The Day After Tomorrow
Began as an exciting disaster movie, but fell apart as soon as the ice began to form. Way too many plot holes to name here, but the wolves, running from the cold, and burning books instead of furniture to stay warm top my list.
Rating: 1 out of 10

The Interpreter
Fairly exciting movie with lots of hidden character motivations. Scored it low because I do not like Sydney Pollack's "I'm smarter than you" attitude which seeps into any movie he makes. Enjoyed the story overall, but I could not shake the feeling that the movie was complex and simple, each at the wrong times.
Rating: 6 out of 10

The Forgotten
Let me boil this one down for you. Telly (Julianne Moore) is the only person that believes that she ever had a son. She runs from people that know what actually happened because they are bad. She finally finds out what happened. The drama was forced, the suspense was bland. Although I was curious what the 'mystery' was, I really didn't care about Telly or her son.
Rating: 2 out of 10

Cinderella Man
Uplifting comeback story. I hope that Braddock's story is as true as the movie, but the skeptic in me thinks they probably took some liberties. Although from what I have read, Max Baer was as abbrasive as noted in this movie. I don't like Rene Zellweger though. She's distractingly annoying.
Rating: 8 out of 10

Ladder 49
I probably didn't give this movie a fair shot, but after I predicted every movie cliche' in the first hour, I decided that this movie wasn't for me. Never mind that this movie doesn't have a plot at all.
Rating: 2 out of 10

Mean Creek
Emotionally draining tale of how payback on a bully could go wrong. Not sure if the intent was to draw complex emotion out of an odd situation, or to say not to jump to conclusions too quickly. Either way, while the movie was captivating it left me feeling empty.
Rating: 6 out of 10

Red Eye
Efficient thriller complete with the claustrophobia vibe of being on an airline. Although a short movie, it was chock full of action. However, once they get off the plane, "Hollywoodization" takes place to cheese it up a bit. All in all a good thriller.
Rating: 6 out of 10

DiG!
Interesting documentary tracking the progress of two bands (The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre) trying to make it in music industry. A great dichotomy emerges when one band gains success while the other implodes under its own weight of envy, drug use and personality conflicts.
Rating: 8 out of 10

The Woodsman
The best movie about a rehabilitating pedophile out there. The movie is slow paced, but creates a realistic atmosphere that pulls you in. The pedophile is portrayed as a person, not just a monster. Although he's shows as having a disease, he understands that he's perceived as evil, and even hates himself. Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgewick and Mos Def give great performances.
Rating: 7 out of 10

The Aristocrats
Interesting analysis of an individual joke. Provides insight on the minds of comics, specifically how their personality seeps into the joke itself. I found the derivitive jokes funnier than the "Aristocrats" joke.
Rating: 7 out of 10

Junebug
A character piece describing the unspoken aversion to outsiders in a family in rural North Carolina. A love letter to NC. I liked this story more after hearing that the play doesn't have the "George" character appear at all, instead having any conversations with George told towards the audience. Probably not enough plot for the average viewer, but some strong characters and the relations between family members. Several unanswered questions about the relationships will leave you talking/thinking about this movie afterwards.
Rating: 7 out of 10

The Right Stuff
Historical movies are not for everyone, but this is a movie that everyone should see. I can't believe that I didn't see this back in the early 80s. Turning test pilots into national heroes and all the extras (positive and negative) that goes along with that created a compelling story.
Rating: 10 out of 10

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
This movie has the ability to polarize the audience between those that love and hate this movie. Oddly enough I fell in between. I appreciated the quirkiness, but didn't see the hilarity that others have described. Although hearing David Bowie songs in Portugese was inspired.
Rating: 5 out of 10

Witness for the Prosecution
If you like surprise endings, this one is for you. Any lulls during the movie was compensated by a clever ending. Full of twists and turns (and perhaps one too many). One of the better court room thrillers made.
Rating: 8 out of 10

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price
Surprise, Wal-Mart is taking advantage of communities to leverage themselves as the only retail option in America. While their tactics are eye opening, this movie seems to forget the the American public has brought this monster on themselves. You do not become wealthy/profitable by spending money, but by saving it. Wal-Mart skimps at every opportunity.
Rating: 7 out of 10

Team America: World Police
Equal opportunity lambasting. The funniest parts are "pee your pants" funny, so they prop up the rest of the movie that might bore you. I will be singing the theme song for weeks.
Rating: 7 out of 10

Swimming Pool
Originally picked this movie due to its rumored plot twist. While a twist exists, the movie is intentionally left open ended to let you draw your own conclusions. No matter what your opinion is, you can find evidence to support your theory.
Rating: 6 out of 10

You Can Count on Me
Originally thought this movie would explore brother/sister issues, when in fact, it had more to do with comparing homebodies versus nomads. Forcing either archetype to change to accomodate the other has strange results. Excellent performances from the leads, however most of the dialogue was full of fragmented stammering. Several memorable moments and surprisingly funny lines.
Rating: 7 out of 10

The Corporation
While the point that corporations will chase profits by any means was crystal clear, the blame was evenly distributed, therefore diluted. Even in the examples where the 'bad guy' was easily defined, there did not seem to be a response to the fact that the evil corporation makes products that the public buys.
Rating: 6 out of 10

Ultimate Avengers
Extemely short "movie" at 60 minutes. The alternate timeline of the Ultimates series threw me off a bit too. However, all the heavy hitters from the Avengers were there in full view, which made me happy. While I was entertained, I doubt I could recommend it.
Rating: 5 out of 10

Marche de l'empereur, La
Mesmerizing story of the imperial penguin's annual migration ritual. As an expectant father, I related to the dedication to raising the young. The movie had some lulls which prevented a higher rating.
Rating: 8 out of 10

Raging Bull
In some circles this is considered one of the best movies made, however, I do not subscribe to that notion. I appreciate the cinematic parts that make this movie unique: camera angles, use of black and white, etc. However, I found LaMatta completely offensive, mainly due to his insecurities and paranoias. I was hoping for him to fail, then I became totally disinterested, looking to do anything else but watch this movie.
Rating: 5 out of 10

Loggerheads
Most any movie that focuses on North Carolina will automatically get high praises from me, but I would score this movie high no matter where it was located. Touching on the complications from adoption, homosexuality and dysfunctional families, this movie has a lot of heavy issues. Each topic is treated with respect instead of showcasing it merely for plot advancement. Highly recommended.
Rating: 9 out of 10

Flight of the Phoenix
The contrived scenario coupled with poor dialogue makes this a real stinker. Had trouble suspending my disbelief on serveral occasions. The action in this film prevented it from getting a lower score. Avoid this movie.
Rating: 2 out of 10

The Skeleton Key
Kate Hudson does a good job holding this movie up on her own. Decent twist ending, but seemed to take a little too long to get there. While you don't know 'what' the twist is, you will see that one is coming. The rest of the movie then becomes filler.
Rating: 5 out of 10

Young Frankenstein
Expected a couple of out loud laughs, but barely got a few snickers. Good use of some old jokes, but overall the gags were forced. I enjoy all of the actors in this film, but like them better in different movies.
Rating: 4 out of 10

Jarhead
Captivating film documenting Operation Desert Sheild/Storm. A surprisingly intense film due to the lack of any real action, other than intra-platoon antics. The movie shyed away from politics, choosing impartial observations instead. Some politically charged debate would have made this movie great. However, the emotions run hot while these troups are waiting for the war. Jamie Foxx gives an outstanding performance.
Rating: 8 out of 10

Kicking & Screaming
We've all seen this formula before, so absolutely no surprises. Even Will Ferrell's character is a rehash from his SNL character that demands respect by screaming "I own a Dodge Stratus". A couple of chuckles here and there, but the movie has no distinguishing traits.
Rating: 4 out of 10

American Graffiti
A great 'day in the life' film. The documentary style of this film pulls you closer to the characters. A great movie, but the time period is lost on me. Nice to see that George Lucas can create a movie with decent dialogue.
Rating: 8 out of 10

The 40 Year Old Virgin
Funny film, but not funny enough to get a ratings boost from me. Since the story was alright, but not outstanding, I had to knock it down a couple of notches. Due to all the hype that this was one of the funniest movies ever, it was crushed by the weight of its expectations. For me, Seth Rogen stole the show as "Cal".
Rating: 7 out of 10

Welcome to the Dollhouse
A haunting portrayal of an awkward 7th grader at an awkward time of her life. She gets mistreated by everyone in her life because she's a little different. The way she was treated was a little over the top for cinematic reasons.
Rating: 5 out of 10

Proof
Gwyneth Paltrow stands out in this movie as the daughter of a renowned, but mentally disturbed mathematician. Her character has to deal with her father's declining mental state plus figuring out what will be his legacy both as a person and mathematican, making personal sacrifices along the way. Paltrow shines, Anthony Hopkins chews the scenery, and Jake Gyllenhaal twiddles his thumbs on the sidelines without much to add. A little too reminiscent of 'Good Will Hunting' or 'A Beautiful Mind'.
Rating: 6 out of 10

Lords of Dogtown
I made the mistake of watching this after seeing the fantastic documentary, "Dogtown and Z-Boys". This movie was a retread, with nothing more to add than cinematic liberties. The story is worth telling, but not twice, and especially not this diluted. The actors playing the kids of Zephyr skate team look the part, but none of them provide even a second dimension. Heath Ledger acts like a drunken baffoon, which seems to cloud the vision his character actually had for these boys. Skip this one, and watch "Dogtown and Z-Boys" instead.
Rating: 3 out of 10

Dirty Pretty Things
Surprisingly good movie that delves into the lives of illegal immigrants and what they are willing to do for legal status. The non-American themes and characters might turn off viewers, but the story is engaging all the same.
Rating: 8 out of 10

Fantastic Four
Someone took the "superhero movie script recipe" and added too much water. They cover the origin story and the characters deal with their new found powers. Enter maniacal bad guy wanting to take over the world. This movie had so much potential, but they breezed through this movie, apparently looking towards the sequel. All four team members and Dr. Doom looked awesome, however their characters were paper thin.
Rating: 4 out of 10

The Jacket
Thought provoking reality altered story. Left up to viewer interpretation, the story is open ended, which also provides some plot holes. This story has several layers to play with.
Rating: 7 out of 10

Good Night, and Good Luck.
Great movie from a historic perspective, not all that entertaining. Present day journalists will never be as respected as Murrow was. The McCarthy hearings were so absurd that its almost unbelievable that they actually happened.
Rating: 7 out of 10

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
This movie filled me with so much angst, due to the actual Enron story. The documentary succeeds in pointing out in minute detail the seedy transgressions of Enron stooges.
Rating: 9 out of 10

Rumble Fish
An artsy character drama lacking in the plot department, that is full of impressive cinematography in the form of high contrast black and white. Matt Dillon has the same role he had in The Outsiders, but for good reasons. Diane Lane shows some sexuality and some acting chops for her age. Mickey Rourke mumbles his way through the movie brooding as a has-been gang leader who doesn't want his brother (Dillon) following in his doomed footsteps. Stuart Copeland's soundtrack is outstanding.
Rating: 7 out of 10

Brokeback Mountain
Beautiful movie but did not meet the overhyped expectations. While the acting was superb, the story advancement came across inconsistently. The lead characters were multi-dimensional, so you knew their motivations and internal conflicts, however I could not accept the abrupt nature of their first romantic encounter. Throw in the jumpy time shifts as another negative for me. The supporting acting was outstanding, especially Michelle Williams.
Rating: 7 out of 10

The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior
I have never seen such a one sided story in my life. The WWE (formerly WWF) threw the Ultimate Warrior under the bus, then backed it over him a couple hundred times. Granted Jim Helwig (Ultimate Warrior) is a wackjob himself, but his side is never considered. The WWE/WWF dug up every "company man" to toe the line and rail on the Warrior, making fun of his gimmicks and wrestling ability. My rating is a balance of this hack version of a documentary coupled with the kickass archive footage.
Rating: 5 out of 10

Party Girl
Parker Posey has been dubbed the queen of the indy flick, and this movie shows us why. She gives a seemingly shallow and one-dimensional character a lot of charm and depth. Posey gives us reason to connect to this coming of age film.
Rating: 8 out of 10