30 Days of Night

The Plot: After an Alaskan town is plunged into darkness for a month, it is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires.

The Pros: This movie is extremely scary. I found myself physically leaping out of my seat at times. The imagery is beautifully horrifying, as is the sound, and the blood is abundant. This film accomplishes its mission: it is scary as hell.

The Cons: Sadly, the story is basically non-existant. A few moments of meaningless chatter between the vampires serves as the bulk of the plot, but otherwise it's merely a montage of scary scenes.

The Bottom Line: Unfortunately, 30 Days of Night ends up being a bunch of scary moments gathered together to form a film. But, I'll be damned if those scenes aren't executed flawlessly. The sound is intense, the visuals are absorbing, and endless gore floods the scene red. This is a scary movie, but if you're looking for something with substance, watch 1408 instead. 

The Score: 6.5 / 10

3:10 to Yuma

The Plot: A small-time rancher agrees to hold a captured outlaw who's awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. A battle of wills ensues as the outlaw tries to psych out the rancher.

The Pros: The acting done by Crowe and Bale is admirable. These two foreigners can pull off a western quite nicely. The action is just as intense as it needs to be, and the story rings true. The cinematography can be technically astonishing.

The Cons: Sometimes I felt that, if the film slowed down during certain parts, it could have been much more mezmerizing. The soundtrack was far too generic for a modern western.

The Bottom Line: 3:10 to Yuma is an adrenaline-filled western with a fine modern reproduction. The action is tons of fun (expertly filmed, I might add), and the acting is top-notch. If only the soundtrack was more fitting to the atmosphere and certain shots were filmed with more patience, this could have been one of the year's best action movies.

The Score: 7.5 / 10

Broken English

The Plot: After a series of disastrous dates, the lonely and unhappy Nora unexpectedly meets Julien, a quirky Frenchman who opens her eyes to a lot more than love.

The Pros: Parker Posey is an incredibly interesting actress to watch, and that observation remains true in Broken English. Posey breathes life into the film, showing us a truly unhappy and disturbed woman. There are some pretty shots of Paris and the like.

The Cons: The soundtrack is very off-putting. Massive Attack's tonal contribution to the film is not much of a contribution at all; in fact, it really sucks the viewer out of the experience at times. But most importantly, this plot has already been done. It's a well-worn tale, and one that does not require another viewing.

The Bottom Line: Though Parker Posey is fantastic, she can't save the film from its own demise. This is a romance story that has already seen the light of day two or three times, and that's not a good thing at all. Even the cinematography, which features enjoyable landscape shots and intimate close-ups, doesn't change the fact that Broken English is very, very average. Put it this way: when I left the theater after the credits rolled, the only thing I could think about was Massive Attack's inappropriate soundtrack and how well Parker Posey performed; there should be more than that to a romance.

The Score: 5 / 10

Superbad

*IN THEATERS FRIDAY, AUGUST 17th*

The Plot: Two co-dependent high school seniors (Hill and Cera) are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry.

The Pros: There is some really funny improvisation here by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. Seth Rogen is funny, as is Bill Hader, his companion cop. The music is also very, very groovy. I love the music.

The Cons: Much of the improvisation in Superbad is, I really hate to say it, very stale. I can see this kind of improv-based humor getting very old very fast. Michael Cera and Jonah Hill are good, but they're just not good enough to carry an entire film on their backs; it simply doesn't work.

The Bottom Line: The big problem with Superbad is that it lacks the high-quality improv that we saw in The 40 Year-Old Virgin. That's the only way I can put it; all the jokes are beginning to become more predictable by the movie. And that's the problem with this whole Judd Apatow movement. It's like the Christopher Guest mockumentaries; you can make two, even three, films that adhere to a certain formula, but it starts to wear thin after that. This, sadly, is the big problem I see with the style used in Superbad, Knocked Up, and The 40 Year-Old Virgin. Although Cera and Hill are a great duo, the jokes are 60% hit and 40% miss; I expect more than that from a film written by Seth Rogen. But, then again, you can't do the same thing over and over and expect to strike gold every time. I mean, look at Just for Your Consideration.

The Score: 6.5 / 10

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix

*IN THEATERS WEDNESDAY, JULY 11th*

The Plot: With their warning about Lord Voldemort's return scoffed at, Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.

The Pros: This film, especially the climax, is technically brilliant. The sound is crisp and well thought-out, the CG is necessary and executed impressively, and the...the climax scene is literally jaw-dropping. I cannot describe to you how astonishing it is. You must see it for yourself. The film itself is also highly enjoyable and provides a very satisfying experience. Acting from the adult cast is fantastic.

The Cons: The writing near the beginning of the film is a bit sluggish and rough; some jokes are milquetoast, while others hit the mark. Also, a select few scenes are very cliché, containing camera work and editing techniques that we've seen one too many times. Finally, the trio's acting has seen better days. That's not to say it's bad, because it's not. It's just not great.

The Bottom Line: Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix is the best film of the series thus far. It's mystifying, foreboding, and exciting at once, with outstanding use of sound and CG to boot. Although a few scenes reek of shopworn banality and the children's acting is not the best it's ever been, the Harry Potter series has a knack for making the most commonplace wizardry lore seem perfectly believable. And that's what I love about it. It's simply a good, enjoyable, and stimulating film that is sure to please Harry Potter fans everywhere.

The Score: 8 / 10

Ratatouille

The Plot: A young rat living within the walls of a famous Paris bistro wishes to become a chef, but is hindered by his family's skepticism and the rat-despising staff and patrons.

The Pros: Pixar is back at the top of their game with this film. The writing is superb, the humor is warm and genuinely funny, and the characters are fleshed out. As if that weren't enough, the animation is the best it has ever been. Ratatouille is also just as rewarding for kids as it is for adults.

The Cons: The French accents were disappointingly inauthentic; for the first hour or so it was very bothersome. Secondly and finally, the one thing this film really lacks is Pixar's oh-so-famous supporting characters. I was bewildered to find that there weren't nearly as many memorable or personable supporting characters as there were in, say, Monsters Inc..

The Bottom Line: Ratatouille marks Pixar's glorious return to the very top of their field. After the slightly disappointing Cars and the action-rather-than-story oriented Incredibles, this film arrives as a fresh and delightful reminder of the genius of the Pixar animation studio. I can even comfortably say, furthermore, that Ratatouille is as good a film as the stuido's acclaimed classic, Toy Story. Through a few minor faults and slight mistakes, Ratatouille shines as one of Pixar's greatest achievements. You owe it to yourself to see this movie.

The Score: 9.5 / 10

Transformers

The Plot: A war re-erupts on Earth between two robotic clans, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, leaving the fate of mankind hanging in the balance.

The Pros: Let it be known; Transformers contains some of the most exciting and exhilarating action ever captured on screen. Some of the most epic fights you will ever see are in this movie. Think about it this way: Transformers is pure testosterone released for your viewing pleasure, and it does not disappoint. The robots are magnificently realized, and the slow motion sequences literally made me get up out of my seat and yell. Also, Shia LeBeouf did a good job with what he had to work with.

The Cons: The story...I mean, come on. It's Michael Bay. The entirety of the exposition is just unnecessary, and I would have been happier with the action sequences alone.

The Bottom Line: Transformers is, without a shadow of a doubt, the blockbuster summer hit of the year. It blows away almost any other action movie you can think of, but where it does not deliver is in the story department. Nevertheless, do not miss seeing this in theaters. It is a thrill ride like you've never seen before.

The Score: 8.5 / 10

Waitress

The Plot: Jenna is a pregnant, unhappily married pie cook in the deep south. She meets a newcomer to her town and falls into an unlikely relationship as a last attempt at happiness.

The Pros: As corny as the plot may sound, this is a truly excellent film. The beautifully-rounded characters suck you in with their personalities and sheer energy. This is much sweeter and grown-up than movies that try and force themselves to be sweet. And the way the pies are filmed as they're being made can only be described as sensuous.

The Cons: The humor in the first 5 - 10 minutes of the film was not as perfect as the humor in the rest of Waitress. But that is a very, very minor gripe.

The Bottom Line: I have a very hard time thinking of things that are wrong with this movie, but perhaps that's because there aren't many. Waitress is one of the sweetest films ever made, and both the maturity and witty directness of the screenplay help give it that status. As I exited the theater, my entire being exuded pure happiness. Do yourself a favor and see this movie.

The Score: 9 / 10

Live Free or Die Hard

The Plot: John McClane takes on an Internet-based terrorist organization who is systematically shutting down the United States.

The Pros: This is a fun little action movie. Bruce Willis, as usual, is the biggest badass of all time; in fact, he almost makes the movie.

The Cons: "Yippee-ki-yay, mother f--" oh, wait. John McClane doesn't get to finish his obligatory line because this movie is rated PG-13. It really does almost kill the entire film. It's also not nearly bloody enough, and the profanity is cut short because of the rating. Some of the action scenes are so absurd and CG-ified, it detracts from the Die Hard experience.

The Bottom Line: Live Free or Die Hard is a smorgasbord of typical modern action-movie fun and utter stupidity. While Bruce Willis really is the saving grace of this movie, he's not quite enough to convert this mixed bag into a true Die Hard film; it just doesn't feel like one. Maybe it's the PG-13 rating, or the lack of the words "mother fucker"; whatever it is, one thing is sure: they just missed the mark on this one.

The Score: 6.5 / 10

La Vie en Rose

The Plot: The tale of the tormented life of Edith Piaf, a legendary french singer.

The Pros: Marion Cotillard's portrayal of Edith Piaf is magnificent. No, it's groundbreaking. In fact, it's really what makes this movie what it is. The performance is huge, passionate, and moving. There are a few very fine dramatic moments (not due to the film, but to the brilliance of Ms. Cotillard).

The Cons: The film overall wasn't incredibly impressive; the screenplay didn't give Cotillard a whole lot to work with. Relationships were not explored nearly as deeply as they should have been, and there was too much drama without the build to counter it. Unfortunately, the film gave off a very traditional biopic feel...and that's not a good thing.

The Bottom Line: La Vie en Rose is a pretty good movie, but that's not what you'll be paying attention to. Marion Cotillard steals the show as the larger-than-life Piaf is reincarnated before your eyes. If you see this movie, see it for Cotillard. She deserves a viewing. If it weren't for her, this film would most likely not be able to stand on its own two feet.

The Score: 7 / 10

Mr. Brooks

The Plot: A psychological thriller about a man who is sometimes controlled by his murder-and-mayhem-loving alter ego.

The Pros: Kevin Costner is incredible as Earl Brooks. He is subtle, yet uses high emotion when it's crucial. This movie is a highly disturbing, yet wonderfully fascinating thriller that's well-planned and well-executed. Also, Dane Cook is actually pretty good, as is Demi Moore.

The Cons: The "Dane Cook-age" in Cook's character comes out from time to time. There's an action scene near the end of the film that feels entirely out of place and brings the viewer out of the world for a few minutes.

The Bottom Line: Mr. Brooks is a taut, intense, and mature psychological thriller that really delivers the goods. The performances are very good overall, but notable is Kevin Costner's mastery over the main character. Though a few things take you out of the experience occasionally, Mr. Brooks more than makes up for them with it's sheer tenacity and entertainment value.

The Score: 8.5 / 10

1408

The Plot: A man (John Cusack) who specializes in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror.

The Pros: This is refreshingly scary. I haven't seen a horror movie this well-done in ages. John Cusack plays the character of Mike Enslin with stunning authenticity. Add to that the brilliant sound work, and 1408 keeps you on your toes the entire time.

The Cons: Not much, but the camera work in the first 30-45 minutes of the film was a bit jumpy. Too many cuts and too many unnecessary shots. Also, the relationship between Cusack and his wife could have been fleshed out more.

The Bottom Line: This is what the "horror" genre is supposed to be. 1408 is a well-paced, genuinely scary piece of film, and one that you won't want to miss while it's in theaters. I only wish the relationship between Cusack's character and his wife could have meant more. But, if you like this kind of movie, and you want to get the pants scared off of you, this is your flick.

The Score: 8 / 10

Away From Her

The Plot: A man coping with the institutionalization of his wife because of Alzheimer's disease faces an epiphany when she transfers her affections to another man, Aubrey, a wheel chair-bound mute who also is a patient at the nursing home.

The Pros: Incredibly well-acted; Julie Christie accurately and humbly portrays the varied colors of Alzheimer's, while Gordon Pinsent gives the character of Grant a wonderfully subtle persona. The story is sweet, heartfelt, and touching while remaining true to the content.

The Cons: Do not see the trailer, as it contains all the best moments from the film. A filmmaker should know not to include his greatest scenes in the trailer, and that is exactly what has happened here. Aside from that, the writing could have been a little more genuine to help the actors out.

The Bottom Line: Away From Her is a beautifully woven (and acted) tale of love, the love you lose, and redemption. But this movie loses big points for including the most powerful scenes in the trailer.

The Score: 7.5 / 10

TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

The Plot: The continued adventures of the four adolescent mutated turtles gifted in the art of the ninja, as they attempt to stop a mysterious evil that threatens to end the world.

The Pros: Fantastic animation. The turtles have taken a turn for the better with this crisp, flowing, and exciting CG makeover. Their muscles change with their movements, and their skin shines flawlessly in the rain. The action also gets a good boost from this new style. It's really something.

The Cons: Just about everything else. The story might as well be non-existent, the dialogue is just sad, and the character development is nil. Jokes are incredibly cheap, and laughably bad.

The Bottom Line: This really is a movie for the family. It's safe for kids to watch, and occasionally fun for the adults (on account of the beautiful visuals and action). The big downside is the complete lack of effort on the part of developing a story and a decent script. But, if you really love TMNT, go ahead and give it a try. It's the same old turtles with a new look. And I kinda (I stress "kinda") like it.

The Score: 5 / 10

Paris, Je T'aime

IN THEATERS NOW (LIMITED RELEASE)

The Plot: 18 directors bring to life their own personal takes on love stories in Paris.

The Pros: There are some truly special shorts in this film and great directors; noteworthy are the Coen Brothers, Gus Van Sant, and Alfonso Cuaron. It's a fantastic director's showcase, and a very interesting look at Paris from all angles (even the imaginary).

The Cons: The film takes a short while to really become enjoyable. Some of the early films are not at all up to par with the later ones. Disappointing that it couldn't be entirely well-rounded.

The Bottom Line: Paris, Je T'aime is like Paris itself; it forces you to love it. You will slowly begin to relish the sometimes touching, sometimes saddening shorts. All in all, it's a lovely film. It takes some time to start up but, once it does, Paris Je T'aime takes the viewer on a wonderful ride. It's also an awesome (and I mean AWESOME) date movie.

The Score: 8.5 / 10

Knocked Up

The Plot: For fun loving party animal Ben Stone, the last thing he ever expected was for his one night stand to show up on his doorstep eight weeks later to tell him that she's pregnant.

The Pros: A genuinely funny (and touching) comedy, great cast, mostly great improvisation; Judd Apatow is creating a style for himself...and that's not a bad thing at all.

The Cons: Unfortunately, a small percentage of the jokes in Knocked Up felt stale, as if I had heard them before. This may have been an effect of the constant use of improvisation.

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a really enjoyable, hilarious comedy with a spritz of romance, go see Knocked Up. It is a guaranteed hit. But it's not the modern Annie Hall some critics have made it out to be.

The Score: 8 / 10

Hot Fuzz

The Plot: Jealous colleagues conspire to get a top London cop transferred to a small town and paired with a witless new partner. On the beat, the pair stumble upon a series of suspicious accidents and events.

The Pros: Brilliant writing, excellent comedic timing, Edgar Wright's near-perfect direction is at its zenith. This is better than Shaun of the Dead.

The Cons: Final action sequence may be a hair too long. Other than that, nothing.

The Bottom Line: This is the kind of action/comedy film that all other films of the same genre strive to emulate. It is a nearly perfect filmgoing experience. Go see it immediately.

The Score: 9.5 / 10