The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

Steve Carell needs more starring roles.  His comedy genius shines forth in this unlikely story of a virgin, on a quest to get laid.  The plot well written and very funny.  You’ll wonder what will happen to him next.  The supporting cast help make this one memorable.  Watch this soon. Grade: A. IMDB: The 40 […]

Kinsey (2004)

Liam Neeson and Laura Linney star in this biopic about Dr. Alfred Kinsey, a biology professor who completed the first comprehensive, scientific study on human sexuality. The all-star cast performs well and the subject matter is treated unnecessarily clinically at times, but some scenes are frankly difficult to watch. Grade: B. IMDB: Kinsey.

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

An all-star cast bring this lyrical script to life in a story about a miniscule community in Alabama in the 30s. The casting is perfect, the script well-written, and the acting is sublime. This exquisite work of art is stark in its beauty and raw in its emotionality. Grade: A. IMDB: Fried Green Tomatoes.

Superman Returns (2006)

How many stories can you tell about the most powerful man in the world?  If this movie is any indication, not many.  Once again, Lex Luthor attempts to stop Superman with kryptonite.  The plot is slow paced, with a few exciting moments.  Not the worst Superman movie, not the best. Grade: C. IMDB: Superman Returns.

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Jim Carrey brings his comedy chops to bear as the highly eccentric Count Olaf, in this deeply sinister and quirky comedy about three orphans whose distant relative tries to wrangle their inheritance from them. Spectacular visuals and decent acting shine through a convoluted story and an ending that feels forced. Grade: B-. IMDB: Lemony Snicket’s […]

Coach Carter (2005)

Samuel L. Jackson shines as a no-nonsense high school basketball coach in this sports picture. The story is full of jump-into-the-air moments, but does trudge in a couple of places. Some of the situations of grandstanding seem quite plastic, but otherwise, the film is inspirationally entertaining. Grade: B. IMDB: Coach Carter.

Panic (2000)

Memorable acting performances, a loathesome villain, and a flawed protagonist make this small crime drama an excellent rental. The tension in the story is understated and palpable. The quiet acquiescence of William H. Macy’s performance and his interaction with the alluring Neve Campbell drive the script to its satisfying end. Grade: B. IMDB: Panic.

The Funeral (1996)

An all-star cast fail to prevent this gangster picture set in the World War II era from becoming a litany of confusion and clichés. The dialogue is stilted and tired. The story is convoluted and absolutely predictable. The end leaves us unsatisfied and feels tacked on and poorly executed. Grade: C-. IMDB: The Funeral.

Star Wars: Clone Wars – The Animated Series (2003 – 2005)

Star Wars Clone Wars (2004) This two volume series is fast paced, well written and more enjoyable than the prequels. Set between Episodes II and III, we find out what happened during the Clone Wars and watch Anakin drift closer to the Dark Side. Worth watching for the lightsaber duel between Anakin and Asajj Ventress. […]

A Prairie Home Companion (2006)

Garrison Keillor brings his radio show to the big screen: an “alternate reality” of the goings-ons on and off stage during the show’s broadcast. A wide spectrum of incredible actors bring to life the characters familiar to avid listeners. All the while, the Angel of Death stalks the show. Color: Blue IMDB: A Prairie Home […]

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