Waitress

A witty, symbolic, and at times gutsy film written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, who also played a supporting role as Dawn, one of Keri Russell’s co-waitresses’. Admittedly, I love Andy Griffith, having grown up seeing him as the Sheriff of Mayberry, but he sooooo turned on his charm and facial movements in the movie. Besides, his character's name, Old Joe, has a certain ring to it. Keri Russell artistically baked pies, suffered silently, tolerated Old Joe, accepted the abuse of her husband, and, in the end, revealed her strength. Adrienne Shelly, who met an untimely departure from this life just over one year ago, deserves all the accolades she has received. This is hard to score compared to dramas, mysteries, and more intricate stories. But I liked it A LOT. 4 of 5. Joe

300

Yes, Harold and I agree on this one. I fell asleep during 300. It got monotonous and therefore boring. Watch Inland Empire instead. 2 of 5. Joe. P.S. Roger Ebert is THE MAN. I am watching a program about how he is battling cancer.

NO END IN SIGHT

This is political documentary that everyone should watch. NO END IS SIGHT may not cover new ground...but it does a terrific job of chronicling the events and decisions that have defined our country's war in Iraq. The movie agressively challenges the work of Rumsfeld, but is less aggressive in its attack on President Bush. Whether democrat or republican...this is a movie that's well made, allows for healthy debate, and certainly documents mistakes we will never want to repeat. Along with Michael Moore's SICKO...NO END IN SIGHT was recently selected as one of the 15 finalists for the Best Documentary Oscar which will be narrowed to five when the nominations are released in late January. 3 1/2 of 5 hs

FRACTURE

Director Gregory Hoblit has never been able to recreate the magic he harnessed in his 1996 courtroom thriller PRIMAL FEAR. Many of the same ingredients from that classic are here in FRACTURE...hot shot lawyer, diabolical murder suspect, sexy girlfriend, yada, yada, yada. Unfortunately that's where the comparisons end...FRACTURE is a disappointment. Although Anthony Hokins is good in his role...its impossible to not continually be reminded of Hannibal Lechter...and thats extremely distracting to the viewer. There are plenty of other things to find annoying here...espicially Ryan Goslings love relationship - which seems to only serve the purpose of having the pretty girl character in the movie. This is a failry stereotypical courtroom drama that does little to impress. 2 of 5 hs

300

There is no denying the wondrous look of 300...its amazing. The visual phenomenon is enough to keep you fully engaged in this movie for the first 30 or 40 minutes...but sooner or later you begin to realize the script was an afterthought. The movie goes from dazzling to goofy to preposperous to boring. Its a marvel to look at, but there's nothing to feel...nothing to care about. 300 is for the adolescent male who wants action and machismo in his movie. It certainly has that, but too bad this film doesn't have a brain as well. 2 of 5 hs

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

The Coen brothers prove their brilliance once again.
With a growing list of classics on their resume such as BLOOD SIMPLE, RAISING ARIZONA, MILLERS CROSSING, FARGO, THE BIG LEBOWSKI, BARTON FINK, THE HUDSUCKER PROXY, and OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU they are making a case that they should be considered among film's all-time greatest movie makers. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MAN may remove any doubt. This is a terrific movie. Perfect performances from Javier Bardem and Tommy Lee Jones. Breath-taking suspense from flawlessly constructed scenes. So many moments in this film are perfectly executed that its an absolute pleasure to watch. The film has a lot to say about violence in society, and our response to it...but youre so engrossed in the decisions and actions of each character that you hardly have to think about the films deeper statements. This movie is a winner, and one that certainly calls for multiple viewings. By the way...watch for all the references to the number 13 throughout the movie! 4 1/2 of 5 hs

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

A few disclaimers...
1 - I usually HATE musicals. Sound of Music, West Side Story, Chicago...YUCK!
2 - I sometimes like musicals...Mary Poppins, Willy Wonka, Disney stuff in general...COOL!
3 - I do regard MOULIN ROUGE as one of the best movies ever made...ever.
4 - I love the Beatles...
Considering those four nuggets of info I had no idea what to make of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE...a musical (bad) with Beatles music (good) that reminded me of MOULIN ROUGE (good). Two out of three ain't bad right? Well it turns out one bad can destroy all the good. I wanted to like ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, but I couldn't. Too many of the scenes just felt forced, corny, and awkward. Too often I felt John Lennon rolling over in his grave at the misuse of his brilliant lyrical genius (just watch the "Revolution" scene...). I did love the cameos, and I thought Bono stole the show...but all-in-all this is too much sensory and not enough substance. 2 of 5 hs

ZODIAC

This is one of the very first movies I saw in 2007...and it remains one of the very best. Director David Fincher delivers another success in his string of psychological thrillers...(SE7EN and FIGHT CLUB have quickly become cult classics). ZODIAC packs a lot into one film --- edge of your seat suspense, brilliant acting, and some of the creepiest on-screen moments in years. Mark Ruffalo is superb as the lead detective on the case...Jake Gylenhaal is terrific as a young newspaper cartoonist...Robert Downey Jr. is excellent as the prototypical seventies hard-boiled reporter...and all three of these men share a life-altering obsession with solving the ZODIAC mystery. The movie is about each of these men and how the ZODIAC case impacted their lives...but its also about the case itself, and while there is almost no blood...the murder scenes will leave you haunted. This is a masterfully made movie and one of the year's best. 4 1/2 of 5 hs

ENCHANTED

There's something about Amy.
Amy Adams was nominated for an Oscar for her scene stealing role in the "not-so-Oscar-like" JUNEBUG...and she has put herself in contention for her second Oscar nomination with her magical performance in Disney's "also-not-so-Oscar-like" ENCHANTED. Disney hits a home run with this terrific family movie (very nearly a grand-slam if only the film knew when to have a tad of retraint...). Despite a severe wrong turn with a King-Kongesque ending...this move is a pure delight. Full of great performances, a dynamic premise, and a few scenes that are destined to become Disnaey classics. Alan Menken heads up the musical team that is the glue to a movie that masterfully blends comedy, romance, and music sure to "enchant" the movie goer of any age. 4 of 5 hs

CHALK

Its the start of a promising new year at Harrison High...the fictional school that's the setting for this very funny, very fresh "mockumentary". Filmed in much the same manner as the hit TV series "The Office" with camera men acting as observers who are supposedly documentarians...CHALK is an original comedy with a few classic characters. Mr. Stroope, Coach Webb, and Mrs. Reddell are just a few of the Harrison High staff members who make this comedy so much fun to watch. Truly an independent film...CHALK earned less than $500,000 at the box office - depite that its worth you seeking out on DVD! 3 of 5 hs

Hairspray

Before I watched it, I thought I would pull my fingernails out during this musical. But, it was AWESOME! Seeing John Travolta as a woman dance with "her" husband Christopher Walken was truly special! Awesome feel good movie. A MUST see. Men, watch it with your special person and she will love you for it (I watched it with my male cat). In its category, this was a definite 5. Joe

Michael Clayton

Harold reviewed Michael Clayton during his Shock and Awe blog entry campaign of the past few days. When you see "hs" at the end of an entry, that is Harold. Harold rated Michael Clayton a 4.5.

It took me a few days to think about this one. My first impression was that it was like watching an episode of Boston Public (which is NOT a compliment). The remark I made to the friend I watched it with was "Good Flick." That would make it a 3 out of 5. The more I think about it, the more I like it though. George Clooney acted extremely well. Tom Wilkinson was a great supporting actor (not quite as good as William Hurt in Mr. Brooks or Alfred Molina in The Hoax). A good flash back happens near the beginning of the movie. So, I will go with "VERY Good Flick." 4. Joe

RATATOUILLE

Now here's a top flight animated film. The story is fantastic...but its the animation that's mind-blowing. Just when you thought aniimation had reached its technological peak...RATATOUILLE shows you it keeps getting better and better. Every visual is flawless and the entire film is a pleasure to watch. Its not quite an all-time classic (i.e. TOY STORY, NEMO, SHREK)...but the great storyline is the perfect compliment to this visual feast...ENJOY!
4 of 5 hs

MEET THE ROBINSONS

Good quality family fun. With three little kids I'm forced to watch a lot of these animated kids movies and I can tell you there's a lot of them are only good for a nap. MEET THE ROBINSONS isn't top tier animated movie going like TOY STORY or SHREK...heck its not even as good as this year's gem RATATOUILLE...but its tolerable fun for the whole family. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

BLACK SNAKE MOAN

Despite the obvious Tarantino influence...this film is a true original. Craig Brewer's first film was the brilliant HUSTLE & FLOW (which should have earned a Best Picture nomination) and for his follow-up feature he chooses an even more ambitious project. BLACK SNAKE MOAN features two of the year's most dynamic performances (although I'm sure they'll be overlooked come awards time) by Christini Ricci and Samuel Jackson. Justin Timberlake also gives a fine performance in a supporting role. I won't reveal anything about the plot...I'll just say when you're in the mood for an original, exciting, sexy, blistering film...go rent BLACK SNAKE MOAN. 4 of 5 hs

HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX

More of the same brilliance from the team behind the HARRY POTTER franchise. Each of the five movies are fabulous in their own right and by the time the saga is complete on screen in 2010, a masterpiece collection will have been finalized. There is little doubt that viewers will enjoy both the novels and the films for generations to come. Film #5, ORDER OF THE PHOENIX is equally as terrific as each of its predecessors. As the main characters reach their teenage years the storyline has evolved with their age. Teenage romance and rebellion both find their way into the personalities of each character in just the right way. If you've enjoyed the first four films you won't be disappointed...if you haven't been watching Harry and friends...go get the first four on DVD ASAP! 4 of 5

SICKO

Love him or hate him...there's no denying that Michale Moore is a masterful documentarian. ROGER AND ME and BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE in particular rank as two of the best documentaries of all time. SICKO is not quite in their class...but it is very good. Per his usual, Moore blends individual stories of the average man with indictments on broader policy and corporate action. The result is effective..although too one-sided. Counterpoints to some of Mr. Moore's argumesnts on the tremendous need for healthcare reform in America would have actually helped make a stronger case for his side of the argument. All-in-all the movie is wildly entertaining and extremely thought-provoking - two great qualities for any documentary. 4 of 5 hs

CATCH AND RELEASE

Romantic comedy/dramas come and go...most are forgetable...and you can place CATCH AND RELEASE in that category as well. Jennifer Garner stars as a woman who loses her fiance to a tragic and untimely death and is left to pick up the pieces of her life. The movie is annoying and none of its characters seem grounded in reality. Thank goodness for the comic relief in performances by Kevin Smith and Juliette Lewis or the movie would be completely unbearable. Would have made a better Hallmark channel Sunday night movie rather than something on the big screen. 2 of 5 hs

GRINDHOUSE

Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodqiguez each direct one half of this double-feature extravaganza. The two filmmakers have masterfully paid homage to the B-movies of the 1970's. Rodriquez's "Planet Terror" comes first - a fast and furious zombie flick. Next up is Tarantino's "Death Proof" with a blistering performance by Kurt Russell as a serial killer whose murder weapon is his car. GRINDHOUSE comes complete with phony previews and phony reel skips. If you love movies you'll love the fun and fury of GRINDHOUSE. 4 of 5 hs

WAITRESS

You'll be hard pressed to find a more charming romantic comedy that WAITRESS. The film plays like a whimsical fairly tale full of colorful sets and eccentric characters. Keri Russell plays the princess of this fairy tale and is pitch perfect as the unhappily married waitress in a small town diner (complete with a co-worker waitress named Flo). Andy Griffith (yes him) shines in a scene stealing role which could earn him some award recognition come year end. A delightful film among the years best! 4 of 5 hs

MICHAEL CLAYTON

MICHAEL CLAYTON is a terrific movie. Its not often enough we're treated to an edge of your seat thriller that doesn't rely on explosions and car chases for its thrills. MICHAEL CLAYTON is the first film directed by Tony Gilroy who is best known for his work writing the Bourne films. Mr. Gilroy delivers his best script yet and one of the year's best. In addition, he gets sensational performances from George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, and especially Tom Wilkinson who is a leading candidate for Best Supporting Actor for his work here. While not in the class of the very best corporate/political thrillers (i.e. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN, and more recently THE INSIDER) this is smart, well written, well acted, and fun to watch. 4.5 of 5 hs

1408

Here we have one of the worst movies of the year. Its not so much that 1408 is a bad movie...its more that its irrelevant . I suppose its a horror movie...but its not scary. It could be a psychological thriuller...but its shallow and certainly not very thrilling. John Cusack is admirable in a empty role with a poor script, and Samuel Jackson is completely wasted in a supporting role. Don't bother. 1.5 of 5 hs

Inland Empire

Writer/Director David Lynch is a PURE genius. This movie was pure genius. Alfred Hitchcock must have been applauding from his grave when it debuted. Many people will not endure the length of this film or appreciate it. Even though it was shot with a consumer digicam (the Sony PD-150), the cinematography is breathtaking--colors, fades, shots, and perspectives. Laura Dern is amazing. If she doesn't receive at least an Academy nomination, something is wrong. My suggestion with this movie is to just open up and take it in. Don't try to understand it and you will. Unbelievable. Really. 5 of 5. Joe

LIONS FOR LAMBS

After watching LIONS FOR LAMBS, which is easily one of the year's worst films, its hard to imagine that Robert Redford ever directed such classics as ORDINARY PEOPLE, QUIZ SHOW, and A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT. The film is told in three parts (each part is connected if you're willing to accept the absurdity of this entire effort). The first is reporter Meryl Streep interviewing Senator Tom Cruise. Both actors give worthy efforts despite their shallow meandering material. The second is in the snow covered battle fields of Afghanastan...which looks completely staged and artificial thus completely destroying any authenticity. The third is college professor Robert Redford encouraging a promising young student to...oh who cares. I'm frustrated even writing this so I'll just say please don't bother...I want my 90 minutes back! 1 of 5 hs

WE OWN THE NIGHT

Joaquin Phoenix gives one of the year's best performances in this New York City police story. Phoenix plays Bobby Green, the manager of one of New York's most popular night clubs in the late 1980's. With drugs sweeping the city, Green's world collides with that of his police office brother (Mark Wahlberg) and father (Robert Duvall). There are few great things about this movie: the performance by Joaquin Phoenix, an awesome cocaine factory action scene, and a breath taking car chase. But the movie needs A LOT more and doesn't deliver. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

THE ASSASSINATION OF THE OUTLAW JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD

Brad Pitt (as Jesse James) and Casey Affleck (as Robert Ford) both give dynamic performances in this telling of the last days in the life of famed outlaw Jesse James. This is a quiet thoughtful film with breathtaking cinematography by Oscar winner Roger Deakins. The movie is the story of two complex characters in American history. Jesse James, a family man with two kids who famously robbed and murdered. He struggles with who he is and the things he's done to the point of instability. Robert Ford, a man with a thirst to be significant...to be important. Consantly seeking the approval and respect of others...so much so that his actions are driven by this obsessive desire. The movie is good...yet despite clocking in at over 2 1/2 hours I felt there should have been more. The movie's last fifteen minutes were by far the most interesting, yet they're glossed over in a rushed manner. A few side plots along the way could have been eliminated in exchange for more towards the film's end. 3 1/2 of 5 hs

THE HOAX

The story of author Clifford Irving and his fictitious relationship and subsequent biography of billionairre Howard Hughes is a fascinating one. Richard Gere does a nice job of bringing Mr. Irving's carelessness, carftiness, and eventually craziness to the screen. Alfred Molina plays Gere's partner in crime and the always wonderful Hope Davis plays his publishing agent. THE HOAX is an entertaining little movie, its well acted, and has a great story to tell. That said, nothing about the film rises above "good". A perfect rental when there's not much else on TV. 3 of 5 hs

TWO DAYS IN PARIS

A romantic comedy that's just as much fun for the GUY! Julie Delpy does her best Woody Allen impersonation as she stars, writes, and directs this wonderfully funny romantic comedy. Delpy's sense of the humor in relationships is perfectly depicted. Adam Goldberg is terrific as the boyfriend side of the young New York couple who accompanies his girlfriend to visit her family in Paris. Everything that happens during their two day stay in Paris is tragically hilarious. I smiled and laughed from start to finish. 4 of 5 hs

BUG

You've never seen anything like BUG. Most people will turn this one off before getting to the end...its certainly not for all tastes. I, however, found a lot to like. First of all, Ashley Judd gives a mind-blowing performance (Oscar worthy but the material may scare off voters)...second of all, the feel of the movie is genuinely claustrophobic and creepy and you don't get that by accident. Now admittedly the movie has its problems (I'm still trying ot figure out why Harry Conick's character was in the movie at all?), but this one-of-a-kind depiction of the explosive results that come from mixing paranoia, delusion, desperation, lonliness, and cocaine. Warning - not for the squemish! 3 of 5 hs

TRANSFORMERS

This is the kind of movie that one can easily rip to shreds in a review...yes its preposterous that all this transformer stuff started with an ice fishing expedition over a hundred years ago...I know its ridiculous that the governement's most brilliant code-breaker is an18 year old blonde "hottie" with an aussie accent...of course its crazy that the auctioning off a pair of eye-glasses on ebay causes a national crisis...and I do realize its insane that 50-foot robots can walk through a suburban neighborhood without being noticed. BUT...if there is any brilliance to TRANSFORMERS its the fact the movie knows its "insanity on screen" and embraces it all-out in every way possible. It's so over-the-top in its excess that you can't roll your eyes...you have to laugh...and laughter coupled with some of the most astounding special effects ever filmed are good enough for a summer popcorn extravaganza. This is a near perfect film for a 10 year old. The one thing I can't forgive in TRANSFORMERS is its length...if ever a movie needed to be shortened from its 2hr & 20min this is it. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

INTO THE WILD

This true story about a 1990's college graduate who "drops-out" of society foregoing a trip to law school for a trip of self discovery is one of the best films of the year. Emile Hirsch is pitch perfect in the lead role and firmly establishes himself as one of the best actors of his generation. Sean Penn writes and directs in his best effort as a filmmaker to date. The soundtrack was brilliantly written and performed by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder whose music proves a perfect match for the film. Supporting roles are perfectly delivered all around Emile's lead by William Hurt, Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaugn, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, and Marcia Gay Harden. I could nit-pick on a few minor missteps in the film...but why bother? This is a fantastic movie about personal discovery as well as forgiveness and understanding. INTO THE WILD was the first time I left the movie theater in 2007 thinking I had just seen one of the five Best Picture nominees...we'll see come January. 4 1/2 of 5 hs

THE KINGDOM

Peter Berg's last movie was the hugely entertaining and extremely passionate FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. The style and talent he showed in making that film are quickly displayed during the 10 minute opoening credits for THE KINGDOM (those opening credits are fabulous and worth a look on youtube). Unfortunately for Berg the script and casting do him no favors this time. The movie opens with brutal force...but never lives up to its first thirty minutes. Speaking of bad casting - I gotta say that Jaime Foxx, Jannifer Garner, and Jason Bateman look silly as the three specialists sent to Saudi Arabia to investigate a terrorist attack. THE KINGDOM is entertaining, and worth a rental, and I loved the film's final scene and line of dialogue...but in that final line lies the lost hope that a film of great impact was lost somewhere in the previous two hours. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM

The first two Bourne films were both extremely well done. Matt Damon has quarterbacked the best new action franchise in two decades, and the secret to the success has been the witty screenwriting of Tony Gilroy. Those first two films perfectly blend exciting action, quality acting, and clever writing. The third Bourne chapter comes with both good news and bad news --- the good news is all of the ingredients of success from the first two films remain...the bad news is that THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM adds nearly nothing original to the franchise. If you liked the first two you're sure to enjoy the third...although at some point don't we deserve something new? The same chases, the same mysteries, the same characters, and even the same twists and lines of dialogue...here's hoping the next Bourne film adds a dose of originality. 3 of 5 hs

ONCE

A low-budget indepedent Irish musical with no actors you've heard of...but easily one of the best films of the year. Glen Hansard, the lead singer of the Irish rock/folk group The Frames, stars as a simple streetside guitar player who also works for his father repairing vacuum cleaners. One day he meets a young girl - a music lover and piano player. Together they explore the beginnings of a friendship/romance that faces all the hurdles of their already established lives and relationships. Their relationship is so guarded and restrained at all times out of fear and inhibition...only their music opens them up. This isn't one of those musicals where people sing lines to each other and prance across the screen (Thank God!)...its a genuine romance where music is used to express the lives and emotions of its characters. You'll find it nearly impossible to not want the soundtrack (or at least something by The Frames). 5 of 5 hs

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH

Paul Haggis tackled the difficult topic of racism in America head-on and with a heavy hand in 2006 with the outstanding Oscar winning CRASH. In 2007, he takes on the war in Iraq with an equally direct and heavy handed approach. The results are mostly positive. Tommy Lee Jones carries the film on his shoulders with his usual powerful restraint. Susan Sarandon and Charlize Theron are also their usual high quality selves. The movie is a powerful statement on the absurdity of war. The film's last scene is an interesting one. An example of Haggis perhaps trying to hard...the contrived set-up to make an obvious statement is in some ways an insult to our intelligence. But then again... 3 1/2 of 5 hs

MR BROOKS

MR BROOKS is one of the more thought provoking films of the year. Kevin Costner is cast as an all-american business man/family man with one small vice...an addiction to murder. Casting Costner ia a serial killer is interesting enough...but how about William Hurt as his diabolical alter ego continually urging him...tempting him...pushing him. While the film's story line keeps you thinking serial killer...the real subject of the film is addicition. Everyone has their vice: drinking, gambling, smoking, stealing, lying, using drugs, sex, cheating in business or on your taxes...whatever. Get away with it once and you're tempted even more the next time. Battling those demons is something most people face to a wide variety of degrees. Imagine the vice is murder and what demons that would harbor. That's exactly what MR BROOKS is all about. It's well done...and has a whopper of an ending. Although imperfect and certaibly reliant on more than its fair share of luck and coincidence - its worth a look. 3.5 of 5 hs

ALPHA DOG

The talent of two young up-and-coming actors is on display in ALPHA DOG. Justin Timberlake proves here (as in BLACK SNAKE MOAN) that he is the real deal as an actor. Emile Hirsch does the same (and just wait until you see him in his Oscar worthy performance in INTO THE WILD)! Unfortunately for Timberlake and Hirsch...ALPHA DOG's director/screenwriter Nickl Cassavetes does not show the same promise. Cassavetes has shown flashes of brilliance in his career (writing the Johnny Depp tour-de-fouce BLOW...and directing the very underrated SHE'S SO LOVELY), but ALPHA DOG needs help. The true story is great material and the movie does several great performances (including Bruce Willis), but the movie's feel is too colorful, too Beverly Hills, too adolescent. The movie isn't bad...and worth a rental when you're in the right mood...the disappointment is that there could have been more to love. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

FEAST OF LOVE

This romantic comedy starring Morgan Freeman and Greg Kinnear is a mess. Despite a great cast, and a few good ideas in it's story...the screenplay comes up shallow and nonsensical. Dont bother. 1 1/2 of 5 hs

SUPERBAD

Coninuing the traditions of such all time greats as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Dazed and Confused, and American Pie (to name a few)...SUPERBAD is an instant american classic! What seperates this high school comedy from so many others is the intelligence and wit in the outstanding screenplay (the superb casting doesn't hurt either). Warning - depite virtually no violence or nudity...this movie earns every bit of its R rating with some of the most foul language you'll hear. Not for the easily offended, but a mini-masterpiece. 5 of 5 hs

AMERICAN GANGSTER

Destined to become one of those movies played and replayed on the small screen for years to come. Washington and Crowe both deliver the powerhouse performances that we've come to expect. The material is fascinating and fast-paced (even at 2hrs 40mins the film flies by), and Ridley Scott is at his best as Diretor. This is a great movie...yet somehow underwhelming. The film's only flaw is the feeling we've seen it all before. Overall, a terrific movie (look for scene stealing moments from Ruby Dee and Armand Assante). 4 of 5 hs

GONE BABY GONE

One of the year's best films. Casey Affleck stars as a PI hired to assist the Boston police in the search for an abducted young girl. The movie is full of terrific performances highlighted by a Oscar worthy supporting turn by Amy Ryan as the movie of the missing girl. Ben Affleck proves masterful in both writing and directing this powerful and thought provoking thriller that dives deep into the ambiguity of right and wrong. Midway through the film Ben Affleck's directing talents are highlighted by one of the more gut wrenchingly suspenseful scenes in recent memory. 5 of 5 hs

American Gangster

Excellent movie! I think a good comparison in terms of quality would be The Hoax. Both are based on a really interesting, true story. Both stray from the “true” in “true story.” Both have popular actors (Denzel Washington & Russell Crowe in American Gangster; Richard Gere in The Hoax). Both have parts that drag a little. Both have parts that make you bite your nails. In American Gangster, I don’t know that Denzel is a believable “bad guy” and Russell Crowe was “ok.” Richard Gere played his part truer to form in The Hoax and Alfred Molina was a great supporting actor. American Gangster attempts to deliver “deeper” messages. The Hoax doesn’t necessarily (which I liked). I gave The Hoax 4 out of 5. I’ll give American Gangster a 4 too. Joe

Perfect Stranger

As I checked this out at Blockbuster, the two young women behind the counter had a debate about this movie, which stars Halle Berry and Bruce Willis. One loved it. The other hated it. I shrugged my shoulders and said "How bad could a movie with Bruce Willis and Halle Berry be?" After watching it I said to myself "How bad could a movie with Bruce Willis and Halle Berry be?" It wasn't bad. In fact, it was pretty good in spots. Good enough to keep me watching all the way through. 3.

The Hoax

Fascinating story about author Clifford Irving who nearly pulled off one of the greatest scams in all of history. Richard Gere plays Clifford Irving and acted very well. His side kick, Dick Suskind, is played by Alfred Molina who acts equally as well. This movie shows that the fascination of Howard Hughes continues. Aviator is better but this is definitely worth the watch. 4

Harold's TEN "BEST PICTURE" CONTENDERS - COMING SOON

THE KITE RUNNER
ATONEMENT
JUNO
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
THE SAVAGES
CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR
BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD
AMERICAN GANGSTER
SWEENEY TODD