Cinema de Vino

I've always been fascinated by the art of wine-making--enology--and I can't imagine a more beautiful place in the world to work than in the Californian wine country. I've wanted to grow my own vines for quite some time, and even considered tilling up half of our back yard to put them in. Alas, we don't plan to be in this house but a few more years. So impatiently I wait, alternatively surfing viticulture websites and Sonoma, CA real estate listings. In the meantime a good movie about wine making will have to do, and I've found a couple for you to find and watch.

Bottle Shock is based (somewhat loosely I'll bet) on a true story. Set in 1976, Napa Valley, and California wines in general, have yet to come of age. Chateau Montelena winery in Napa Valley is run by a father-son duo that couldn't be any further diatmetrically opposed. Dad (played predictably by Bill Pullman) is a perfectionist to fault. Son (played fantastically by Chris Pine) is a stoned surfer dude. In fact their most effective communication occurs in a makeshift boxing ring. Meanwhile in France, a bored wine shop owner (played by the talented Alan Rickman) is searching for a way to drive sales and attendance to his self proclaimed wine academy. The solution? A blind taste test by the finest French wine critics of the finest French wines and the lowly Californian offerings. Clearly the event is designed to embarrass the Americans and further cement the superiority of French wine-making. Rickman travels to California to pick his victims, and when he encounters the Chateau Montelena crew the movie takes off from there. And, as they say, the rest is history.

The movie was quirky and fun, at times nebulous, but never in a bad way. The story is classic David v. Goliath, and boy did I root for our boys. The movie of course fairly glitters with stunning California wine country scenery, which would make it worth viewing alone. This isn't a film for kids, but adults will enjoy it immensely, as I did. I have the movie a B+.

I haven't finished A Good Year yet--my copy from Netflix was badly scuffed and kept freezing. I got about halfway through the movie last night before I just couldn't stand the skipping anymore. My new copy will be here Monday, so I'll finish the film out then. I feel I've seen enough though, to write somewhat of a review. The film follows Max Skinner (played by Russel Crowe) a hotshot London investor. When an uncle dies and Max is presumably left an estate in the South of France complete with a winery and vines, Max travels to renovate the place for a quick sale, and quick profit. Once he arrives he is overtaken by his memories of his uncle, and of growing up there at the winery. What follows is not unpredictable as he encounters the long forgotten wine country lifestyle bent on living life in quality, not quantity. Add in a love interest or two, and I'm betting I know how this ends not having seen the rest of the film yet.

So far I've actually been a tad disappointed with the film. It's felt rushed and twitchy, but perhaps that's intentional. As the man's transformation from hectic to laid back continues, perhaps it will smooth out. Right now, I give the film a C+.

Movies

In the last 36 hours I've watched 4 movies thanks to Netflix, and Netflix Watch Instantly. Each of the following movies is worth a review in a post of its own. They were all excellent. But since I'm in ultimate lazy mode, and wallowing in self pity, brief synopsi will have to do.

I Capture the Castle is a sweet movie set in the 1930s. It centers around a the family of a celebrated author who unfortunately hasn't written anything publishable in over 12 years. Quirkiness and hilarity abound, all awash in the gorgeous backdrop of an old English estate, and beautiful period costuming and props. Girls come of age, boys become men, a man and his daughter find their literary voices. Wonderfully written, wonderfully acted. Worth your hour and fifty minutes.

I was afraid this movie was going to suck, put bluntly. But I sat down and watched it anyway, based simply on the fact that the story is about a book editor. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not a big Sarah Michelle Gellar fan, nor Alec Baldwin, but they were happily tolerable. This has all the makings of a formula romantic comedy, and I suppose it plays out that way. But there is no sugar-sweet ending as life crashes in. This cotton candy flick had more reality than many dramedies hitting the screen today. Worth a cozy evening at home, with or without your significant other.

This movie is billed as a comedy, and I suppose there were some funny parts. However, there is some real depth cleverly written into the script, and the story is quirky and fresh. Mind you, as the cover might allude to, there are copious boobies in this movie. Most were probably superfluous, but at the same time, I don't think they hindered the film either. I suppose it will come down to your comfort level with the human body because you will get an eyeful. Just don't forget to pay attention to script, you may just find something worth mulling over.

I watched this film on a friend's recommendation. I never would have stuck it in my Netflix queue, based simply on the storyline and the trailer. Never was a WWF fan, never will be. And the first 20 minutes of the film played like a bad WWF match to me, sometimes quite literally. But once the movie finds its rhythm the story starts sucking you in. The movie turns out to be profoundly sad--I sat in the dark for a good 20 minutes after the credits rolled. If you aren't compelled to examine the direction of your life and relationships after this film, maybe you better just stick to watching TNT Impact or something.

The Holiday

I remember when the previews for this movie were playing on TV I thought that it sounded like a good story, but something about the previews made me think it would be disappointing. As a result I've never watched the film, and once again the Netflix Queue surprises...

When I started watching the film last night (after a full day of in-law exposure,) I was tired, and honestly needed something fluffy to soothe my brain while the day wound down. I wasn't prepared at all for how endearing and witty this movie actually was.

As the movie began to play I was repeatedly pleasantly surprised as familiar faces filled the screen. I knew it was a "Kate Winslet" movie, but was happy to see Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, and Jack Black fill out the cast. Even more of a pleasant surprise was meeting Eli Wallach for the first time.

The movie follows several story lines simultaneously, a la Love Actually. We meet Iris (Winslet) and Amanda (Diaz) on opposite sides of the The Pond, but their situations couldn't be much more similar. Both are emotionally stunted in the way they relate to others, leading empty un-fulfilling lives as a result. Fed up to the very breaking point, both end up on the web searching for a way to get away from it all. Where their lives intersect is a home-exchange website, and on a whim they agree to swap homes for a few weeks vacation.

The two leading ladies here are fantastic together, and I have to say I was a bit surprised. This is a wonderful example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. I'm ambivalent about both of these actresses. Kate Winslet will forever be tarnished by Titanic for me (eww, Leonardo Di Caprio cooties!) and I often find Cameron Diaz terribly obnoxious and annoying. Here however, Diaz actually finds subtlety within a self-absorbed, obnoxious L.A. socialite of a character. She does an excellent job of bringing out a tender side that leaves the viewer actually caring about her situation. Kate Winslet's character is just as beautifully played, and watching the transformation in her life as she spreads her wings through the course of the movie was particularly enjoyable to watch.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again--I really like Jude Law. I think he's a remarkably versatile actor, and painfully underrated in the Hollywood scene. Here he does not disappoint, playing Iris' brother, and Amanda's new love interest. He's refreshingly open, honest, and vulnerable, but shields a secret close to his heart. I won't give away his secret, just in case you haven't yet seen the film. Suffice it to say when I finally got a handle on his character, my heart ached in hope for him and Amanda.

Jack Black on the other hand is a bit of an enigma to me. Slapstick comedy that shows up in many of his films (Nacho Libre?) just isn't my cup of tea. I tolerated School of Rock--saved only by his tender heart for the kids. Much of the same to report with Shallow Hal. He really does have a great heart that comes across in most of his characters, and this film is no exception. A little quirky, but lovable, he's good medicine for Iris--if only their loyal hearts will allow them to accept the manner in which they met.

One of my favorite characters in this character-rich film is Arthur Abbott played by Eli Wallach. Eli Wallach has a rich cinematographic history spanning almost 60 years. This film is the first I've seen of him to my knowledge. Arthur Abbott is delightfully quirky with a wonderful outlook on life, and I really get the sense that Wallach didn't do much acting. If he did, it was masterfully, if not seamlessly done.

Overall this movie was wonderfully romantic, and beautifully shot. The areas depicted of Surrey, England and L.A. both were just gorgeous. The film left the viewer rooting for its characters, and that's always a good thing.

This film is rated PG-13, with a few sexual situations that seem to arise in modern dating relationships. No nudity, and only a small amount of cussing--nothing terribly distracting. Watch the movie, you'll enjoy it.

I give this movie an A-.

Fireproof

We watched this movie at a dinner party for our small group from our church. As soon as I heard of the movie I knew that it was definitely one I wanted to see. We almost went and saw it in the theater, but decided to wait until it came out on DVD.

First an observation about the movie and where it fits in the world. The movie very clearly and unapologetically carries Christian under/overtones. On IMDB there is a rating system that relies on user votes, and not surprisingly there is huge spike at either end of the scale--1 out of 10 stars and 10 out of 10 stars. Obviously the movie contains some pretty controversial content.

The movie gains the viewer an inside look at the Holt marriage, and frankly it's not a pretty picture. Caleb Holt, played by Kirk Cameron, is hot headed, selfish, and unappreciative. His marriage is in shambles, and all he can say is it isn't all his fault. His wife, played by Erin Bethea, is bitter and at the end of her rope. She's sure that their marriage is over and flirts with the shady line of an affair. Enter the Love Dare and watch the fireworks fly...

This movie was important for me to see. My marriage isn't as healthy as it could be, as hard as that is to admit. We struggle sometimes. And Kirk Cameron echoed some of the things that come out of my mouth on a regular basis when we fight. It is an ugly experience watching the very worst of yourself on screen. It's tough to sit passively in a group of people when you're afraid someone might recognize you on screen.

That being said, as good as the story is, the acting was abysmal. Terrible. Awful. I've seen after-school specials with better acting. The acting was forced, preachy, clunky. It was demeaning in the sense that clearly the writers/producers/actors thought we, the audience, were too stupid to pick up on subtlety. So to be sure we didn't miss the message, they lit it up in Vegas style neon, but without the style.

But. I'm going to recommend that you see the film, especially if you are married. Even if you think you're about to be divorced. ESPECIALLY if you're about to be divorced. It's an important message--heaven knows this country's marriages need any help they can get.

Even if it comes in the form of the proverbial sledgehammer to the noggin.

Overall I give the message an A, the acting a D-.

The Savages

When I initially heard about this movie I was positive it was going to be good. It has a great cast, and it's a movie that explores one of those forbidden subjects--aging. So when it arrived from Netflix I was excited. But then it sat on the entertainment center shelf for more than two months. Now granted we had a baby in there, and any stretch of time that could be spent watching a movie was spent sleeping instead. Then it was the holidays, and now I've started school. But it was more than that. I knew this movie was going to be a gut wrenching emotional experience.

I was not wrong.

I finally broke down and watched this film last night after the wife abandoned me for bed, and while I sipped a cold Beck's as my late night snack venison burgers sizzled on the grill.

The movie essentially follows the last few months of Lenny Savage's life, played by Philip Brosco. Lenny lives in Sun City AZ with his girlfriend of nearly 20 years, and when she dies, he discovers that she's not made any provisions for him in her will. Lenny's estranged kids, Wendy (Laura Linney) and Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) arrive for him from the East coast, whisk him away, and tuck him neatly into a Medicare nursing home.

It is clear from the start that this family is horribly dysfunctional, and Lenny is the original cause for most of it. His kids are terribly damaged, and they struggle with their 'kidly obligation' to a father they even have a hard time admitting they love.

The film is deeply sad, and the pain fairly oozes from screen. It examines each of the kids closely as they battle between their ancient history with their father and and the fundamental human rights that any decent person would expect for another human being.

Laura Linney is outstanding in this movie, and truth be told I haven't seen her in any film that I've not been impressed by her performance. Her performances in Love Actually and The Truman Show are among her best. Here she plays a neurotic struggling playwright who's major relationship is with a married man. But there is a frankness, an openness and honesty the simmers just below the surface despite her best efforts to wall herself off from the world due to past trauma. The woman is searching for a way to relate to life that doesn't hurt. Laura Linney absolutely breathes life to this character, and lovingly caresses each neurosis like an old felt hat or a faded gingham checked teddy bear.

Philip Seymour is an incredibly underrated actor. He's been in so many good films it's ridiculous. This role is no stretch him, and he plays it masterfully. Fighting his own battles of self worth and esteem, Philip's character labels himself the strong one, and does "what has to be done" regardless of its unpleasantness. Unfortunately he doesn't deal with the emotional toll those types of things bring with them, and it comes out in the other parts of his life.

One thing that surprised me about this film was how it contrasted everything. We hear very little about the abusive childhood Wendy and Jon had at the hands of Lenny throughout the beginning of the movie. As a result the viewer builds sympathy for Lenny, and wonder at the insensitivity of his kids. Even at the end of the movie, the fresh breath of sunshine is tempered with a graphic revelation of just how badly Lenny treated his kids.

There are a couple of sex scenes in this film, but no nudity. The scenes are more tedious than anything, certainly not sexually gratifying. There is some cursing. This is not a film for kids--it is dark and melancholy. It is however, very worth experience. And yes, there is a small ray of light at the end of the dark tunnel.

I give this movie an 'A'.

The Changeling

I understand there's a new movie (2008) by the same title, but that's not the movie I'm talking about. This film debuted in 1980, and is quite possibly my favorite horror movie of all time. I dropped this into my Netflix Queue purely on nostalgia's sake. When I was attending undergrad at McMurry University I attended a midnight Halloween showing of this film at the Paramount Theater in downtown Abilene. The Paramount is an old theater that's been restored and is used for all kinds of performances--from theatre to indie films. Needless to say, at midnight on Halloween, it can be a creepy place. It was a BLAST watching this movie there.

The film stars George C. Scott, (who's been dead for about 10 years now,) who plays a well known classical composer who's wife and daughter are killed in a tragic car accident right in front of him. To deal with the tragedy he moves to Seattle to teach at his old alma-mater university. The local historical society provides Scott with a magnificent old mansion to rent. What isn't immediately clear is that the house has a past. And it's tied to the present.

Trish Van Devere plays the historical society agent that lets Scott the house and in the process befriends him. When strange unexplainable things begin to happen, Scott begins to investigate and what he learns is troubling. What's not clear is if Scott and Van Devere will escape being inextricably entangled in past and present dangers.

Without giving away anything, the scene with ball and the staircase is the single creepiest scene I've ever seen in a movie. It gave me shivers at the Paramount, and it gave me shivers this afternoon when I watched the film in the comfort of my living room.

Sure the movie is rife with early 80's special effects and poor film quality. Sexism is alive and kicking here. But this movie is greatness--think "The Shining" but with intelligence...

The movie does have some violent scenes involving children, and some rather creepy moments. Definitely not for children or the faint of heart, (including my wife--I was on my own for this one.

I give this movie a A, purely out of nostalgia. (It is a pretty good film, too.)

Chasing Amy

This movie has sat on our entertainment center since before the holidays. I don't recall actually putting in my Netflix Queue, but it appeared in the mailbox so I must have at some point. I watched this over a couple of kid's nap-times, if that gives you any indication at how riveting I found the film.

Essentially this film follows the birth and growth of a relationship between Holden (Ben Affleck) and Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams). A chance meeting through a mutual friend after a comic book convention--all three are comic book artists--leaves Holden breathless. The couple has good chemistry and seem to be full speed ahead until it's revealed that Alyssa is actually a lesbian. Having lost hope Holden continues to torture himself by hanging out with Alyssa until eventually they start a romantic relationship. But trouble looms ahead as Alyssa's checkered sexual past becomes a problem.

I really want to like Ben Affleck. And I have liked some of the roles he played--in Good Will Hunting, and Jersey Girl. But most of the time he comes off as a rich kid trying to play himself off as an everyday guy. He tries to portray himself as drawing on his worldly experiences in his roles, but it doesn't quite resonate with me. I get that his shtick is quirky irreverent movies, just look at Dogma. This movie tries for the same irreverence in examining the sexual politics of the gay, lesbian, and bisexual lifestyles. Unfortunately I think it falls flat on its face. In fact I found it terribly crude and frightfully inelegant.

Joey Lauren Adams makes a valiant effort in playing her complex character. Mostly though she just comes off as whiny, frustrated, and just plain lost.

So many better ways to spend your movie time. This movie performs poorly on so many levels that I can't honestly recommend it at all. It left me shaking my head several times, and not because I found it funny.

I give this film a D-.

Wanted

I watched this movie on Sunday afternoon while the kids were napping. My wife watched too while playing solitaire on my new PDA. I had wanted to go see this in the theater, but ended up waiting for DVD because I didn't want to waste a date night on this type of film. So once again, Netflix does the honors.

A quick synopsis of the film finds James McAvoy playing a city dweller caught in his own little hell. Dead-end job, girlfriend that he knows is cheating on him with his best friend. Enter The Fraternity--a 1000 year old secret society of assassins that take their orders from a magical loom woven by none other than Fate herself.

The plot of the movie is really a cool idea, with so many possibilities. I guess the movie did a pretty good job of developing the story, and the twist towards the end did catch me off guard. The viewer definitely should not go into this movie looking for a realistic tale, because this flick is full of curving bullets and fantastic stunts. But, as unbelievable as it was, I found myself laughing--giggling even--and squirming in my chair in excitement. This film is an action spectacle, and I found it seriously entertaining. Even my wife couldn't take her eyes from the screen sometimes.

The main character is played by James McAvoy and I have to say he's one of my favorite actors. I was completely blown away with his performance in The Last King of Scotland. He starts this film more than a little whiny, but as the film progresses the viewer gets to see him grow and come into his own. In a film where action is the life blood and very little time is spent developing characters, he does a fine job making his character real. Or at least as real as you can get when your heart rate routinely exceeds 400 bpm allowing you to slow down time and shoot the wings off a fly.

Providing the female eye candy in the film is none other than Angelina Jolie. She does what she does best. She's mysterious and graceful and exotically beautiful. She also kicks a lot of ass in this film adding to the hot factor. Love her or hate her, most do one or the other, she is a remarkably talented actress. She changes skin effortlessly as a chameleon--powerful enough for a title role, but exquisitely capable as a supporting actress.

Morgan Freeman also plays a significant character in the film, but his performance was disappointingly bland, comprising mostly of sitting around and looking thoughtful and wise. Ho hum.

Overall, despite the film's glaring flaws, I found it immensely entertaining. There is a TON of gratuitous cussing, a couple of scenes of non-nude but obvious sex, and Angelina Jolie's ass crack makes an appearance. Definite R rating.

I give the film a B+.

The Last Kiss

The Last Kiss was released in the Fall of 2006, but I hadn't heard of it until it was recommended to me by Netflix's crystal ball. The basic premise here is one that's been played out time and time again. The movie follows the shenanigan's of a group of fellas in various places in their lives. I do have to say that this movie was very smooth about it however, I hardly felt stuffed into the boxed walls of a well known plot. Thankfully the movie doesn't relish in being a group drama, and spends little time trumpeting that fact, which I love. The movie just gets down to brass tacks.

Straight out of the blocks I would be remiss if I didn't mention Rachel Bilson. While she isn't the main character here, I think she's absolutely stunning, and have thought so ever since I first saw her in Jumper. And once again, I think she's done an absolutely effortless job of playing her character in such an open and honest manner that I scarcely noticed she was acting. Either she's been this character in real life, or she's the real deal with excellent clarity and subtlety in her acting skills. I think of all the characters in this film, I felt for her the most.

I haven't really been a big Zach Braff fan. I mean, he's OK in Scrubs, but that part was basically written for him. I have a hard time taking him seriously in drama roles, and this role is no different. He isn't particularly bad. But not particularly good either. I can identify with his character somewhat, but mostly because I've struggled with some of the things he does in the movie, not because he brings the character to life. All in all, I'd say his performance is only so-so, but that doesn't surprise me in the least. Sorry Zach, I'm just not that much of a fan. It's nothing personal.

A third actor I've really enjoyed watching lately is Casey Affleck. He's grown up as an actor overshadowed by his brother Ben. Ben's blockbuster star power when pairing with Matt Damon is undeniable. And honestly Bounce and Jersey Girl (yes I liked it,) show some of Ben's depth. But believe it or not, I think Casey is a far better actor. He's a scrapper, and he earns an audience's respect in each an every role he plays in each and every film. I particularly like his character in Good Will Hunting, and it's a perfect illustration: No one ever expects much from him, but movie after movie he turns in A+ performances with little to no Affleck/Damon hullabaloo.

Be aware this film explores relationships and sexuality is a constant theme. Several characters have sex on camera and there is a copious amount of nudity. The movie was originally billed as a romantic comedy, but I think it really is more of a drama. The viewer is privvy to the details of the ugly disintegration of several relationships, and that my friends is no laughing matter. The movie isn't perfect, but neither is life. And believe me, this film has plenty of life. Real. Stark. Life. In the end though, I was better for the experience of having watched it.

I give the movie a B+.

Jumper

I watched this movie last night, even though I wasn't really in the mood to sit still. I was entertained enough by the film that I did sit and watch the whole thing through, so that's a big plus. I even wished the movie was a little longer--it's only 90 minutes long--and therein lies the rub for me. It's such an incredible concept, but it just wasn't developed as well as it deserved. I mean to me, this concept, (and really the execution of the jumps,) are on the level of The Matrix, but it was treated so poorly in my opinion.

I went ahead and watched the behind the scenes show on the movie magic of "Jumping" and the director stated he wanted the movie to be more than a special effects show. He stated that they treated the jumps within the script as matter-of-factly as possible rather than trying to make them the showcase of the film. I agree, and appreciated this approach. But where he failed was the absence of character and plot development to fill the void of downplaying the special effects. The film could have been so much more! Take for example in The Matrix, even though the film was an action film, it was truly a love story. And while there is a beautiful love interest in Jumper, I never really invested in the characters. So frustrating!

Hayden Christensen plays the main character who, after falling through the ice of a frozen river, discovers that he can essentially teleport. Of course this ability brings certain benefits to life, but it also alienates him from the rest of the "normal" people. And as it turns out, it also sets him diametrically opposed to a secret society that thinks people with the ability to jump should be rooted out and destroyed, a la witch hunt. And thus we have the major plot premise. The bad guy is played by Samuel L. Jackson--not my favorite film of his. He was tolerable, but the role was tired on him. I think a new face would really have helped stabilize the movie.

Rachel Bilson provides the lovely love interest, and she really steps to the plate. She's probably my favorite character in the film. Delightfully grounded, and ever so easy on the eyes, she does a great job of bringing life to Christensen's girlfriend. As a mere mortal, her life is in danger as the bad guys try to get to the good guys through her. Does she survive? You'll have to watch and see!

I'd love to see more Jumper films, and maybe with a little more depth.

Enemy At The Gates

I rented this movie on the recommendation of several guys that I know through precision shooting. It was brought up as one of the all time great sniper movies, so I thought I'd give it a shot (haha). The nice thing about this film is there are no Hollywood movie magic 1500 yard rifle shots, which is greatly appreciated. In fact from a shooting standpoint, this film is on the mark.

Set in the closing days of World War II, the movie follows the life and times of Russian infantryman Vassili Zaitsev played by Jude Law. Sent into battle without a rifle, a chance encounter with a propaganda officer and a sensational sniper style shooting demonstration, Zaitsev is soon elevated to hero status as the entire Russian war effort is rallied around him. The Germans respond by bringing in a storied sniper (played almost believably by Ed Harris) of their own, and the rest of the movie plays out as they stalk one another.

I have to say, the opening sequences of this film are absolutely stunning cinematography. It had to have been a difficult thing to even begin to capture the absolute massive scale of destruction in World War II Stalingrad, but this film does it beautifully. Even as the cinematography is stunningly beautiful, it is in the same moment devastatingly bleak. The sheer hopelessness of the pitched battle for Stalingrad fairly oozes from the screen.

As the movie progresses, and we learn more about Jude Law's character, both from current events and flashbacks to his childhood, one begins to get a sense for him. He is no ordinary man, but borne of ordinary circumstances. He is thrust into celebrity and hero-dom, but reluctant at best. He worries about measuring up, but comes through in clutch moment after moment.
Jude Law is an exceptional actor, and movies like Cold Mountain and AI showcase his ability to play so many varied roles effortlessly well.

In the end I found much to like about this movie, and cared for the characters of the film. I had a hard time with the hopelessness that seemed to crop up at every turn. In this current world it seems there's plenty of that to go around. So if you're in a dour mood, this may just be the salve for your soul.

I give the movie a B+.

I Am Legend

I'd been looking forward to this movie since we saw a trailer in the theater, but I was doomed to wait for DVD release. My wife doesn't do scary movies, and the bad guys were just a little too creepy for her. Netflix deposited the DVD in my mailbox last week, and I could hardly wait for my wife to go to work this weekend so I could pop it into the player. Last night I hurried the girls to bed, poured myself the last of the Coors (Blue Moon) Pumpkin Ale, and settled in.

For those that may have missed the multi-million dollar advertising campaign surrounding this film, Will Smith plays a military scientist who is the sole human survivor in New York after a mutated virus sweeps through the city, infected 90% of the population and turning them essentially into zombies. Smith works diligently to develop a treatment for the virus using his own naturally immune blood as a starting point. For three long years he's tried variant after variant of vaccine before he gets a glimmer of hope--but is it to late? Will humankind survive? Or will all be lost in a mutant surge of voracious zombie creatures?

I like Will Smith. I grew up watching Fresh Prince, and listening to DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince albums. I've enjoyed watching him come of age from that dorky teenager, to heroic superstar in Independence day, to more thoughtful roles like those in Legend of Bagger Vance and Pursuit of Happyness. I was expecting a lot of Smith in this film, because as far as characters go, he's it. He has to carry the film because there are sparingly few other humans in the film.

Unfortunately, I wasn't blown away by this film like I was hoping. Smith does a really good job of portraying what it must be like if a man were thrust into the situation described. But I never connected with his character. In fact I cared more for the dog than any other character in the film. Which is kind of scary since the point of the film was that the entire human race was hanging in the balance. The ending was just a little too tidy for me. While I felt the movie was trying to build to a capitulation using flashbacks and prior events intersecting on one climatic scene--much like the film Signs with Mel Gibson or Dragonfly with Kevin Costner--the end fell flat on its face. It just didn't work.

One aspect I would have liked to have seen developed a tad bit more was the fact that the virus was man made, created to cure all ills. And when humankind thought they'd conquered God, it all came tumbling down around them.

Rated PG-13, the film is bloody, and full of creepy, very cranky subhumans. Lots of people die. The main character contemplates suicide, (wouldn't you?). All this is really run of the mill though, given what we're force fed by media today. I think the biggest concern with this film is the sense of utter hopelessness and isolation.

I'm sad to say, after high hopes, I give this film a C.

Martian Child

Let me just say a couple things before I let you know what I think of this movie. Sort of get my biases out in the open so you can appreciate where I'm coming from when I review this film for you.

Important Point #1: I REALLY like John Cusack, and more importantly, I like his later work the best.

Important Point #2: I like quirky movies. Movies like Smart People, Stranger Than Fiction, Reign Over Me all appealed very much to me.

Important Point #3: I can really identify with characters that are a little damaged from their childhoods. Usually these characters are too intelligent, or too creative, or too wise for their own good, and end up ostracized from and by their peers. I'll leave you to guess which one I was.

That being said, this is a quirky John Cusack film whose main characters have all been damaged, (some more than others,) growing up as free spirits. So yeah, of course I'm going to like it. And I did.

The film is an endearing tale of a widower science fiction writer (Cusack) that chooses to adopt a troubled young boy. Kids deal with the trauma in their lives in many different ways, but suffice it say most don't create an alternate life for themselves on another planet. The young boy, (played by Bobby Coleman,) is so messed up the only way he can deal with reality is through an elaborate fantasy world in which he's actually an alien visiting from Mars.

I honestly don't think there is any other actor that could have pulled off this character besides Cusack. Cusack's often distracted, and at times frantic acting style fits perfectly here. And honestly I believe Cusack's personal views of the world come shining through, from what I've read of his life away from the wide screen. One has to wonder if maybe that isn't the hallmark of a character played so genuinely well--that no other actor can be imagined playing the role.

To round out the cast Amanda Peet provides an appropriately quirky love interest, and Joan Cusack reprises her over-zealous mother-figure role from Raising Helen to perfection. Oliver Platt, Richard Schiff, and even Anjelica Huston make their appearances.

The movie is rated PG, and I let my 9 y/o watch it with us. There is only mild cursing, and in appropriate situations. This is life, not gratuitous debauchery.

All in all this is a really sweet story that will leave the viewer pondering the true meaning of family and unconditional love.

I give the film an A-.

Shooter

I watched this movie a long time ago and really enjoyed it. I've taken up precision shooting since I saw it, so when I ordered it up on Netflix to watch again, seeing it was a different experience. I am very much a beginner to precision shooting, but I've learned a great deal, and there were several miscues in the movie. Overall though it wasn't so bad as to distract me.

The movie has a pretty good story and the plot, although predictable, marches right along. Mark Wahlberg plays a retired scout-sniper accused of an assassination attempt on the President. But all is not as it seems. Wahlberg has been set up, and even the true target of the assassination attempt is in question. Wahlberg manages to escape, and the action is set in motion as he attempts to clear his name. I've actually enjoyed watching Mark Wahlberg, he's a much better actor than many give him credit for. I'm not sure we'll see an Oscar in his future, but he's no Ahnawld either.

Danny Glover appears as a character we're not used to seeing him play. the movie doesn't really allow as much development of his character as I'd like to see, but the parts we do see, he's a downright creepy bad guy.

The stunning Kate Mara provides the female love interest, and most male viewers will agree that we could do with seeing a whole lot more of her!

This film is rated R, but it's honestly a very tame R in my opinion. There is some graphic violence as one might expect in a movie about a sniper, but certainly not to the degree of Saving Private Ryan or Gladiator. No sex scenes, but as beautiful as Kate Mara is, I'll leave that up to you as being a plus or a minus.

I give this movie a B+.