(By release date)

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Hancock (2008)

Release Date: July 2nd, 2008

Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama and Romance
Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence and language
Distributors: Sony Pictures

Starring: Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Eddie Marsan and Charlize Theron
Directed by: Peter Berg
Producers: Richard Saperstein, Jonathan Mostow, Ian Bryce, Michael Mann, Akiva Goldsman, Will Smith, James Lassiter

The movie Hancock introduces the audience to an alcoholic hero making an attempt to rehabilitate his private life and his public image.

The movie Hancock opens with a crime-in-progress scene that is televised live on a Los Angeles street. A young boy views the telecast and awakens what appears to be a vagrant sleeping on a nearby bench. The vagrant is none other than our superhero Hancock (played by Smith) who manages to fly away leaving patches of destruction and debris in his path before reaching the destination of the crime in progress. Hancock confronts the criminals with some comedic banter and some serious threats of violence. Of course, Hancock defeats the criminals.  However, the manner in which he does so leaves a litany of civil lawsuits and complaints of property damage from bystanders and potential victims. Hancock is not a beloved super hero.

On one heroic occasion, Hancock saves the life of Public Relations Expert, Ray Embrey (played by Bateman). Ray convinces Hancock that he can help him revamp his image and make him a likable hero. Hanover is invited to Ray’s home for dinner and meets Ray’s wife, Mary (played by Theron) and his son. There are several camera shots that focus on Mary staring at Hancock so there is suspicion (early in the movie) that there may be a back story concerning the two characters in the works.

There is plenty of chemistry between Smith and Theron. The two actors play the comedic scenes just as effectively as they play the romantic scenes. The Smith and Theron characters both display an obvious level of sadness that is captured in Hancock’s alcoholism and arrogance and in Mary’s covert hostility and impatience. The secret of just how the pair is connected and how they were created is not clear. But what the movies lacks in logic, it  makes up in “heart“. There are some tender moments in the movies that offset the crude implied violence.

The movie Hancock has beautiful graphics with loads of vibrant color and has loads of comic relief, shakey camera shots and action scenes. The graphics are not as seamless as Spiderman and Superman Returns but I assume the rustic nature of the cinematography was executed intentionally in order to empathize with Hancock’s human condition. As with most Superhero movies, the plots are full of holes but who cares. The movie is fun.

Jay R Ell recommends Hancock for the great performances by Will Smith and Charlize Theron.

Peace,

Jay R Ell
Jay R Ell Rating
**½

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Release Date: May 22, 2008

Genres: Action/Adventure and Sequel
Running Time: 2 hrs. 3 min
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for adventure violence and scary images
Distributors: Paramount Pictures

STARRING: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, and Shia LaBeouf
DIRECTED: Steven Spielberg
PRODUCED: Frank Marshall ,EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy

Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull is the third sequel in the Indiana Jones film franchise.

Set in 1957 Nevada (USA), Indiana Jones is kidnapped by the Russians and forced to obtain a Crystal Skull that is said to have unearthly powers. This task eventually takes him to the jungles of South America where Indy is faced with the usually challenges.

The opening scenes boast all of the sights and sounds of the 1950s cold war era. The vintage cars, Elvis Presley music and a mushroom cloud. The cinematography is beautiful as images of the colorful Arizona sun dominate the horizon and the camera appears to scan the desert. This vision transports the audience to a very innocent time in American history. The open Arizona road displays “Happy Days”-isque teenagers with poodle skirts and “pony tail” hair dos driving along side a convoy of military vehicles on a Arizona highway. The teens try to entice the military soldiers into drag racing with them. The dichotomy of the presence of the innocent youth and the enigmatic presence of military soldiers become apparent within moments.

I must say that the idea of our loved and cherished Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) continuing his adventures during his later years is wonderful. However, I do cringe when I see an old man getting the crap kicked out of him. Maybe, if there is going to be additional Indy films, Ford could take the elder states men role that Sean Connery played so masterfully in The last Crusade. Henry Jones, Sr. was wise, charming and very strong but the level of violence directed toward him was never so extreme that you felt badly for him. I was very disappointed when I learned that Connery was not returning.

It is natural that a fan would compare Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull to the previous Indiana Jones movies. Each of these films had very memorable scenes. Raiders of the Los Ark began in the jungle and migrated to the snowbound Himalayas,
then moved to desert scenes (the Raven bar scene was one of many treasured suspenseful action segments) that took the viewer to diverse locations which serviced brilliantly to build anticipation toward the climax. The Temple of Doom had a great opening scene that paid homage to the big Busby Berkeley musicals as well as the elegant night club 1930ish gumshoe era (the poison vial scene is priceless). The Last Crusade had many climatic and memorable scenes like the “ He had no ticket“ scene, Hitler’s autograph scene and the brief “mourning Indiana Jones” scene in which the presumed dead Indiana Jones himself joins his father and his crew as they looking over the cliff for his “fallen” body.


Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was a good movie but I do not have a most memorable or favorite scene as I did with the other Indiana Jones movies. It is good entertainment. But honestly, I will see anything that has George Lucas or Steven Spielberg attached to it (I admit to some degree of bias). Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was a good movie is my fourth favorite movie of the series.

Jay R Ell recommends Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull for its great production value, popular cast and its homage to adventure serial genre.

Peace,

Jay R Ell
 

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
 

Release Date: May 16th, 2008 (wide)
Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
MPAA Rating: PG for epic battle action and violence.
Running Time: 2 hr. 20 min.

Starring: Peter Dinklage, Anna Popplewell, Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes
Directed by: Andrew Adamson
Produced by: Perry Moore, Andrew Adamson, Mark Johnson

The sequel to the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe address the further adventure of Narnia.  The Kings and Queens save a handsome prince and Narnia.

Yes, I saw it! In short, this movie is good. The higher film budget allowed for more CGI effects and more semi-spectacular fight scenes than its lower budgeted predecessor. Yet, some of the charm that was so pervasive in the first film has eluded the second film.

I liked the first film. It was innocent and heart felt. Like the grade school stage production that you look back on with profound affection, you must return and revisit the Narnia themed movies-especially if you’ve seen the first one or if you are a fan of C.S. Lewis (or his friend, J.J.R. Tolkien).

The Kings and Queens return to Narnia in order to help Prince Caspian who has been exiled from his throne by a devious uncle. The youngsters are glad to return to Narnia as their respective lives back home are quite mundane in contrast to the excitement of fighting evil kings and abiding with hideous-but congenial creatures.

The children are progressing vey well. Little Lucy is still as cute as a button as she communes with the remnants of Narnia and seeks the company and the counsel of Aslan, the Great Lion in order to save Narnia. Susan has evolved into a tough and beautiful warrior that rivals the likes of Sarah Connors (Terminator) and Ridley Scott (Alien). Peter takes command of his role with attitude and authority while younger brother Edmond is an admirable protégé to big bro.

The cinematography is beautiful as it spans the English country side and presents brilliantly colored sets on which the good verses evil story unfolds. However, there is a lot of stabbing (dagger, swords and such), so warn the little kiddies.

Peace,

 J.R.
 

Iron Man (2008)

Release Date: May 2nd, 2008 (wide)
Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Produced By: Avi Arad, Kevin Feige
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges

Marvel comic book hero Iron Man must fights forces domestic and foreign in order to protect his legacy and the world from weapons of mass destruction.

When the film Iron Man opens, the brilliant multi-billionaire genius Tony Stark ( Robert Downey, Jr) is skipping an awards presentation dinner that is being given in his honor. He would evidently prefer to be drinking, gambling or womanizing as this opening scene suggests. Stark quickly reveals and develops his character into a fun loving and highly intelligent Casanova.

Starks’ Industries has made Tony Stark extremely wealthy and a potential target for kidnapping. In addition to inheriting Stark industries from his late father, Tony Stark inherited a fleet of luxury cars and real estate, private jets, loads of money, high tech defense weapons and deadly enemies. Stark is kidnapped by one of his enemies, mutilated and forced to construct one of his signature weapons of mass destruction. Instead, Stark creates the Iron Man and after a deadly confrontation, he manages to escape.

After three months of captivity, Starks’ the first request is an American cheeseburger and a declaration that he has had an epiphany and he no longer wants to make weapons since the weapons that he creates lead to death and destruction of people. Starks’ decision to discontinue the weapons division of his company sends Star Industries executives into corporate damage control overdrive. As the Stark industries stocks plummet, the stage is deceitfully set to get rid of Tony Stark and preserve the lucrative Stark Industry weapons empire.

Gwenth Paltrow plays Pepper Potts, Starks’ smart and beautiful assistant who does just about everything for him (including staying good bye to Stark‘s one night stands). While both Paltrow and Downey are brilliant actors, I was not convinced that there was the sexual tension between them that is so pervasive in super heroes-damsel in distress movies.

The supporting players are the esteemed Jeff Bridges, who plays a villain with great fervor, and the great Terrance Howard who plays Stark’s warm hearted friend and secret military comrade. A traditionally brief cameo by Iron Man creator Stan Lee is always a fun trademark segment of marvel movies.

The cinematography for the film Iron Man is very good. The colors are vibrant although the editing may be questionable since some of the scenes appeared intentionally filtered (blur). The liberal editing of superheroes film will always a get creative licensing pass . These film are fun and not to be taken too seriously.

The bulky stoic Iron Man (Terminator-like) seems a bit out of place in the agile CGI world of Spiderman, X-man, Fantastic Four and Superman. But, since this film is comic book based, the producers had to find ways to modify the hero without compromising its fan base. This Iron Man movie appears to have made a successful transition from book to film.

Don’t leave the theatre until the end credits finish rolling or you will miss Samuel L. Jackson’s one second cameo.

Jay R Ell commends the film Iron Man for its frequent scenes of comic relief and the fun Robert Downey, Jr. performance.

Peace

JR
Jay R Ell Rating
***

Street Kings (2008)

Release Date: April 11, 2008

Genres: Drama, Thriller and Crime/Gangster
Running Time: 1 hr. 47 min
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence and pervasive language.
Distributors: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Jay Mohr
Directed by: David Ayer
Produced by: Avi Lerner, Michele Weisler, Bob Yari

An alcoholic corrupt cop gets an attack of conscious and discovers a sea of corruption as he attempts to take revenge for his partner’s murder.

The film opens with LAPD officer Ludlow (Reeves) insulting and murdering criminals. Afterwards he systematically plants evidence and conspires with his department supervisor Wander (Whitaker) in order to develop an air tight story that will stand up to the scrutiny of Internal Affairs.

As Ludlow tries to locate the two perpetrators, his co workers are strongly advising him to “let it go” in hopes that he will not seek revenge and unwittingly uncover the extended list of corrupt officers involved in his partner’s murder.

The balance of the film has Ludlow playing cat and mouse with a host of criminals who were once his comrades and respected colleges. His journey to redemption is paved with remorse, deception and plot twists that keep the film suspenseful and interesting.

Street Kings is extremely violent and is not for the faint of heart. Appearing in an array of blood baths are stars like Cedric the Entertainer, Common, Jay Mohr, Terry Crews and Hugh Laurie who all are playing against type (which adds to the fun of the film) but are disturbing none the less. The ending leaves the audience somber, even sad as many of the characters perpetuate a stereotype of the hero-less LAPD that is so vividly described in real life new headlines.


Street Kings can easily be described as an ensemble cast effort because of the litany of familiar faces that grace the screen richly project the conviction of their roles. Reeves, Whitaker and Laurie have notable performances but the beautiful and talented Naomie Harris is great though she is severely underutilized. Chris Evans was stellar (you never knew whose side he was on). You will not be bored.

Peace,
J. R .
Jay R Ell Rating
**½

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? (2007)

Genres: Comedy, Drama and Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hr. 58 min
Release Date: October 12th, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic material, sexual references and language
Distributors: Lionsgate

Starring: Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Sharon Leal, Jill Scott, Denise Boutte
Directed by: Tyler Perry
Produced by: Michael Paseornek, Tyler Perry, Reuben Cannon

The ‘Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married’ Upset

‘Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married’ movie upset many a Hollywood Studios. No major critics or popular film reviewers predicted that Tyler Perry would capture the number one spot at the movie box office. But he did.

The movie ‘Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married’ contains no CGI affects, no traditionally A list actors and no “Madea” (Tyler Perry‘s screen alter ego). The movie ‘Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married’ just contains loads of poetic vision, professional determination and down home heart.

Tyler Perry, an actor, writer, director and songwriter, has often recounted his story that led to fame. Perry spent much of the 1990s traveling from town to town promoting his series of plays based on people he knew throughout his childhood. Initially, the audiences attending his stage plays were often sparse and Perry fell on lean times. However, Perry persevered, he invested all of his personal resources (financial and artistic) into his stage productions and eventually Perry built a substantial following. Perry’s stage plays could be described as comedies infused with dark serious social issues. His demographic was certainly described as niche and appeared to be the black church oriented folks who share a kindred spirit with dysfunctional family members. Currently, his niche audience has evolved into the cross over internet savvy fan base that is needed for commercial success.

Madea is probably Perry’s most popular and beloved character. Perry would often don a housedress, heels and makeup and transform himself into the pistol packing matriarch , Madea, who knows how to resolve every problem and was often the comic relief of every Tyler Perry theatrical endeavor. Madea made appearances in Perry’s first two major box office successes: Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) and Tyler Perry’s Madea Family Reunion (2006). Some critics feel as if Perry needed the Madea character in order to be successful. But it has always been clear to Tyler Perry fans that Perry is multi-talented as well as multi faceted and he has just tapped the surface of what he will accomplish in addition to his already impressive resume.

The movie ‘Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married’ was green lighted by Tyler Perry. Every independent filmmaker would love to be in such a powerful position. But few filmmakers possess the professional insight required to achieve Tyler Perry status. However, every independent filmmaker should celebrate his success!


 

The Kingdom (2007)

Release Date: September 28th, 2007 (wide)

Genres: Drama and Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr 50 min
MPAA Rating: R for intense sequences of graphic brutal violence, and for language. Distributors: Universal Pictures Distribution

Starring:  Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper, Jason Bateman, Jeremy Piven
Directors:  Peter Berg
Producers:  Mary Parent, John Cameron, Sarah Aubrey, Steven P. Saeta, Dylan Clark , Michael Mann, Scott Stuber

Four FBI Agents travel to Saudi Arabia to investigate a terrorist bombing in which civilians and agents were killed.

The opening credits of the film offer a brief historical overview of the United States’ involvement with the middle east and quickly shift to a violent attack on middle east soil in which women, children and civilians are killed in along with FBI investigators. The opening scene depicts the middle east domestic landscape as being divided between the law biding citizens who enjoy the peaceful tranquility of their leisure time and the plotting terrorists who are breeding generations of youngsters who regard the violence and death as a necessary methodology.

Ronald Fluery portrayed by Jamie Foxx, leads a team of American FBI agents sent to the middle east to investigate the murders. The team of FBI Agents are Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx), Janet Mayes (Jennifer Garner), Adam Leavitt (Jason Bateman), Grant (Chris Cooper).

Upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia, the FBI Agents are introduced to a Saudi police captain who appears to present himself with an ominous demeanor in the midst of international incident that has tragically gripped the international community with renewed fear. The agents view all of the Saudi officer as enigmatic figures who can not readily be identified as friend or foe.  However, they are able to conduct an investigation which appear to link the terrorists to Saudi Arabian citizens which the agents we told would be high improbable.

During the investigation, the FBI agents and the Saudi Arabian characters (both fictional) denotes the current dichotomy that is present in every nation that is fighting against terrorism:  How does one discern a terrorist in the midst of civilians? How does one rescue a civilian when the civilian is or could be the terrorist?

The film's cinematography is beautiful as it reflects the beauty of the middle eastern family.  There are many handsome men, gorgeous women and adorable children throughout the The Kingdom.  However, there are scenes that reflect the horrific nature of car bombings and suicide bombers with equal conviction.

The film climaxes at a great rescue scene in which Adam (Justin Bateman) is fighting for his life against terrorists and you, the audience, can actually feel the blade against Adam’s his neck.  You can sense Adam’s determination to live; the kicking, the dragging, the grabbing at any thing that will hinder his enemy’s task. You can feel the result his resistance as well as Adam absorbs a painful beating at the hand of his enemies. As an initially emotional and tearful Janet charges to aid her comrade Adam, you will cheer when she enters combat mode and transforms into a “pit bull attack” mentally in order to save Adam from sure death. Great fun!

Jay R Ell recommends The Kingdom for its outstanding action sequences and great ensemble cast.

Jay R Ell Rating
***
 

The Brave One (2007)

Release Date: September 14th, 2007 (wide)

Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Thriller and Crime/Gangster
Running Time: 2 hrs. 2 min.
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, language and some sexuality.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

Starring: Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Naveen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen, Jane Adams
Directed by: Neil Jordan
Produced by: Herb Gains, Bruce Berman, Jodie Foster

A New York City radio show host transforms from a timid woman into a vigilante killing machine after she and her fiancé are attacked.

Erica Bane (Jodie Forster) is a happy New York radio talk show host who enjoys the city life and who is engaged to a handsome doctor.  Her life is seemingly perfect until the couple become the victims of a brutal crime. She is left in a coma and her fiancé is murdered. She becomes depressed, lonely and angry.

The city, which was such a comfort to Erica, now becomes a scary nerve racking environment that leaves her traumatized when ever she ventures outside her apartment door.  She believes that possessing a gun will calm her fears and immediately commences shooting killers and thugs. It doesn’t take long before a handsome policeman, Detective Mercer (Terrence Howard) become suspicious and begins to link Erica with the string of “vigilante style” murders.

Bane and Mercer form a friendship as they grieve the loss of their respective mates; Bane to a vicious murder and Mercer to divorce. A romance appears to be imminent as there is an apparent chemistry between the two characters

It’s not in my nature to reveal spoilers, however, Foster reminds us why she is a two time academy award winning actress in a scene where she is in the elevator with her intended victim. She doesn’t say a word but her eyes pierce right thru the movie screen. She is no longer the nervous, mousey girl with a “trainer gun“. She is a cold blooded assassin (kudos to Jordan and the cameraman as well) and who is anticipating killing her prey.

The corrupt police ending is true to the “Death Wish” tradition but not enduring to the New York City Police force.

Jay R Ell recommends The Brave One for its outstanding performances by Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard and the supporting cast.

Jay R Ell Rating
**½

 

Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

Release Date: September 7th, 2007 (wide
Genres: Action/Adventure and Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr. 33 min
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive strong bloody violence, sexuality and some language.

Starring: Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci, Greg Bryk, Jane McLean
Directed by: Michael Davis
Produced by: Michael Davis, Douglas Curtis, Toby Emmerich

A highly proficient sharp shooter helps a pregnant woman and unwittingly get involved with conspirators who want to kill the woman’s baby as well.

The movie Shoot’ Em Up begins innocently enough with Smith, played by Clive Owen, sitting at a bus stop when he is confronted  by a pregnant woman who is being chased by a gun man. Smith reluctantly tries to protect the woman from the gun man.  The lone gunman soon has several accomplices who come to his aid while Smith single handedly returns fire to the gunmen.  The woman goes into labor during the gun fire.  Smith is briefly burdened with having to assist in the woman’s delivery as well as defending both mother and child from rapid gun fire.  The woman dies before she can tell Smith why people are trying to kill her and her baby.

After escaping safely with the baby, Smith now has to find a safe haven for the baby. His attempts to abandon the baby are futile. Smith has bonded on some level with the baby and balance of the movie involves (as the title suggests) several guns fights and great chase scenes as Smith tries to protect the baby and find out why the baby is targeted.

Smith enlists the help of a local lactating prostitute, played by Monica Bellucci, who later becomes his love interests as well as a reluctant heroine.  Bellucci is fantastic as she displays fear and vulnerability with out comprising her courage and commitment to the baby’s safety and well being.

Paul Giamatti plays a villain with a campy viciousness that is devilishly fun.  His character is often vile and quirky but the entire film is emerged in a over-the-top fantasy crudeness.  It’s a guilty pleasure and  quite fun.

Jay R Ell recommends Shoot’ Em Up for its exhilarating action sequence, quirky characters and great screenplay.

Jay R Ell rating

***

Balls of Fury (2007)

Release Date: August 29th,
Running Time: 1 hr. 30 min 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for crude and sex-related humor, and for language
Distributors: Rogue Pictures (Focus)

Starring: Dan Fogler, Christopher Walken, George Lopez, Maggie Q, Thomas Lennon
Directed by: Robert Ben Garant
Produced by: Derek Evans, Ron Schmidt, Roger Birnbaum

Balls of Fury is the story of the resurrection of a fallen ping pong champion set against the spoof of martial arts movies such as Bruce Lee’s “Return of the Dragon“.

The movie begins with a young phenomenon Randy Daytona, played by Dan Fogler, losing a ping pong matches that results in the death of his father.  He is never able to overcome this tragedy and consequently grows up and performs ping pong at dinner theater as his only means of gainful employment.

One day, a FBI Agent Rodriquez (George Lopez) recruits Randy in order to gain access to the notorious Feng (Christopher Walken).  Feng runs a sinister ring of underground ping pong tournaments that often leave the losing contestants dead.  Randy and Agent Rodriquez work together to foil Feng and his dark ping pong empire!

The movie is funny and has the advantage of star casting. The beautiful Maggie Q displays brilliant comic timing as Randy’s love interest. Another beauty, Aisha Tyler plays a femme fatale.  Terry Crews hilariously plays a ping pong game contestant.

Jay R Ell rating

**

Resurrecting the Champ (2007)

Release Date: August 24th, 2007 (wide)
Genres: Drama, Adaptation and Sports
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and brief language
Distributors: Yari Film Group

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Josh Hartnett, Teri Hatcher, Alan Alda, Kathryn Morris
Directed by: Rod Lurie
Produced by: Arnold Messer, Bradley Fischer, Louis M. Phillips

Resurrecting the Champ tells the story of a over zealous journalist who is conned into
interviewing a champion boxer who harbors a secret that will impact the journalist’s human condition.

Bob Satterfield is a homeless down and out boxer whom journalist Erik feels inclined to gave a helping hand-as long as he can get a interview with Bob. Bob plays along feeding Erik antidotes and boxing stories in exchange for the free booze, food and money.

Erik has been living in his famous father’s shadow and has not been able to make his mark as a professional journalist.  On a personally level, Erik is having some domestic difficulties as he is estranged from his wife and young son.

Based on a true event, Erik does not follow due diligence and is conned as the actually Bob Satterfield died about 20 years ago. The mistake is not as significant as the impact that the embarrassing incident has on his family.  Erik’s son becomes a casualty of classmate cruelty and the son’s sense of integrity is confused.  Erik has got a lot of explaining to do.  Harnett plays Erik with passion and grace

Samuel L. Jackson is a fantastic actor.  He does not need the overindulgence of excessive make up-that was more of a distraction than an asset.  He convinces us that he is a boxer and, then, convinces us that he is a con man.

Resurrecting the Champ is well made and will tug at your heart strings.  Jackson and Harnett deserve Oscars.

Jay R Ell rating

**½

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

Release Date: August 3rd, 2007 (wide)
Genres: Action/Adventure, Thriller, Adaptation and Sequel
Running Time: 1 hr. 51 min.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence and intense sequences of action.
Distributors: Universal Pictures

Starring: Matt Damon, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Paddy Considine
Directed by: Paul Greengrass, Peter MacDonald
Produced by: Doug Liman, Jeffrey M. Weiner , Henry Morrison

Legendary assassin Jason Bourne in hunted, yet-again, in the third installment of the Bourne franchise.

People are still trying kill Jason. Jason is still trying to find out his true identity. There are a lot of chase sequences and fight scene.

The Bourne films are exciting because of their trademark fight scenes, stunt work
shaky camera cinematography. The movie is good if you enjoy the Bourne movie formulas. This is more of the same.

Jay R Ell rating

**½

El Cantante (2007)

Release Date: August 3rd, 2007 (wide)

Genres: Drama, Musical/Performing Arts and Biopic
Running Time: 1 hr. 56 min.
MPAA Rating: R for drug use, pervasive language and some sexuality.
Distributors: Picturehouse

Starring: Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Federico Castelluccio, Romi Dias, Vincent Laresca
Directed by: Leon Ichaso
Produced by: Jennifer Lopez, Julio Caro, Simon Fields

The dramatic biography of Puerto Rican salsa pioneer Hector Lavoe, one of the biggest spanish-language singers in the 1970s, is told from his wife’s point of view.

The film opens with a black and white filmed interview of Lavoe’s widow Puchi (played by Jennifer Lopez) reminiscing about their tumultuous romance and marriage. She speaks about
Lavoe as if she never understood his self-destructive behavior and as if she has many regrets that she would never admit to. Lopez is wonderful as she portrays the young Puchi who meets Lavoe’s sister and stands up to his family when they may have felt that she would make an inappropriate wife for him.

Mark Anthony is fabulous as the tormented and talented singer Lavoe. He has great comic timing as well as the ability to embrace the frequently somber facets of the Lavoe character.

It would have been exhilarating to see how Mark would have portrayed a frustrated Lavoe as he pioneered his Salsa music in the trendy 1960s-70s American pop scene. There were probably many professional obstacles to overcome since many Americans were not familiar with the salsa style of music.

Jennifer Lopez is a great talent but the constant gratuitous glamour shots of her in each scene was intrusive in terms of the plot and disturbed the continuity of the film, thus, eroded the story line. If the story is about Lavoe, then, we would love to see how his character developed (his parents, childhood. etc). Let’s explore the reason why this great talent was so self destructive. That’s were the story becomes interesting. We already know that Lavoe was a superb musician and entertainer who died too soon. What life events impacted his behavior and influenced his music? Never the less, the film is enjoyable.

Jay R Ell recommends El Cantante for its great soundtrack and rich latino style.

Jay R Ell rating

**

Hairspray (2007)

Release Date: July 20th, 2007 (wide)
Genres: Musical/Performing Arts, Adaptation and Remake
MPAA Rating: PG for language, some suggestive content and momentarily teen smoking
Running Time: 1 hr. 55 min
Distributors: New Line Cinema

Starring: John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Nicole Blonsky, Zac Efron
Directed by: Adam Shankman
Produced by: Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Jennifer Gibgot


Hairspray is a jubilant celebration of 1960s USA set against a Baltimore high school love story and racial unrest. Hairspray is a remake of a 1988 movie and was also produced as a Broadway show.

Tracy Turnblad played by Nicole Blonsky is an over weight teenager who loves to dance and is enamored with dancing star and high school mate Link Larkin (Zac Efron). Tracy has auditioned for her favorite dance show but has been rejected because she is not the traditional svelte dancer usually cast on this particular show.

One day, Tracy spends time in the “negroes” detention room and discovers that she shares the love of dancing with several “negroes“.  Link spots her in the detention room dancing with the “negroes” and decides to pull strings in order to book the formerly rejected Tracy on her favorite dance show.  Tracy’s appearance on the show makes her an immediate star.  Later, she uses her new found fame to help integrate the popular television dance show that has made her an overnight sensation.

Hairspay is filled with movie stars and celebrities but Nicole Blonsky is the shining star of this movie. Very few actresses can hold their own against veterans like Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, John Travolta, Christopher Walken,etc. Nicole Blondsky gives an awesome performance.

The part of Tracy’ mom, Edna, is played by the legendary Travolta is a brilliant actor and dancer but due to the make-up and/or something, you never quite believe he is a woman. Maybe he needed a manicure or because there was a lack of physical interaction (like kissing) between he and Walken (who played the Travolta character’s husband) beyond the musical dance numbers, Travolta looked like a Halloween character. But in all fairness to Travolta, this part is usually played in drag.

The choreography and the cinematography are exceptional.  This film is so extremely well made and cast that it is sure to garner a load of Academy Awards nominations.  It’s great fun.

Jay R Ell rating

***

Talk to Me (2007)

Release Date: July 13th, 2007 (limited)

Genres: Drama and Biopic
Running Time: 1 hr. 58 min.
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language and some sexual content.
Distributors: Focus Features

Directed by: Kasi Lemmons
Produced by: Miles Dale, William Horberg, Bruce Toll
Starring: Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Taraji Henson, Cedric The Entertainer, Mike Epps

Talk to Me takes a brief look at the life of legendary R&B DJ Petey Greene through the eyes of his friend, former boss and business partner, Dewey Hughes.

The film begins in 1966 and takes the viewers inside a prison where the Washington, D.C. successful radio station executive Hughes, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, is visiting his brother, Milo Hughes played by Mike Epps, who is serving a life sentence. During the visits with his brother, Milo talks voraciously about a fellow inmate, Petey Greene. Greene, portrayed brilliantly by Don Cheadle, is the fowl mouthed prison DJ whose voice in heard throughout the prison’s public announcement system. The inmates as well as the prison staff appear to enjoy Green ranting and his “keeping it real” brand of humor. Petey cons the warden of the prison in order to facilitate an early release. Then runs a equally effective con on Hughes in order to get the job at the radio station.

Hughes and Petey become good friends as Petey wins over the radio station personnel. Hughes eventually make a valiant effort to try to managing Petey career but soon realizes the Petey is unmanageable and extremely self destructive.

It would have been interesting to see what made Petey self destruct. Why did he feel his history of family troubles justified the troubles in his own life? Why did we get to met Aunt Pig? At one point Hughes said to him, “You could have everything- the world…. But you threw it away.” It becomes clear that Hughes harbors a certain amount of envy towards Petey and projects that frustration and takes a violent turn.

The film is well made with great cinematography that clearly reflects the troubled and turbulent 1960s America. Every character is well cast and exudes a unique chemistry that rarely is perfected to this degree in any movie. Each actor, regardless of how small the part, makes a important contribution to this film.
 

Jay R Ell rating

**½

Transformers (2007)


Release Date: July 3rd, 2007 (wide)

Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor and language.
Distributors: di Bonaventura Pictures, Inc., Paramount Pictures

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Bernie Mac, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson
Directed by: Michael Bay
Produced by: Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner, Michael Bay

Two cultures of Transforming robots wage war using earth as a battleground.

The film’s opening sequence is riveting as it is set in the desert where soldiers are anticipating their return to their respective homes. A military aircraft, identified as having crashed and  then destroyed appears on the military’s radar. The aircraft transforms into a huge monster robot that attacks the base and the soldiers soon find that they must defend the earth from a league of monster robots before they can make their final journey home.

The movie then shift scenes in order to  set up the hero.  Shia LaBeouf plays Sam Witwicky a warm hearted teenager whose only desire is to be accepted by his peers, make the high school football team, buy a hot sports car and get the pretty girl.  Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox) plays the pretty girl, who has a dark and mysterious past which elevates her appeal level through the roof. The two become acquainted soon after Sam’s father buys him an old beat up sports car.

It is quickly revealed that the car drives on its own and is able to transform into a character dubbed Bumble Bee.

Agent Simmons, played by the brilliant John Turturro chases the teenager once he discovers the connection between Sam and the transforming sports car and the fun begins. John Turturro steals every scene he is in as he doubles as antagonist and comic relief. He is both, a menacing figure and a comic delight as he portrays Agent Simmons with an over-the-top exhilarating presence.

Anthony Anderson also steals scenes as he plays the underachieving computer nerd, Glen Whitmann, who lives with his grandmother and obviously spends most of his time in front of his computer console downloading music and hacking information system programs.  Glen inadvertently becomes involved in the robot battle when he is asked to analyze a classified computer memory disk that is smuggled out of a high security facility.

Naturally with DreamWorks in the mix, the CGI effects are fantastic. Michael Bay is fun and exciting as a director. The script is well written and extremely entertaining.

JR

Jay R Ell rating

***½

LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD (2007)

Release Date: June 27, 2007

Genres: Action/Adventure, Thriller and Sequel
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, language and a brief sexual situation.
Distributors: 20th Century Fox Distribution
 

Starring: Bruce Willis, Timothy Olyphant, Maggie Q, Jeffrey Wright, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Justin Long
Directed by: Len Wiseman
Produced by: Arnold Rifkin, William Wisher, Michael Fottrell

Live Free or Die Hard is the third sequel in the Die Hard franchise and has our hero John McClane escorting a computer hacker to FBI official headquarters.

Bruce Willis reprises his role as New York City Detective John McClane and is told that he is to transport a computer hacker (Justin Long) from New York to FBI headquarters in Washington. Initially, McClane assumes that this is an easy task. He quickly discovers that the hacker has a price on his head as bullets destroy the hacker's apartment upon McClane’s arrival at the hacker’s home.

Several action packed sequences later, McClane and the hacker realize that the attack that had originally appeared to be personal is actually part of a larger conspiracy to destroy the country’s infrastructure and bring all computerized systems to an abrupt halt.

The leader of the conspirators, Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant), is effective but not particularly memorable as the evil villain. In all fairness, very few actors can equal the intensity and cruel viciousness that evil villain Hans (Alan Rickman) displayed in the original 1988 Die Hard.  Rickman set the standard.

Gabriel’s side kick, Mai ( Maggie Q) , steals every scene that she is in and is a bona fide threat to the success of McClane’s mission. She kicks and claws her way through each fight scene with such conviction that you truly believe she is a threat to public safety. She’s great!

It would have been nice to see some interaction between John McClane and his ex-wife instead of the side plot of a kidnapped daughter.

JR

Jay R Ell rating

***

1408 (2007)

Release Date: June 22nd, 2007 (wide)

Genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Suspense/Horror, Thriller and Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hr. 34 min.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material including disturbing sequences of violence and terror, frightening images and language.
Distributors: Dimension Films, MGM Distribution Company

Starring: John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack, Jasmine Jessica Anthony, Christopher Carey
Directed by: Mikael Hafstrom
Produced by: Jake Myers, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein


The movie 1408, based on a short story by Stephen King, chronicles a one night episode of a brokenhearted novelist as he dares to stay in a haunted hotel room.

The story starts with a novelist named Mike Enslin (played by John Cusack), who generally criticizes and dismisses stories of ghosts and haunted hotel as fantasies, actively seeking haunted hotels. One day Mike receives a mysterious post card warning him to stay away from room 1408 at the New York‘s Dolphin Hotel. This warning intrigues and compels Mike to the point that he hires legal counsel to assure that he can stay in this room.

When Mike arrives there, he is met by the hotel manager Gerald Olin (played by Samuel L. Jackson). Gerald attempts to talk Mike out of staying in room 1408. Gerald gives Mike a folder with gruesome pictures and reports of the victims who died in room 1408. But the relentless Mike insists.

Mike's experiences in room 1408 began immediately with an alarm clocks that signals the beginning of terrifying images, sad and somber memories of his deceased young daughter, severe weather conditions and a potential threat concerning his wife.

There is a lot of suspense since the writer of this film took the time to explore the background of Mike and developed his character (unlike the typical thriller film). The motivation that drives Mike to chase ghosts and question his faith become so clear that you emphasize with Mike and his estranged wife. You feel Mike’s pain and his fear.

I enjoyed this film because it had great comic relief and  big thrills.

Jayrell rating:***

Peace,

JR
 

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

Release Date: June 15th, 2007 (wide)

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Sequel
MPAA Rating: PG for sequences of action violence, some mild language and innuendo.

Distributors: 20th Century Fox Distribution

Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon
Directed by: Tim Story
Produced by: Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Kevin Feige

The Fantastic Four saves the world from the villainous Silver surfer. The film is a sequel to the 2005 release.

This film is entertaining and loads of fun.  Caution: Do not try to over analyze it.

Who is the silver surfer and why did he pick earth to destroy? Sue Storm reminds him of who? These questions are never fully answered. But who cares? There is plenty of action.  There is the enduring love story that continues between Sue Storm (Alba) and Richards (Gruffudd). There great comic relief between Johnny Storm (Evans) and Ben Grimm (Chiklis).  There is a cameo with Stan Lee.  There are great action sequences and CGI effects.  Who can ask for anything more?

JR

Jay R Ell rating

**½

Knocked Up (2007)

Release Date: June 1st, 2007 (wide)

Genres: Comedy
Running Time: 2 hrs. 9 min.

MPAA Rating: R for sexual content, drug use and language.
Distributors: Universal Pictures Distribution


Starring: Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Katherine Heigl, Jason Segel
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Produced by: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Shauna Robertson

The movie “Knocked Up” is about a slacker bachelor and a demanding talk show host that have a hard time coping with the fact they’re having a child after a one night stand.

The film begins when Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) and his friends deciding to go to a club. Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) and her perceptive but argumentative sister (played brilliantly by Leslie Mann) happen to be there also. Ben buys Alison a drink and is attracted but is afraid to talk to her. Ben’s friend helps break the ice between them by walking over to their table and trying to flatter Alison and her sister. Suddenly, Alison’s sister has to leave and Ben and Alison are left by themselves. They dance and drink, then they go home and have sex.

A couple of months go by and she finds out she is pregnant. An extremely upset Alison tells Ben the baby news. Ben, who is initially shocked by the news evolves into a fiercely supportive partner despite his trifling life style. Months go by now, and they try to make things work and come to find out that they’re totally different people. Alison decides to formally declare an end to any potential romantic relationship that she and Ben could attain. Instead, she feels that they should focus on being good parents and, perhaps, keeping the relationship at a platonic level. Later, Ben turns his life style around and tries to get Alison back into his life.

The movie has a great moral to it and explores the harsh realities of having children with a partner you do not know well. I would recommend this movie because of it’s excellent story and adult humor.

ELL

Jay R Ell rating

***

Mr. Brooks 2007

Release Date: June 1st, 2007 (wide)

Genres: Drama, Thriller and Crime/Gangster
Running Time: 2 hrs.
Release Date: June 1st, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for strong bloody violence, some graphic sexual content, nudity and language

Starring: Kevin Costner, William Hurt, Demi Moore, Dane Cook, Matt Schulze
Directed by: Bruce Evans
Produced by: Thomas Augsberger, Marc Schaberg, Adam Rosenfelt

Mr. Brooks is the story of a successful businessman who lives a double life as a serial killer.

Mr. Brooks (Costner) is the perfect businessman, husband and father. Handsome and congenial, Brooks has no trouble hiding his identity, namely, the thumbprint killer. Brooks has the same domestic problems that has plagued many wealthy businessman. There is the daughter that wants to drop out of college and needs dad to bail her out of trouble. There is the stranger who suddenly appears at his office with a blackmail offer. What’s a psychopath to do?

Mr. Brooks’ alter-ego is Marshall (Hurt) and the on screen personalities of the two characters are slightly disconcerting initially. But after a few scenes, the rhythm of the good vs. evil batter follow a natural pattern and appear to be fun (in a cynical way).

Costner is good as the psychopath. And Moore is great as the heroic butt-kicking policewoman, Detective Atwood, who is trailing the thumbprint killer. The two great actors never share a frame together. That would have been a climatic point in the movie. However , the film is quite entertaining and peaks your interest as each character is carefully developed and evolves into a deeper transition to the dark side of the human condition.

Danielle Panabaker who plays Mr. Brooks’ daughter, Jane, is the only character that needed more screen time.  There are many unanswered question with regard to Jane Brooks.  Did she inherit her father sinister behavior and his relentless capacity to commit brutal killings? Is she a rich manipulative kid who would lie about being pregnant in order to leave school or escape from the justice of the campus police. Will she carry on her father’s gruesome legacy.

Jay R Ell rating

***

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Release Date: May 4th, 2007 (wide)

Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Running Time: 2 hr. 20 min.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence

Starring: Tobey Maguire Kirsten Dunst, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, James Franco
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Produced by: Stan Lee, Joseph M. Caracciolo Jr, Kevin Feige

When the film opens, things are going great for Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire).  His alter-ego, Spider-Man, is a beloved icon. Peter has decided to marry his girlfriend, Mary-Jane (Kirsten Dunst), who appears to be thriving on Broadway.  And Peter seems to have mastered his studies in college. The downside is that his former best friend, Harry Osborn (James Franco), continues to hold a grudge and sticks it to Peter every chance that he gets.

The movie reveals that Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church), is the “actually” con who killed Uncle Ben.  Marko has escaped from prison and fled into a forbidden testing zone where radiation turns him into a creature made from living sand.

A parasitic creature from outer space called Venom has infected Spidey's suit, enhancing his powers, aggression and eye liner any time Peter wears it. Venom eventually makes its way into the body of Eddie Brock (Topher Grace), a photographer with a grudge against Peter.

Thomas Haden Church who plays Flint Marko to perfection. He is brilliant as he passionately displays every facet of the Marko character. The remorse of killing Uncle Ben, the hunger for money, the sympathy and regret that continues to be an issue with reference to his daughter make Marko or character that is not hated. He is pitied.

Mary Jane gets to re-play the damsel in distress role. It may have been more interesting to have her play a role in saving spider-man instead of repeating (for the third time) the ‘Perils of Penelope’.

Jay R Ell recommends Spider-man 3 for its great CGI effects and action sequences.

Jay R Ell rating

***

Zodiac (2007)

Genres: Thriller and Crime/Gangster
Running Time: 2 hrs. 40 min.
Release Date: March 2nd, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for some strong killings, language, drug material and brief sexual images
 

 Starring:  Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox

 Director: David Fincher

 Produced by:  Louis M. Phillips, Jamie Vanderbilt, Mike Medavoy

A cartoonist becomes obsessed with the “Zodiac” killer who murders several people during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The movie begins in the 1960s and is set in San Francisco. Robert Graysmith, played by Gyllenhaal, is a cartoonist who works for the San Francisco Chronicle. He become increasing curious about the Zodiac murders when the Zodiac killer begins to send letters to the San Francisco Chronicle headquarters and Graysmith just happens to be seated near the news reporter Paul Avery (played by Downey) to whom the Zodiac murders case has been assigned.

Graysmith becomes so interested in the case that he puts his family at peril and delegates his wife and family to the lowest priority in his life. His wife Melanie, played to perfection by Chloe Sevigny, finally feel neglected and frightened enough to leave him and seek shelter ( kids in tow) with her mother.

The movie is long, however, it is extremely well made and because the story line is based on historical facts, it will hold your interest. The length of the movie only demonstrates the film’s conviction to depict mood and atmosphere of the times. The scenes appropriately transport the audience to the period in which the San Francisco streets were full of fear and confusion. The scenes appropriately transport the audience to the climate of paranoia that surrounded each citizen of San Francisco as the Zodiac killer sends anonymous letters and could easily be anyone walking the streets of the city. The movie also displays the brutal and callous way in which the Zodiac murders were carried out.

RMS

Jay R Ell rating

**½

Black Snake Moan (2007)

Genres: Drama
Running Time: 1 hr. 55 min.
Release Date: March 2nd, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for strong sexual content, language, some violence and drug use

Starring:  Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake, John Cothran Jr, Michael Raymond-James
Director:  Craig Brewer

Produced by:  Ron Schmidt, John Singleton, Stephanie Allain

A elder blues musician takes in a sexually promiscuous young woman in order to cure her of her sex addiction.

Set in Memphis, Tennessee, this film featuring Samuel L. Jackson (Lazarus) and Christina Ricci (Rae) is superb as the two characters meet during a point in their lives where they are at an emotion low. They help each other heal and move on with their respective lives.

The brilliant actress S. Epatha Merkerson plays a pharmacist named Angela. The character, Angela, has limited screen time and it is a shame that her role was not expanded and developed to a greater degree. A love scene (not necessarily physical) is required in order to clearly define the relationship between and Angela and Lazarus. Jackson would only enhance his illustrious career by demonstrating his sensitive side and diversifying the film’s potential audience.

RMS

Jay R Ell rating

**½
 

Wild Hogs (2007)
 

Genres: Comedy
Release Date: March 2nd, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for crude and sexual content, and some violence

Starring:John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, William H. Macy, Tichina Arnold
Directed by: Walt Becker
Produced by:  Sharla Sumpter Bridgett, Amy Sayres, Michael Tollin

Four man form a motorcycle group named “Wild Hogs” and take a motorcycle trip during which they encounter a “real” biker gang.

The “Wild Hogs” are nice guys who take off on a road that appears to be very uneventful initially. However, a gay policeman and a scene stealing performance by Ray Liotta make the road trip worth the price of the ticket admission to see this film.

Wild Hogs has a great cast and the plot is almost nonexistent but you may not care. This film is so much fun and the cast appears to be enjoying themselves so much that you too will be amused.

RMS

Jay R Ell rating

**½

The Astronaut Farmer (2007)

Genres: Comedy
Running Time: 1 hr. 42 min.
Release Date: February 23rd, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic material, peril and language

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Virginia Madsen, Bruce Willis, Bruce Dern, Tim Blake Nelson

Directed by: Michael Polish
Produced by: Geyer Kosinski, Robert Benjamin, Paula Weinstein

A farmer fulfills his life long dream of space travel as a astronaut.

The film begins with Charles Farmer (Thornton) wooing all of his rural Texas neighbors and towns people with his space suit and his vast knowledge of aero dynamics. People appear to genuinely like him and ultimately-tolerate him. However, they tend to think he is insane.

Farmer is a married middle aged man with a beautiful wife and gorgeous children, who obsesses about jumping into his space ship (conveniently parked in his barn) and going into space. His family supports him and gets involved with his dream to the point at which they are in danger on losing their farm to foreclosure. Farmer evidently spends most of his financial resources buying parts for his space craft instead of paying his mortgage. His wife can not afford to buy groceries, yet, Farmer is out shopping for 10,000 pounds of rocket fuel on the black market.

Initially, his family and friends support him and he draws an immense amount of media attention. He is the toast of the town, a media darling and people greatly admire his bravery and his depth of conviction with regard to following his dream of space travel. But after a failed attempt at launching his space craft, the discouraged and severely injured Farmer becomes disillusioned and depressed. His family revives his broken bones and his broken spirit. The Farmers eventually triumphs as a family.

The cast is perfected and the cinematography is splendid. With the addition of some spectacular special effects and a little more comic relief, this film could have easily become a blockbuster and an outstanding film. However, as is, the film closely resembles an after-school special. It is warm hearted and I am a sucker for the feel good movies. It is worth seeing.

RMS

Jay R Ell rating

**½

 

Hannibal Rising (2007)

Genres: Suspense/Horror, Thriller, Adaptation and Sequel
Running Time: 117 min.
Release Date: February 9th, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for strong grisly violent content and some language/sexual references

Starring: Gaspard Ulliel, Gong Li, Rhys Ifans, Ivan Marevich, Dominic West
Directed by: Peter Webber
Produced by: Tarak Ben Ammar, Dino de Laurentiis, Martha de Laurentiis

The Hannibal Rising is about a young boy named Hannibal who wants to avenge his murdered family. The murder is the turning point in his life and creates the villain that we all love to hate since “The Silence of the Lamb” movie.

The movie “Hannibal Rising” begins during the World War II era and is set in Europe at the Lecter Castle. Hannibal’s parents are violently murdered by war criminals. After his parents are killed, young Hannibal is present when his only surviving sibling, a sister named Mischa, becomes a victim of cannibalism.

Young Hannibal grows up in an orphanage and displays a propensity for science which leads him to a medical education and degree. Dr. Lecter uses his technical savvy and his emotional rage to exact vengeance on war criminals that tormented him during his childhood. The creation of “Hannibal, the Cannibal” is complete.

This movie contains a lot of gore and the murder scenes are quite grisly. But what else would you expect from a Hannibal film?
 

Jay R Ell Rating

**

Freedom Writers  2007

Genres: Drama, Adaptation, Biopic and Teen
Running Time: 2 hrs. 3 min.
Release Date: January 5th, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violent content, some thematic material and language.
Distributors: Paramount Pictures

Starring: Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, Imelda Staunton, Scott Glenn

The film “Freedom Writers” is about a teacher who motivates her English class to settle their racial and cultural differences with the power of words and not with guns, violence and racism.

The story starts at Wilson High School in California. There is a high degree of racial tension and strife. A new teacher named Erin Gruwell (Swank) has the pleasure and the challenge of having to discipline and teach these young people. She begins by trying to bond with the kids on some basic levels. She listen to their music and the horrific stories that consume their lives.

Erin, or Ms. G., as the students call her, gives each student a blank notebook. She requires that they write in it every day -- no matter if it's prose, poetry, songs or drawings. And she lets them decide whether to allow her to read them. Her writing project changes the lives of these students and she becomes a legend in the world of educators. The story is fascinating because it is based on true events.

I recommend this film for its gritty depiction of street life and the
positive portrayal of the teacher who changed the path of the lives of these troubled children.


Jay R Ell rating:***

Later,

JR
 

Dreamgirls  2006

Genres: Drama, Musical/Performing Arts and Adaptation
Release Date: December 15th, 2006 (limited); December 25th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language, some sexuality and drug content.
Distributors: Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG

Starring: Beyonce Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Jennifer Hudson
Directed by: Bill Condon
Produced by: Patricia Whitcher, Laurence Mark


Dreamgirls is a movie about three women looking for a career as a singing group but the delicate balance of the group is interrupted when the lead singer is replaced by a thinner but less talented member of the group. The movie is loosely based on the Motown sensational girl group, the Supremes.

The movie begins with three women named Deena, Effie and Melba who grew up in poverty and are bonded by motivation and an extreme thirst for fame. Enter Curtis Taylor, Jr (Jamie Fox), a man who promises to take the girls to stardom. He is a manager who is initially romantically linked to lead singer Effie and then shifts to Deena-when Deena is given lead singer duties. Effie begins feeling jealous because of Curtis’s attention to Deena and the lost of her man and her position of leading singer. Subsequently, Effie begins an emotional downward spiral that leads to her professional and emotional demise.

Jennifer Hudson play the role of Effie with such zeal and conviction that the audience member in the theater gave her two standing ovations.  The role of Effie is the "money" role since her journey if filled with many peaks and valleys.

Eddie Murphy plays the supporting role of James “Early” Thunder to perfection.

I especially enjoyed this film for its extreme drama and splendid musical selections.

Jay R Ell rating:***

See you soon,

JR
 

The Descent (2006)

Genres: Art/Foreign and Suspense/Horror
Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.
Release Date: August 4th, 2006
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence/gore and language.
Distributors: Lionsgate

Starring Shauna MacDonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder, Nora-Jane Noone
Produced by Paul Smith (XVI), Christian Colson, Paul Ritchie

The movie The Descent is about a group of female friends that explore a cave. The cave has not been historically explored by anyone, but something is dangerous in there.

The story begins with Sarah, Juno, Beth, Rebecca, Holly, and Jessica on a cave dwelling expedition. This adventure is supposed to be a source of therapy for Sarah who has survived a traumatic experience.

The balance of the film has Sarah and the others fighting for their lives as they discover that there are monsters in the cave. The ladies are challenged by the beasts and are faced with the horror of their impending death.

What is most interesting about this film is that the ladies become as primal as their fleshing eating predators. The audience becomes captivated as we cheer for the women to make it out alive.

I recommend this film for the suspense and the extreme horror sequences.

Jay R Ell rating:**

See you soon,

JR
 

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy and Sports
Release Date: August 4th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, language, drug references and brief comic violence.
Distributors: Sony Pictures Releasing

Starring: Will Ferrell, David Koechner, Sacha Baron
John C. Reilly, Michael Clarke Duncan
Produced by: Sarah Nettinga, Richard Glover, Ryan Kavanaugh

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is the story of the rise and fall of a NASCAR star.

NASCAR is the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. Each racing car and the costume of its respective driver are riddled with so many product placements that the diverse colors in each scene are reminiscent of confetti at a parade.

The movie begins with a brief sequence that displays a meek and inarticulate Ricky Bobby (played by Will Ferrell) who has not been influenced by the trappings of fame and fortune. He then marries a stereotypically shallow trophy wife and falls prey to the “ my-best-friend-falls-for-my-wife” syndrome. When his best friend (John C. Reilly) moves in with Ricky Bobby’s wife and when Ricky Bobby loses his celebrity status, he finds that he and his two children must move in with his mother and try to rebuild his life and regain his winning edge confidence.

Regaining his winning edge includes becoming reacquainted with his estranged
Father (Gary Cole) who is a loser with ferocious attitude. Cole plays the role of Ricky Bobby perfectly and bitter sweetly as he shocks Ricky Bobby into submission and succeeds in winning over Ricky Bobby’s affections.

Bobby’s mother is played superbly by Jane Lynch and is great as she tries to straighten out her spoiled foul-mouthed grandchildren once they moved into her house. The grandchildren are priceless as they spew pure venom at everything and everyone that they come into contact with.

You must be a Will Ferrell fan to thoroughly enjoy this movie. Ferrell is playing the same clueless, obnoxious and immature character in movie that he plays in most of his movies and in most of his television work. However, he is funny.

Jay R Ell recommends this movie for its tart humor and colorful characters.

Jay R Ell rating **½

RMS

Miami Vice (2006)

Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Crime/Gangster and Adaptation
Running Time: 135 min.
Release Date: July 28th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, language and some sexual content.
Distributors: Universal Pictures Distribution

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell, Gong Li, Naomie Harris, Ciaràn Hinds
Directed by: Michael Mann
Produced by: Anthony Yerkovich, Michael Mann, Pieter Jan Brugge


The movie Miami Vice is based on the 1984 television series and follows two Miami police detectives through major drug busts and romantic interludes.

The movie begins in a dance club with Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) and Sonny Crockett (Colin Farrell) investigating the identity of a mole within an undercover operation.

As Tubbs and Crockett try to flush out the mole, they stay in character with the original TV series as they enjoy passionate affairs with suspects and informers alike.

This movie displays the drug raids and shoot outs that you might expect in undercover cop movies. There are also beautiful women who make the Miami Club scene very memorable.



I enjoyed this movie for both the action sequences.

Jay R Ell rating***

Farewell,

JR

 

Clerks II (2006)

Genres: Comedy and Sequel
Running Time: 98 min
Release Date: July 21st, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive sexual and crude content, strong language and some drug material.
Distributors: MGM Distribution Company, The Weinstein Company

Starring: Brian Christopher O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Rosario Dawson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith
Directed by: Kevin Smith
Produced by: Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Carla Gardini

Clerks II is a sequel to the Kevin Smith cult favorite Clerks and updates the audience as to what the characters have been up to- which is basically nothing more than what is expected of these slackers.

Dante and Randall are still slackers. However, Dante wants a change his life as he agrees to marry a beautiful but obviously shallow woman and move to Florida where his future father-in-law has a job waiting for him.

Jay and Silent Bob make their appearance as one of the great comedy teams to hit the silver screen. Their crude humor is simultaneously warm and shocking which always makes great comic relief and their presence in each scene is eagerly anticipated.

Rosario Dawson plays a character with a secret that will change the course of one of the main characters. Her presence and her role in this film brings a fresh edge to a film that would otherwise be somewhat predictable (as most sequels are).

Jay R Ell recommends Clerks II for its crude humor, mindless sense of fun and for the talent of Kevin Smith who always writes and directs with a brave conviction and fervor .

Jay R Ell rating ***

RMS

My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006)

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Romance and Science Fiction/Fantasy
Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.
Release Date: July 21st, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, crude humor, language and brief nudity.
Distributors: 20th Century Fox Distribution


Starring: Luke Wilson, Uma Thurman, Anna Faris, Eddie Izzard, Wanda Sykes
Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Produced by: Bill Carraro, Gavin Polone, Arnon Milchan

My Super Ex-girlfriend is the story of how the wrath of an ex-girlfriend can be brutal when the ex happens to be a superhero.

The movie begins with Uma Thurman, portraying G-girl, a female superhero complete with designer cape and boots who flies all over New York City fighting crime and protecting the city. She has a alter ego (ala Superman/ Clark Kent), Jenny is her name and she wears a dark wig and works on a regular 9 to 6 job as a curator. Jenny is riding the subway when she meets Matt ( Luke Wilson) and is smitten with him and agrees to go out with him.

Jenny and Matt’s relationship becomes serious and Jenny immediately shares her secret identity with Matt. Shortly afterwards, Matt discover an unsettling and frightening facet of Jenny’s personality: She is psycho! Jenny is violent, jealous and compulsive-in a deadly manner. As Matt tries to break up with her, he discovers that the break up could end his life. Matt spends the bulk of the movie trying to gingerly separate himself from Jenny and trying to pursue another female of interest.

The movie is funny and enjoyable. It would have been nice to see Jenny as a likable character early in the film so that the audience could feel some empathy towards her when Matt tries to dump her but Jenny was unlikable from the start and while the movie does a great job flashing back to Jenny’s adolescence years and informing us of the origin of Jenny powers, we (the audience) wanted to see exactly what attributes did Jenny have that made Matt so attracted to her that he didn’t notice his soul mate who was seated next to him during every working hour.

Jay R Ell recommends My Super Ex-Girlfriend for its comic flair.

Jay R Ell rating **
 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)


Genres: Action/Adventure, Adaptation and Sequel
Running Time: 145 min.
Release Date: July 7th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of adventure violence, including frightening images.
Distributors: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jack Davenport, Bill Nighy
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Produced by: Bruce Hendricks, Mike Stenson, Chad Oman
The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest is 2004’s Pirates of the Carribbean. The sequel brings back all of the main characters and to leave the audience with somewhat of a cliffhanger ending.

The movie starts with the wedding day arrest of William and Elizabeth. They are exiled to a prison on an island where Captain Jack happens to appears to be the leader of a primitive tribe . Because of a lack communication, Captain Jack unwittingly becomes the leader of the tribe that will eventually attempt to sacrifice him. Jack, along with some other prisoners (including William), manage a narrow escape that is packed with action and intrigue.

After escaping the island, William discovers that he needs a dead man’s chest to release his father from the curse of the wicked sea captain. Jack also discovers that he owes a blood debt to Davey Jones and he needs the dead man’s chest in order to save his own life. Jack negotiates a bargain with the wicked captain for the dead man’s chest. The corrupt General who arrested William is also after the dead man’s chest.

The remainder of the movie involves the race of each interested party to get the dead man’s chest.

I enjoyed this movie for the great graphics, creative make-up and really good swordsmanship.

Jay R Ell rating:***

See ya,

JR
 

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Sequel
Running Time: 1 hr. 43 min.
Release Date: May 26th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence, some sexual content and language.
Distributors: 20th Century Fox

Cast and Credits
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry
Directed by: Brett Ratner
Produced by: Kevin Feige, John Palermo, Stan Lee

The film X-Men: The Last Stand is the third film in the X-Men series and tell the story of a war between mutants who want to be cured and those who see their mutation as their only protection in a world that has been less than kind to them.

The movie is packed with popular mutants from the original comic book. Jean Grey turns into Dark Phoenix, the Beast makes
an appearance juggernaut and many other mutants make the movie fun and fast paced.

There is a fatal battle for Professor Xavier and an awakening for Wolverine. However, all questions are not fully answered which leads us to the conclusion that another X-Men installment is on the way.

At the heart of the movie is the invention of a vaccine that can “cure” the mutants. Many of the mutants are fighting for the right is be different and want to keep their powers and not confirm to their human counterparts.

Another matter of issue is Magneto and his alliance has a goal.
It is to destroy the mutant vaccine, so their won’t transform them into humans. Now, the X-men must rescue Jean Grey before she does harm.
I recommend this movie for incredible graphics or awesome fighting

Jay R Ell rating:****

Sincerely,
JR

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Genres: Drama, Thriller and Adaptation
Running Time: 149 min.
Release Date: May 19th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for disturbing images, violence, some nudity, thematic material, brief drug references and sexual content

Starring: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jurgen Prochnow
Directed by: Ron Howard
Produced by: Dan Brown, Todd Hallowell, Brian Grazer

The Da Vinci Code is a movie based on the best selling novel of the same title. The Da Vinci Code introduces a controversial theory surrounding the life of Jesus Christ.

The secret is that Christ is theorized to have been married to Mary Magdalene and she is to have bored his child after his death. The birth was kept secret along with the identity of the descendants that followed. Presumably to preserve the “secret”, several murders occur. The Catholic Church and several faith-based cults are implicated.

Tom Hanks plays, Robert Langdon, a symbols expert who is suspected of murdering a museum curator. The police are after Langdon because of the mutilated condition of the corpse and the fact that Langdon had a scheduled appointment with the murder victim hours earlier. Langdon encounters the murder victim’s granddaughter and the two bond together (and are assumed to be fugitives) in order to solve the murder before the police arrest them for the murder.

Jean Reno is fabulous as the police chief that assigned to solve the murder. His serious demeanor infused with his crude comic relief is very intriguing as the audience tries to discern whether he has hidden motives and/or what is his extent of involvement in the conspiracy.

The most interesting character in the film is Sir Liegh played by the brilliant actor Ian McKellen. He literally steals every scene that he is in regardless of who the other actors are in the screen. He plays an eccentric Templar who has his own agenda with regards to the Da Vinci code.

This movie is extremely well done. The movie has many plot twists and interesting villains. The characters are perfectly cast and the cinematography is absolutely stunning as it showcases the European landscape and historic landmarks that lend a certain level of authenticity to the film.

Ron Howard’s direction is fantastic as the movies oscillates between flashbacks and present day scenes. He holds the audience in the suspense throughout the movie and the length of the movie never becomes a issue. It is great entertainment.

To those with an unbreakable faith and a love for Ron Howard’s “Beautiful Mind”, Jay R Ell recommends The Da Vinci Code.

RMS

Jay R Ell Rating:***

Mission:  Impossible 3 (2006)

Genres: Action/Adventure and Sequel
Release Date: May 5th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of frenetic violence & menace, disturbing images & some sensuality.
Distributors: Paramount Pictures

Starring: Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup, Michelle Monaghan

Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Produced by: Tom Cruise, Paula Wagner, Stratton Leopold

MI:3 is the third installment in the Mission Impossible movie franchise based on the 1960s television series. This film has a retired Ethan Hunt returning to his role as a field agent in order to find a missing in action female agent that that was once his protégé. His mission to find her places his wife in danger and introduces Hunt to a extended mission to recover a coded secret weapon.

Cruise is great in reprising the role of Ethan Hunt for (the third time). But one has to wonder if a secret military operative needs or can manage marriage. The romantic sub plot certainly robs some of the sex appeal from the Hunt character. A married superhero is rather novel if not untraditional ( i.e., True Lies).

While a love story is always an asset to any film, the Hunt character, who was so secure and cocky in the first two films, never convincingly states why in his line of work (that requires so much danger and secrecy) he seeks to retire and takes a wife. In the first two films, Hunt appears to be driven by uncertainty, danger and intrigue (not exactly domestic qualities).  In this film, Hunt is driven by love.

Hoffman is a fantastic actor. He certainly is extremely deserving of his Academy Award. But seeing Hoffman playing the villain in this film made me think that he was miscast. At no time did Hoffman frighten me or make me feel that he would hurt a fly. A great villain maintains a menacing presence though out a film. And I am not sure that Hoffman was given enough dialogue and/or screen time to properly establish the depth of the character’s viciousness.

Early on in  MI:2 the villain cuts off one of his evil colleague's finger and murders another.  He is cruel to his mistress.  The audience felt he was ruthless and threatening, therefore his presence on screen was truly menacing.

MI:3 is a non stop action film with great stunt work and plenty of explosions. There are the traditional MI:3 character twists and double crosses. There is a complicated kidnapping scene that is over the top implausible but that is the fun of being a fantasy film- liberties can be taken.

Jay R Ell recommends MI:3 for its adrenaline rush and great stunt sequences and yes- for the Tom Cruise performance.

RMS

Jay R Ell Rating:**+
 

Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Genres: Drama and Kids/Family
Running Time: 112 min.
Release Date: April 28th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG for some language.
Distributors: Lions Gate Releasing

Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer, Curtis Armstrong, J.R. Villarreal Directed by: Doug Atchison
Produced by: Todd Wagner, Mark Cuban, Marc Butan

In the movie “Akeelah and the Bee”, a family & a community support a young girl in her endeavor to win the highly competitive National Spelling Bee. “Akeelah and the Bee” is about a young girl finding inner strength and inspiration in other people to reach her goal.

The movie begins with Akeelah Anderson being told that she must attend class more often more regularly. Afterwards, her teacher asks her if she would like to enter the school spelling bee. Akeelah appear to has little desire or motivation to compete in the contest and doesn’t think anything of it. Then the principal gives her an ultimatum. She must study for the spelling bee or be punished for all the absences. During the preliminary spelling bee, Akeelah meets Dr. Larabee, who is impressed with her spelling skills and agrees to coach Akeelah for the National Spelling Bee.

Akeelah and Dr. Larabee (played by Fishburne) do not bond immediately and the friction between them initially seems to hinder her progress as she studies for the competition. But soon Akeelah feels a mutual admiration and compassion for Dr. Larabee as the film’s sub plot reveals a sad and tragic family history that haunts the good doctor.

Akeelah’s mother is not an encouraging force in a life. The mother, played by Bassett, is overwhelmed by the antics of Akeelah’s siblings and is often depressed by the tragic loss of her husband (Akeelah’s father). Mom comes around eventually.

During the regional finals, Akeelah meets new friends and her other friend begins to become jealous. Suddenly, Akeelah must deal with the pressures of fame and family. Once Akeelah made it to the Nationals with two other kids to represent California, the whole community helps her study and gives her inspiration.

“Akeelah and the Bee” is a great feel good movie for the family. Jay R Ell would recommend that you see this movie because it has great story and cast.

Peace , Ell

Jay R Ell Rating:**+
 

United 93 (2006)

Genres: Drama
Release Date: April 28th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for some intense sequences of terror and violence.

Starring: Opal Alladin, Erich Redman, Ben Sliney, Susan Blommaert, Peter Hermann
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
Produced by: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lloyd Levin

The movie United 93 is about the airplane that rescues the White House from demise. The film reveals that many passengers tried to stop the hijackers during the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001.


The movie begins with the terrorists gathering at a hotel to strategize their mission to invade the airplane without being caught by security. They were saying prayers for the good luck of the lord. They put cutting knifes under their pants, so it won’t be obvious that they were smuggling weapons aboard.


The terrorist dressed like ordinary young citizens did not appear to immediately be suspicious. The flight destination was  Los Angeles. Once the flight was underway, the pilots reported that the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon were under attack by airplanes crashing into the building.


The balance if the film depicts the courage of the passengers and crew who knew that death was imminent but wanted to save others.

Jay R Ell recommends this movie for the emotional drama and in fond memory of the passengers and crew of

Flight 93.

Peace, J. R.

Jay R Ell Rating:**+
 

Madea’s Family Reunion (2006)

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Adaptation and Sequel
Release Date: February 24th, 2006 (limited)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic material, domestic violence, sex and drug references
Distributors: Lions Gate

Starring: Tyler Perry, Blair Underwood, Lynn Whitfield, Boris Kodjoe, Henry Simmons
Directed by: Tyler Perry
Produced by: Michael Paseornek, Peter Block, Tyler Perry

Madea’s Family Reunion is another installment in the Tyler Perry franchise and expands on the family drama of 60ish matriarch Madea.

Tyler Perry is superb as Madea and out shines himself in every scene because of the complex nature of the Madea character. Madea is loving yet she is tough. Perry also plays an uncle and an attorney but the audience applauds wildly whenever Madea appears on screen.

The film’s plot is filled with high drama and soap opera dialogue but it does not matter. The beauty of a Tyler Perry film is that he combines dark subject matter and tragic circumstance with over the top humor and ridiculous characters (with bad make up). Perry’s bold and unique writing style is extremely effective with his target audience and while some may be offended and disturbed by Madea’s child rearing methods other viewers are amused and empathize with Madea’s predicament.

There is a smart scene that shows Madea and the Uncle watching an old rerun of “Good Times” television show in which the show’s topic of child abuse is raised. As the television show continues, Madea administers her own brand of “discipline” to a foster child who has been assigned to her as part of a court judgment.  Perry knows that his audience can discern the difference between child abuse and discipline.

There is a surprise wedding that looks campy in its eccentricities and excessive decor. There are preachy and poignant scenes that focus on self respect and spiritual restoration. But this is just writer/director Perry’s way of giving the audience some sugar to help the medicine go down.

The cast is beautiful and talented as Perry casts many of the characters with award winning veteran actors like Tyson, Whitfied and Underwood.

Jay R Ell recommends Madea’s Family Reunion for its strong sense of redemption and forgiveness, good music and its edgy humor and subject matter.

Jay R Ell Rating: ***

RMS

Something New (2006)

Release Date: February 3rd, 2006 (wide)
Genres: Comedy, Drama and Romance
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual references
Distributors: Focus Features

Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Simon Baker, Blair Underwood, Alfre Woodard, Mike Epps
Directed by: Sanaa Hamri
Produced by: Preston L. Holmes (II), Dwight Williams, Stephanie Allain

Something New is a multi-faceted film about an interracial relationship between a professional white collar black woman and a blue collar white man.

The most interesting theme is this movie deals not with the “jungle fever” stereotypical aspect of the subject matter. But the fact that dating outside of your race presents more challenges other than the external and obvious ones. There are social and economical challenges that face a well to do black women regardless of the race of her suitors.

The film begins with a quick profile of Kenya (played by Sanaa Lathan) who is a successful professional black woman who is perplexed by the fact that she can not find her soul mate. Kenya is surprised when she is set up with a blind date who happens to be white. She is less than thrilled when she discovers that he is also a landscaper and is considered “the help” by her attorney brother. Kenya’s parents who are also financially and academically successful have another, more eligible, suitor in mind for her. But to her parent’s chagrin, Kenya is falling for the landscaper regardless of the fact that both suitors (the landscaper and the attorney) are drop dead gorgeous.  Is this plausible?

The complications that arise in a biracial relationship are addressed with an enlightened sense of humor that makes an audience laugh even through the uncomfortable scenes. The cast is attractive and vibrant as each character takes on prolific point of view with regard to their respective opinions on Kenya’s biracial courtship. The film is viewed from Kenya’s point of view. It would be equally interesting to see how the landscaper’s family and friends react to the relationship that developed in this movie.

Jay R Ell recommends this film for its grandeur in romantic and comedic flair. This film is well made and extremely optimistic.

RMS

Jay R Ell Rating: **+

Annapolis (2006)


Genres: Drama
Release Date: January 27th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence, sexual content and language.
Distributors: Touchstone Pictures

Starring: James Franco, Jordana Brewster, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Donnie Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson
Directed by: Justin Lin
Produced by: Steven Nicolaides, Mark Vahradian (II), Gym Hinderer


The movie is about an young man named Jake (played by James Franco) who is building ships for his job. He loves boxing and becomes a contender at the Naval Academy.

Jakes faces many challenges as his enters the Naval Academy's stringent training program.  Jake wants to complete his military training, but he has to complete a very intense training in order to avoid getting cut from the training program. Jake’s has three roommates that has their own problems with meeting the military tough requirements.  His room mates (very culturally diverse) are considered his team and they are taught to work together. Jake’s father never believed that he could complete the training program but Jake is determined to prove him incorrect.

The camp gets more difficult everyday though little by little Jake earns more respect. The trainees are educated around the clock-even at dinner. Each trainee may be tested at any time and a incorrect answer is weighed against the team that the trainee is assigned to. So the team turns against Jake rather quickly with Jake is revealed to be unprepared on several occasions.

Lieutenant Cole (played brilliantly by Tyrese Gibson) pushes Jake a lot-to the degree, that Cole shows off his boxing skills. Jake and Cole square off in more ways then one . The ending is bitter sweet.

I recommend this movie for its boxing scenes and its inspirational portrait of a underdog fighting for his dignity by using potential you have when others don’t believe in you.

Jay R Ell Rating: ***

JR

Glory Road (2006)

Release Date: January 13th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG for racial issues including violence and epithets, and mild language.
Distributors: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Starring: Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Austin Nichols, Evan Jones, Emily Deschanel
Directed by: James Gartner
Produced by: Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, Andrew Given


The movie Glory Road takes place in 1966 at Texas Western University and is about an underdog NCAA basketball team who started all African American players for the 1966 college competition. 

In today's sports market, it is not unusual to view a sporting event and see that all of the starting players are African American.  But years ago, things were quite different.  The team was led by Hall of Fame coach Don Haskins (Josh Lucas) who changed history forever.

During the beginning of the film, Don was looking for African American players in different cities. After he found the players, he gave them a scholarship to Texas Western. He was hard on his players and wanted them to play his style of basketball. One day he realized that the team played better when they utilized their own style of play. They went undefeated after a while. Soon after, they met prejudice and were tormented throughout the season. Regardless of the obstacles, Texas Western still made it to the 1966 NCAA Finals game against Kansas. Texas Western beat the long reigning Kansas and coach Haskins went down in history.

So, with coach Haskins risky choice of starting all African American players he led the way for other schools to recruit African American players. I felt this movie was very well made because the scenes looked very authentic and the close attention to the period detail put the audience in racially charged 1960 America.

Jay R Ell Rating: **+

Ell
 

Last Holiday (2006)

Release Date: January 13th, 2006 (wide)
Genres: Comedy and Drama
Running Time: 112 min.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexual references

Starring: Queen Latifah, Alicia Witt, LL Cool J , Giancarlo Esposito, Gerard Depardieu
Directed by: Wayne Wang
Produced by: Robert Zemeckis, Steve Starkey, Richard Vane


The film Last Holiday is the story of a department store sales associates who transforms herself into high powered socialite after learning that she has only a few weeks to live.

Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) is a retail sales associates who lives a very disciplined life. She goes to work. She comes home to watch Emeril’s TV Show and will cook the fabulous dishes that Emeril demonstrates on his show but she will not eat any of the those dishes. Georgia will instead eat a “lean cuisine” meal and give her culinary masterpiece to the neighborhood young man who also doubles as her teenage confidant. After dinner, Georgia will fantasize about a marriage to a handsome coworker named (played by LL Cool J) and assemble a scrapbook that symbolizes all of the “possibilities” that may occur in her life if she chooses to aggressively pursue them.

The first segment of film makes it clear that Georgia is not a “chance taker”. Her systemically boring life style tends to limit her chances to explore any professional or personal possibilities that may come her way. But an accidental bump on the head and the events following the bump on the head forces Georgia to take an inventory of her life and face each day with a zeal to make possibilities into realities.

The climax of every great romantic comedy is the moment where the major characters profess their undying love to one another or (at the very least) say the “L (love)” word. It is the moment of a film that raises the quality of the film to a higher emotional level. LL and Queen did not cross the vital line that invokes that magically level of passion in the audience and allow the viewer to feel the chemistry of the two stars. LL’s character flew across the globe and risked his life by walking to Georgia’s hotel, in the middle of a snow avalanche, to say “I got feelings for ya” -does not suffice. A wedding scene executed with conviction may have satisfied the afore mention quality.

Jay R Ell recommends Last Holiday for Queen Latifah who is creating a diverse and fun resume of films. We look forward to her projects.

Jay R Ell rating: **+

RMS

Wolf Creek (2005)

Genres: Suspense/Horror
Running Time: 95 min.
Release Date: December 25th, 2005 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for strong gruesome violence, and for language.
Distributors: The Weinstein Company

Starring: Cassandra Magrath, John Jarret, Kestie Morassi, Nathan Phillips, Andy McPhee Directed by: Greg McLean
Produced by: Greg McLean, David Lightfoot

The movie Wolf Creek is about 3 teenagers who travel to Western Australia in 1999.

Ben, Ann, and Christy are 3 teenagers who drive out to explore National Wolf Creek Park. The Park had a forest with unusual plants and trees and  after they were finish exploring the fascinating forestthey head to their car. The car was out of gas and they were stranded in the wilderness.

Later, a man in a truck came out and offered to help them by taking them to his place to repair their car. Initially, the teens felt very comfortable around the stranger. But soon their tranquility turns into fear as they discover that the man is a homicide killer. The trio gets separated as the teens try to flee from killer and the chase scenes begin.

This movie gets more interesting as it progressed. I enjoyed some of the chase scenes.

Jay R Ell Rating:*+

See you later, JR
 

Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005)

Distributor: Paramount Pictures
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, pervasive language, drug content, sexuality and nudity.
Release Date: November 9th, 2005 (wide)
Running Time: 2 hrs. 14 min.
Genres: Drama and Musical/Performing Arts

Starring: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson,  Joy Bryant, Terrence Dashon Howard, Bill Duke, Omar Benson Miller
Directed by:Jim Sheridan
Produced by:Van Toffler, David Gale, Jimmy Iovine

The movie “Get Rich or Die tryin” is a semi-biography about Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

The film begins with Marcus, played by Curtis “50 cent” Jackson, getting gunned down in the street. He then narrates a series flashbacks of his childhood. As a child, Marcus is always tape recording his song lyrics on his recorder. Curtis and his mother lived in a dangerous situation. She is a local drug dealer and the drug business is highly popular in Marcus’ Bronx neighborhood.

When Marcus is 13 years old, his mother is found burned to death. His grandparents struggle to raise him in a overcrowded house and a poverty stricken neighborhood. His grandparents are frustrated when  a high schooled aged Marcus is charged with carrying illegal drugs and put in jail.

Marcus spends the next few years in and out of prison but he never forgets about his dream to be a rapper. During one of his prison stands, he was almost stabbed to death in the shower until a prisoner name is Bama saved him. Bama and Marcus become good friends and Bama later becomes Marcus’s music manager.

The drug lords pursue Marcus and want him killed because he left the gang. Marcus has to choose between rapping about the drug boss or work for him again.

I recommend this movie because of the music and drama:***
Peace, JR
 

Two For The Money (2005)

Release Date: October 7th, 2005 (wide).
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language, a scene of sexuality and a violent act.
Distributor: Universal Pictures Distribution

Starring: Al Pacino , Matthew McConaughey, Rene Russo
Directed by: D.J. Caruso
Produced by: Jay Cohen, James G. Robinson, Dan Gilroy

When the film begins, Brandon is a young kid happily playing baseball with his father. His father abandons the family when Brandon is 10 years old. Years later, in high school, Brandon became a football star until an injury sidelined him and dashed his hopes of being a professional football player. Instead, Brandon is working at a 900 company giving out sports betting odds to gambling junkies.

One day while at work, Brandon gets a job offer of a lifetime. Walter Abrams, played by Al Pacino, offers Brandon a job setting the odds for a large wealthy firm. Walter charms Brandon in a paternal way while providing Brandon with a beautiful apartment, beautiful woman, a fancy sports car and all of the trappings of success that tend to be desired by a young rising executive. Walter renames Brandon “John Anthony” decides to make Brandon his protégé and jumpstarts his career by making him the star in an odd maker sports television show and promoting him in a full page newspaper ads. Brandon quickly rises to the top of the company amid the jealousy of those who have seniority over him.

Brandon soon realizes that Walter has a secret that is driving him and his company in a destructive direction. Walter has old demons that revisit him and drive his family and his company to the brink of destruction.

Brandon experiences a rags to riches life until his odd making prowess runs out and the large benefactors of Brandon’s winning streak now become the large losers of Brandon’s losing streak. The hostile losers now become predatory as they set out to hurt Brandon and his family because of Brandon’s erroneous betting odds. At this point, Brandon realizes that no amount of material possessions are worth endangering your life or the life of your loved ones. Brandon also realizes that peace of mind is priceless.

The cast is great and the film takes you on a roller coaster of emotions that culminate into a perfect ending.

Jay R Ell rating: **+

RMS

The Gospel (2005)

Running Time: 1 hr. 43 min.
Release Date: October 7th, 2005 (wide).
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements including suggestive material and mild language.
Distributor: Screen Gems


Starring: Boris Kodjoe, Idris Elba, Nona Gaye, Clifton Powell, Aloma Wright
Directed by: Rob Hardy
Produced by: Will Packer, William Packer, Holly Davis-Carter

The Gospel is the story of the a R & B singer who returns to his gospel roots after his father" who is a church Bishop takes ill.

The cast is wonderful and attractive.  The music is good. The characters do not incite the passion that the music evokes and, therefore, you are never emotionally attached to any one character in this film.

It should be said that when a charismatic gospel singer like Donnie McClurkin is in your cast, it is a sure bet that his audience would rather hear a "We Fall Down" ish gospel selection instead of "Ooo Ooo Child".  It would have been the icing on the cake.

The script does not develop an in-depth relationship with any of the characters and never gives the audience a reason to believe any of these characters:

What makes the Bishop so beloved that the community or congregation support