The Secret Life of Bees
Wow - some really great acting, from an awesome cast. It's a somber movie, but it's really good. It grabs your attention in the first scene and holds it the whole 2 hrs. I didn't read the book, but I've heard it was excellent. I was quite nostalgic with all of the bee keeping and honey making. I really enjoyed this movie. Very empowering. I had no idea that was Alicia Keys or Jennifer Hudson - duh!

Batman: The Dark Knight (IMAX)
Wow - the Imax version is impressive.....it should be for $14/ticket as a Matinee. It's definitely dark. I really prefered Batman Begins, but this one was also really good. Heath Ledger does give a great performance and you almost forget that it's him...but you really can't. It's dark but it has some awesome gadgets and special F/X. Check it out if you want some action but don't expect to laugh. Tony says he liked it, and it was really good! We had a nice afternoon, checking it out.

The Women the Movie
This movie is fine for a saturday afternoon on DVD or a Friday night on the couch with a drink and a nice piece of chocolate. It's a little "formula" and a bit obvious at times. But it's got a great cast and some good acting. Who doesn't love Meg Ryan and Annette Benning. There were times you wanted to shake them, but there were a few laughs. Keep your expectations low and and you shouldn't be to disappointed. It's gotten terrible reviews, but it's not that bad. There were parts that I really enjoyed.

Hancock
Well Rottentomatoes.com did say that it wasn't very fresh (36%), but we went anyway (not that it was Tony's idea at all - it was all me, Joan, and Lee). They could have made a simpe and funny comedy (like it looks like in the previews), but instead they try to overcomplicate the story without enough time to tell it. And quite frankly no one needed the extra story, because it was pretty weak. It had a few laughs and the popcorn was yummy - not a terrible time but nothing amazing either. I'd say that it's worth a Matinee if you've got some time to kill. Or you can always check it out on DVD. I've certainly seen much much worse.

Sex and The City
I loved this series when it was on HBO. I was a little afraid to see the movie because I didn't want them to ruin the whole thing for me, by making a bad movie. Well....whew...they stayed true to form and turned out a really good movie. It was like one long extended episode on the big screen. It's pretty long too, over 2 hrs. I went with the girls for a girls night out at the movies, and we all really enjoyed it. Now I'm waiting for it to come out on DVD so I can have friends over to watch it with cosmos in hand on a comfy couch. Can't wait! If you are a fan of the series, then I certainly hope that you've seen it by now. I love those girls.

Young at Heart
It's a small independent documentary but it's pretty adorable. If it comes to a theater near you, I would suggest you grab a friend and head to see it. Or you may be able to catch it on PBS some time. It's a documentary about elderly people that live to sing and perform. They give a whole new meaning to the song, I want to be Sedated. It's great. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be surprised at how touching it can be. Believe me - I was a doubter!

Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr is adorable. He's really perfect for that role. The movie was really good, thumbs up for sure. The time really flew by and I never once wondered when it would be over. There is a bonus scene after the credits but it's a little weak. If you really have to pee, then I suggest that you go and do that and then come back in. There are a lot of credits. It was good though - genuinely good. And I knew nothing about the comic.

The Golden Compass
It's been surrounded with controversy but I say - "It's a movie". I thought it was awesome I really loved it. It's got awesome f/x, great scoring, and everything about it is really cool. I give it 2 thumbs up.

Beowulf
OK - I did like it but I'm not recommending you run out and see it. It's a good story - obviously a classic, but the cartoon "Shrek-ness" of it is a little hard to get used to. We didn't see it in 3D, but I don't think we missed out. It is some cool CGI work and I'd love to check out "the making of...." just to see the Mo Cap (that's motion capture for anyone not up on the lingo). They really made the animation look freakishly close to the real people - especially Angelina Jolie. I hope that' s not the future of movies, because I think it would have been better not done in animation. It was cool to check out though and all in all a thumb up - just one though.

Stephen Kings - The Mist
Well I did it - I survived a horror movie and I actually slept. Luckily it wasn't a slasher film! It was your typical horror film, exactly what you'd expect. The acting was believable, the f/x were good, the ending (not a spoiler) was HARSH! Very Harsh~~!! It really disturbed my calm. I'm sure they'll make a killing on this one, since it was mostly one location and a lot of mist. It wasn't great - I'm not recommending it, but it wasn't awful either. It was exactly what you should expect it to be. I just checked out it's reviews on Rotten Tomatoes - and it's doing pretty well. They are giving it a 69% fresh rating so far. That's pretty high up there. I'd say it's tame enough for us non horror film goers - and a little lame for those that want a scare thrill - but you can be the judge of that one. Let me know if you see it, I'd love to hear what you thought.

August Rush
Or: August DON'T Rush - as I've renamed it. If you liked it - well then - I apologize for what you're about to read. It had a good message and the main adult actors were likable- but it just couldn't get me there. It really wasn't suspending my disbelief. I think the trailer was crazy excellent - I wanted to see that movie so badly just after one trailer. Obviously the person cutting the trailer was NOT the person cutting the movie. I think that editor should be given a good talking to. Let's rush through the actual story and character develeopment because I want to slo - mo everything with really loud music. It was like they plugged their script into an archetypal formula - added as many cliches as they could fit, jammed a message down your throat that was covered in sugar, and then poured syrup over the whole thing. Come on, "I'm so not believing that" - is what I kept thinking. My favorite part of the movie......(wait for it - does she actually have something good to say)....was my date sitting next to me. : ) Movie - what movie?

It was so Mediocre that I agreed to go to a horror film!~ I bet you can't wait for that review : )

The Jane Austen Book Club
Great cast, good movie. It could have been better but it was still pretty good. It had a bit of an indy (independent) film feel to it. I would say it's the perfect movie to rent or catch on HBO, some weekend night when you're vegging out on the couch. It's a chick flick for sure. There's no need to pay theater prices, I think it would be much more enjoyable watching while snuggled up at home. I would certainly watch it again when it comes out on DVD or cable.You don't need to be a big Jane Austen fan, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.

3:10 To Yuma
Loved it loved it! It's a Western so be ready, but it's 2 thumbs up! Christian Bale and Russel are amazing. The wardrobe was good too.

Superbad
Yes - I too walked by the poster and scoffed, "who is really going to see that?" Then I had a few people tell me it was really good......so I went with Cheryl... and we laughed our heads off. It's a very frank coming of age movie that actually left my side hurting from laughing so hard. I'm not saying that you're going to like it as much as I did - but let me knowwhat you think, if you do see it. My sis is going this weekend so that will be the true test. I'll add her review when I get it. I will be buying it on DVD. I may even go back to see it again in the theater. Really!

The Simpsons Movie
OK - I wasn't going to see this one because I hadn't been watching the show for a while...and then I saw a preview that cracked me up. So I headed to the theater with Joan and Lee on Sunday to check it out. Very Funny! I laughed a lot. I say it's an enjoyable bit of cartoon fun that knows how to make fun of itself. I give it the thumbs up!

Oceans 13
It's good. It's not as good as Oceans 11, but hey - Who expected it to be? It's George and Brad, need I say more? Unfortunately, Julia Roberts was missing from the cast. I do like her. It was good though. It's exactly what you should expect.

Spiderman 3
Well - they did try. There was a ton of character development and it made you long for a good action scene. It was a little weak. I would say to save your $$ and catch it on DVD or a movie channel. I do think that Toby McGuire is the only actor that can make Topher Grace look like a villian. They did have some good altruistic messages - but they fell a little short in keeping everyones full attention.

300
Hello to 300 of the most buff men that I have ever seen, wearing leather underwear, a cape, and not much else. It's cinnematic and amazingly beautiful, but violent violent violent.The violence has a tinge of (for lack of a better word) cartoonishness, which makes it much more palatable. It's a great movie, a great story, and some amazing costumes and acting. I vote it best picture of '07, and it's still early in the year. I'm that convinced that nothing will beat it. Go today and pay full price - it's so worth!

The Departed
This one is super violent but a fun movie if you're up for it. I know it won best picture of '06, but I'm not sure it's quite that good. It's entertaining for sure. Leonardo DiCaprio has really grown up to be an awesome actor, and everyone else does a great job as well. 2 thumbs up - but hey I guess you knew that since it did win The Oscar!

The Queen
Helen Mirin was really excellent in this movie. They definitely did a great job telling the story. I didn't realize going in, that it was about the death of Princess Dianna (not sure how I missed that preview). It's a really well shot and acted film. It's not a must see but it's good if you like biography's of people. I give it thumbs up.

Babel
I was totally moved by this movie. It makes you realize how we're all connected in this gigantic world, and how we can effect each other without even realizing it. It's like the butterfly flapping it's wings, half the world away, and suddenly something in your world changes. It's fabulous. Go experience it. It won't be making you laugh, but it will be worth your time.

Letters From Iwo jima
OK I recognize that it's a well done movie, but I'm so not into the war movies. It's violent battle after violent battle and it's a little more than I would like to see. The acting and cinematography were great - but I could have done without the whole thing. Note - it's almost completely subtitled (not that I minded a bit). I would recommend it to war and history movie buffs. It's the flip side to Flags of our Fathers, which I didn't see. It's the Japanese version of the story. It did have some excellent Asian actors that I hope to see in upcoming flicks.

Casino Royal
Wowsa - that movie seriously rocked. I'm not a Bond fan at all - in fact I'm embarrassed to admit this is actually my first Bond flick. From the opening scene to the end it was totally mesmerizing. I give this one 3 thumbs up. I would even pay to see it again in the theater. Very Kick Ass! What an unexpected surprise.

Stranger Than Fiction
A very touching movie with a lot to love about it. It's funny - even though a lot of it was in the trailers. I give it 2 thumbs up.

The Prestige
It's Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale - which is enough to make it worth it for me. I liked the movie but a few things left me thinking - "what" ?? I've been checking out some online postings about it, and that hasn't helped at all. It's really good but I'd like to see it again.

Little Miss Sunshine
What a great little movie! I give it the 2 thumbs up. It's not a big budget thriller, but it is a slice of life about family! It's sweet and it's got a lot of laughs in it. Alan Arkin is great - and so is everyone else. My mom, sis, and I saw it in Kenosha - and we all liked it a lot! Plus it as highly recommended to me by Mark and Kathie. If you don't make it to the theater, it's the perfect flick for a regular TV!

Superman Returns
Wow that guy really looked like Christopher Reeves in an eerie kind of way. Thumbs up - I can say that I loved it. Kevin Spacey was brilliant (yes I loved the bald head), Parker Posey was perfectly cast, and everyone else was really good too. It was cinematic - some really pretty shots and good f/x. There is one cheesy flashback that is like watching a cartoon but other than that I thought it was really good. Very woman empowering - so maybe the men out there won't like it as much as the other ones that have been done. I really think you'll like it - but keep in mind it's fairly long. It went really fast for me.

Pirates of the Caribbean
Well it certainly wasn't as good as the first one but it was fun to watch. I think that they could have edited out a few scenes to make it a little shorter for all of us. After loving the first one, it was nice to see them all back together again. Johnny Depp is perfect as Captain Jack Sparrow, and he makes the movie worth seeing for me. They've got Keira Knightly looking like a boy through most of it so the men out there may be disappointed. It was good - but not great and of course they set you up for Pirates 3. Stay through the credits for the extra bonus scene if you don't have to pee to bad. I missed it but heard it was funny.

The Lake House
Yes it's a chick flick - and that's just what I was in the mood for when I saw it. It's a little predictable - or a lot, but it's still a sweet movie. It's nice to see Keanu in anything, since we haven't seen him for a while. I think it was good and worth watching. I personally thought the casting was a little off for the rest of the cast - but they make it work. I'd go matinee or rental on this one unless you're loving every preview. Living 2 years apart is an odd concept so you'll have to just go with it.

X-Men 3
What an awesome movie. I know you expect me to say that, because it has not only my favorite hot guy Patrick Stewart in it also stars everyone's favorite hot guy Hugh Jackman. I think Jackman was a little sexier in 1 and 2, but Patrick has never looked better...I digress. The movie was great, tons of special FX. Charlie and I went to see it after a yummy dinner at MiMi's Cafe last night and we both enjoyed it. He's more of a comic book reader, and I just came for the action and talent. I would recommend it if you want a little fun mindless mutant humor. Bonus = Kelsey Grammer has one of the lead roles as a mutant and no one has promoted that at all. Very fun. ****Stay for all of the credits for the bonus fore shadowing scene at the very end (I don't care if you have to pee - you'll have to hold it a little longer). Only 20 of us got to see what could be coming next. We just stayed to watch all of the names go by, what a lucky thing that we did. So - 2 thumbs up. Go now!!!

Over The Hedge
I think this is the funniest animated movie that I've seen since Shrek 2 was in the theater. We really laughed a lot. I know it's cartoon, but I say you check it out. If not on the big screen then definitely in a rental or purchase - since big screen isn't really necessary for a cartoon. 2 thumbs up on this one too. Very clever!! William Shatner is a scream. If I were you, I would check out who plays who, so that you don't have to work so hard when you're there.

DaVinci Code
What is all of the complaining about? I think they did a good job with it....and I read the book. I even thought Tom Hanks was fine for that role, even though many people have complained. It's not anti-religious, it's just a good movie with a lot of action adventure and intrigue. I do think it's a better read than a movie, but you shouldn't miss is. It's a thumb and a half if not both completely.

The Breakup
OK so this one I didn't like so much. If you'd like to watch to people fight, and not so nicely, then go ahead. I personally could do without it. I don't see much purpose in this movie at all, unless of course you'd like to see how bad Vince Vaughn and Jon LaFavreau are looking these days. I had just watched Swingers for the 10th or so time, a few weeks ago - and they are young and adorable....this movie? Not so much of either. They're cute, but man what a difference. No thumbs - but the acting was good. There was nothing really bad about it, but there was nothing great either. There were a few laughs that get you through. I swear I thought Vaughn was a young Christopher Walken at the dinner table with his hair looking bad.

Shopgirl
It's a little slow but very quirky. It left me thinking, and thinking, and thinking some more. It was a movie about relationships and choices. I have to say that I liked it and will most likely watch it again and again so I can find all the hidden messages that are screamed from every quiet scene. It's not one of those amazing movies that you tell everyone to go see. It's more like a hidden treasure to be discovered when the time is right. Give it a chance and you just may like it.

Elizabethtown
It's not as good as some of Cameron Crowe's other movies, and it was a little slow at times - but I really liked it. It was a sweet little movie that had some good laughs and a few cries. Don't expect to much and you'll love it.

Serenity
What a great piece of Sci-Fi fun. I've seen it twice. I've also been told that they are running the series on Sci-Fi channel at 7pm EST. on Fridays. If you'd like to catch up before catching the big-screen followup. Damn that captain is a hottie!!

In Her Shoes
Of course it's a chick flick - but my chic friends and I laughed and cried. It's really a great movie about sisters. I give it a thumbs up!

Broken Flowers
For those of you who hated Lost In Translation - don't even think about going to this one. It's very independent, but I really liked it. As usual, I was one of the few people laughing. It's a bit bland, but it's enjoyable if you're in the right mood. I do think Lost in Translation was way better.