start, the only bright light being the little children everyone is so desperate to protect.

Dark, and thought-provoking.  For adults only.
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