Earth

A nature series documentary narrated by James Earl Jones, follows the lives of several animals over the span of several years.

The cinematography is stunning. Absolutely beautiful and reason enough to go see this movie in the theatre. I did think however that the movie tried to cover far too much of the earth itself instead of focusing, as it claims, on the three species, elephants, whales, and polar bears. Instead it kind of bounces around trying to cover all aspects of life, leaving the audience a little removed from their plight. Keep in mind it is Disney and perhaps this was done on purpose as to not seem too cruel to young children. Nevertheless if you are going to be a story about nature--Go big or go home.

Entertaining enough for children and although a tad unengaged in terms of storyline--the cinematography is worth the ticket.

*** See it on the BIG SCREEN

NR (Not Rated)

State of Play

When a young Washington DC intern turns up dead, Stephen Collins, the US Congressman that she worked for finds himself in an uncomfortable media frenzy. He turns to Cal McCaffrey, his old college roommate, Washington Post reporter for help. While investigating the death McCaffrey finds much more than he expected.

Yeah, so I apologize about the horrid summation. See the problem is, that this movie was so horrifically predictable if I give you any more information it would be considered a spoiler. Do you sense that I wasn't impressed? OK so here is the deal, this star studded cast, didn't pull this one off. Other than Jason Bateman, whom I adore, the characters were flat and trite. The script has several holes, not the least of which is the casting -- do you believe that Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe went to college together? I don't think so.

Nothing new here, totally cliche, and far from original.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

17 Again

Mike is in the middle of a divorce, has lost his job, and his children can't stand the sight of him. As he looks at his life that is crumbling around him all he can think of is how his life would have been better if he had only done things differently. Be careful of what you wish for....Mike wakes up to find himself 17, again and able to start his life all over.

I went into this movie with very low expectations. I thought it would be another one of the Freaky Friday type deals. Much to my chagrin it was not. I am in awe at how much I enjoyed this movie. It is like "It's a Wonderful Life" meets "Back to the Future." Very clever, very fun, without the added cheese and corn. (ok well, it has a little)

Shocked that I liked it all. I would actually see it again. This is nothing that you haven't seen before just oddly enough put together in a package that for some reason totally worked.

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content)

Fast and Furious

Ex-con Dominique Toretto is once again at odds with agent Brian O'Conner, but this time they find themselves both working against a common enemy. They must try and trust one another to each get what they want all while speeding along the streets of LA in boisterous muscle cars.

So can we say eye candy? Admittedly the only reason I went to this movie was to stare at Paul Walker, -yes It's true. So you can imagine my surprise when there was actually a story behind all the sugar. I know! Shocking. In fact although it isn't the greatest story, they put enough effort into it that I found myself thinking there was somewhat of a lack of the cars and gratuitous violence. Seriously do you see how low my expectations were?

This is mindless entertainment that puts forth a semi-decent effort to have a plausible plot--and is just way fun to watch.

*** Must See (if for nothing more than Paul Walker)

Rated PG-13 (for violence, language, and sexual content)

I Love You, Man

Peter (Paul Rudd) gets engaged and as his wedding gets closer and closer, he comes to terms with the fact that he doesn't have any male friends. This is important as he needs someone to act as his best man. Through a few random "man-dates" he meets Sydney (Jason Segel) and the two become fast friends.

This movie had its funny moments, granted there weren't that many, still despite the horrifically predictable plot, the totally stereotypical characters, and the obnoxiously crude gags, oh and not to mention huge hole in the storyline (he has a brother--what's the problem?) you will laugh.

I can't say that I would suggest anyone run out and see this, but if it shows up on cable and you have nothing else to do--eh.

** Barely Rentable

Rated R (for language and crude sexual content)