The Pithy Review

Milk

2008-11-26T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Plot: The story of California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk, a San Francisco supervisor who was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone by San Francisco Supervisor Dan White.

The Pros: Milk is an absolute triumph; it's easily Gus Van Sant's finest work in years, and will stand out as a serious Oscar contender if people see what I saw. Van Sant is widely known for making somewhat detached films, and this is not one of them. Sean Penn's performance is one of his greatest, standing right alongside The Assassination of Richard Nixon and I am Sam. He pours every ounce of his heart and being into this role, and it pays off tremendously. The rest of the cast was equally brilliant, notably Josh Brolin, whose work was earnest, revealing, and true. Danny Elfman's score was unusually great; certainly a surprising departure from most of his career's achievements.

The Cons: There is, at the end of the film, a montage which shows the real-life progression of the characters portrayed throughout the movie. I felt this a bit unnecessary, mainly because of the immense power of Milk. It's not a major gripe by any means, but it does slightly pull you out of the two-hour masterpiece Van Sant clearly spent so much time drawing you into.

The Bottom Line: Milk is a film that really makes life feel worth living. Watching everything about it come together to create a seamless, mind-enriching journey is the joy to be had here. Van Sant has created, with the magnificent cooperation of Sean Penn, one of his most accessible and personal motion pictures to date, and it succeeds on so many levels. It's simply a brilliant achievement, and one of this year's best films.

The Score: 9.2 / 10

JCVD

2008-11-24T01:15:00.000-08:00

The Plot: An intimate tale of Jean-Claude Van Damme's true feelings, portrayed through a fictional story, as an aging actor.

The Pros: This is a film worth seeing for the camerawork alone. A very young director (Mabrouk El Mechri) was brought on to the team, and his quietly personal shots are something to admire. Van Damme gives a truly stunning performance, and the personal nature of the script visibly affects him throughout the film. It's an unexpected venture for an actor so respected in a different light, and it certainly is a breath of fresh air.

The Cons: I hate to nitpick a film like this because of its willingness to push the boundaries of convention. However, if I had to identify a weakness, I would say Van Damme's personal development was not touched on nearly as much as it could have been. The most fascinating sequences were those that examined his inner workings during a specific moment, and JCVD could have benifited highly from more.

The Bottom Line: JCVD is a member of the 2008 lineup that will stand out from the rest. El Mechri and Van Damme's effort to humanize an exalted action hero is bold, and it works. Through this fascinating journey into Van Damme's mind, the film world has broken a impeding boundary. Instead of settling with Universal Soldier 2, the creators have pushed to reach an area of Van Damme's persona previously untapped. And it's a wonderful ride.

The Score: 8 / 10

Bolt

2008-11-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

The Plot: The canine star of a fictional Sci-fi/Action show who believes his powers are real embarks on a journey across the country to save his co-star from a threat he believes is equally real.

The Pros: Some of the voice work is a lot of fun to listen to, notably Mark Walton's portrayal of the goofy and overweight hamster, Rhino. The visuals also provide something to distract us from the fairly stock plot. It's ultimately apparent that some people involved in the making of Bolt were heavily invested while others were not.

The Cons: There are many lines and jokes throughout the film that just don't land. A good bit of them truly seem like the remnants of decently-successful Pixar jokes, and it can become a bit tiring. To make matters worse, a handful of the actors seem quite uninterested in the production; this feeling is surprisingly reflected through the voice work of the people involved.

The Bottom Line: Bolt is your run-of-the-mill CG family film, complete with quirky animals that talk, life lessons, and difficult moral decisions all packed into an hour and a half. It's sure to keep the kids occupied, but there are better films that accomplish this task. My personal recommendation would be a "no", but that's not going to stop people from going. Rent Toy Story instead.

The Score: 6 / 10

Let the Right One In

2008-11-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

The Plot: A story of love between Oskar, a socially ostracized child, and Eli, a twelve year-old vampire.

The Pros: This is a beautifully filmed tale. The shots are long and patient, and the scenery is quietly isolated in the winter of Sweden. As a plus, the vampire attacks are not shocking; rather they are astoundingly quick, detached, and indeed made infinitely more watchable by the actress playing Eli, Lena Leandersson. Her image of true innocence coupled with a strong sense of duty allows us to pity her existence while still having an intense adoration for her. Finally, the love between Eli and Oskar is truly unique and therefore very pleasing to watch.

The Cons: Unfortunately, the film is slightly long-winded for the story it tries to tell. It is a worthwhile story, but I found the narrative dragging on a bit unnecessarily at times.

The Bottom Line: Let the Right One In breathes new life into an exhausted genre. It's not an action film with lots and lots of blood, but that's the beautiful thing about it. Through a simple and hugely enjoyable love story, we are allowed to witness the struggle of a singular vampire; it is this that makes the film so important and worth watching.

The Score: 8.5 / 10

High School Musical 3

2008-11-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

The Plot: As seniors in high school, Troy and Gabriella struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future.

The Pros: For the audience that this film is trying to reach, they do a pretty damn good job. The energy oozing from many facets of the production should appeal to young teens, as should the beautiful faces of Efron and Hudgens. The musical numbers have an inherent sweetness to them, while still addressing such important issues as decision-making and friendships. Overall, it's a pretty solid show.

The Cons: This isn't necessarily a con, but the students of East High dress in the absolute highest fashion. There is not a single student in the school that doesn't look stunningly trendy. It's nice to watch, but I wouldn't call it the most realistic of design choices. Then again, this is a teen-targeted musical, so realism is not a crucial ingredient.

The Bottom Line: Aside from a small number of cheesy bits and unrealistic design choices, HSM3 does an excellent job of summing up the excitement of leaving the safety of high school. The performances are energetic, the dance numbers are expertly choreographed, and the music will certainly appeal to the younger generation. Parents, take your kids to this one; they'll have a good time. And maybe you will, too!

The Score: 7 / 10

Role Models

2008-11-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Plot: Wild behavior forces a pair of energy drink reps (Paul Rudd, Sean William Scott) to enroll in a Big Brother program.

The Pros: Whenever you have people like David Wain writing, you're sure to have a few funny lines. That rule is not broken in Role Models, but it certainly is tested. Paul Rudd is his usual comedic character, a cynic stuck in a situation he'd rather not be a part of, and he performs acceptably. The surprise here is Sean William Scott, who manages to break out of his usual Stifler-esque persona and pull off some pretty good socially-awkward comedy. This was a very pleasant surprise, as I anticipated him being the weak link of the film. Christopher Mintz-Plasse also makes a slight behavioral departure from his "McLovin" character traits, but is not allowed too much leeway as his character is still a huge dork.

The Cons: There are a handful of jokes that just don't hit. If you've ever seen the short-lived show Stella, written by the group responsible for The Ten and Wet Hot American Summer, you can obtain a good approximation of the hit-to-miss joke ratio (as well as the writing style). Some sections of the writing seem contrived, the most aggregious of which is the plot. This is your standard buddy-buddy-white-guys-getting-into-trouble-only-to-have-their-lives-changed-by-undesired-circumstances charade. If this was written by any other team, the film would be a disaster.

The Bottom Line: Role Models is one of those films only worth watching because of the people involved. The story has been done a million times over, but the majority of the humor is satisfying and the acting is what it should be. Sean William Scott impressed me with his ability to perform admirably alongside Paul Rudd, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse did what he could with what he was given. All in all, if there's nothing else to do on a Saturday afternoon and you enjoy the David Wain style of comedy, check out Role Models. It won't hurt you.

The Score: 6 / 10

Synecdoche, New York

2008-11-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

The Plot: A psychological battle takes place in the mind of Caden Cotard, an aging and sick theater director dying for something new.

The Pros: Synecdoche is one of the most massive, psychologically demanding, and emotionally challenging films I have ever seen. Its abstraction, force, and mere presence will stay with you for days, if not months (in great part due to the direction). This is Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut, and his mastery over the concept of his work keeps it from falling apart, something which would surely happen were this film in the hands of another. Phillip Seymour Hoffman's performance is, without a shadow of a doubt, his greatest to date. This is more than a "Best Actor" nod, this is one for the history books. He embodies the struggle of the film, and the multitude of conflicts present during every second is fully visible (though difficult to entirely decipher the first time around) through both his work and Kaufman's. It is a true masterpiece in every sense of the word.

The Cons: There are so few. This is an unfathomably huge concept made a reality by the genius of collaboration.

The Bottom Line: Synecdoche, New York is one of those films that cinephiles live to see. It challenges everything about our existence by removing the conventional narrative (allowing us to experience something completely new), and does it in a more ambitious, gratifying, and complete way than anything before it. It is a masterwork, and simply one of the best films I have ever seen. The performances are all out-of-this-world, and the concept is a beatifully executed breath of fresh air in a world of modern film that has gone so stale. I have been fundamentally moved by this work of art.

The Score: 10 / 10

W.

2008-10-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Plot: An Oliver Stone film about President Bush's two terms in office.

The Pros: It certainly was interesting to watch Stone's take on the events of the past eight years. Interesting, I say, because the film was anything but enjoyable. Josh Brolin gives George Bush his best shot and, for the most part, succeeds. Much more impressive than his performance, however, is Richard Dreyfuss' portrayal of Vice President Dick Cheney. In fact, Dreyfuss' character work is probably the most fascinating thing about this film.

The Cons: There are far too many to list. For a Presidential drama directed by Oliver Stone, this was a sorely disappointing biography. Thandie Newton's caricature of Condoleezza Rice is juvenile and unresearched, Jeffrey Wright's Colin Powell is completely uninspired; even Elizabeth Banks, a very capable actress, looked as if she was embarassed to be part of the production. Not to mention the fact that the camerawork was some of Stone's most mediocre and boring fare. All of these sore thumbs rest on a plot that attempts to attribute Bush's every decision to a pseudo-Freudian battle between father and son.

The Bottom Line: W. is a rushed production through and through. This is unbelievable for someone like Stone, who has indeed directed two of the finest political dramas to date. He really dropped the ball on this one, however; poor acting by most of the cast, dialogue that could be mistaken for that of a tele-drama, and a general lack of interest shown by the people involved make W. one of the biggest disappointments of this year. If you're still dying to see it, please obtain it illegally; Oliver Stone doesn't need any more support for this film.

The Score: 4 / 10

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

2008-10-31T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Plot: Lifelong platonic friends Zack and Miri look to solve their respective cash-flow problems by making an adult film together. As the cameras roll, however, the duo begin to sense that they may have more feelings for each other than they previously thought.

The Pros: Kevin Smith is back in action with his newest film. Seth Rogen is quite funny as usual, but he's also impressively apt in scenes that are more dramatically demanding. Elizabeth Banks is always a joy to watch, and the rest of the new-age comedy crew do a splendid job supporting the story. What is so striking about Zack and Miri, however, is Kevin Smith's uncanny ability to turn a seemingly insignificant moment into the puissant focal point of the scene. This touch is all over his newest film and, along with great writing, it's this quality that allows it to shine.

The Cons: Perhaps it's been too long since I've seen a Smith film, but there was truly nothing about this movie that made me unhappy. If anything, some of the jokes are incredibly vulgar and the entire plot is centered around sex, which some people may find inappropriate. However, if this is your mindset, you really shouldn't be seeing a Kevin Smith film.

The Bottom Line: Zack and Miri is one of the sweetest, funniest, and most touching films I've seen this year. It uses a shell of juvinility and shallow sexuality to later reveal a deeply complex and emotional core. That's one of the best things about this film; one walks away completely satiated, no assembly required.

The Score: 8.5 / 10

Quarantine

2008-10-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Plot: A television reporter and her cameraman are trapped inside a building quarantined by the CDC after the outbreak of a mysterious virus which turns humans into bloodthirsty killers.

The Pros: This is a must-see if you can't get your hands on [Rec], the film that Quarantine is directly adapted from. Jennifer Carpenter's portrayal of the protagonist, Angela Vidal, is stunningly real. Rarely have I seen an actor so naturally react to the action in a horror film like Ms. Carpenter does; as the film nears its end, she seems to be one step away from falling to the floor and convulsing. The camerawork helps to draw the audience in to the confusion, and successfully creates an atmosphere of panic and suspense. And the "creatures" are scary as all hell.

The Cons: One of the only things lacking from this faithful remake is a proper exposition. All of 20 minutes are spent introducing us to the characters before they're thrown into a life threatening conflict together. Nonetheless, I did feel myself drawn into the world and those of the characters enough to make it matter.

The Bottom Line: Quarantine is indeed a Xerox copy of its predecessor, [Rec]; as we learned with The Departed, however, a remake is not always a bad thing. In fact, Quarantine succeeds on most fronts, delivering genuine scares, surprisingly solid acting, and an atmosphere that horror fans will have no trouble spending an afternoon in.

The Score: 7.5 / 10

Clean, Shaven

2008-08-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Plot: A 1995 film by Lodge Kerrigan that examines the inner workings of a schizophrenic father, played by Peter Greene.

The Pros: Greene's performance is shattering. The intensity and cruelty which he brings to his character is astounding in its depth. The cinematography succeeds beautifully by inspecting faces and objects very closely. Most importantly, however, the sound work is some of the best I've ever heard. It completes the experience of the character's schizophrenia by making sound just as important as video.

The Cons: Not many. If anything, it pains me to know that this film remains unwatched by many people.

The Bottom Line: Clean, Shaven is a masterpiece of collaboration. The actors, especially Greene, the audio, and the video work together in near-perfect harmony to create one of the most surreal, disturbing, and harrowing film experiences of all time. If only more people would see it.

The Score: 9.5 / 10

Paranoid Park

2008-03-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Plot: A teenage skateboarder's life begins to fray after he is involved in the accidental death of a security guard.

The Pros: Gus Van Sant's new film is a fine example of great filmmaking. He meditates upon every image, giving us time to take it in and pair our emotions with what we see. The result is a heavily psychological film that succeeds in a very deep way without having to use many words at all. The music is eclectic and surprising, and compliments each shot fascinatingly. The use of young and unknown actors also allows us to step into his world with a more curious mind.

The Cons: Unfortunately, the use of young and unknown actors also creates some moments, although rare, that seem unauthentic and a bit shallow. There are certain points at which the flow of the film is broken for a short while as a result of an actor trying too hard.

The Bottom Line: This is one of Gus Van Sant's best films, lulling you into his cinematographical poetry by utilizing a stimulating soundtrack and wonderful camera techniques. The magic is sometimes broken, however, when one of Van Sant's young actors doesn't produce the emotion required for a specific scene. This, however, is not a frequent occurrance and shouldn't deter anyone from seeing this film. I'll be getting it on DVD as soon as it is released.

The Score: 8.5 / 10

Juno

2008-03-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Plot: Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, an offbeat young woman makes an unusual decision regarding her unborn child.

The Pros: Ellen Page's performance is magnificent. She allows herself to be swallowed by her character, in turn making the entire film more believable. Michael Cera is also genuinely impressive in his role as a quiet and awkward boy who unintentionally causes Juno's pregnancy. The part could not have been better cast. The indie soundtrack is also very pleasing to the ears and appropriate when placed in the film's context.

The Cons: My major complaint with this film is the inconsistent writing. Despite what the actors try and make of it, there are certain scenes that seem as though they were put together by two entirely different writers. Some lines in these instances become choppy or cheesy.

The Bottom Line: Juno is a wonderful film that suffers from occasionally bad writing decisions. It's great to know, however, that there are two very capable young actors (Page and Cera) who are ready and willing to jump head-first into the script to save the day. And they do a great job. This film succeeds on many levels, and that usually makes up for small writing holes in what is otherwise a well-spirited and lovable trip to the movies.

The Score: 7.5 / 10

There Will Be Blood

2008-03-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Plot: A story about family, greed, religion, and oil, centered around a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business.

The Pros: There is almost nothing about this film that isn't purely stunning. The cinematography is flawlessly angular and haunting, Johnny Greenwood's soundtrack is avant-garde and beautifully contrasts the images onscreen, and the screenplay builds with steady graduation. Most impressive is the sheer power of Daniel Day-Lewis' performance. Here we see a piece of character work that genuinely seems as though it was summoned from some supernatural force. It is truly one of the greatest performances in the history of cinema.

The Cons: The fact that it can't go on forever. Truly. The flaws are so few and far between that they become almost impossible to identify.

The Bottom Line: There Will Be Blood is a true American masterpiece in every sense of the word. It's one of the best films I've ever seen, and I feel confident in saying that Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the world's finest working directors today. He melds his beautiful writing into a visual and auditory thunderstorm, giving the audience so much to chew on that the film takes at least two viewings to truly appreciate.

The Score: 10 / 10

A Hiatus....

2008-03-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

It appears that I have not been able to review many movies as of late. This is mostly due to the fact that I've been putting most of my effort towards my college career and not towards reviewing films. It recently occurred to me, however, that reviewing films might be what I want to do with my life! So, I can confidently say that I'm going to start reviewing films regularly again. Most of the films I review will be new and upcoming, and some will have already been released. I hope you enjoy the rejuvenation of The Pithy Review!

30 Days of Night

2007-10-23T23:43:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-15T23:18:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

*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

2007-07-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

*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

2007-07-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-27T01:10:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-27T00:57:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-23T00:02:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

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)

2007-06-06T00:22:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-02T01:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-01T15:37:00.001-07:00

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