The Departed (2006) R - 4 Stars

Yet another movie I saw on the big screen when it first came out. This was a great gangster movie with some scenes at the end I was not expecting. That's always a good thing.

The Irish mafia is trying to take over South Boston. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young cop working with chief detective Captain Queenan (Martin Sheen) and Queenan sends Billy in to infiltrate the mob syndicate run by gangland chief Costello (Jack Nicholson).

Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), is a young criminal who has infiltrated the police department. When Colin finds out about Billy's being inside the mob and Billy learns about Collin, they both are rushed to rat each other out and protect their identies. While each hides in each others worlds, will they be able to come back.

Awards are numerous and include:

2006 - The Departed - Academy - Best Picture
2006 - The Departed - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Director
2006 - The Departed - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Picture

Warner Bros Pictures
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: William Monahan
Producers: Martin Scorsese, Brad Pitt, Graham King

I viewed 10/06

American Me (1992) R - 2½ Stars

Santana Montoya (Edward James Olmos) is a gangster from East L.A. in the 50's. A big player in the Mexican Mafia, he spends 18 years of his life running the drugs scene from behind bars at Folsom Prison. When he finally gets out, he chooses to lead a clean life but his old buddies drag him back into bad habits which finds him up back in jail, eventually being killed.

Universal Pictures
Director: Edward James Olmos
Writers: Desmond Nakano, Floyd Mutrux
Producers:Irwin W. Young, Robert M. Young, Floyd Mutrux

I viewed 9/17

Red State (2011) R - 3 Stars

Here's a freaky one for you starring John Goodman. A religious group of gay haters congregants three young boys who were looking for sex on the Internet. This grandpa preacher thinks he can save their souls by killing them. For me it was sort of a small glimpse into religious Wacko fanaticism as you watch these believers defend their holy grounds along with their preacher and an arsenal of weapons. The ending is not what I had expected. Not great, but worth a watch if you have Netflix.

Three young teenagers Travis (Michael Angarano), Billy-Ray (Nicholas Braun), and Jarod (Kyle Gallner) make an online date with an older woman (Deborah Aquila) who after some lewd conversation agrees to take on all three boys. The excited boys show up at the woman's trailer and offered beer to drink to set the mood. The beer is tainted knocking all three teens out. When they awaken, the boys are tied up together in the hands of Pastor Abin Cooper (Michael Parks), who accuses the boys of homosexuality since they were willing to have sex together with this woman. Pastor Cooper and his daughter Sara (Melissa Leo), as well as the entire congregation are convinced the boys need to die to rid the Satan within them. Government agent Joseph Keenan (John Goodman), has to treat these religious fanatics have now become terrorists and must be eliminated.

Awards:
2012 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards - Best Supporting Actor Michael Parks
2011 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival - Best Actor - Michael Parks
2011 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival - Best Film - Kevin Smith

Harvey Boys, SModcast Pictures

Director: Kevin Smith

Writer: Kevin Smith
Producer: Jonathan Gordon

I viewed 8/15

Lakeview Terrace (2008) PG13 - 4 Stars

I like this movie a whole lot more than most other critics out there. For me, I think Samuel L. Jackson is perfect in his character. The macho cop, looking after his kids, but holds a grudge against everyone for the fact he's doing it alone. It's a good high charged movie throwing the proverbial wrench into the gear at every opportunity. The grass isn't always greener at the top of the hill.

Abel Turner (Samuel L. Jackson), is a LAPD officer living with his two children in the upscale neighborhood in Lakeview Terrace. Chris Mattson (Patrick Wilson) and his new wife Lisa (Kerry Washington), have just moved into their dream home, becoming new neighbors with Abel. Abel is not impressed with his new interracial neighbors. Instead shows contempt at any glace thrown his way.

The first night in their new home, the newlyweds are rudely awakened by powerful spot lights, illuminate their bedroom. Abel has a sophisticated light system, surrounding his home, to keep intruders out. But it also makes it impossible for Chris and Lisa to sleep as the light blares in their bedroom window.

Tensions escalate, from both sides of the fence, as Abel's children are exposed to a midnight love making session in the new neighbors pool. It's not long after that, Chris and Lisa start receiving threats from their new neighbor. But no one will be ready when the sparks ignite into flames too hot for any of them to put out.

Overbrook Entertainment, Sony Pictures Releasing
Director: Neil LaBute
Writers: Howard Korder, David Loughery
Producers: James Lassiter, Will Smith

I viewed 2/09

The Air I Breathe (2007) R - 3 Stars

Great all star cast, I was hoping the movie would be over the top but instead falls into the mediocre. The movie splits itself into 4 separate stories, based on an ancient Chinese proverb of four emotional cornerstones of life: happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love. But with all the great acting, the characters don't fall into place properly. While each name star gives a great performance, I didn't feel that powerful connection in the end to Sarah the way the director probably intended. On the same plane as movies like "Crash" and different lives intertwining, it does allow you to get close to the characters, feeling their pain and desperation but it just doesn't come all together properly, instead leaves you depressed and wondering what that point is suppose to be as the time line is so confusing.

When a nerdy businessman, "Happiness"(Forest Whitaker), is in the right place at the right time, he over hears three men talking about a horse that's a shoe in in tomorrows race. Taking his entire life savings, he attends the race putting his life on the line to find out there is no sure thing and now finds crime boss Fingers (Andy Garcia), about to dismember him if he doesn't come up with the money. This once quiet man, now desperate, robs a bank to come up with the cash.

A gangster, "Pleasure"(Brendan Fraser), who works for Fingers, is assigned the task of collecting money along with his nephew Tony, (Emile Hirsch). His assignment is to go after Trista "Sorrow", (Sarah Michelle Gellar) a famous pop singer, who has lost her contract to Fingers without her knowledge. Along the way he has a powerful premonition keeping him from doing his job.

A doctor "Love"(Kevin Bacon), will learn the true meaning of the word as he attempts to save the woman he loves Gina (Julie Delpy), who is dying from serious injuries. But her rare blood type will test his abilities in playing God with the one he loves. Each event seems to have an effect on the other characters to come to a head at the end.

ThinkFilm, Pathe International
Director: Lee Jieho
Writers: Bob DeRosa, Lee Jieho, Jieho Lee
Producers: Darlene Caamano Loquet, Paul Schiff, Emilio Diez Barroso

I viewed 4/09

Falling Down (1993) R - 4 Stars

Zola's pic for one you should see at least one time or own in your collection.

William Foster's (Michael Douglas) is not having a very good day. He's on the way to a job that he's been laid off from and it hasn't quite sunk in yet. Neither has the fact he is divorced and is suppose to stay clear of his daughter and ex-wife Beth (Barbara Hershey).

While day dreaming about his daughters birthday, he finds himself in the middle of traffic pile up on the 110. With so much annoying him, he abandons his car and just walks off. He needs to make a call to his daughter and when the Korean shop owner refuses to make change for him, his anger starts to mount. No one seems to be cooperating with him.

Obviously delusional, he stops to rest and gets lippy with a group of gangsters defending their turf. The punks later retaliate but wind up fighting for their lives. Foster becomes armed and though already mentally unsound, takes on the rest of the city. He snaps when the fast food restaurant refuses to make him breakfast at lunch time.

Meanwhile, with a wife constantly calling to remind him, officer Prendergast (Robert Duvall), counts down the hours of his last days on the job. Replaying his somewhat boring future in his head, Pendergast picks up on clues other detectives have missed. It's important to him to solve this last case. When Foster and Pendergast confront each other, both men have nothing to loose.

Warner Bros Pictures
Director: Joel Schumacher
Writer: Ebbe Roe Smith
Producers: Herschel Weingrod, Timothy Harris, Mike Jackman

I viewed 1/08

What Doesn't Kill You (2008) R - 3½ Stars

Based on a true story, of two boys growing up as street thugs in the south part of Boston. They only know how to do one thing only, making a quick buck regardless of what must be done to get it. With no respect for life, the two eventually find themselves in over their heads behind bars.

Brian (Mark Ruffalo), and Paulie (Ethan Hawke), are growing up on the streets of Boston, almost if brothers, both coming from broken homes. They are willing participants in any petty crime that mob boss Pat Kelly (Brian Goodman), assigns to them. In this town where only the strong survive, Brian and Paulie have become the perfect street thugs, involved in misdemeanor crimes in order to make a quick buck. Now, as adults, their petty crimes have taken a new direction, landing both of them in long term prison sentences.

When parole come up, Paulie takes the rap in a case of jail cell pay back, so Brain can go free and to start a new life with wife Stacey (Amanda Peet) and their son. But Detective Moran (Donnie Wahlberg), won't let things lie with Brain, watching his every move, and eventually Paulie's as well, when he joins the outside regrouping with Brian. Though Brian has vowed to stay clean from drugs and rekindle his relationship with his wife and son, it's getting tougher with steady work becoming harder to find. When Paulie approaches Brian with a plan of off one last great heist that will financially set them free, Brian must reflect back to his prison days in order to find the strength to say no.

Yari Film Group, Battle Plan Productions
Director: Brian Goodman
Writers: Donnie Wahlberg, Paul T. Murray, Brian Goodman
Producer: Rod Lurie, Bob Yari, Marc Frydman

I viewed 5/09

Rampart (2011) R - 1½ Stars

I gotta say this movie is pretty bad and very boring and after watching it I couldn't care a less for the main character or not. Woody what were you thinking by taking this gig? It's not his acting that ruins the film while playing a dirty cop with a bad attitude. It's the horrible cinematography, the horrible musical score, and even Harrelson's dramatic performance isn't enough to save the day. The movie feels completely pointless and the ending doesn't explain any better. There is not one person in the entire movie that I cared two cents about. Here's the story...

A cop has two daughters and he'll do anything to protect them and his image in their eyes. The children are from different mothers who are sisters, therefore they are first cousins/step sisters. They all live together under one roof and Harrelson sleeps with both sisters as well as any other female he chooses. The oldest disrespects her father calling him "date rape" for short. This cop has everyone watching him because of his irratic behavior on duty and if they can pin their division scandal on him, there free and clear in the public eyes. But he continues to clear the streets of public scum, gaining no respect in his children's eyes. Hey wait, maybe that's the story! We're supposed to hate this overworked, under loved and unappreciated, dirty cop that is tarnishing the reputation of the L.A.P.D. Are there cops like this in the system? We'd like to think not but there are those who think that putting on the badge gives them the right to harass and take down bad guys by any means. I guess this movie is trying to show one in particular that worked at Rampart Division. I walked away with nothing from this movie except a quick review for my blog.

Dave Brown (Woody Harrelson), is being watched by his Rampart Division of the L.A.P.D.. He has allegedly killed a serial date rape which in his eyes is part of doing his job. Internal affairs Joan Confrey (Sigourney Weaver), goes after Brown while Kyle Timkins (Ice Cube), investigates him after video shows Brown brutally injuring a black unarmed civilian. Brown's cash flow begins to run low so he dips his hand in the bad guys cookie jar once last time. You decide the ending.

Lightstream Pictures, Waypoint Entertainment, Amalgam Features, The Third Mind Pictures
Director: Oren Moverman
Writers: James Ellroy, Oren Moverman
Producers: Clark Peterson, Ben Foster, Ken Kao

I viewed 8/12

Drive (2011) R - 2 Stars

I feel this movie had potential to be really great but not executed well at all. Gosling gives a almost wordless yet dramatic performance as a stuntman, mechanic and nice guy but we never learn his name. He's Driver and the best at what he does. When he's not working for the studios, he moon lights for thief's and other criminals that need a get-a-way driver. After moving into a new apartment, he gets involved with a heist gone bad, people are killed, and with a million dollars at stake. Now every one's looking for him.

Hollywood stunt driver (Ryan Gosling), spends his free time playing get-a-way driver for anyone who can afford his skills. He moves into a new apartment and meets Irene (Carey Mulligan), and her young son Benicio (Kaden Leos). Irene has been forced to become a single mom while her husband Standard (Oscar Isaac), awaits his release from jail. When Standard gets out, he decides he wants out of the business but has to pull off one last job to release his ties from criminal life. The Driver offers his services as he's become attached to Irene and Benicio and wants to protect them from Standard's questionable business arrangements. The robbery goes awry and Standard is killed, leaving a million dollar haul behind in Driver's car. Turns out New York crime boss Bernie Rose (Albert Brooks), and his partner Nino (Ron Perlman), want their money back and this Driver must come up with a plan that protects them all.

Bold Films, Odd Lot Entertainment, Marc Platt Productions, Motel Movies Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Writer: Hossein Amini
Producers: Gary Michael Walters, Marc E. Platt, John Palermo

I viewed 8/12

Kidulthood (2006) R - 3 Stars

Taking place in London, the strong British accents might throw your sense of comprehension for a loop, but stick with it and you'll find you don't really need to hear correctly. Even though I had a real hard time understanding the dialog, btw there are no subtitles, for some reason it didn't bother me. In this case, actions speak louder than words. One should realize right away this movie is about all different forms of bullying. From the young girl who commits suicide, to those who'd rather look away than make a difference, to the prejudice of quilt by association and even teen pregnancy. The film offers a hard look about a variety of behavioral problems of 15 year olds growing up in the hood of west London. Though, not a family film I think it's worth a watch on Netflix. It's not my idea of a quality musical score, however it mimics the on screen chaos well. The acting is surprisingly good.

Trife (Aml Ameen), used to hook up with Alisa (Red Madrell), but now he's turned off after Sam's (Noel Clarke), told him he's been with his girl. That is, right after Sam has just kicked Trife and his good buddies Jay (Adam Deacon), and Moony (Femi Oyeniran), asses. Alisa has just found out she is pregnant and now Trife rejects her, thinking he's not the dad. Meanwhile entire school has been given the day off in out of respect for the memory of one of it's students, a young girl named Becky (Jaime Winstone). Becky has been tortured by other girls and boys at the school and has hung herself when she can no longer endure the constant bullying, mainly by Sam (Noel Clarke). Just about everyone is afraid to confront Sam or the mean girls. These next 24 hours, with the kids turned loose on to the streets of west London, will put them at risk to the same society that has shaped them.

TMC Films, Cipher Films, Stealth Films
Director: Menhaj Huda
Writer: Noel Clarke
Producers: Menhaj Huda, George Isaac, Damian Jones

I viewed 8/12

New Jersey Drive (1995) R - 3½ Stars

This movie grew on me as it's very realistic. Even though the lifestyle of the main character would be what I consider a "little shit", the movie does a good job of involving you in the peer pressure of running with the wrong crowd, and you really feel for him. Set in the New Jersey low income projects, young teen boys hang together to form a brotherhood of crime. Stealing car, they keep getting away with it till the corrupt police take matters into their own hands. Growing up quite a bit differently, I found myself on the same ride as the boys as they steal cars and get into trouble, mostly just for kicks.

Jason (Sharron Corley), is a young troubled teen growing up in Newark,  New Jersey projects. Though his mother Rene (Gwen McGee), aches for him to stay in school and become something better than where he's from, Jason lies and hangs on the streets with his boys. Along with Midget (Gabriel Casseus), Roscoe (Saul Stein), Tiny Dime (Donald Faison), P-Nut (Conrad Meertins Jr.), Ritchie (Andre Moore) and the other boys, spend their days and nights drinking and stealing cars. They keep getting away with it so they step up their challenges on better cars, even once stealing a police car. But Officer Roscoe (Saul Stein), and some of his corrupt force, retaliate ending up with injury, jail and for some, death

40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
Directors: Howard McMaster, Nick Gomez
Writers: Michel Marriott, Nick Gomez
Producers: Larry Meistrich, Bob Gosse

I viewed 2/12

The Karate Kid (2010) PG - 4½ Stars

OMG, I hate when a movie can make me cry. Must be that tough exterior I try to uphold and this movie brought tears to my eyes anyway. Even though I loved the original 1984 version, this new story of a young boy being taught the ancient art of Kung Fu, feels so much realer. Great inspirational movie for the entire family. If my rating seems so much higher than others around, it's because this 54 year old woman really loved it. Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan really shine and work so well with one another. This is not your typical Jackie Chan Kung Fu movie with bodies flying all over the room or I wouldn't even rent it. Here he plays a much calm, patient teacher to a small non disciplined boy. The location is outstanding against the beautiful backdrop of Beijing China. Rent it - it's okay to admit you've seen it - you won't be sorry.

Sherry Parker's (Taraji P. Henson), job is relocating her to Beijing, China. She must pack up what seems important and convince her young son Dre (Jaden Smith), it's the right thing to do. Once in China, Sherry settles in well and Dre has some what made a new friend with a young girl Meiying (Wenwen Han), from his neighborhood. As he tries to speak with her, a little martial art punk, Cheng (Zhenwei Wang), knocks Dre to the ground. For the next few days, Cheng shows up in Dre's face no matter how hard he tries to avoid him. Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), is the maintenance man where the Parker's live and he over hears Dre complaining to his mother, he wants to go back home. Though Sherry doesn't get the real reason Dre wants to leave, luckily Mr. Han does. Cheng and his gang of his bullies, ambush Dre causing bodily harm. But Mr. Han steps to his rescue and with little effort dodges their blows and sends them running. It seems these boys are learning Kung Fu from a teacher who's attitude is, never stop, never let up. Dre is now eager to learn Kung Fu too and begs Mr. Han to show him some moves. Though Dre lacks focus, a lot of hard work, dedication and the teachings from Mr. Han, Dre begins to learn the true respect of self control and meditation. But it seems the only way to stop Cheng from pushing him around is to stand up to him at the upcoming Kung Fu competition. There, the lesson of true Kung Fu will be witnessed, learned and respected by all.

Overbrook Entertainment, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, Sony Pictures Releasing
Director: Harald Zwart
Writers: Chris Murphy, Christopher Murphey
Producers: Jerry Weintraub, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith

I viewed 10/10

Unthinkable (2010) R - 4 Stars

Wow, Samuel L. Jackson gives an over the top performance as an interrogator gone mad in this war thriller. A Muslim extremist has placed three nuclear bombs in unknown U.S. cities and it's Jackson's job to make him talk. Warning, some of you are not going to like his methods but don't think that didn't happen in the days following our invasion of Iraq.

Yusuf, formally named Younger, (Michael Sheen), is a Muslim extremist who states he's planted three nuclear bombs in major cities across the United States that are set to go off if his demands are not met. FBI's Special Agent Helen Brody (Carrie-Anne Moss) is sent to work with "H" (Samuel L. Jackson), a special interrogator, to get the information of the bombs locations. When traditional methods don't work, "H" is authorized to go to work on Yosuf. He takes out a small hatchet, chopping off one of Yusuf's fingers to show he means business thus horrifying Agent Brody. Yusuf has been trained to resist torture while maintaining his silence so "H" thinks Yusuf may be faking his claim. Yusuf agrees and gives an address that sends them on a wild goose chase only to find a bomb exploding in a nearby mall, killing over 50 people. This angers "H" to increasing the strength of his interrogation as Yusuf demands the withdrawal of American troops from the Middle East. The United States doesn't negotiate with terrorists so "H" must now do the unthinkable in order to achieve the needed locations of the bombs.

Senator Entertainment
Director: Gregor Jordan
Writer: Peter Woodward
Producers: Marco Weber, Caldecot "Cotty" Chubb, Vanessa Coifman

I viewed 10/10

Machete (2010) R - 4 Stars

OMG - WTF! How the heck do I describe this Tarrintino feeling wild ride. At first, I thought I'd rented a movie I was going to hate. There's more violence before the opening credits then I've ever seen before. But the more I watched, the more it grew on me with it's comedic edge on the politics of immigration. In a sick sort of way, it's refreshing to see a comedy, violent, action, drama, ORIGINAL film, which is also why I gave it an extra 1/2 star. A wee bit more character development in Machete might have given me a warmer fuzzy feel but I have to say for a somewhat serious farce, it was pretty funny, especially towards the end. With an all star cast, Michael Rodriguez is perfect, Cheech is Cheech and fits right into the padre, DeNiro hilarious racist senator, a naked Lindsay Lohan playing herself, Jessica Alba immigration agent with a mean right hook and a heart and Luz, the best looking taco girl around.

If you can handle watching a sharp machete and lots of blood, you will enjoy this film. It's certainly not going to be for anyone who's anti violence. But I've gotta say, I've never seen anyone pull a cell phone from her privates, swing through windows by intestines or laughed at blood squirting. DEFINITELY not for children or anyone easily offended.

Machete (Danny Trejo), used to be a Mexican Federale until he was set up while trying to save a girl while on the job. Remarkly, three years later he's on the street looking for a job. In Texas, he meets Luz "She" (Michelle Rodriguez), a taco vendor who befriends the illegals on the street. Her goal is to create a network to help these people find jobs.

Senator McLaughlin (Robert De Niro), is running for election of the state with his promise to bring an electrical fence to the borders keeping all illegals out. With no cheap day laborers, Americans will be forced to pay more for U.S. products thus making larger profits. The Senator's been seen with a rifle and a group of vigilantes, run by Lt. Von Stillman (Don Johnson), who drive around welcoming illegals crossing the border with a shinny new bullet. McLaughlin needs more public support to win so, sleazy drug lord Torrez (Steven Seagal), and mobster Booth (Jeff Fahey), concoct a plan to attempt the Senator's assassination by a Mexican. Machete is hired for $150,000 US. and he immediately gives the money to Luz to help her support her network. Then he's off to take out McLaughlin. But he's been framed to be the fall guy while another shooter wounds him and the Senator. Aha! The perfect plan right? The Senator is the hero and a Mexican is to blame therefore enforcing the Senators' border plan. But you can't keep a good Machete user down and along with the help of an armed holy man and brother, Padre (Cheech Marin), a caring Mexican immigration agent, Sartana (Jessica Alba), and Machete's new network behind him, they ride into battle in the finest low riders.

Overnight Productions, Hyde Park Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
Directors: Robert Rodriguez, Ethan Maniquis
Writers: Álvaro Rodriguez, Ethan Maniquis, Robert Rodriguez
Producers: Rick Schwartz, Aaron Kaufman, Elizabeth Avellan

I viewed 1/11

Black Rain (1989) R - 3½ Stars

Here's an underrated, sleeper movie I don't remember hearing anything about. Also known as "Pioggia Sporca," Douglas is at his finest in "Black Rain." Great little action / drama of a cop determined to get his man. Though it's hard to believe that one detective would be so committed, you don't pay attention to that but more with the honor Douglas wins back, taught to him by a simple Japanese assistant detective. Not your typical cop movie, the acting is superb with great character development and excellent cinematography. It's most definite worth the cost of a rental and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

New York vice cop Nick Conklin, (Michael Douglas), is under investigation for skimming money off the top of a recent drug bust. With an ex wife to pay and a child to feed, investigators are pretty sure they have their man. His partner Charlie Vincent, (Andy Garcia), trusts Nick is not involved in any wrong doings. While consoling Nick at the bar, members of a Japanese mafia enter the restaurant killing two men after the exchange of a small box. Nick chases the bad guys down and captures Sato, (Yusaku Matsuda); a major player in Yakuza mafia gang. Problem is Nick can't put this thug in jail as the Japanese government is holding the cards of extradition and all Nike can do is to be in charge of flying him home to Japan.

Upon landing in Japan, Charlie and Nick are tricked into surrendering their prisoner to the wrong people. Nick is dedicated into recapturing Sato and will stop at nothing, bending the laws and rules of Japan to do so. The Japanese police are unwilling to receive Nick and Charlie's help, remove them of their weapons and assistant detective Masahiro Matsumoto, (Ken Takakura), is assigned to watch over them. In a world of no one to trust, Joyce Kingsley, (Kate Capshaw), offers Nick important yet beautiful assistance.

Paramount Pictures
Director: Ridley Scott
Writers: Craig Bolotin, Warren Lewis
Producer: Michael Douglas

I viewed 12/10

Steel Toes (2007) R - 3 Stars

While you may not find this movie in a Humanities class, I loved the endurance concept. The radical white Neo-Nazi supremacist being taught tolerance by his enemies, the Hindu and the Jew. Powerful storyline and performance by both Walker and Strathairn though the movie suffers in direction. While it voices powerful statements, it loses weight by not going deeper into the character development. For example I would have like to be involved more the Mike's background as well as the relationship between the Jewish lawyer and his Hispanic wife. For me, the dinner scene should have been cut out in order to compassionately let the viewer fall deeper into both men's plight.

Mike Downey, (Andrew Walker), is a soldier in the white supremacy Aryan movement. After a concert, he and his girlfriend are making out in the streets when an immigrant kitchen worker exits to throw out a bucket of dirty water. He mistakenly throws in the direction of Mike causing an eruption of emotions that puts the worker in the hospital where he eventually dies from his injuries. Mike is incarcerated and charged with his murder.

David Dunkleman, (David Strathairn), a liberal Jewish attorney, has been assigned the case. The two men historically are enemies and while Dunkleman must support the law and rights of a man he loathes, he reaches deep in his soul, recalling the teachings of his father, to save the life of one of societies worse nightmares.

Galafilm Productions, Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC)
Directors: Mark Adam, David Gow
Writer: David Gow
Producers: Francine Allaire, David Gow

I viewed 12/10

Miracle at St. Anna (2008) R - 3 Stars

After I watched this movie, I was sort of surprised to see Spike Lee's name on it. Having seen many of his movies before, it's a much more subtle message of racial hatred he loves to spread. I think it's a fair depiction of what it meant to be an African American solider, fighting for a country that hated you. Set in 1944 Italy during WWII, is about a group of soldiers who hold onto faith in the darkest of times. The story changes dialog often and varies from Italian, German and English so you have to be prepared to read subtitles that speed too fast across the screen, if you are to stay on track. It's overly long at almost 3 hours and it moves too slowly but it does finally come together in the end. It's loosely based on the true story of the 92nd Infantry - Buffalo Division, and the soldiers who not only had to brave the tragedy of war but did it enduring racial hatred because their skin was black.

The movie jumps back in forth in time and starts out on December 19, 1983, with Corporal Hector Negron, a postal worker for over 30 years, shooting a Peppi Grotta, (Pierfrancesco Favino),  trying to purchase a stamp. Detective Antonio 'Tony' Ricci, (John Turturro), and Tim Boyle, (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), are interviewing Negron, trying to understand how this quiet man did such a thing. If you can get past parts that are truly unbelievable ie; Negron having a loaded Luger pistol at work everyday, waiting for revenge on a traitor from his past and a soldier toting around a 30 pound marble bust on his belt while in combat, and try to walk in the shoes of these brave African American soldiers, then I think you can enjoy it as a good war movie.

When the Germans blow up a bridge in Florence, Private First Class Sam Train (Omar Benson Miller), retrieves a marble bust. He wraps it in netting an attaches it to his hip, and rubs it's head constantly for good luck. Along with 2nd Staff Sargent Aubrey Stamps (Derek Luke), Sargent Bishop Cummings, (Michael Ealy), and Corporal Hector Negron, (Laz Alonso), the men begin to believe it does have magic powers as its kept them alive behind German lines. The men, Buffalo Division of the 92nd infantry, have a mission to capture a German soldier and bring him in for questioning.

Private Train, sees a young boy Angelo Torancelli,(Matteo Sciabordi), who wonders into a barn that is blown up. Train is compelled to take this helpless boy with them as they cross the Tuscany's Serchio River, to the Italian village of Colognora. It is there, they discover true humanity in the small village of St. Anna di Stazzema and a girl named Renata (Valentina Cervi).

Awards: 2008 - Houston Film Critics - Best Original Score

Touchstone Pictures, On My Own, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
Director: Spike Lee
Writer: James McBride
Producers: Luigi Musini, Roberto Cicutto, Spike Lee

I viewed 5/10

Life Is Hot in Cracktown (2009) R - 2½ Stars

The ending of this movie reminded me a bit of the movie "Crash," but on crack. It's a brutal epic of surviving life in the hood. I have to say the acting was pretty intense for the little known cast, which gave the story a bit more believability. Troubled families who don't have the means to get out,  must survive in their darker side of reality. From a mother pimping her daughter, the little punk, macho, packing, hoodlums, trying to get even for the anger their young lives have experienced already, to daily struggles with drugs and personal sexuality. I almost gave it 3 stars.

Here is the story of four troubled families heading for collisions in their lives. Pre-op transsexual Marybeth, (Kerry Washington), works as a prostitute to save enough money for her final surgery. Her line in boyfriend Benny, (Desmond Harrington), pulls small time burglaries to help pay for their expensive crack habit. Manny, (Victor Rasuk), works security in a run down apartment complex where Willy, (Ridge Canipe), a ten year old boy, lives with his sister Susie, mother (Illeana Douglas) and her short tempered boyfriend.  With a mother strung out, Willy begs for money on the streets to insure he and his little sister are taken care of.  At night, Manny work at a 24 hour convenience store where all the freaks solicit. After almost getting shot one night, Manny now keeps a gun in the store for protection. His wife, Concetta, (Shannyn Sossamon), stays home and tends to their small infant boy who seems to always cry tugging on their last nerves.  Romeo, (Evan Ross), is a young thug terrorizing anyone in his path as he searches for his younger brothers' killer. Gabriella, (Hope Olaide Wilson), is still in the closet but about to make her debut to her mother. But in an instant, all their lives will be tragically changed as that's just how it is in Cracktown.

Lightning Media, Magic Film & Video Works, Streetwise Films
Director: Buddy Giovinazzo
Writer: Buddy Giovinazzo
Producers: Larry Rattner, William Fisch

I viewed 12/10

Blood in the Face (1991) NR - 3½ Stars

I love documentaries because they force me take a look into another real world. Having an open mind, I try to find the logic in what is portrayed to form my own opinions. Seeing the passion of how some feel, opens my eyes and in some cases, enlightens me. But personally, cults like these are the main reason I am against organized religion of any kind. In my opinion, spirituality doesn't need to be found by joining a organization.

This movie does make a good point about something, being a Caucasian, I've often thought about and that is the white race will someday be a minority due to the breeding ratio Caucasians have adhered to. But, it's the only thing I agree with in this film. To me. this is exactly how radicals started, racism grows and continues and wars are made. This is America, and everyone has a right to give their opinions no matter how ignorant it sounds.

"Blood in the Face," is a documentary featuring archival footage intertwined with live interviews from the late 80's and early 90's. The title literally means to blush or draw blood coloring to their face, feeling shame. These groups believe that only white people can have this reaction to their face, thus making white people the superior chosen ones. The movie gives a small peek into the beliefs of the American Nazi Party, the Ku Klux Klan, and the Aryan Nation of white supremacists. Live footage of David Duke and George Lincoln Rockwell plus Michael Moore is an off screen interviewer in the film.

First Run Features
Directors: Anne Bohlen, James Ridgeway, Kevin Rafferty
Writer: James Ridgeway
Producers: Charlie Arnot, Anne Bohlen, James Ridgeway

I viewed 12/10

The Wronged Man (2009) N/R - 4 Stars

Imagine police coming into your families home and arresting you for raping an 11 year girl? And with a weak case against you, the court still manages to find you guilty, sentencing you to life in prison. Since you live a simple lifestyle, your family does not have the means to hire expensive attorneys and you spend 2 years in jail with your entire family refusing to give up on you. Then one day, a stranger comes into your life, and selfishly invests 20 years of her life pro bono to win your way to freedom. "The Wronged Man" is and made for T.V. movie based on the true story of Calvin Willis, who spent 22 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit. If it were not for the passion of one special paralegal, Janet "Prissy" Gregory, and DNA testing, Calvin Willis would still be behind bars today.

Janet Gregory, (Julia Ormond), aka "Prissy", is a single mom and paralegal in a small Southern Louisiana town. When her boss is suddenly killed by lightning, she helps out by reassigning his case load. But one case in particular, the case of Calvin Willis, brings back an emotional haunting she just can't walk away from it.  The more she looks into the case, the more she discovers many discrepancies that don't. She devotes the next 20 years of her life doing everything she can to bring the case back before a judge. Finally on September 19, 2003, "Prissy" and Calvin Willis, (Mahershalalhashbaz Ali), walk down the steps of the Louisiana State Correctional Facility as Calvin becomes a free man.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Lifetime Movie Network
Director: Tom McLoughlin
Writers: Teena Booth, Andrew Corsello
Producer: Robert J. Wilson

I viewed 12/10