Grade: B | Genre: Drama
Summary: Layer Cake charges in like a starving lion yet fades out very sheepishly. If the writer had put a little more time into mapping out the final twists and turns, this could have easily have been an 'A' film.

So you wanna be gangsta, huh? What makes you think you have what it takes to live the good life? Can you buy a Hummer without slobbering on the hood? Does your anus stay pucker free when you hear the blaring sirens of the five-o zooming in? Is Rockstar Video Games hounding you day and night to model the next "Grand Theft Auto" based on your filthy life? Congratulations, you just might be a gangsta. The 70's marked the renaissance of the gangster film. You had such classics like Mean Streets, the Godfather and Scarface. Recent years have been a bit slim. Tarantino slashed up the space with fresh takes like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction only to go make the ultimate homage to Kung Fu films. Guy Richie scored monster gangsta cool points with Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, but most of us can't think past the island stinker Swept Away. Layer Cake struts onto the scene just in time to keep us hungry and trigger-happy.

Grade: A- | Genre: Comedy
Summary: It's "J-Lo vs J-Fo" in a heavy weight bout where only the stronger can survive. The extremes that the two take against each other are slap-stick entertainment, and you're laughing your arse off.

Gasp...an A- rating?! For a film I originally had no interest in seeing, I must admit that I had a great time and still find myself playing gut busting scenes back in my head. Jennifer Lopez may have received top billing, but the real star of the show was Jane Fonda who played the title character with such natural ability, you wonder if life imitates art. Also notable was Wanda Sykes who, like a bandit, stole the scene every chance she could get. The two make for an interesting pairing that totally works and is the latest incarnation of the "The Odd Couple."

The night of May 5, 2005 was an opportunity to attend a red-carpet premiere of Monster-in-Law to benefit G-CAPP (Georgia Campaign For Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention), a charity spearheaded by Fonda and a worthy cause that has educated and given so many young mothers an opportunity for a more fulfilling life. All of the film's primary stars were in attendance (minus Michael Vartan due to the filming of Alias), which had the star struck crowd happy and in good spirits going into Atlanta's Fox theatre.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Horror
Summary: This is a sequel that doesn't fall flat like most. It's a genuine horror flick full of thrills and chills.

Rachel Keller (Watts) and her creepy kid, Aiden (Dorfman), have moved to Astoria, Oregon hoping to start over and to forget the ghost of an even creepier little girl, Samara (Chase/Stable), who caused so much death and destruction in their lives back in Seattle, WA. Rachel has settled for a low-key desk job as a newspaper editor, away from Seattle's faster paced headlines on which she used to report. This affords her time to focus more on being a better and more attentive mother to Aiden. They've moved into a quaint little neighborhood, got a new couch, and are content to live quiet and peaceful lives. However, Samara and her spine tingling video have also made their way to Astoria and can't be pushed away as easily as they were the first time.

Grade: B | Genre: Drama
Summary: Easy is less a description of how Jamie deals with her promiscuity, but rather how life could be if she would just open her eyes to what's right in front of her....Its simplicity strengthens its honesty and helps all those involved to shine brighter.

Easy there! What you think this indie flick is about is only part of the story. Calling a movie such a name is only certain to create poor assumptions about this honestly sensual, but rather more sincere look at a young woman who lives life on a whim.

On the surface, Jamie Harris is a single woman jumping from one sexual relationship to the next. She's carefree and treats each sexual encounter as if it were an impulse buy at checkout. A deeper look reveals a lost soul whom you can't take your eyes off of. Easy is the opposite of what life is for Jamie; however, it is easy to become totally engaged in this young woman making impetuously wrong choices in life and love when the right one was in front of her all along.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Drama
Summary: Sin City is high style narratives overshadowed by Rodriguez's need to stay true to the graphic nature of Miller's books. It's Dick Tracy on crack.

Originally released during the season of family fun and no-brainer entertainment of 2005, there lacked a film that went out its way to push the limits. From animated robots to beauty shop antics to date doctors, we were sheltered long enough, and it was high time we had our worlds rocked and our morals challenged.

For those of you who have yet to experience this flick, the cold wet streets of Sin City will stretch your imagination in ways you never thought possible and have you running for your life. Director Robert Rodriguez's faithful screen adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic comic books are brought to life as the stories jump from the pages and are projected in gritty detail. It's nothing like you've ever seen...if you can keep from covering your eyes.

Grade: A | Genre: Foreign Drama
Summary: The Inheritance is a great film that really grows into its complexity well. Christoffer proves to be such an interesting character. Toiling around in his head is a full time job.

When I was in London last month, my path just happened to pass through Leicester Square several times, and I saw the Brits version of the multiplex theatre. There are massive billboards sprouted above them advertising the hot film of the moment from War of the Worlds to Batman Begins. When I surveyed the movie times, I discovered something very peculiar, a boatload of films I had never heard of. Now I consider myself a pretty savvy filmgoer, keeping up with the myriad of indie releases and the foreign features, but here was an entire crop of films I'd never heard a single inkling about. I guess I always pictured Hollywood as the 400-pound gorilla, and film development in other countries as more akin to cottage industries. It was a good wake-up call to my sheltered cinematic view. Since I got back, I've made a concerted effort to try to unearth some of these foreign jems, which brought us to my last review, Downfall, and the highly compelling Danish drama the Inheritance. I don't want to hear any whining about reading a film. Wouldn't you rather see an interesting foreign film than a droll domestic one? Did I just paint myself into a corner, more or less disavowing American cinema?

Grade: B+ | Genre: Foreign Drama
Summary: Downfall is a must for history buffs and anyone who has spent more than a few minutes pondering how a man like Hitler came to mesmerize an entire country into submission.

At first, I was thinking of writing up Alexander, but really what is there to tell. It's not as bad as everyone made it out to be, but it doesn't qualify as good either. It seems Oliver Stone was defeated by his own hubris more than anything. Instead, I've chosen to focus on another moment in history -- Adolph Hitler's last days. Downfall is an adaptation of two books on the subject: Inside Hitler's Bunker and Until the Final Hour. It chronicles every step that led to the end of Hitler's life, helping to shed some much needed light on this mysterious figure, and witness the struggle faced by the army commanders surrounding him. It is an intriguing journey that starts off like the best original feature the History Channel has ever produced and evolves into a first rate film with great performances, thick tension and a tide of change triumphing over radical ideology that could have ended the German people.

Grade: A | Genre: Foreign Comedy
Summary: Kung Fu Hustle is basically a parody on all the classic kung fu movies of yore yet unlike most parodies that I've ever experienced, its crafty and inventive rather than being lathered in cheesiness.

The only thing you can really say after watching this film is "Wow." Then go ahead and say it again to try to get it out of your system. This is one super interesting film. Kung Fu Hustle is basically a parody on all the classic kung fu movies yet unlike most parodies that I've ever experienced, its crafty and inventive rather than being lathered in cheesiness. The dialog is thoughtfully inane, the characters are oodles of fun and I would put the action sequences toe to toe with anything from the Matrix to Hero. I'm still trying to grasp how they pulled this magnanimous feat off. Time to stop questioning and sit back to take it all in.

Grade: C- | Genre: Independent Drama
Summary: There are times Particles of Truth does connect, showing sparks of promise, but they are too few and far between to make this work worth the wait.

With Queer as Folk marching towards it's series close Sunday night (look for the review), I thought it would be a grand idea to see what life after Folk might look like for some of our favorite cast members. Gale Harold, best known for his playboy ways as Brian Kinney, takes the starring role in the recent indie DVD release Particles of Truth. Particles is really the baby of writer/director/lead actress Jennifer Elster. Harold seems to be onboard to lend the film some legitimacy, his familiar name and fan following. Unfortunately, he's little more than a pawn in this artsy, overly complex human drama whose poor aim overshoots the mark more than it hits.

Grade: A | Genre: Drama
Summary: Million Dollar Baby doesn't make life easy. There are times you will squirm in your seat, but it provides an immensely thought-provoking portrait that lingers long after the credits roll.

When Million Dollar Baby first made its debut in theatres, it left an impression on moviegoers, stirring up a torrent of emotions. Some left muddled in the feeling of sadness. Some walked away uplifted by what they saw as a life affirming message. Others were so incensed by the film, they did their talking with markers and poster board, picketing theatres in protest of the film's central theme. The Academy of Motion Pictures felt so strongly about the merits of the film they showered it with Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman), Best Actress (Hillary Swank), Best Director (Clint Eastwood) and Best Picture. Regardless, the film exacted a strong emotional response from the viewer, which is the goal of any great piece of art. How does this film dig so deep into the audience's emotional core you ask?

Grade: C- | Genre: Independent Drama
Summary: This is an unconventional tale that certainly has its moments, including closing well, yet the story fails to take hold.

Daniel Day-Lewis is a bit of enigma. By all accounts, a brilliant actor who is a bit of a recluse, turned off by the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood machine. He pops out of hiding every so often (Gangs of New York, The Age of Innocence) to remind us that he hasn't completely taken a header off the face of the Earth. It's a shame to blunt this acting talent, but it's a story we've become all too familiar with. Lewis emerges this time for the IFC Films feature The Ballad of Jack and Rose. The film premiered at Sundance in January promising a full-scale release to the art house circuit come the sunny days of summer.

Grade: C+ | Genre: Comedy/Satire
Summary: Team America is disappointing because of the cards they play versus what they had in their hand. It starts out incredibly well with this interesting puppet angle and savvy political satire that takes no prisoners. Ultimately, it gets so weighted down by Parker and Stone trying to pander to their core fans that any real sting gets sucked out of this one.

Oh what to do with Team America: World Police? On the one hand, it is a biting political satire, sharp and an equal opportunity offender. On the other, it's a low grade James Bond spoof punctuated by warped G.I. Joe battle calls revolving around the Parker and Stone's 4th grade humor. They are truly the most unlikely comic geniuses and their own worst enemy, all rolled up into one. Now that is quite an accomplishment for a pair of guys who make a living off of dick and fart jokes.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Comedy Album
Summary: It's fair to say that this DVD isn't for weary ones too sensitive for Stephen Lynch's brand of wicked humor. It's just enough to rock your perfect little world but yet you're able to still sleep at night. Although, you do wonder how Lynch is able to.

The first time I heard of Stephen Lynch was when a local radio station played a track off his Superhero comedy album called "What if that guy from Smashing Pumpkins lost his car keys?" Though brief, those 30 seconds of a dead-on Billy Corgan impression almost caused myself to run off the side of the road from laughing so hard. Once I regained control and made it safely home, I Googled his name and came up with a comedy DVD called, Live at The El Rey. It's Lynch, with his guitar, playing to an audience unphased by Lynch's crude and twisted humor. Musical tales of self-pleasure and Jesus' brother, Craig, are hilarious bits of alarming humor. All are shocking evidence that Stephen Lynch is on his way to Hell, but at least Satan will have someone to lighten the mood.

Grade: C- | Genre: Action
Summary: Bruce Willis is an old pro as a one-man army on a mission to thwart the evil powers that be. This time however, the evil powers are juveniles, and even they are punking him just like Ashton Kutcher has been, dating Demi Moore.

The clever but misleading opening credits of Hostage have you wondering what type of film you're about to get yourself into. The raw blacks and reds are reminiscent of the feel to another Bruce Willis film, the overly gruesome and edgy, Sin City. However, this is no comic book as the credits paint a dark portrait of nervous energy that comes to life as the picture transitions onto a small street outside a home in Los Angeles where Willis' character, Jeff Talley, is in hostage negotiations with a twitchy suspect ready to blow his fuse at any second.

Talley is confident and in control until he loses his grip of the situation as the survival rates of the hostages, the suspect's young son and wife, quickly drop. He can hear the Lord's prayer coming through the phone he's been using to communicate with the suspect signaling that the end is near and that the result won't be in his favor. He breaks his way into the suspect's home to find him and his wife dead. When Talley finds the son, who has been shot in the chest, the young boy dies in his arms gasping for air.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Romantic Comedy
Summary: The Girl in the Cafe sheds important light on the G8 conference by supporting this heavy drama on a light love story that is clever, fresh and inventive. It is a rousing success on all levels and a pleasure to watch.

Most writers find it complicated enough trying to assemble an original romantic feature, much less attempting to attack poverty during the same thought. Leave it to Richard Wright (Love Actually) to tackle this formidable task, and arise on the plus side of the equation. Saturday marked the premiere of the Girl in the Cafe on HBO, which features an unlikely budding romance over the backdrop of the G8 conference. While it may sound as sexy as two folks in a nursing home doing the horizontal, the writer strikes the perfect balance, not overly preaching to us on the horrors of extreme poverty while not weighing down the romantic elements with this seven headed hydra. Count me among the surprised that he pulled this delicate feat off.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Drama
Summary: Coach Carter is no Friday Night Lights, but it is film with comparable heart and desire. It's success lies in our empathy for the players and the struggles that each go through to stay on the team and on the right path.

Hey Mister Kotta! Sure, it may not work as well for this film, but what Coach Carter has that does work is a very convincing presence on the screen thanks to the baddest mother f-er of them all, Samuel L. Jackson. Anyone who has the gall to have you include his middle initial as you speak his name has got to be a force to be reckoned with. Don't even say a word about Michael J. Fox.

Anyway, Coach Carter is a very engaging film about an inner city high school basketball program that not only lacks the ambition for the game but also in themselves. Ken Carter knows a thing or two about success by believing in oneself and brings his discipline to a group who can't even spell discipline. He'll give you respect until you lose it and is all about bringing out the best in you, physically and most of all academically.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Drama
Summary: This is an important film highlighting an essential figure in science. His significance wasn't in his findings so much as the influence he had on helping to relax America's Puritanical attitudes on sex.

"Let's talk about sex ba-by." Contrary to popular belief Salt-N-Pepa weren't the first ones to get us talking about sex. It was Alfred Kinsey. In the hyper-Puritan times of the 1950s, he published the groundbreaking Sexual Behavior in the Human Male that exploded in the American consciousness with the most comprehensive study of human sexual behavior at the time. Prior to its publication, the commonly held view was that everyone followed the traditional standards of the Puritanical society, and the very few who deviated from these norms lacked the proper moral fiber and willpower. The truth created shockwaves of awe and comfort as people kept asking "am I normal?" In a time that taught abstinence and propagated misinformation about sex, Kinsey flung open the doors to the bedroom to find out just what was going on.

Grade: C | Genre: Horror
Summary: This film isn't destined to be a classic, but Keaton's performance compounded with the jump out of your seat thrills are engaging enough to have you clutching the pillow you've got covering your eyes.

Electronic Voice Phenomenon (E.V.P.) is the recording of voices and images of the dead using de-tuned receiving apparatuses. Identified in 1939, and now the subject of increasing scientific research worldwide, it is able to finally show evidence of communication with the deceased.

Architect John Rivers (Michael Keaton) has never been exposed to such supernatural abnormalities but is about to engulf himself in the movement when his wife, now dead six months, begins to make contact with him through the static of his television set and radio receiver. The White Noise he hears becomes his main focus in life and consumes everything around him. From Architect to paranormal crusader, John turns his world inside out in order to see and speak to his wife one last time.

Grade: C+ | Genre: Drama
Summary: This is a tough movie to make happen. It takes a lot of patience to see it through to the final revelation, concerning what brought Trevor to this disturbed state.

Actors have often sacrificed their better sense by going to extremes for a juicy part. Look at the gorgeous Charlize Theron gaining all that weight and generally mucking herself up for the role of Aileen Wuornos in Monster. We heap praises upon them for their authenticity and their daring to mess up their life for the sake of art. Is there a line where they go too far? If there is, Christian Bale has crossed it with the Machinist. He dropped 63 pounds for the part, which resulted in an emaciated skeleton akin to what you would see in concentration camp footage. It's pretty disgusting to look at, and he's the central focus of the entire two hours.

Grade: A- | Genre: Foreign
Summary: The Sea Inside is a deeply moving film that takes on the extremely volatile subject matter of euthanasia with knowledge and grace.

A man has been paralyzed from the neck down for 28 years. He decided long ago that life isn't worth living as he's deemed the quality of life to be basically zero. This isn't a rash decision that was haphazardly made upon awaking one gloomy morning or in a depressed state one drunken evening. It is an intention he's carried with him for the better part of his life, which he is unable to carry out himself due to his circumstance. He is of sound mind and discusses the topic rather matter of factly as you or I would the weather or whose turn it is to take out the trash. Is it really for any of us to say that he must keep living against his will? Is it right to prosecute someone who helps him carry out this deep seeded wish? The Sea Inside is a film that deals with the daunting issue of euthanasia, putting a face and a life on an issue that sparks much religious fervor and heated debate. This eloquent film looks to answer the question regarding if we really have the right to make someone live whose desire for life retreated long ago.

Grade: A | Genre: Documentary
Summary: Caouette is an extremely talented filmmaker who has created a deeply moving work in Tarnation. It is the portrait of a family in disintegration, ravaged by mental disease that afflicts each of its members in different ways.

There are certain films that come along ever so often that shrug off the words. They defy description and peel off the labels you try to stick to them. They are always tough works of art that make you question yourself and your world. They loiter around in your mind when the film goes quiet and life resumes. Sometimes we are better for having seen them, sometimes worse, but their impact leaves a divot in our brain that will never go back to the way it was before. Tarnation is one of these films. It is a hard, uncomfortable look at a family plagued by mental illness, shadowing three generations.

Grade: C | Genre: Drama/Action
Summary: Assault on Precinct 13 is definitely an unlucky number for the old police station as well for those involved with the film. Filled with talent, Assault on Precinct 13 under utilizes the resources it was given and has us struggling to stay awake.

It's New Year's Ever and Precinct 13's last night of operation. The city is underneath mounds of snow, and the late night crew is working their last shift before the old police station is retired forever. Across town, crime boss Marian Bishop (Lawrence Fishburne) has been arrested and is on route to be transferred to a maximum security holding cell along with three other prisoners. However, due to inclimate weather, the transport unit must make a detour to, of all places, good ol' Precinct 13 where the pipes are leaking and the hinges are rusted. Outside, a specially trained unit of gunmen has begun to infiltrate the station in order to bust Bishop out of holding...or are they?

Grade: C+ | Genre: Suspense
Summary: Surprisingly, this is an enjoyable film, but it's quite mindless. It doesn't offer anything fresh or new to the adventure genre and comes off as a poor man's Indiana Jones.

What if Indiana Jones had plotted his daring adventures in America instead of the leaping through the rich history across the globe? We're not talking about the golden cross of Coronado or anything remotely cool like that. No, we are rolling the date back to the Revolutionary War some 200 years ago, a mere blip in most countries' heritages. What if Indie searched for a treasure passed from the Egyptians, to the Crusaders and ultimately to the Free Masons, better knows as our founding fathers? Sound a little far fetched and more than a bit out there? Welcome to National Treasure, the film where reality never existed. If you enjoy adventure films that don't require you to use any of your mental facilities, I have the perfect film for you.

Grade: A- | Genre: Comedy
Summary: In Good Company is film of subtle intricacies. It's not an exaggerated attempt to woo the academy but an honest look into one's humility and how they are able to cope with the adversities that present themselves.

You may be too young and too sure of yourself to realize this, but in just a few years, when corporate America sees you for your age rather than your work, some hotshot rookie will swoop in and take over the position you worked so long and hard to build. Dan Foreman (Dennis Quaid) is approaching 52 and has just found out that his company, Sports America, has been bought out by super media conglomerate, Globecom. The executive position that he has nurtured and developed over the years will now be handed over to 26 year old, Carter Duryea (Topher Grace), forcing Dan to cope with adjustments not only to his professional life, but to his personal life as well...all because of an inexperience but eager executive with age on his side.

Grade: C- | Genre: Comedy
Summary: While this is a far cry from being an unwatchable film, it is still very lackluster and can be tedious at times to sit through.

The Godfather of quirky, Wes Anderson, has come for a visit bringing his latest sea adventure The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Anderson always balances on such a fine line. There is no question that he is one of the most innovative directors in Hollywood, but his level of unconventionality sometimes gets him in deep water. After all without a striking story and absorbing characters, you just have this huge ball of quirk bounding down a hill, mowing over everything in its path. The Life Aquatic is that ball, and though he may fascinate us with the bountiful tricks up his sleeve, it simply stuns us for long enough to get squashed.

Grade: B- | Genre: Comedy
Summary: Guess Who is an enjoyable comedy that leaves some laughs on the table. It has the same feel as Meet the Parents even if it doesn't have that same cleverness about it.

When a smart comedy hits theatres that charm those box office dollars, it's always a bit of a mixed blessing. While it's nice to have a great comedy to cut you up with laughter, you also have to brace yourself for the inevitable onslaught of Hollywood copycats that will roll into production right after opening weekend. The film in this case is the side splitting Meet the Parents, and Guess Who is definitely dragging on the coat tails of its success. So what is the spin to give this film its own unique flavor? It is the interracial version, which has plenty of room for extra comedic material, yet Guess Who doesn't exploit this advantage as effectively as it should.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Comedy
Summary: In all, this was a very enjoyable film. It isn't breaking any new comedic ground, but it stood up to the impossible expectations set by the initial one, faring extremely well.

Not too long ago, my sister brought together my parents with the parents of this guy she's been seeing. When I asked my mom how the dinner went, she said it was Meet the Fockers. Basically there is one scene in this film where free spirited Bernie (Hoffman) is first introduced to painfully uptight Jack (DeNiro), and he forgoes the traditional handshake to give him a heartfelt hug, planting one firmly on his cheek. The entire time, Jack is crawling in his skin at this outpouring of emotion. In three words, my mom defined the evening and didn't need to say anything else. My dad still bristles up when it's mentioned. How many movies can you say that about? Meet the Fockers is a clever sequel that doesn't fall prey to the inevitable cliches that go along with big budget repeat comedies.

Grade: B | Genre: Independent Drama
Summary: This film is a fascinating psychological portrait of one man who felt powerless and disenfranchised with the America he once knew. In his fragile mind, he sees his revolutionary action as his only means of regaining the handle on a life spiraling out of control.

I'm sure we've all been there at one point. The government, the system, the man [fill in your appropriate authority figure] tightens its grip around your world to the point where you feel like you can't breathe. You are forced to lash out at something in order to fight back and regain control of your life. This world we inhabit is filled with constraints where certain people control resources, money and, though we usually don't like to admit it, other people. It's a world order that we have all bought into since the first moment we understood what it meant to be free and not. What if there came a day when it wasn't acceptable anymore? What if you decided there needed to be a new world order that started and ended with you? How exactly does your life get to that point, and what is it like living with the service light of your mind on the blink? This film shows us that life through the troubled eyes of Samuel Byck.

Grade: C+ | Genre: Drama
Summary: Birth relies on implications rather than a spoon fed story line. It's not for everyone and you have to be prepared before sliding in this DVD.

If you lost your wife and then one day a bird appeared on your windowsill saying that it was she, would you believe it? That's the question posed by Sean, a happily married man you never meet but is the presence that haunts this inconceivable film.

Birth is the unnerving story of Anna (Nicole Kidman), a widow of 10 years who has recently gotten engaged. One night, a mysterious young boy (Cameron Bright) appears and claims to be the reincarnation of Sean, her deceased husband. Initially, the idea is absurd, but somehow 10-year-old Sean is able to disclose details about his relationship with Anna no one else could now. Is this really Sean? Can Anna actually believe his claim?

Grade: C+ | Genre: Family Adventure
Summary: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is just that...unfortunate, because it doesn't quite live up to the original story written by Daniel Handler. The film works because of Jim Carrey, but you still find yourself impatiently squirming as you wait for it to end.

Jim Carrey is the reigning King of funny with the surprising ability to step out of the box he's created for himself and take on roles that more serious actors would gush over. The Truman Show gave us a more subdued Carrey though you could see Ace Ventura doing his best to break free. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind saw him evolve from the Robin Williams School of nut jobs to a seasoned actor comfortable in his own skin.

In Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, Jim Carrey continues to build on his range of characters of which he has yet to play. Yes, the funny guy is still there, but at the same time, there's a sinister tone in his Count Olaf that forces you to see him in yet another new light.