Puff, Puff, Pass (2006) 2½ Stars

I guess if you are a complete total stoner, you might find parts of this movie entertaining, but if you have half your mind left, ugh!! It's not a total waste of time and if someone wants to lend it to you, watch it otherwise don't spend your hard earned money.

Larry (Danny Masterson) and Rico (Ronnie Warner), are two stoners who's lives consist of watching the Shawshank Redemption marathon on TNT all day. Or the "Shank" as they call it. Their money is running out for rent so they need a new place to stay that has cable. So they decide to check themselves into rehab to keep on viewing the Shank. But they get bored and try to pull off a really big scam against Mr. Big.

Sony Pictures
Director: Mekhi Phifer
Writers: Kent George, Ronnie Warner
Producers: William Packer, Mekhi Phifer

I watched 12/06

Underground (2007) 2 - Stars

I wasn't impressed with much in this movie, maybe it's just not my type. The trailer looks interesting but the movie is flat and just feels like a huge testosterone rush of martial art fighting, with no real story line behind the fighters. Only for the viewer who likes to see brutal ass whoppings as the fight scenes are pretty action packed and believable for the martial arts fan. But, with no character development you could care a less who wins or loses.

In the suburbs of the United Kingdom an underground fighter organization is recruiting masters of kickboxing, kung fu, tae kwon do, boxing, wushu, karate wrestling, capoeira, freestyle ninjitsu, and all sorts of other martial arts. They will make up an elite group of 12 to do battle taking home a purse of £500,000.00, but only one can win and there are no rules. Fighting cast includes, Joey Ansah, Nathan Lewis, Liang Yang, Zara Phythian, Gary Webster, Fidel Nanton, Mark Strange, Leon Sua, Leonard Fenton, and Danny John-Jules.

Intense Productions, Skylandian Pictures, Park Entertainment
Director: Chee Keong Cheung
Writers: Chee Keong Cheung, Oliver Morran
Producers: Chee Keong Cheung, Oliver Morran, Mark Strange

I viewed 3/09

Fireproof (2008) PG - 3 Stars

When I rented this movie I was expecting it to be all about the lives of fire fighters and their challenging battles to save lives and homes while putting themselves in harms way. And yes it does have some good fire scenes but the clearer objective of the movie is one with a religious message. That everything is possible when you except God's love as an example.

Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron), and his wife Catherine (Erin Bethea), both have very stressful jobs, he as a firefighter and her as a public relations director of a hospital. Their careers are about to take a toll on their marriage as they are very close to filing for divorce. Holt has become a hero in the media when he saves a young girls life, but he certainly is not a hero at home.

Caleb's father John (Harris Malcolm), makes a proposition to his his son to commit to a 40 day experiment called "The Love Dare." The dare pulls examples from Caleb's work as a firefighter, and his motto of never leaving a partner behind. But Catherine is unwilling to listen anymore and Caleb must learn to give the same type of unconditional love that God has for all of humanity. This will prove to be Caleb toughest battle as he tries to put out the fire at home and regain the trust and support of his partner, to save their marriage.

Samuel Goldwyn Films, Affirm Films, Sherwood Pictures, Provident Films, Carmel Entertainment Group, LLC
Director: Alex Kendrick
Writers: Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick
Producers: Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, David Nixon

I viewed 3/09

Welcome to the Dollhouse (1996) R - 3 Stars

Aka "Middle Child," I have my mixed emotions about this dark comedy about an adolescent girl going through puberty. The movie paints a realistic view of the pain felt growing up being the unpopular kid in school and at home. Everywhere she goes everyone humiliates her as she tries to smile her way through all the cruelty. However, it was hard to see humor in a teenage girl being threatened with rape or her sister's kidnapping. Don't take the movie too literal and remember you are looking through Dawn's eyes as she sees the people in the world around her.

Dawn Wiener (Heather Matarazzo), is at that awkward age of 13, growing up in New Jersey where the kids at school have come to know her as "Wienerdog." Dawn just can't seem to get a break, even in her home life where she must watch her parents, Mrs. Wiener (Angela Pietropinto), and Mr. Wiener (Bill Buell), make over her irritatingly cute younger sister Missy (Daria Kalinina) and her geekish bookworm older brother Mark (Matthew Faber). When Mark strikes up a band with Steve (Eric Mabius), your typical rock band looking guitarist, Dawn immediately develops a crush for him as he's cool and she's not. Along with her sister's kidnapping and the mean boy at school, Brandon (Brendan Sexton), threatening to rape her, she painfully struggles to get through adolescence.

Awards:

1996 - Welcome to the Dollhouse - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Debut Performance
1996 - Welcome to the Dollhouse - Sundance Film Festival - Grand Jury Prize - Dramatic

Suburban Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Todd Solondz
Writer: Todd Solondz
Producer: Todd Solondz

I viewed 4/09

Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008) PG - 3½ Stars

First let me say this is not the type of movie I would go out and rent on my own, but my sister brought it over before she returned it, so free is always nice. Getting the low down from her grandchildren, they thought "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" rocks! Okay, so it's cute and of course the story is pretty far fetched, but then again dogs talking are pretty far fetched so forget all about that and just have fun with it. I think it's a great entertainment for the children and they'll laugh a lot as it's a really cute movie and anything that helps bring kindness in people to pets, I'm all for that. I just love Drew Barrymore and she has the perfect voice for Chloe Lopez and Garcia were perfect as doggy heroes. A very rich pampered pooch gets lost in Mexico and has the adventure of a lifetime finding her way back to Beverly Hills

"Miss" Chloe (voice - Drew Barrymore), is one pampered chihuahua, who's not only adorned by a diamond collar but also wears Prada as wealthy owner, "Aunt" Viv (Jamie Lee Curtis), gives her nothing but the finest. Viv goes on an exotic retreat and leaves her pride and joy with her niece Rachel (Piper Perabo). Sam Cortez (Manolo Cardona) is the gardener at the mansion and along with his chihuahua pooch Papi (voice - George Lopez), the are minding the outside of the home while Viv is away. Papi, has a thing for Chloe but she can't be bothered with the hired help. When Rachel isn't happy just laying around the mansion in Beverly Hills, her girlfriends talk her into taking a road trip to Cabo. With Chloe in hand, the girls set off to soak up the sunny shores of Mexico.

While the girls are away from the hotel, they leave Chloe all alone with a regular can of dog food which Chloe finds repulsive and when she leaves the hotel to find Rachel, she is picked up by a dog snacther and taken to a dog fighting ring where she will face off against bloodthirsty Doberman, El Diablo (Edward James Olmos). Delgado (voice - Andy Garcia) a German Shepard will help Chloe get out of this mess but not before she gets into more trouble with Manuel the shifty rat (voice - Cheech Marin) and his sidekick Chico (voice - Paul Rodriguez), the iguana. But love struck Papi will track her scent and help bring Chloe safely home before Viv knows what happened.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Director: Raja Gosnell
Writers: Analisa LaBianco, Jeff Bushell
Producers: Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman, John L. Jacobs

I viewed 5/09

The Reader (2008) R - 4½ Stars

WOW what a great movie and it's easy to see why Kate Winslet won the Academy Award. She is outstanding in this role and even naked again, which has got to be challenge for any actress. Set in the Berlin post-Nazi days, Winslet works on a tram and helps a young boy, who is sick with fever. When he returns to her home to thank her, the two develop a love affair that will follow them as they age. Beautiful cinematography and I thought Kross was the perfect young boy an older woman could find attractive.

Michael Berg (David Kross), age 15, is coming home one day from school when he suddenly becomes ill and gets sick in the street. Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet) is there and throws a pail of water on the ground to clean his mess and also washes his hands, face and shoes. Once home, Scarlet Fever has Michael bed ridden for weeks. But when he's feeling better, he takes flowers to Hanna's home to thank her for the care she showed that day. The two instantly develop a close bond that turns sexual as Hanna, twice his age, seduces him. But their relationship it's not only sexual and Hanna enjoys when Michael reads to her the novels he's brought from school. The two can not mention their love affair to anyone. Michael constantly dreams about his first love and as he arrives at her home, he finds the house abandoned with no message from her. Michael is devastated and withdrawals from other woman in his life. Hanna was offered a new desk position promotion at her job but rather than take it she instead leaves to become a guard. Even eight years later as he attends college to study law, he still thinks about his affair with Hanna and how she scarred his heart for life by abandoning him.

In college, his class is allowed to attend a trial of women convicted of aiding in the executions of Jews in Nazi concentration camps. Hanna is one of the woman on trial and as he watches her, memories of their past come back to haunt him. He also realizes something about Hanna that could dramatically change the events of the trial. But he can not intervene and Hanna is sentenced to prison. Michael (Ralph Fiennes), now a grown man, will find that even though his life has been seriously altered by Hanna, he can't abandon her in her time of need.

Awards:

2008 - The Reader - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Depiction of Nudity or Sexuality
2008 - The Reader - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Actress
2008 - The Reader - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
2008 - The Reader - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
2008 - The Reader - Las Vegas Film Critics Association - Best Young Actor
2008 - The Reader - Las Vegas Film Critics Association - Best Actress
2008 - The Reader - San Diego Film Critics Association - Best Actress
2008 - The Reader - Vancouver Film Critics - Best Actress

Miramax Films, The Weinstein Company
Director: Stephen Daldry
Writer: David Hare
Producers: Scott Rudin, Redmond Morris, Sydney Pollack

I viewed 5/09

Splinter (2006) NR - 2 Stars

This probably could have been a better movie as the story line is believable, just not well executed. Edward James Olmos's son Michael takes on the role of director, and his father has a role too, but it's pretty low budget.

A young gang member Dreamer (Enrique Almeida), takes a bullet in the head while trying to protect his brother in a gang fight. His brother dies and Dreamer starts loosing his memory from the wound. He can't exactly remember the details but sets out to revenge his brothers death. Dreamer's mind tell him his brothers friends are the people he is looking for and he takes them out one at a time.

Magic Lamp Releasing
Directors: Michael D. Olmos
Writers: Enrique Almeida, Michael D. Olmos, Adrian Cruz
Producers: Adrian Cruz, Mark Hall, Steve Machat

I viewed 10/07

The Wrestler - 4 Stars

Not being a big wrestling fan, I have to say I was apprehensive to watch this movie. I envisioned the movie to be entirely about wrestling, and though yes it is, it's not constant wrestling matches, but more focuses on the sport from behind the scene. This one time, pro-wrestler has been on the top of the world with his adoring fans, yet behind the macho act, has nothing to show for it. Even with all the abuse his body has been put through, the ring still breaths life into this dying shell of a man. I wonder if Rourke got into this shape for the role or if this his norm. I have to say, he certainly worked his ass off in this role, or so it appears.

Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke), was a 1980's pro wrestler and in the height of his career, drew large crowds and large sales of with action figures and video games. But today, 20 years later, he is barely able to pay the rent. The daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood), he has not seen in years or has never been there for, wants nothing to do with him. The only companionship he has is from a stripper named Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), who he visits and tips more than he can afford. He takes odd jobs, wrestling in small gymnasiums and working behind the counter at the local deli. But when one of his wrestling matches, lands him in the hospital, the doctors tell not to return to the ring or next time could be his last. But when he can't get his daughter's love and Cassidy refuses to settle down with him, his only choice is to take on The Ayatollah (Ernest Miller) in one last match in front of the handful of cheering fans that except him as family.

Awards include:

2008 - The Wrestler - American Film Institute - Best Picture
2008 - The Wrestler - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Actor
2008 - The Wrestler - Florida Film Critics - Best Actor
2008 - The Wrestler - London Film Critics Association - Best Picture
2008 - The Wrestler - Online Film Critics Association - Best Actor
2008 - The Wrestler - Utah Film Critics - Best Actor
2008 - The Wrestler - Women Film Critics Circle - Best Actor

Protozoa Pictures, Saturn Films, Wild Bunch, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writer: Robert Siegel
Producers: Darren Aronofsky, Nicolas Cage, Scott Franklin

I viewed 4/09

Rails & Ties (2007) PG13 - 3 Stars

This is a pretty sad movie staring Kevin Bacon, where it seems like every one's life is falling apart, but out of the tragedy also comes happiness. With that feel of a made for Television drama, the acting is good just not over the top. Bacon plays a train operator who's wife is dying of cancer and he avoids the inevitable by accepting as much work as possible. When his train hits and kills a woman, he will learn the value of life. I wish they would have gone into more detail on why the mother put herself in front of the train, wanting to kill herself.

Tom (Kevin Bacon) and Megan Stark (Marcia Gay Harden) are a couple dealing with cancer. Megan has had chemotherapy and one breast removed and her prognosis is not good. But instead of Tom spending as much time as he can with his wife, he chooses work instead to not have to deal with the pain. On a long run to Seattle, his train, the Coastal Starlight, hits a woman, in a car who's given up on life. She intentionally parks her car on the tracks with her son Davey (Miles Heizer), strapped in beside her. When Davey realizes she has taken too many drugs to wake up, he must flee the car as the train takes it away, killing his mother.

Davey is sent to protective services and placed in a foster home with a horrible woman who was hoping for a girl instead. After a very short period of time, Davey cuts the window screen and escapes. He shows up at Tom and Megans house accusing Tom of killing his mother. The couple sees Davey's pain and decide to give him safe harbor, hiding him in their home bringing new life to all of them.

Warner Independent Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Director: Alison Eastwood
Writer: Micky Levy
Producers: Barrett Stuart, Robert Lorenz, Peer Oppenheimer

I viewed 5/09

Marley & Me (2008) - 3½ Stars

If you are a pet owner, this movie is a must. Most pet lovers know what it means to have a "bad dog," or cat, and Marley is just that. Adorable and hard to say no to or stay mad at after he's just torn up your entire garage. The movie takes you through the entire life cycle, from puppy to old pooch, and the important role pets have in the family. I work at an animal hospital so for me at least, pets are a mandatory addition to the family. Based on the true autobiographical story by writer John Grogan.

Aniston and Wilson look ideal together and their relationship chemistry works. After they are married, they decided to put off having a child and instead choose a pet to get used to the idea of caring for something. This cute romantic comedy shares their story on just how much responsibility goes along with owning a pet.

John Grogan (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Aniston) are a newlywed couple just moving to Florida and holding down their careers as reporters. Even though Jenny would love to have a child now, their careers don't allow the time so instead, John surprises Jenny with a new puppy. The three immediately fall in love and Marley quickly becomes the center of their attention. But Marley, still a puppy, has yet to understand the meaning of the word "No" and his disobedience is challenging the couple's wits, as Marley gobbles everything in sight. As they grow as a family with two children, Marley does too and this 100 pound plus, bundle of joy, is just about ready to be sent away. But they can't give up on him now as they know Marley has become an important member of the family.

20th Century Fox Distribution
Director: David Frankel
Writers: Scott Frank, Don Roos
Producers: Karen Rosenfelt, Gil Netter

I viewed 4/09

The Other End of the Line (2008) - 3½ Stars

We've all dealt with calling customer service here in the U.S. and connected to India to handle the call. It's not so much talking to people around the world, but sometimes their accents are so heavy, it's hard to understand what they say or believe how they can help from the other side of the world. When I read the plot for this movie, I had preconceived ideas about how I thought I would enjoy it, but it was a pleasant surprise. With romance between a female operator from India and a young male entrepreneur from the U.S., the movie turns out very well done. Metcalfe and Saran actually make a believable couple even when the story gets far fetched, their chemistry together makes it work. Her family comes from the wealthier end of town far from Slumdog Millionaire so I guess she could afford the trip to the America.

Granger Woodruff (Jesse Metcalfe) is awoken one morning by operator Priya Sethi (Shriya Saran) from CitiBank. It seems there are charges on his account the company is trying to verify he has made. Even though no one wants to have their credit card company calling them, Granger doesn't seem to mind much as Priya has a very sexy sounding and helpful American voice. She has practiced English well and can change her voice to give callers the impressions they are reaching directly her company in the U.S..

Meanwhile in India, Priya is about to become married to a man that their families have arranged. She's a free spirited woman who values her family traditional customs, but desires to marry for love rather than a pre-made match. She begins to envision what Granger looks like and after the two share many more conversations, she lies to him saying she lives in San Francisco. When Granger has to suddenly make a business trip to San Francisco, he asks for a dinner date since they feel so comfortable. Priya walks out on her arranged marriage, with her family not far behind, to see if this is the true love she's been dreaming of.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), MGM Distribution Company
Director: James Dodson
Writer: Tracey Jackson
Producer: Ashok Amritraj

I viewed 4/09