Spiderman 3...overrated

Spider-man 3 is full action and violence, yet does not live up to the anticipated hype that had been promised by the sexy trailers and months of build up. With that said, seeing the dark side of Peter Parker, played by Tobey Maguire, was rather thrilling, and the special effects were enjoyable to watch as the now bipolar superhero spun his web throughout NYC. The introduction of Topher Grace as Venom/Eddie Brock, and Thomas Hayden Church as Sandman, was interesting and consistent with the Marvel comic theme, yet the portrayal was not that compelling. Nonetheless, the over all pace of the film seem to linger and the interpersonal connections lacked the intensity & deepth of previous Spider-man films. Certainly, if you are a Spider-man aficionado it would be preposterous not to see it. Otherwise, save it for a DVD moment, NO GO. (140 minutes, PG-13)

Fracture...suspenseful

Fracture is riveting and full of suspense. Anthony Hopkins, Ted Crawford, a jilted husband, that goes to far. He mysterious murders his unfaithful wife and confesses to the crime. The Assistant DA, Willy, played by Ryan Gosling, assigned to this supposed slam dunk case, slowly determines none of the evidence points to the prime suspect, which may result in Hopkins walking free and also threaten his career and pending promotion. Making matters more complex, the lead police detective, played by Billy Burke, who rushed to the crime scene to diffuse the situation is emotionally involved as he learns the murder woman is his lover. Hopkins and Gosling have commanding performances, and more importantly the story keeps you guessing until the very end. GO SEE Fracture. (112 minutes, R)

Are We Done Yet...silly & animated

Are We Done Yet? is the third film in a series where Nick Persons, played by Ice Cube, takes a journey from "playa", to gentleman, and now husband, homeowner & fumbling step-dad. In this film, Are We Done Yet? Nick says good-bye to his beloved bachelor pad and moves away from the big city, trying his best to settle into a new life. He pursues his dream as an entrepreneur, and buys a quaint home in the seemingly sleepy town for his new wife, Suzanne, played by Nia Long, and two mischievous step-children, played by Aisha Allen & Philip Bolden. In time, what seemed like their dream home in the country, quickly reveals itself as a nightmare & money pit, and a source of many family quarrels. In the mist, there is one man who is a jack-of-all-trades that appears to save the day at every turn or rob them blind...you make the final call on that one.

This is a family oriented film which is quite silly and comes with a great deal of slap stick comedy, that is neither clever nor sophisticated. If you are lucky it may keep you entertained for brief moment intermittently, but kids seem to enjoy the entire ride. NO GO for Are We Done Yet? (92 minutes, PG)

300...testosterone filled experience

300 is the epic story of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae that is unleashed off the coast of Greece. It’s the tale of 300 Spartan soldiers, leads by King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) that fought with vigor and honor, until their death, against a ginormous Persian army, inspiring all of Greece to stand up and fight. While the accuracy of the history lesson is subject to discussion, 300 offers a fast pace journey of graphic violence and testosterone filled chest pounding; not surprising it has a familiar feel somewhere between Gladiator and Troy. It’s a spectacle that is stirring and the film technique of shooting on a blue screen rather than a green screen, gives it unique & primeval look that feels semi-authentic. GO SEE, 300; it will keep you drawn in with its energy, violence and portfolio of grotesque characters. (116 minutes, R)

Hannibal Rising...gruesome & captivating

Hannibal Rising is based on a series of novels by Thomas Harris, where the lead character is Hannibal Lecter, a notorious serial killer and cannibal. This story reveals how Hannibal Lecter came to be. From a little boy who watched as his parents were killed right before his eyes during WWII; forcing him to hide out and care for his infant sister, Mischka, until rogue soldiers ravaged their home, killed, cooked and served his sister for supper. Hannibal, played by Gaspard Ulliel, is driven by rage as he grows older and embarks on a mission to find & destroy every soldier responsible.

One shining light, Li Gong, plays Lady Shikibu, Hannibal's aunt (in-law), mentor, and accompliance, and much more. Gong has a seductive performance which is quite enjoyable to watch as it all unfolds, otherwise its a NO GO for Hannibal Rising. It is gruesome, distrubing, and mildly capitvating in a morbid way. (117 minutes, R)

Breach...fascinating

Breach is based on the true story of Robert Hanseen, a veteran of the FBI found guilty of the largest US security breach. In the film, Hanseen, played by Chris Cooper, is on the verge of celebrating 25 years of service as a FBI agent, all the while he is selling vital government secrets to the Russians. The FBI learns that he is a traitor and possibly responsible for comprising 100s of lives and disclosing information that is critical to the survival of the US, its government & its administration. Agent Kate Burroughs, played by Laura Linney, will stop at nothing to secure a portfolio of incriminating evidence to put him away for good. She commandeers Eric O'Neill, played by Ryan Phillippe, an ambitious, yet naive newbie to the FBI to become Hanseen unsuspecting assistant and track his every move in order to build an air tight case.

GO SEE Breach, it is surprisingly suspenseful, and having the opportunity to briefly peak behind the veil of the FBI and CIA is fascinating. In addition, both Cooper and Phillippe have compelling performances. (110 minutes, PG-13)

The Last King of Scotland...revisited & still riveting.

For those who were unable to take my advice when this film opened in October 2006 ... GO SEE The Last King of Scotland its bold & uncompromising.

The Last King of Scotland is raw, graphic, sometimes disturbing, & intriguing all in one; expect to be fascinated. Forest Whitaker, plays a role only he could undertake, as the 1960's Uganda dictator Idi Amin Dada, obsessive with everything Scottish & military in nature. Whitaker, learned Swahili & resided in Uganda for sometime to fully embrace the role & culture; he jumps off the screen as Amin, you can almost feel the spit spewing from his mouth in so many scenes.

You may find yourself wondering, how might I handle myself in a tough situation, like Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, played by James McAvoy, the ambitious Scottish physician, befriended by Amin. Initially you don't feel sorry for the greedy Dr. Garrigan, in his quest for power, he allows himself to be easily seduced by Idi Amin. The doctor is selfish, looking for quick success, adoration, and of course getting laid is very high on his priority list with no hesitation for sleeping with married women. Eventually, he finds himself in over his head.

Soon its hard not to empathize for all involved during the reign of the charismatic leader, Idi Amin, turned brutal dictator. Whitaker, is convincing as a strong, intimidating, big thinker with limited people skills. Like many leaders, he initially wants much more for his country and his people, and he delivers more than any Western country could fathom, hence Westerners become nervous with his growing power. Yet it is Amin, on his own who is incapable of balancing his ginormous thirst for power & respect, with the long term needs of his people and the world at large. Not to mention the appearance & portrayal of his deteriorating mental health. The Last King of Scotland is a powerful film, there is little down time get ready for a rollercoaster ride, haunted house, & safari tour all at the same time. Dust off the bag pipes out & put on the kilts, its time to celebrate, Forest Whitaker is deserving of an Oscar nomination.
GO SEE. (121 minutes, R)

Freedom Writers...reveals courage.

Freedom Writers, set in Long Beach, California is based on a true story of a first time high school teacher, Mrs. Gruwell, played by two-time Academy Award winner, Hilary Swank. Mrs. G had a Norman Rockwell vision of what teaching entailed: obedient students, eager colleagues, organized lesson plans, abundant school supplies, and supportive school administration. A vision quickly dashed on her first day, as her students were rebellious, underprivileged, with troubled & tattered backgrounds. Their primary goal was survival on a day-to-day basis, with little room for intellectual or educational pursuits; and previous teachers had all but given up on these students.

Mrs. Gruwell, although ill equipped, takes on the challenging task and through trial & error, creativity, and perseverance, both the students and Ms. G learn to meet halfway. Her most effective teaching methods involve journaling, as well as reading & discussing The Diary of Anne Frank. Freedom Writers starts out slow and feels similar to something we have all seen before, yet halfway through the film, you feel the personal stories of the students take hold; which finally transforms the film into a touching experience that reveals courage on the part of students and celebrates Mrs. Gruwell's dedication. GO SEE Freedom Writer. (123 minutes, PG-13)