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Baadassss!
Baadassss! is an interesting examination of independent film making and a heartfelt salute to the directors father who was a pioneer in independent film making. This film definitely earns it's "R" rating, but has a compelling story that is made even more compelling by the fact that the film is made by the subject's son.
3 Stars Out of 5

Babel
Babel is a bloated anti-gun rant that is always painful, tense and relentlessly depressing.  The different story lines are contrived, and haphazardly edited together so you never really connect with any of them.  You'll leave this film thinking "Why did I subject myself to THAT?"  2 Stars Out of 5

Baby Mama - Universal - Rated PG-13
With the pregnant buddy film Baby Mama we finally get a comedy that is actually funny!  This estrogen festooned comedy had me laughing out loud with Saturday Night Live's Amy Poehler getting the big laughs.  The rest of the impressive cast also get their moments in the comedy sun with Steve Martin as a new age CEO giving the film more than a few belly-laughs.  Like birth, it's not always pretty, but Baby Mama is a sticky, messy bundle of joy!  4 Stars Out of 5
 
Bad Boys 2
 Bad Boys 2 is loud, excessively violent and two and a half hours long! It was so long I lost track of the body count! There are also some scenes that are in really bad taste, (actually, there are quite a few) but a few are are pretty funny…This earns every bit of it's R rating, and the bad moments outweigh the good ones.2 ½ Stars out of 5

Bad New Bears
Bad News Bears seems like a kid's movie, but it's not.  Not even close.  It is extraordinarily crass, politically incorrect, subversive, just plain wrong, and extremely funny.  The first half of the film shows Billy Bob Thornton at his best.  He's an ex pro ball player who is now a womanizing alcoholic exterminator roped into coaching a team of kids no one wants.  Greg Kinnear is a rival little league coach with a penchant for wearing shorts that are a bit too revealing.  The first two-thirds of the film are a laugh fest, while the last third goes a bit sappy and runs out of steam.  Don't take the kids, but this is a funny movie.  3 1/2 Stars out of 5
 
Bad Santa
With a name like Bad Santa you might not expect to see such a crass, vulgar movie with the name "Santa" in its title.  But this deserves every bit of its "R" rating.  That said, Billy Bob Thorton is dead-on-perfect as an alcoholic crook.  If your aren't offended by loads of swearing, sex and just gross humor, you'll laugh…hard!
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
 
Ballistic: Ecks Vs. Sever
This is an ill conceived mess of a film that has no story that I could find, but the producers must have thought that putting an explosion every minute or so would make up for it. Three quarters of the budget must have been spent on explosives! The director also must have thought that by posing his good looking stars, he could fill time, and we wouldn't notice that this is a bad film. Lucy Liu is constantly posing! Halfway through action sequences, they'd stop and pose for the camera. It is so dumb I found myself laughing out loud! This looks worse than a bad TV movie and is an assault on your intelligence.1 ½ Stars Out of 5

Balls of Fury
I counted 2 laughs in Balls of Fury that weren't in the trailer.  Oh wait, there weren't any in the trailer either.  This lame excuse for a sports - slash - kung fu comedy has a flimsy plot and flimsier jokes that all get caught in the net.  The hygiene-challenged star Dan Fogler just isn't funny, and no one else is either.  Even Christopher Walken, after the initial sight gags involving his costumes becomes stale, is laugh impaired.  It's hard to believe that this came from the same minds that brought us Reno 911!  Skip this ping pong match, these balls are deflated.  2 Stars Out of 5

The Band's Visit - Sony - Rated PG-13
The Band's Visit is a nice, small film about understanding each other despite cultural differences.  It's not filled with belly laughs, but is filled with a warmth and charm that make you smile.  It is a simple, human movie which shows that despite our differences, we aren't all that different.  3 ½ Stars Out of 5
 
The Banger Sisters
This movie tries to be quirky, but ends up being a somewhat funny, entertaining, heartwarming, chick flick that's a touch vulgar. Goldie Hawn still looks great at age 56, And it's fun seeing Susan Sarandon's real life daughter, Eva Amurri play her daughter in the film. She has a very funny scene, too. But Susan Sarandon's costume designer should be flogged.3 Stars Out of 5

The Bank Job - Lionsgate - Rated R
In The Bank Job it's hard to know who to root for because everybody is a bad guy.  The good guys are the bad guys, because they are the criminals and the good guys are crooked cops so they are the bad guys who are after the bad guyes that are really the good guys, and everything gets turned on its ear.  If that sounds convoluted, wait till you see it!  There are things to keep you involved but it does drag, and is only moderately entertaining.  2 ½ Stars Out of 5
 
The Barbarian Invasions
The Barbarian Invasions is a heart wrenching story about a father and the love of his son for him in his dying days.  It is done with warmth and compassion and is a gem that will cause you to greater appreciate the time you have with your family.
4 Stars Out of 5
 
Barbershop
This picture is long on laughs and big hearted. Cedric the Entertainer lives up to his name, providing the biggest laughs in the picture. I was really surprised to find this gem of a movie kind of buried with very little publicity. Ice Cube also stars and gives the soul to this wonderful film.3 ½ Stars Out of 5

Barbershop 2 Back In Business
I liked Barbershop.  It was original, snappy and sassy, and didn't care what anyone thought about it.  It got a lot of criticism from some groups for it's comments on Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King. It seems like the criticism worked. Barbershop 2 Back In Business is a pale, tired imitation of the first movie without the snap and none of the sass.  I was disappointed.
2 ½  Stars Out of 5

The Barnyard: The Original Party Animals
I'm still trying to figure out why male cattle are called cows in The Barnyard: The Original Party Animals.  More disturbing than that, why do the males have udders?  It's obvious the film makers have never actually stepped into a real barnyard, and they never learned the basics of biology 101.  It's a movie that does have a good message about taking responsibility, and there are some scary parts might upset the real little ones, but this is a confused load of bull.  3 Stars Out of 5
 
Basic
This seems like your fairly basic "murder in the military" type movie, but about two thirds through starts twisting ever so slightly and building until it whomps you over the head. John Travolta and Connie Nielsen are the focus of this movie with Harry Connick Jr. being wasted, and less so, Samuel L. Jackson.3 ½ Stars Out of 5

Basic Instinct 2
Sharon Stone can be a good actress.  But she over does it in Basic Instinct 2. She plays her part like it's a parody of the original.  She also looks like she's been engaging in way too much plastic surgery and too much air brushed make up.  The film is lurid but not sexy.  For an erotic thriller it's not very erotic, and not too thrilling.  1 Star Out of 5

Batman Begins
This is a drastic departure from the previous Batman films.  This is edgier and darker, with much less camp and more brooding.  We follow young Bruce Wayne from childhood and through a rather long sequence where he tries to find himself.  This sequence could have been shortened significantly and improved the film.  After the first hour goes by, the movie finally kicks in and gets with the story.  The cast is for the most part very good, with Christian Bale an excellent choice for Batman, great performances from Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman also add a lot to the film.  But Katie Holmes is a victim of miscasting.  I never believed she was a tough DA.  She's just too nice and sweet for that.  But Batman fans can return to the multiplex with great expectations, this Batman is very good. 
4 Stars Out of 5
 
Be Cool
In Be Cool, John Travolta is the ultimate cool and Uma Thurman is fun in this sub-par sequel to Get Shorty.   That movie had some real flair, was punchy, edgy, and funny.  Be cool is content to recycle all of the jokes, and reveals a mushy, flabby, homogenized plot that starts to drag, and then wears on you.  Travolta and Thurman even dance together again.  But that sequence is much too long and has none of the spark that their dance sequence did in Pulp Fiction.  The highlights for me were: the very funny performance by The Rock.  He steals every scene he's in; and rising star Christina Milian has a nice screen presence and a terrific singing voice.   
3 Stars Out of 5

Be Kind Rewind - New Line - Rated PG-13
Be Kind Rewind has a few sparks of fun between Jack Black's relentless mugging for the camera.  It has a ridiculous plot that you need to be mind numbed to accept.  At times, it almost seems like there is no script.  Mos Def turns in a performance that makes one wonder what he could do in a real movie…one that didn't cost $1.59 to produce.  2 Stars Out of 5

Beautyshop
Beautyshop is not as bad as I thought it would be…it's not as good as I had hoped either.  There's not much of a plot here.  It's the female version of Barbershop, and it doesn't vary much from that movie's formula.  Queen Latifah carries the movie, as the owner of the beauty salon, and she does it quite well.  But some of the other performances weren't so great.  Alicia Silverstone's southern accent was hokey.  Alfre Woodard was over the top in her Maya Angelou quoting version of Cedric the Entertainer, and Kevin Bacon was entertaining but a little too much as his eurotrash haircutter.  The movie leaves too many loose ends…it's almost like the opening episode of a serial.  We all know the producers hope it's a set-up for many more sequels. 
3 Stars Out of 5

Because I Said So
I usually like Diane Keaton.  But her performance in Because I Said So is so over the top I could barely stand to watch!  Mandy Moore's acting is amateurish at best.  I was embarrassed for both of them.  Stay away from this whiny, unfunny, poorly directed, poorly written and slapped together mess.  1 ½  Stars Out of 5
 
Because of Winn Dixie
Because of Winn Dixie is a heartfelt audience pleaser.  It's a wonderful and quirky family film.  It introduces us to a terrific young actress, Annasophia Robb, who plays the main character in the movie.  She is really good.  It was also nice to see Cicely Tyson in this film.  She once again shows us what great acting is all about.  Because of Winn Dixie has family values for a change, and it'll just make you feel good.  Don't miss it. 
4 Stars Out of 5

Bee Movie - Dreamworks - Rated PG
Jerry Seinfeld's Bee Movie is very punny - notice I said punny and not funny.  The puns come fast and furious, but strangely, the laughs are completely missing.  The movie, for the most part is bland and boring - not that there's anything wrong with that…unless, of course, you're an audience.  The kids in the audience were squirmy, fidgety and talky and the adults were nodding off.  The only thing that kept me awake was the irritating high pitched voice Seinfeld put on for his character.  It really became grating after awhile.  He supposedly worked on this movie for four years, Hey, Jerry?  What's the deal?  2 Stars Out of 5

Beerfest
No doubt about it, Beerfest is a guy movie.  It's got beer, breasts and more beer.  Oh, and lots of beer.  It has so much beer drinking my liver hurt just watching it!  Another thing it's got is laughs.  The Broken Lizard Comedy Troupe has redeemed themselves from their last movie, the horrible Club Dread, and produces a movie that's a bit more on par with their best and funniest, Super Troopers.  This will probably do much better after it comes out on DVD when viewers of the film can actually drink beer while they watch it without sneaking it into the theater.  3 ½ Stars Out of 5

Before Sunset
After the opening scene of Before Sunset, this movie consists of a single conversation between the two stars who revisit characters played nine years earlier in Before Sunrise. One conversation…as they walk through the streets of Paris. Oh, and they go to a restaurant and talk and get on a boat and talk. If you like talking you might like this movie. I like a movie with something more than talking…like maybe something happening…a story perhaps.
2 Stars Out of 5
 
Before The Devil Knows You're Dead - Thinkfilm - Rated R
Sidney Lumet's latest film shows that at age 83, he's still got what it takes to make a brilliant and harrowing tale that digs down deep into the dark side of human nature.  Before The Devil Knows You're Dead features a great script, and some terrific acting from Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marrisa Tomei and Albert Finney.  It is a devastating portrait of a family shattered by greed.  4 ½ Stars Out of 5

Being Julia
Annette Benning is radiant and spectacular in Being Julia. It may well earn her an Oscar nomination. She plays her stage actress character with an almost over the top energy that steals the movie in every regard. She so outshines the rest of the cast, you almost don't notice them, which is the strength of the film as well as its flaw.
4 Stars Out of 5

The Benchwarmers
The Benchwarmers is a kind of an old guy "Bad News Bears" but not as funny.  There are loads of gross out jokes that range from nose picking to just about every other bodily function or secretion.  Some work, but most get tired fast.  It's not as bad as I thought it would be.  There are some good laughs.  But there is too much product placement, and, most disturbing, is a scene which revels in the joy of drive-by mailbox bashing led by Reggie Jackson.  It should increase the popularity of that particular form of vandalism.  If this happens to you, the negligent producers should be billed.  3 Stars Out of 5


Bend It Like Beckham
Bend It Like Beckham perfectly and exuberantly portrays the human spirit and is absolutely delightful! The stars are mostly unknowns in this country, but are magnetic and, along with an absolutely fabulous screenplay, make this film one not to miss!  4 ½ Stars Out of 5

Beowulf - Warner Brothers / Paramount - Rated PG-13
Beowulf at times looks so real, it is spooky.  And other times it is quite artificial.  The stunning visuals and 3-D effects keep you interested in a slightly less than great story.  And when things begin to lag, here comes a naked Angelina Jolie.  For that, this gets 3 ½ Stars Out of 5

Beyond Borders
Beyond Borders is like a soap opera…it's As The World Turns in refugee camps. The movie wants you to feel sorry for the poor little rich girl who tries to help the world with her guilty compassion. But this movie doesn't draw you in to the characters or the story. And when the romance between her and the angry, brash doctor is foisted upon us, we hardly believe it. By the time it got to the conclusion, I found myself asking why I wasted my time on this lumbering melodrama…so you don't have to.
2 Stars Out of 5

The Big Bounce
Owen Wilson is one of those actors who can make a bad movie seem better.  He always seems to make things interesting.  Morgan Freeman also has this quality.  With both of them in The Big Bounce, you'd think you'd have a winner.  You don't.  In this film, there aren't many laughs or thrills.  While it is pleasant, it just kind of meanders it's way around, eventually getting to the conclusion. 3 Stars Out of 5

Big Fish
Big Fish is a tall tale told in typical Tim Burton style with some sentimental stuff thrown in for good measure.  This is a whimsical film with good performances.  But just try to figure out that ending…
4 Stars Out of 5

Big Momma's House 2
I hated Big Momma's House 2.  This film finds getting a Chihuahua drunk on tequila funny.  I guess they didn't know that alcohol can be deadly to dogs.  But worse than that, there isn't a single laugh in it.   If you've ever had a root canal, that was funnier than this movie.  Ingrown toenails, strep throat and road rash are too.  The only one laughing here is Martin Lawrence - all the way to the bank because he duped people into going to another one of his movies.  1 ½ Stars Out of 5
 
Biker Boyz
I would have loved to have been in the planning session for this movie… "Hey lets make a movie just like The Fast and The Furious but on motorcycles…Oh, and lets make this one really lame!" What were they thinking?  1 ½ Stars Out of 5

The Black Dahlia
The Black Dahlia is another film noir style Hollywood murder mystery.  But this time the actual event takes a back seat to a fictional love triangle simply set against the backdrop of the real life crime.  I felt somewhat cheated.  I wanted this to be about the actual Black Dahlia crime, not just reference it.  It's got some style, but the actors are poorly directed and Josh Hartnett fares the worst, although no one really looks all that good, and some, I'm sure are embarrassed!   2 ½ Stars Out of 5

Black Snake Moan
Black Snake Moan is an odd movie.  Christina Ricci creates a character that is sexy yet at the same time pathetic.  She is a nymphomaniac who spends most of the movie chained up and in various stages of undress.  Samuel L. Jackson is the one who has the key and tries to redeem her.  The movie's theme is redemption, and there is enough to go around for everyone in this very unusual, yet entertaining and touching film.
4 Stars Out of 5
 
Blade Trinity
Blade Trinity is clearly the weakest of the three Blade films. The series has run its course, and is out of steam. Wesley Snipes looks bored most of the time, and the infusion of new characters, while it helps a little, doesn't do enough to lift this movie to the level of the first two. Everything seems a bit rehashed, there are a lot of loose ends, and what is supposed to be the big grand finale, disappoints. It's not horrible, but just doesn't have the teeth of the first two.
3 Stars Out of 5

Blades of Glory
Will Ferrell's latest sports comedy after conquering soccer and NASCAR is Blades of Glory.  Do you hate to laugh?  If you do, avoid Blades of Glory at ALL costs.  That's all I did!  Some of the effects that paste the faces of the actors on skaters doubling the moves for them is cheesy, but that's just a minor problem.  This has loads of laughs and sight gags, like when the skaters always wear their costumes -  even off the ice.  It's very very funny. Besides, when a movie describes one of its characters as an "ice devouring sex tornado" you know it's got to be good!  4 Stars Out of 5

Blood and Chocolate
Here's the plot for Blood and Chocolate:  boy meets hot werewolf who works in chocolate shop, boy falls for werewolf, boy loses werewolf, boy get's werewolf again.  Yep…This hideously bad acted, poorly written, cheesy snoozer is a howler and is the worst film so far this year.  ½ Star Out of 5

Blood Diamond
Aside from Leonardo DeCaprio's silly accent, Blood Diamond is an outstanding film.  Djimon Hounsou may very well get an Oscar nomination for his terrific performance.  The film is very haunting, with images of murderous child soldiers that are so intense that I had nightmares after watching it.  It sticks with you.  4 Stars Out of 5

Bloodrayne
Bloodrayne is surprisingly good.  I expected to hate it, but with lots of blood and babes, it ends up being a decent vampire movie.  It's campy, but is one of the better transitions from videogame to movie.  3 Stars Out of 5

Blood Work
Blood Work is intelligent, suspenseful and very, very cool. This has a clever plot that draws you in and spins you along with its twists... Clint Eastwood is aging like fine wine. The great supporting cast includes Jeff Daniels, and, watch for a cameo by Clint's wife, Dina. (she's a reporter) Paul Rodriques also co-stars and provides the only irritant (stick to stand-up, Paul).4 ½ Stars Out of 5

Blue Crush
There's actually a lot to like about this movie. The look of the film is amazing, The surfing is awesome...The guys will like the bikinis...It's just too bad the other stuff in the movie isn't so good. Like the acting and story. It did keep me involved to a point, but was very predictable.2 1/2 Stars Out of 5
 
Boat Trip
Boat Trip is jam-packed with stereotypes that are supposed to take the place of real jokes. This movie is short on laughs and long on embarrassment. Cuba Gooding Jr's choices in comedic roles lately has been to move from one bomb to another. It wasn't too long ago that he was an Oscar winner. But you wouldn't know it from this. Seeing former James Bond, Roger Moore trying to seduce Horacio Sanz using his breakfast food is something…well lets just say that some things are better left unseen.  2 Stars Out of 5

Bobby
Bobby is huge in scope - maybe too huge.  With 22 characters and all of their related plot lines, some work and some don't.  Ashton Kutcher, Lindsay Lohan and Elijah Wood are on the side that doesn't work, while William H Macy, and Sharon Stone are great.  I really liked Freddy Rodriquez, who shines as the true life character who finds himself with the dying senator.  The film is a bit distracted with some of the story threads, but for the most part, it works.  3 ½ Stars Out of 5
 
Bobby Jones - Stroke of Genius
I'm not sure if star Jim Caviezel was sleeping or if it was just me.  He's so low key and expressionless, he's almost a mannequin.  Malcom McDowall's sportswriter gives the film a little life.  But costars Claire Forlani and Aidan Quinn are wasted in parts that wouldn't be missed if they weren't there.  The history that the movie is based on is exciting, but this film is as bland as they get. 
2 Stars Out of 5
 
Bon Voyage
Bon Voyage is a brilliant engrossing movie that has a great story and is hugely entertaining.   It is very well written and acted, and has many ingenious plot twists that keep you guessing and involved.  This isn't so much a laugh out loud comedy, but it is extremely amusing.  It's the most enjoyable French film since "Amelie." 
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
 
Boogeyman
Boogeyman starts out great for the first third of the film.  It's got lots of jumps, and scares, and it's interesting, but then it suddenly runs out of steam.  It drags on for the second third, while in the last third, there is more boogey-or is that booger.  Loose ends flail about and the cheesy computer generated special effects quickly take the film into stupidity. 
2 Stars Out of 5

Borat
Borat is both horrifying and side splitting at the same time. This documentary style film is a sort of hybrid Candid Camera with the character Borat played by Sasha Baron Cohen as chief instigator.  He is amazing.  He gets into situation after situation with real life people and never breaks character.  And he'll do anything for a laugh (and I mean ANYTHING!)  Beware!  This is not for kids or many adults!  It contains full frontal male nudity and something to offend just about everyone…or at least make you squeamish.  But it is also very smart.  I seldom stopped laughing!  Borat is the funniest film I've seen in a long time!  And it's one I'll see again.  4 ½ stars Out of 5

Born Into Brothels
Born Into Brothels is fairly well made and well intentioned.  Yes, I know it won the Oscar for Best Documentary.  But I wasn't as impressed as the Academy voters were.  I do feel for the plight of the children born to prostitutes in India.  I am grateful for the film makers for trying to help them (ultimately only two of the children were helped.)  But I came away from the film kind of empty: feeling sorry for the kids, but not terribly impressed with the film.
3 Stars Out of 5

The Bourne Identity
A solid performance by Matt Damon is the highlight of this very enjoyable spy thriller. Lots of intrigue and twists and turns. This one keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.4 stars Out of 5

The Bourne Supremacy
The Bourne Supremacy is shot mostly with hand held cameras. This effect is overdone and proves a huge distraction to the film. I found myself getting worn out by it. However, this does, in the end, prove a worthy sequel filled with action and intrigue. Matt Damon impressed me. He is maturing as an actor. Joan Allen as always, also delivers a great performance.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5

(Bourne Ultimatum - Universal - Rated PG-13)
The Bourne Ultimatum us the third in the series and is an exciting, tense action film full of sweaty palm moments.  It is a terrific film that is as good, maybe better than the first two films, which you need to see before watching it. 
4 Stars Out of 5

The Boys and Girl from County Claire
The Boys and Girl from County Claire has some great music, but is weighed down by a predictable plot and a very weak performance from Andrea Corr from the musical group The Corrs.  Sure, she's eye candy, but she has the acting range of  pint of warm Guiness.  The film is enjoyable enough, but go for the music. 
3 Stars Out of 5

The Brave One
Cross Death Wish with Taxi Driver and you are pretty close to The Brave One.  The story contains many flaws including a ridiculous ending that had me howling!  What rescues this film are the great performances from Jodie Foster and Terrance Howard.  They make it watchable.  I thought much less of the film than of their performances.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5

Breach
Breach is a finely crafted true story about America's worst traitor.    Chris Cooper's performance is amazing and creepy.  The film isn't gimmicky or flashy, just solid storytelling that is completely engrossing.  3 ½ Stars Out of 5

The Break Up
I like Vince Vaughn.  I like Jennifer Aniston.  In The Break Up, neither of them is really all that likable.  I never believed they were ever a couple, (even though they might really be)  I laughed a lot less than I hoped and found myself squirming in my seat for large portions during very uncomfortable arguments as they scream, argue and snarl at each other.  The Break Up proved less of a comedy and a whole lot less romantic than most romantic comedies.  This proves to be a muddled, sour and unpleasant non-date movie.  2 1/2 Stars Out of 5

Breakin' All The Rules
Breakin' All The Rules tries to be a hip, smart comedy but fails.  It thinks drunk-dog jokes are funny.  The cast is quite talented, Jamie Foxx and Gabrielle Union give it their best shot, but even they can't elevate this film above mediocre sit-com humor.  And Peter MacNicol's performance is just plain irritating…
2 Stars Out of 5

Bridge To Terabithia
The ad campaign makes Bridge to Terabithia look like another Narnia or Lord of the Rings.  It's not.  It's about friendship and imagination and is beautiful and unexpected.  But here's a word of warning.  It takes a very sad turn that will make you cry.  Anna Sophia Robb is especially wonderful but the rest of the cast is also terrific.  It's a family film that is more than just popcorn fare…it'll spur some great family discussion. 4 Stars Out of 5
 
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
I liked Bridget Jones Diaries. But Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason is a stale rehash of the first film. It's more of the same but doesn't have the sense of fun and originality that the first film had. It would be better named Bridget Jones: Autopilot.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5

Bringing Down The House
Bringing Down The House is a flawed but funny comedy that should have been better than it is. That said, Steve Martin is a truly gifted comic who in this film comes close to some of his earlier hilarious film appearances, and the performance by Queen Latifah is uneven but confident. The two do strike a cord of chemistry, though. Eugene Levy is underused and steals most every scene he's in. But I did laugh and give Bringing Down the House.   3 ½ Stars Out of 5.

Brokeback Mountain
I know everyone seems to be very impressed with Brokeback Mountain.  I couldn't figure out why.  It is the first mainstream Hollywood movie to feature a gay relationship.  But does that warrant the heaps of praise it has been getting?  Oh it has some nice scenery, and some interesting direction. And there are some very explicit lovemaking scenes between Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.  But I watched it with the mindset, everything else being equal, if it featured a heterosexual relationship instead would it garner the praise it has?  No.  It wouldn't.  As it is, I found it boring and could barely stomach it.  2 Stars Out of 5

Broken Lizard's Club Dread
Broken Lizard's Club Dread is disappointing.  I liked their last movie, Super Troopers.  This time the comedy troupe Broken Lizard went for genuine scares mixed with jokes and it doesn't work.  It's not scary and it's not all that funny.  There are brief flashes of fun, like the Jimmy Buffett like character called Coconut Pete who's big hit song is Pina Coladaberg and still is angry about Margaritaville ripping him off.  But the flashes are too brief and the movie is almost as stoned as Coconut Pete.
2 Stars Out of 5
 
Broken Wings
Broken Wings is a sad film that packs an emotional wallop…it tells the story of a family dealing with the death of their father, and their inability to cope nine months later. The characters are rich, and story is absorbing.  It is easy to see why this film won so many Israeli Academy Awards.  I liked this film very much.
4 Stars Out of 5
 
Brother Bear
Brother Bear stands out for many reasons. It's a beautiful film with great backgrounds and superb animation. The music by Phil Collins is terrific and adds much atmosphere and emotional punch. It's got a nice mix of spirituality and story with great humor especially from Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis reprising their Bob and Doug Mackenzie characters this time as two moose brothers Rutt and Tuke. The anti-hunting message might be something to explain to young viewers, but overall, the family will like Brother Bear.
4 Stars Out of 5

The Brothers Grimm
The Brothers Grimm has a good cast with a director known for his genius, and awesome sets.  That's the good part.  Most of the film is the bad part.  The special effects look like they were done by a 12 year old on a home computer.  But more bothersome that that is it feels like huge sections of the movie were cut out.  This makes it very difficult to get involved with, and very difficult to follow.  This shows fleeting moments of greatness, but they are quickly tossed aside for more disjointed muddle.  2 ½ Stars Out of 5

The Brothers Solomon
The Brothers Solomon is a Dumb and Dumber meets Knocked Up wannabe.  But it pales in comparison to both of those vastly superior comedies.  For one thing they are funny!   This one - not funny.  An extraordinarily grating performance from Will Arnett really made me hate his character, and pretty much everything else in this movie.  The film is chock full of weird, forced jokes that fall flat, terrible writing, woefully horrible direction, and many more things that make this movie such an embarrassing flop.  If I were responsible for The Brothers Solomon, I'd begin planning for my future in the fast food industry.  One scene examines the contents of a baby's diaper.  In it, I think they found this movie.  1 ½ Stars Out of 5

Brown Sugar
Brown Sugar was produced by Magic Johnson. This is a hip hop romantic comedy that relies too much on formula. We know pretty much from the first five minutes of the film how it's going to end. But it's smart, funny, warm and appealing and that's good enough for 3 Stars Out of 5

Bruce Almighty
Bruce Almighty is much, much better that I anticipated on all levels. I expected a very funny comedy. I got loads and loads of laughs. I didn't expect it to be a heartwarming and even inspirational film. Jim Carrey is really a master of comedy, but also puts heart and emotion into his character. Morgan Freeman is the only actor that could play God in this film and he is perfect. If you want to laugh, if you want your heart warmed, and if you want a superb, wonderful movie-going experience, go see Bruce Almighty.4 ½ Stars Out of 5

The Bucket List - Warner Brothers - Rated PG-13
Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are at their best in The Bucket List.  It's a feel good story about two men who are dying, and the things they do after they become friends and before they kick the bucket.  Yes, a feel good movie.  That is mostly due to the performances of the two leads.  The script has a few problems as it degrades somewhat into a buddy road trip movie, and the ending, well, lets just say it really wants you to grab the kleenex.  But the problems don't outweigh the good things about The Bucket List.  3 ½ Stars Out of 5


Bug Bug is an odd examination of obsession, conspiracy theories, and insanity.  Ashley Judd looking more un-glamorous than ever before gives a performance that shows what a fine actress she can be if only given the right part.    Unfortunately, despite its very good performances, the film itself is a flawed, strange and unsatisfying journey into weirdness.  2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Bulletproof Monk
Bulletproof Monk is based on a little known three-issue comic book series, and should have stayed there. Chow Yun Fat has a terrific screen presence, but he should be doing movies much better than this. Seann William Scott and Jaime King go thru the motions here, making the best of a stupid pseudo-spiritual plot, and too many computer-enhanced wire stunts. The combination makes for Hong Kong Fooey…2 Stars Out of 5

The Butterfly Effect
The Butterfly Effect is one of those movies that you will hate unless you check your brain at the door.  The movie's whole premise is completely ridiculous.  That said, I did find myself kind of enjoying the movies many twists and turns.  And while he's no dramatic genius, Ashton Kutcher proves he's ready to take on some meatier roles.
3 Stars Out of 5