Movie Review
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16 Blocks
Bruce Willis and Mos Def are both pretty good in 16 Blocks. Willis really looks the part of a washed up, out of shape, alcoholic cop. He gives an unusual and interesting performance. This is an involving and enjoyable action film that has a somewhat predictable end. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
17 Again - Warner Brothers - Rated PG-13
17 Again borrows from It's a Wonderful Life, Back to the Future, Big and a number of other films as it showcases Zac Efron and his abs. We're forced to believe that Zac grows up to look like a puffy Matthew Perry. We know life is hard and all, but is it really that hard? Fortunately, Bill Murray's brother plays a janitor-slash-angel and turns him back into Zac Efron where he promptly takes his shirt off much to the delight of the teen girls and cougars in the audience. Like in his previous films, Zac still plays basketball and dances, but this time he actually shows some acting chops! 3 stars Out of 5
The Saddest Music In the World
The Saddest Music In the World is a very odd film that will appeal only to a very select few adventurous souls. It succeeds for the most part in the look of a late 20's or early 30's film. It's so realistic, at times I thought old stock footage was being used - it wasn't. It does have a few inspired moments…especially a few involving one of the main character's beer filled glass legs. One man I talked to after the film said it was the worst film he'd ever seen. I don't agree, but be forewarned…it is a strange, bizarre movie.
3 Stars Out of 5
Sahara
Sahara by first time director and son of Disney chief Michael Eisner, Breck Eisner, is much too long. There is lots of flab especially in the first two thirds of the movie. It drags and drags to the point of boredom. But then the last third of the film kicks in and we have a pretty good ending. The three stars, Matthew McConneghey, Penelope Cruz and Steve Zahn, are OK, but weak direction handicaps them, especially the comic lines by the usually hilarious Steve Zahn who seems to lose all the punch in the punch lines. This is an Indiana Jones wanna-be. It's not as good, but it is kinda fun.
3 Stars Out of 5
Salt - Sony - Rated PG-13
A sinewy Angelina Jolie is tough as nails in the action packed Salt. This was originally supposed to be a Tom Cruise vehicle, and I'm glad it's not. She is perfectly cast as a CIA operative who may have a secret. This is a rollicking tale with enough twists and turns for an amusement park ride. It's a very good popcorn movie that's worth every bit of its salt. 4 Stars Out of 5
Sanctum - Universal - Rated R
After seeing Sanctum, I think I'll take cave diving off of my list of things to do, along with watching Sanctum again. It's got mediocre acting, but acting isn't the point with this film. It's the beautiful, dizzying 3-D, and the claustrophobic feeling of dread. It's awe inspiring but exhausting! At the end I felt like I was dragged through a wringer, crushed under the weight of several boulders, washed away in a torrential downpour, and generally abused in ways too graphic to mention, but all involving my sanctum. 3 1/2 Stars Out of 5
The Santa Clause 2
The Santa Clause 2 is even better than the original. It is a very funny, sweet movie, with lots of action that kids and parents will love. Tim Allen is wonderful in his dual roles as Santa, and as the maniacal, evil, toy Santa. This is a never dull, fun movie-going experience for the whole family. The Santa Clause 2 is an absolute delight!4 Stars Out of 5
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Laughs are absent in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. It is a strained, forced and bloated film with none of the charm of the first two movies. I was looking forward to the pairing of Tim Allen and Martin Short, but Allen is on autopilot and Short is just irritating. This film is like opening your presents on Christmas morning only to find out they were all just wrapping paper and bows. It's just the trash with no presents. That's this movie. Just trash. 2 stars Out of 5
Sarah Landon and the Paranormal Hour - Freestyle Releasing - Rated PG
In the extremely low budget Sarah Landon and the Paranormal Hour, the actors look like the film makers hired their neighbors to act. This movie has some of the worst acting I've ever seen in a movie! It also contains some very bad direction and klunky editing. It should have been called Sarah Landon and the Amateur Hour…1 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Savages - Fox Searchlight - Rated R
The Savages features magnificent performances from the amazing Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Linney and Phillip Bosco in an extraordinarily well written film about a difficult subject that is approached with a touch of warmth and lots of sharp, bittersweet gallows humor. This dysfunctional family story is unsentimental, sometimes funny, and very good. 4 Stars Out of 5
Saved
Saved points out the hypocrisy that is sometimes present in religion with a sharp sense of humor that is sometimes uncomfortable to watch, but is often funny. Ultimately the film sends mixed signals, but the very good cast keeps it from going too far into ridiculous parody or a mean spirited lampoon.
3 Stars Out of 5
Saw
Saw is unique and disturbing, brutal and imaginative. If you are a fan of horror/gore movies, you'll like this. It's not just another formula slasher movie where one by one people get knocked off. There are some scenes that will make you gag, and cringe, but this ends up being a fairly intelligent film that keeps you guessing. Overall, the acting isn't all that great, and it's the second movie in a row where Danny Glover has been really bad.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Saw II
If you are a horror fan, then you have seen Saw. It was imaginative and original. Saw II on the other hand isn't quite so original or quite so imaginative. But it's still a (excuse the pun) cut above any of the recent horror flicks out there. There is more brilliant deviant depravity, and more of Jigsaw than the first, which is the film's strength. He is riddled with cancer, and still creepier than any villain since Hannibal Lechter. If you liked the first, you'll like the sequel. 3 Stars Out of 5
Saw III
Saw III takes its audience into the base elements of humanity. Devoid of any scares, it's not as imaginative as the first or even the second. This is brutal and grotesque, but feels more lurid and disgusting than the first two. There is less imagination and story and really wants to just get to the gore. More disturbing, this has a voyeuristic feel to it, almost pornographic in its torture, and sinks more to the level of a snuff film. 2 Stars Out of 5
Saw IV - Lionsgate - Rated R
What started off as a smart and interesting premise in the first of the series has declined with each subsequent offering, and has hit rock bottom in the incomprehensible Saw IV. This features a ludicrous, cobbled together story that pops characters in and out before you know who they are! I came, I saw, I scratched my head. Like Jigsaw, this film is Dead on Arrival. 2 Stars Out of 5
Saw V - Lionsgate - Rated R
Saw V has flashbacks…lots of flashbacks. Then there are some more flashbacks…Jigsaw is dead you see, but his malice lingers on - in flashbacks. This film gives us a behind the scenes look at jigsaw and his techniques in a paint by numbers, rote sort of way recalling all of the previous movies. Then almost as an afterthought, there are the new victims, who like in the TV show Survivor… will get voted off of life. But there is no suspense and no scares. Movie franchises age worse than dog years, and Saw V is about 125 years old now. Time to put it out to pasture. or did that already happen and this is just a flashback? 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Saw VI - Lionsgate - Rated R
If it's Halloween, I'm sorry to say, there must be another Saw sequel. Jigsaw has been dead for some time, but he must have had a huge list of people to knock off as he continues doing so from the grave. With this sequel, the people who are tested-slash-killed are evil predatory loan officers and a slimy health insurance administrator who prides himself in denying coverage to those who need it. Apparently, Jigsaw is also working for the Obama administration. 1 star Out of 5
Saw 3-D - Lionsgate - Rated R
How do you like your entrails? If the answer is flying at you, then Saw 3-D might be for you. The splatter of internal organs comes fast and furious at various points, while the rest of the 3-D isn't so great. It combines the Saw films greatest hits with a bland, not-so-inventive new storyline and tosses in a halfway decent twist ending that wraps up the series some but also leaves it open for another sequel. Not the worst of the series, but this sadistic torture porn Saw-horse is clearly too long in the tooth, is hobbled and needs to be put down. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Scary Movie 3
Scary Movie 3 isn't scary except for the shear number of laughs present as the movie roars through its spoofs on The Ring, Signs, 8 Mile, The Matrix and a sprinkling of several others. It's gross, and it's outrageous (although not as outrageous as the first two.) If you want to laugh, you will at Scary Movie 3.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Scary Movie 4
Scary Movie 4 is a worthy addition to the series. If you liked the first three, you'll love this, but it might help to first see The Village, The Grudge, Saw and War of The Worlds so you get the parody. There are a few misfires, but most of the jokes work and are at the expense of Tom Cruise. The end features his famous couch jumping scene on the Oprah show. But I think the real thing was funnier. 4 Stars Out of 5
School for Scoundrels
For a movie to really work, you have to believe it. School for Scoundrels is never quite believable. It crosses over to the absurd almost immediately and never really finds its bearings. Jon Heder is a nerd. OK, I can believe that. But paying 5000 dollars to go to a school to have Billy Bob Thorton lecture about taking what you want and lie and fight to get it, not so much. That said, the film does have its moments and there are more than a few laughs, in this competitive, revenge farce. 3 Stars Out of 5
School of Rock
The School of Rock stars Jack Black in a role that was written for him. He has never really been given a chance to let loose and show the world what he could do until this film. No one else could have done what he accomplishes here. He gives a dynamic performance that is filled with warmth and tons of laughs. This is definitely one of the funniest films this year.4 Stars Out of 5
Scooby Doo
The highlight of this film is a flatulation contest, so you know things are pretty bad. I liked the cartoon as a kid...But the only thing I liked about the movie was Matthew Lillard's dead-on impersonation of Shaggy. Scooby Doo is a dog. My kids liked it a little better...but not much.2 stars out of 5
Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
If you liked the first, you'll probably like the second. I hated the first, and I hated the second. It's not as bad as say, Cat In the Hat which was truly horrific. But I'm alarmed at the trend of what is passing for family entertainment. Lots of eye candy, colorful sets, and special effects, but no plot, bad computer animation, and plenty of potty humor. At one point in the movie some protesters rename Mystery Inc into Mystery Stink. Yup, it's scooby poo.
1 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Scream 4 - Dimension Films - Rated R
Scream 4 has a fun, self aware opening, but then quickly falls into the same formula as the first three films. This one does keep you guessing, but has few actual scares. If you liked the first three, it's kind of fun. This didn't produce any actual screams from me, but I did give it a jaunty exclamation. 3 1/2 Stars Out of 5
The Sea Inside
Javier Bardem deserves the acclaim he is getting for his performance in The Sea Inside. The film brings up an uncomfortable subject. Just when does a person have the right to die? This is a true story, and is not easy to watch. But I wondered why this man was so intent on killing himself, when he had so much yet to offer. I don't think the film delved into that deep enough.
3 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Seabiscuit
Seabiscuit is easily the best major release of the summer. Perfect casting superb acting from everyone in the cast, along with exciting action make for a great film. But this has several layers. There's the historic backdrop of the true story during the depression. Add the wonderfully written screenplay and beautifully shot cinematography. But most of all, there's an incredibly inspirational message that will win your heart and your mind for a long time to come. This is a film you'll want to see again and again. I do.5 Stars Out of 5
Season of the Witch - Relativity Media - Rated PG-13
If it's January, it means another bad movie for Nicolas Cage, and another bad hairstyle. He is becoming the bad hair king of bad movies! Season of the Witch features a few cheap jumps, and awkward direction and editing. Nic is supposed to be a medieval killing machine. I just find that hilarious! Cage is to killing machine what Paris Hilton is to chastity. A decade or so into his carnage, he develops a conscience and along with his buddy Ron Perlman, he's tapped to transport the witch who is supposedly responsible for the plague to an abbey. So this becomes a supernatural buddy road trip. It is also a real yawner, as everyone onscreen sleeps their way through the film, that ends in a bunch of indecipherable computer generated blah…January and Nicolas Cage…the season of the rhymes with witch. 1 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Secondhand Lions
In Secondhand Lions Haley Joel Osment's a bit squeeky, the movie's a little bit sappy at the end, but this is a family friendly film that features strong performances by Robert Duvall and Michael Caine.3 Stars Out of 5
The Secret in Their Eyes - Sony - Rated R
2009's Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film, The Secret in Their Eyes
starts out slow, with mostly a lot of talking for the first hour or so, and since it's in Spanish, you'd better know the language or read the subtitles fast. When it finally kicks in there is plenty of action along with an interesting story with plenty of twists and turns and a little romance to keep you interested. What's the secret? That this is a very good film! 4 Stars Out of 5
Secret Things
Secret Things is a tawdry movie that midway through shows promise, but then decays into a porn flick…
1 Star Out of 5
Secret Window
Secret Window is a pretty good film. And it's all because of Johnny Depp. His performance turns what might have been a mediocre film at best into something that is riveting and extraordinarily watchable. He makes you watch his every move. Steven King's story has enough twists and clues along the way to make it a lot of fun. 4 Stars Out of 5
Secretariat - Disney - Rated PG
Secretariat is another inspirational sports movie that gives us…real inspiration! And that is just so darn…inspirational. This oh-so-plucky film has the standard inspirational sports movie plot, but also has the wonderful Diane Lane and John Malkovich, who help turn it into something more than standard. Secretariat wins…by a nose…3 ½ Stars Out of 5
See No Evil
See No Evil is produced by the folks that give us professional wresting, and stars the wrester, Kane as an expressionless, murderous near mute who enjoys picking peoples eyeballs out with his fingernails as he murders them one by one. I think I've said enough, but you know that's gotta be entertaining! And just wait for all the acting and writing awards this …film…will…get…uhem.. 1 Star Out of 5
Seed of Chucky
Why? Why did the producers of this film see the need for Seed of Chucky? Only to pick your pockets and fill theirs! This is poorly acted, vile, disgusting piece of trash that is sure to offend everyone. Avoid it at all costs!
1 Star Out of 5
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising is the latest movie from a series of kid's books, but it has something for the whole family. I found it to be a well put together, engrossing and enjoyable family adventure. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Semi-Pro - New Line - Rated R
Semi-Pro has a few moments, but Will Ferrell's laugh machine seems to be running out of gas. The movie's funny parts are all in the trailer. Semi-Pro obviously refers to the joke writers of this limp comedy. It can only dribble and never provides a slam dunk. Semi-Pro is barely semi-amusing and mostly shoots air-balls. 2 Stars Out of 5
The Sentinel
The Sentinel Is an action thriller that is fairly smart, with a mostly interesting plot, and a look at the inner workings of the Secret Service. Michael Douglas is believable and enjoyable as is the rest of the cast. I spotted who the bad guy was quickly, but that didn't matter, because there's enough action to keep you involved and believing that 61 year old Michael Douglas can still do stunts like that! 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
September Dawn
September Dawn is heavy handed, and decidedly anti-Mormon. It implicates Brigham Young in the murders of 120 innocent settlers. But controversy does not a good movie make…There is some low budget movie overacting - especially by Jon Voight, and poor direction along with some potentially over-reaching "dramatic license." If you want to find out what really happened that September day in 1857, Google it. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Seraphine - Music Box Films - Not Rated
Gloomy but intriguing, Seraphine tells the true story of French artist Seraphine Louis. Wonderfully acted, the film tells the interesting but tragic tale of an artist who ends up in a mental institution. It drags a bit, but not so much you lose interest. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Serenity
Serenity is an entertaining space opera that has elements of Star Wars, Star Trek, and yes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The dialogue is fresh and snappy, and this film is a lot of fun. You don't need to have ever seen the TV show it is based on, just go to have a good time! 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Serving Sara
A somewhat mediocre comedy that's a little mean spirited. Elizabeth Hurley looks great, but Matthew Perry admits to being hung over for most of this film, and looks it.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Seven Pounds - Sony - Rated PG-13
Seven Pounds is a movie that features terrific performances from Will Smith and Rosario Dawson, but suffers from huge plot holes, a story that leaves a bit to be desired, and a twist end you can see a mile away. 3 Stars Out of 5
Sex and the City - New Line - Rated R
I went into Sex and the City with no prior history. I had never seen the HBO show. So I have no attachment to the characters or the story line which seems essential, since after watching I still bear no such attachments. Does the movie stand on its own? Kind of. It does assume the viewer knows the history behind each character, but one can still mostly understand what is going on without it. I'd say however, it is a movie made only for fans of the series. It is strictly a women's movie. Most men being dragged into a theater showing this would rather poke their eyes out with the heel of a designer shoe. The men appearing in this movie are either set dressing or objects of vilification. There are lots of frothy outfits and designer namedropping, endless fashion montages along with some bad acting, and melodrama. It is crude, vulgar, shriek-y, flabby, slow, predictable and numbing during much of its excessive, overlong run time. Jennifer Hudson injects some life, but the film seemed like a worn out shoe relegated to the back of the closet. You don't want to throw it away because it used to be so nice. Perhaps the most amazing thing to me is that Sarah Jessica Parker looks so unappealing in much of the film. Several close ups make her mole look so big I thought it might start talking. 2 ½ Stars out of 5
Sex in the City 2 - Warner Brothers - Rated R
Both the stars and the story in Sex and the City 2 have gotten a little long in the tooth. This latest clothes orgy masquerading as a movie starts out at a gay wedding. I quote. "Anytime there is this much gay energy in one place, Liza manifests." And she does. Liza Minnelli, or an animatronic version of her - I couldn't tell - officiates said gay wedding and then breaks into a Broadway version of "Single Ladies" - I'm still trying to figure that one out. But there is some good news here, Sarah Jessica Parker finally had that mole removed. I assume it was because it had gotten so big, it was demanding its own salary. At the screening I attended, I was the lone male in the audience. I witnessed the collective ooh's and ahh's at the sight of Carrie's closet, and was about to fall through the seat I was clawing through. But then, a braless Alice Eve gave any man roped and tied into attending this estrogen fest a short but welcome respite. It was far too short however, and the seat clawing shifted into overdrive when the four main characters traveled to Abu Dhabi and sang "I Am Woman," making for one of the most retch inducing moments in cinema history. Ron White, Myley Cyrus and Penelope Cruz make cameos, but I have yet to figure out why. This movie is one for every female to remember…it can be used at any time for Pure. Male. Torture. Abu Dhabi doo. 1 ½ stars Out of 5
Sex Drive - Summit Entertainment - Rated R
Sex Drive is being marketed as this years Superbad. It's not. But it has a few moments. There is some funny stuff amongst the typical raunchy teen situations. Seth Green and James Marsden are the highlights of this mostly average adolescent road trip flick. Sex Drive needs a little Viagra. 2 ½ stars Out of 5
The Shaggy Dog
Disney's remake of The Shaggy Dog is bland but serviceable. It pales in comparison to the original. Not that it doesn't have its funny moments, it does. But, it ends up being kind of corny. This doesn't have enough to keep the interest of the real little ones, but kids from around 4 or 5 through 12 should love it. I'd say save some money and buy the original on DVD. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shall We Dance
Shall We Dance is a film that has a lot of heart. It stays away from where I thought it might go. That of a middle aged man in a mid-life crisis looking for love in all the wrong places, but finding it with J-Lo on the dance floor. It swerves a bit differently which was refreshing. She's not interested in anything on the dance floor or anywhere else except dance. The cast is great, Jennifer Lopez is measured and a bit strained, Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon give their usual, but Stanley Tucci steals the show with his lawyer who hides behind a wig and false teeth so he can fulfill his dancing passion. His performance helps make this an audience pleaser.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shanghai Knights
Shanghai Knights feels a touch contrived. The likeability of Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson compensates though. They have great chemistry here, but the movie itself is no work of art. But we didn't go to this movie to see a great plot or great dialogue…we want to see lots of action and have a few laughs. And that's exactly what we get. But, unfortunately, the requisite out-takes at end provide the most laughs.
3 Stars Out of 5
Shark Tale
The opening minutes of Shark Tale are so packed with jokes and sight gags, I found myself wanting a "pause" button! It's a little too long on the hip street stuff and not long enough on warmth and heart to make it an animated classic. It's no Shrek or Finding Nemo, but it's got enough inside jokes to keep the grownups amused and enough else for the kids.
3 Stars Out of 5
Shattered Glass
Hayden Christiansen is wooden as Aniken Sywalker and turns in a one-dimensional performance in Shattered Glass. The movie is about a fascinating true story concerning fabricating the news, but the movie doesn't compel, and doesn't dig deep enough into the main character to give us his motivation for making up stories.
2 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Shaun of the Dead
Shaun of the Dead is not your typical zombie movie. Sure it has the typical zombie movie
elements…the dead reanimating into flesh eating monsters, and plenty of gore. But this also has a fantastic sense of humor. It is extremely entertaining especially in the opening scenes when we are given hints about the impending zombie invasion, but Shaun is so wrapped up in his own problems he misses them all. This is a witty, fun movie!
4 Stars Out of 5
Sherlock Holmes - Warner - Rated PG-13
Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes isn't spectacular, but is fun. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are clearly having a blast and there is loads of action, but the over the top direction sometimes gets in the way of the film. 3 Stars Out of 5
She's Out of My League - Dreamworks - Rated R
She's Out of My League features geeky Jay Baruchel, and the gorgeous Reece Witherspoon look alike, Alice Eve, in a very appealing Judd Apatow type comedy that is heavy on raunch and laughs but has a heart. I was pleasantly surprised. This isn't a major league comedy, but a very good minor league entry. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
She's The Man
She's The Man stars the wonderful Amanda Bynes in a cookie cutter movie that does little to show off her comedic talent. She is never convincing as a soccer player, or as a male. The film has a few moments that are laugh inducing, but while I found this film barely tolerable, my daughter and her friends loved it. 3 Stars Out of 5
Shine A Light - Paramount - Rated PG-13
Mick Jaggar and Keith Richards on an Imax screen? While it is truly frightening, Shine A Light isn't really a horror film. The stones in all their geriatric glory can still rock the house, but this underwhelming set of 15 or so tunes spliced with historical footage fails to excite. It's just got too many obscure songs with too many shots up Mick's nose, and more zooming into his dental work. By the time we see Mick and Christina Aguilera grinding, I had had enough. 2 Stars Out of 5
Shoot 'Em Up
One-liners abound in Shoot 'Em Up, a gluttonous, wild and raucous action flick with a dark sense of humor, and more gunshots than are usually in 10 or 20 regular action films. Punctuated by loud rock music, snazzy visual effects and the occasional moment of stupidity, it plays like a comic book.
Shoot 'Em Up is wisecracking hyperactivity on steroids! 3 Stars Out of 5
Shooter
Shooter is a movie for those who think "they" really ARE out to get you. It's a conspiracy yarn that is thrilling, moves quickly and is always involving. Mark Wahlberg is very believable, as is Michael Pena, but Danny Glover sounds like he is having trouble with "shome new denshers." Overall though, Shooter hits the bulls-eye. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shopgirl
Shopgirl is a film that is funny, touching, involving and exceptional. Steve Martin turns in a brilliant, understated performance, while Claire Danes is the best she's ever been. Jason Schwartzman also impressed me with his funny and quirky role. Shopgirl made me remember why I love the movies. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shrek 2
Shrek 2 is filled with so many laughs and puns it'll take repeated viewings to catch them all. The animation is better than the first, and I think that number two may be funnier than the first as well. It is incredibly enjoyable-it had me laughing to the point of tears on more than one occasion. All of the characters are great, Eddie Murphy's Donkey gets more than his share of laughs, and the addition of Antonio Banderas' Puss In Boots is an inspired addition. I loved Shrek 2, and you will too!
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shrek The Third
Shrek The Third time is not the charm. That ole' Shrek magic is gone. The fun of the first two films has disappeared. This one is just stale. Uninspired, stale jokes, and stale everything. Shrek is a nice guy now, blanded down along with Donkey who also used to be hilarious. Oh, and Justin Timberlake's performance as a cartoon voice is so "good", I've already forgotten it. This Shrek is about as fresh and delightful as ogre's breath. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shrek Forever After - Dreamworks - Rated PG
Shrek Forever After kind of feels like an episode of "Shrek the TV series,"
where they decided to do a "very special episode of Shrek" - an homage to "It's a Wonderful Life." Nothing deep or original here, it's more milquetoast than cutting edge. And the 3-D adds nothing. The series has gotten rather sleepy. This should have gone straight to DVD. They just ran out of pop culture references and ran out of ideas. I will say that Antonio Banderas is the star of the show with his Puss in Boots. The movie is better than the last one, but the tired series needs to be put out to pasture. Please, let's make it Shrek Nevermore… 3 Stars Out of 5
Shutter - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
Shutter is a supposed ghost story with not much of a pulse. Ooh…there's a reflection…flickering lights! A whisper…that's this film's idea of a big scare. There just isn't any sign of life, much less anything that might shock or scare. The name is supposed to be a clever play on the word shudder - as in, get the chills. This one is barely lukewarm. Here's a better name for it, Snoozer. 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shutter Island - Paramount / Sony - Rated R
I figured out the twist in the Martin Scorsese film, Shutter Island in the first 5 minutes. The cast is fine, unless you count Leonardo DiCaprio's bad "Baston aakcent" and the film is technically well made, with several nods to Alfred Hitchcock, but is overlong, overwrought, tiresome and it didn't make me shudder at all. It suffers from a painfully obvious and unbelievable conclusion. The end is so silly, I thought Gilligan might jump out any minute. And this only seems like a three hour tour! (Where is Mary Ann when you need her?) 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
SiCKO
SiCKO is Michael Moore's latest work of fiction disguised as a documentary. The film drags and is not very entertaining. Moore's condescending narration sounds like he thinks his audience has the intelligence of a goldfish. Even his stunts seem disingenuous. Its heavy-handed message is pronounced with unending repetition…every other country is better than the USA. OK, Mike, we get it. Why don't you just move? 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Sideways
Sideways is absolutely brilliant! I loved every minute. It succeeds admirably on every one of its multiple levels. The script is funny, poignant, and hugely entertaining. The dialogue is witty and sharp, and the cast is perfect! Paul Giamati and Thomas Hayden Church have just the right chemistry and Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen are superb. Look for several Oscar nominations for this film. It is easily the best film so far this year. And certainly my favorite.
5 Stars Out of 5
Signs
This is an intriguing, spooky return to form by director and writer M. Night Shyamalan. There are a few good jumps here, but the highlights of this film are the outstanding performances by Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix. This movie is really good. You won't be disappointed.
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Silent Hill
I'm a big fan of Silent Hill - The Video Games. But in the long list of turning video games into movies, most, if not all, have been dismal failures. Silent Hill now joins the group. It starts out OK. It really looks good, it captures the mood and feel and there are several scenes from the games in the movie. There's really not much plot. It's a lot like the video game. The main character travels from place to place each time uncovering a new set of monsters. But in the last third of the film it falls apart and turns into a silly "lets burn witches at the stake" movie. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Silver City
So much talent….so much waste. Silver City has so many superb actors, I can't list them all. It could have been biting political satire, but ends up being a very heavy handed long winded environmentalist anti-mining and anti development movie. Chris Cooper plays a George Bush-like character with the last name of Pilager. Get it? This film starts out promising, but then grinds to a halt from the overbearing weight of it's own preachiness.
2 Stars Out of 5
The Simpsons Movie
There is good news and bad news with The Simpsons Movie. The Good news is it's just like the TV show. That's also the bad news. It's funny - especially the first 30 minutes, but it does drag a bit in the middle. Nothing too terrible though. In the opening sequence, Homer taunts the audience for paying to see something that can be seen on TV for free. Lesson learned. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Simone
Simone is a movie star that takes the world by storm. What the world doesn't know is that she's computer generated. Her director and creator played by Al Pacino sees his career skyrocket by putting her in his movies. After a while he starts to feel bad about putting one-over onto the film-going public. Funny, how in this case life DOESN'T imitate art! We never believe any of this contrived flimflam that wears thin after the first 30 minutes. The uncredited actress that plays Simone is so wooden that she could never take anything by storm, and Al Pacino's career has taken a hit by his appearance in this waste of time.
2 Stars Out of 5
Sin City
Sin City is a kind of cross between Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Kill Bill, with a healthy dose of Pulp Fiction thrown in for good measure. It's the most violent movie of the year and one of the best! The look of the film is captivating, but its entertainment value far exceeds any artistic success it has. Its all-star cast is great, and, surprising. The hit of the film is Mickey Rourke. Yes, Mickey Rourke! He hasn't made a good movie in years. (Or, has he ever made a good movie?) But he steals the show here, providing the films most entertaining moments. This is not for the prude, or squeamish. Several people got up and left part way through the movie. But I was blown away, and I can't wait to see it again!
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas doesn't have the broad family appeal that an animated film needs to be successful. This is no "Finding Nemo" The animation is pretty good, but the story isn't compelling. Loads of star power from Brad Pitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Catherine Zeta Jones cannot elevate this above the average kid flick.3 Stars Out of 5
The Singing Detective
Robert Downey Jr. shows what an amazing actor he is in The Singing Detective. He plays a man with a hideous skin disease that has affected his whole body. Unfortunately, his performance isn't enough to make this movie worth seeing. The 1980s BBC miniseries this is based on is usually cited as one of the hallmarks of television history. The film has its moments. There is a devastatingly good word association scene between Downey and Mel Gibson, who plays a psychologist. The dialogue is sharp and witty. With a more talented director, this may have been movie magic, but in the end, it's just a very strange convolution of a movie.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
A Single Man - The Weinstein Company - Rated R
Colin Firth is the best he's ever been in A Single Man. For someone that has been mostly the same in every film he's ever been in, wow, he can really act! This time, he's different! This is a beautifully done, but very sad film. It deals with grief. I loved the way the film is washed out for most but adds color for emphasis. There's not a false note in the film. It's a tender, tragic but absolutely outstanding film. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a teen chick flick that gets mushy and turns into a four box weeper. It's much too long, but it has its moments. The four young actresses that play the leads are all pretty good, and all show a lot of promise. I was especially impressed with 12 year old Jenna Boyd who plays a young girl who is dying. She was pretty good in The Missing and makes the film here. Guys will want to stay as far away from this film as they can, but some girls may find it a pleasant diversion. My 12 year old daughter said she hated it, but I did catch her crying a few times.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2- Warner Brothers - Rated PG-13
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 REALLY wants you to cry. And I did - maybe it was more of a groan - because my butt hurt. This movie is long. Way too long - like its too long title, it's never ending. It consists of several disjointed vignettes that get more weepy and irritating as the film progresses. It tries too hard to be emotional and heartwarming but ends up being only tedious. Like the disco queen found out when she hit middle age, the pants aren't so magic anymore. 2 Stars Out of 5
Skeleton Key
Skeleton Key is not as the ads suggest. It's not really a ghost story. It's an eerie, somewhat supernatural hoodoo thriller (hoodoo is kind of like voodoo.) It's a little short on thrills, although the cast makes up for that a little bit with some nice performances. Kate Hudson is pretty good, as is Gena Rowlands and Peter Sarsgaard. The eerie atmosphere of the film adds a lot. But the film is a bit of a let down when the big reveal is finally upon us. My question? Hoodoo this film scare? Not me, and probably not you either…3 Stars Out of 5
Skinwalkers
Skinwalkers is an interesting twist on the werewolf legend. Full of action, it'll keep you involved. 3 Stars Out of 5
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow looks like it's right out of the 30's. It's look is amazing. Jude Law is entertaining, Gwyneth Paltrow is wooden, and Angelina Jolie is interesting, but she doesn't appear in the film until about an hour into it, and then she's only on screen for about ten minutes. This is a very busy movie that has a lot going on, but there's not much story. It actually drags in spots. Just because things are whiz-banging on screen, doesn't mean it's interesting. I applaud it's ambition, but it's execution is a bit disappointing.
3 Stars Out of 5
Sky High
Sky High is an enjoyable family comedy that provides a couple of hours of pleasant diversion, with parents recognizing the 80's cover tunes in the soundtrack, and enjoying the performances of Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston, while the kids enjoy the themes of teen awkwardness. I especially liked Bruce Campbell in his role as coach Boomer, a super hero turned teacher. 3 Stars Out of 5
Skyline - Universal - Rated PG-13
Cross War of the Worlds, Cloverfield, Return of the Living Dead and Hungry Hungry Hippos and you've got Skyline. Aliens are attacking, and they want your brain! It held my interest for about 30 minutes when it started pouring on the melodrama and then lost me. By the silly ending, I was laughing. Don't watch Skyline…it will eat your brain! 2 Stars Out of 5
Sleepover
Mika Boorem is the standout in Sleepover. She shines while the rest of the cast sleeps it's way through the movie. There are some disturbing scenes between 14-year-old girls and males that are way too old to have any romantic interest in them. Parents may want to think twice before letting their kids see this due to its twisted take on right and wrong. I was glad my daughter didn't want to see this.
2 Stars out of 5
Slither
Slither is a throwback to the great B movie horror films of the 80's. This is wickedly funny, campy, spooky and wonderfully original. It revels in gore and revulsion, but with a sense of humor that had me laughing all the way through! I loved Slither so much I watched it twice! (and I NEVER do that!) 4½ Stars Out of 5
Slumdog Millionaire - Fox Searchlight - Rated R
Slumdog Millionaire is uplifting and original, exhilarating and an absolute pleasure. Featuring great direction from Danny Boyle, and a terrific cast, it's a rags to riches story that'll make you feel good, and is a movie you shouldn't miss. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
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16 Blocks
Bruce Willis and Mos Def are both pretty good in 16 Blocks. Willis really looks the part of a washed up, out of shape, alcoholic cop. He gives an unusual and interesting performance. This is an involving and enjoyable action film that has a somewhat predictable end. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
17 Again - Warner Brothers - Rated PG-13
17 Again borrows from It's a Wonderful Life, Back to the Future, Big and a number of other films as it showcases Zac Efron and his abs. We're forced to believe that Zac grows up to look like a puffy Matthew Perry. We know life is hard and all, but is it really that hard? Fortunately, Bill Murray's brother plays a janitor-slash-angel and turns him back into Zac Efron where he promptly takes his shirt off much to the delight of the teen girls and cougars in the audience. Like in his previous films, Zac still plays basketball and dances, but this time he actually shows some acting chops! 3 stars Out of 5
The Saddest Music In the World
The Saddest Music In the World is a very odd film that will appeal only to a very select few adventurous souls. It succeeds for the most part in the look of a late 20's or early 30's film. It's so realistic, at times I thought old stock footage was being used - it wasn't. It does have a few inspired moments…especially a few involving one of the main character's beer filled glass legs. One man I talked to after the film said it was the worst film he'd ever seen. I don't agree, but be forewarned…it is a strange, bizarre movie.
3 Stars Out of 5
Sahara
Sahara by first time director and son of Disney chief Michael Eisner, Breck Eisner, is much too long. There is lots of flab especially in the first two thirds of the movie. It drags and drags to the point of boredom. But then the last third of the film kicks in and we have a pretty good ending. The three stars, Matthew McConneghey, Penelope Cruz and Steve Zahn, are OK, but weak direction handicaps them, especially the comic lines by the usually hilarious Steve Zahn who seems to lose all the punch in the punch lines. This is an Indiana Jones wanna-be. It's not as good, but it is kinda fun.
3 Stars Out of 5
Salt - Sony - Rated PG-13
A sinewy Angelina Jolie is tough as nails in the action packed Salt. This was originally supposed to be a Tom Cruise vehicle, and I'm glad it's not. She is perfectly cast as a CIA operative who may have a secret. This is a rollicking tale with enough twists and turns for an amusement park ride. It's a very good popcorn movie that's worth every bit of its salt. 4 Stars Out of 5
Sanctum - Universal - Rated R
After seeing Sanctum, I think I'll take cave diving off of my list of things to do, along with watching Sanctum again. It's got mediocre acting, but acting isn't the point with this film. It's the beautiful, dizzying 3-D, and the claustrophobic feeling of dread. It's awe inspiring but exhausting! At the end I felt like I was dragged through a wringer, crushed under the weight of several boulders, washed away in a torrential downpour, and generally abused in ways too graphic to mention, but all involving my sanctum. 3 1/2 Stars Out of 5
The Santa Clause 2
The Santa Clause 2 is even better than the original. It is a very funny, sweet movie, with lots of action that kids and parents will love. Tim Allen is wonderful in his dual roles as Santa, and as the maniacal, evil, toy Santa. This is a never dull, fun movie-going experience for the whole family. The Santa Clause 2 is an absolute delight!4 Stars Out of 5
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Laughs are absent in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. It is a strained, forced and bloated film with none of the charm of the first two movies. I was looking forward to the pairing of Tim Allen and Martin Short, but Allen is on autopilot and Short is just irritating. This film is like opening your presents on Christmas morning only to find out they were all just wrapping paper and bows. It's just the trash with no presents. That's this movie. Just trash. 2 stars Out of 5
Sarah Landon and the Paranormal Hour - Freestyle Releasing - Rated PG
In the extremely low budget Sarah Landon and the Paranormal Hour, the actors look like the film makers hired their neighbors to act. This movie has some of the worst acting I've ever seen in a movie! It also contains some very bad direction and klunky editing. It should have been called Sarah Landon and the Amateur Hour…1 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Savages - Fox Searchlight - Rated R
The Savages features magnificent performances from the amazing Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Linney and Phillip Bosco in an extraordinarily well written film about a difficult subject that is approached with a touch of warmth and lots of sharp, bittersweet gallows humor. This dysfunctional family story is unsentimental, sometimes funny, and very good. 4 Stars Out of 5
Saved
Saved points out the hypocrisy that is sometimes present in religion with a sharp sense of humor that is sometimes uncomfortable to watch, but is often funny. Ultimately the film sends mixed signals, but the very good cast keeps it from going too far into ridiculous parody or a mean spirited lampoon.
3 Stars Out of 5
Saw
Saw is unique and disturbing, brutal and imaginative. If you are a fan of horror/gore movies, you'll like this. It's not just another formula slasher movie where one by one people get knocked off. There are some scenes that will make you gag, and cringe, but this ends up being a fairly intelligent film that keeps you guessing. Overall, the acting isn't all that great, and it's the second movie in a row where Danny Glover has been really bad.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Saw II
If you are a horror fan, then you have seen Saw. It was imaginative and original. Saw II on the other hand isn't quite so original or quite so imaginative. But it's still a (excuse the pun) cut above any of the recent horror flicks out there. There is more brilliant deviant depravity, and more of Jigsaw than the first, which is the film's strength. He is riddled with cancer, and still creepier than any villain since Hannibal Lechter. If you liked the first, you'll like the sequel. 3 Stars Out of 5
Saw III
Saw III takes its audience into the base elements of humanity. Devoid of any scares, it's not as imaginative as the first or even the second. This is brutal and grotesque, but feels more lurid and disgusting than the first two. There is less imagination and story and really wants to just get to the gore. More disturbing, this has a voyeuristic feel to it, almost pornographic in its torture, and sinks more to the level of a snuff film. 2 Stars Out of 5
Saw IV - Lionsgate - Rated R
What started off as a smart and interesting premise in the first of the series has declined with each subsequent offering, and has hit rock bottom in the incomprehensible Saw IV. This features a ludicrous, cobbled together story that pops characters in and out before you know who they are! I came, I saw, I scratched my head. Like Jigsaw, this film is Dead on Arrival. 2 Stars Out of 5
Saw V - Lionsgate - Rated R
Saw V has flashbacks…lots of flashbacks. Then there are some more flashbacks…Jigsaw is dead you see, but his malice lingers on - in flashbacks. This film gives us a behind the scenes look at jigsaw and his techniques in a paint by numbers, rote sort of way recalling all of the previous movies. Then almost as an afterthought, there are the new victims, who like in the TV show Survivor… will get voted off of life. But there is no suspense and no scares. Movie franchises age worse than dog years, and Saw V is about 125 years old now. Time to put it out to pasture. or did that already happen and this is just a flashback? 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Saw VI - Lionsgate - Rated R
If it's Halloween, I'm sorry to say, there must be another Saw sequel. Jigsaw has been dead for some time, but he must have had a huge list of people to knock off as he continues doing so from the grave. With this sequel, the people who are tested-slash-killed are evil predatory loan officers and a slimy health insurance administrator who prides himself in denying coverage to those who need it. Apparently, Jigsaw is also working for the Obama administration. 1 star Out of 5
Saw 3-D - Lionsgate - Rated R
How do you like your entrails? If the answer is flying at you, then Saw 3-D might be for you. The splatter of internal organs comes fast and furious at various points, while the rest of the 3-D isn't so great. It combines the Saw films greatest hits with a bland, not-so-inventive new storyline and tosses in a halfway decent twist ending that wraps up the series some but also leaves it open for another sequel. Not the worst of the series, but this sadistic torture porn Saw-horse is clearly too long in the tooth, is hobbled and needs to be put down. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Scary Movie 3
Scary Movie 3 isn't scary except for the shear number of laughs present as the movie roars through its spoofs on The Ring, Signs, 8 Mile, The Matrix and a sprinkling of several others. It's gross, and it's outrageous (although not as outrageous as the first two.) If you want to laugh, you will at Scary Movie 3.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Scary Movie 4
Scary Movie 4 is a worthy addition to the series. If you liked the first three, you'll love this, but it might help to first see The Village, The Grudge, Saw and War of The Worlds so you get the parody. There are a few misfires, but most of the jokes work and are at the expense of Tom Cruise. The end features his famous couch jumping scene on the Oprah show. But I think the real thing was funnier. 4 Stars Out of 5
School for Scoundrels
For a movie to really work, you have to believe it. School for Scoundrels is never quite believable. It crosses over to the absurd almost immediately and never really finds its bearings. Jon Heder is a nerd. OK, I can believe that. But paying 5000 dollars to go to a school to have Billy Bob Thorton lecture about taking what you want and lie and fight to get it, not so much. That said, the film does have its moments and there are more than a few laughs, in this competitive, revenge farce. 3 Stars Out of 5
School of Rock
The School of Rock stars Jack Black in a role that was written for him. He has never really been given a chance to let loose and show the world what he could do until this film. No one else could have done what he accomplishes here. He gives a dynamic performance that is filled with warmth and tons of laughs. This is definitely one of the funniest films this year.4 Stars Out of 5
Scooby Doo
The highlight of this film is a flatulation contest, so you know things are pretty bad. I liked the cartoon as a kid...But the only thing I liked about the movie was Matthew Lillard's dead-on impersonation of Shaggy. Scooby Doo is a dog. My kids liked it a little better...but not much.2 stars out of 5
Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
If you liked the first, you'll probably like the second. I hated the first, and I hated the second. It's not as bad as say, Cat In the Hat which was truly horrific. But I'm alarmed at the trend of what is passing for family entertainment. Lots of eye candy, colorful sets, and special effects, but no plot, bad computer animation, and plenty of potty humor. At one point in the movie some protesters rename Mystery Inc into Mystery Stink. Yup, it's scooby poo.
1 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Scream 4 - Dimension Films - Rated R
Scream 4 has a fun, self aware opening, but then quickly falls into the same formula as the first three films. This one does keep you guessing, but has few actual scares. If you liked the first three, it's kind of fun. This didn't produce any actual screams from me, but I did give it a jaunty exclamation. 3 1/2 Stars Out of 5
The Sea Inside
Javier Bardem deserves the acclaim he is getting for his performance in The Sea Inside. The film brings up an uncomfortable subject. Just when does a person have the right to die? This is a true story, and is not easy to watch. But I wondered why this man was so intent on killing himself, when he had so much yet to offer. I don't think the film delved into that deep enough.
3 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Seabiscuit
Seabiscuit is easily the best major release of the summer. Perfect casting superb acting from everyone in the cast, along with exciting action make for a great film. But this has several layers. There's the historic backdrop of the true story during the depression. Add the wonderfully written screenplay and beautifully shot cinematography. But most of all, there's an incredibly inspirational message that will win your heart and your mind for a long time to come. This is a film you'll want to see again and again. I do.5 Stars Out of 5
Season of the Witch - Relativity Media - Rated PG-13
If it's January, it means another bad movie for Nicolas Cage, and another bad hairstyle. He is becoming the bad hair king of bad movies! Season of the Witch features a few cheap jumps, and awkward direction and editing. Nic is supposed to be a medieval killing machine. I just find that hilarious! Cage is to killing machine what Paris Hilton is to chastity. A decade or so into his carnage, he develops a conscience and along with his buddy Ron Perlman, he's tapped to transport the witch who is supposedly responsible for the plague to an abbey. So this becomes a supernatural buddy road trip. It is also a real yawner, as everyone onscreen sleeps their way through the film, that ends in a bunch of indecipherable computer generated blah…January and Nicolas Cage…the season of the rhymes with witch. 1 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Secondhand Lions
In Secondhand Lions Haley Joel Osment's a bit squeeky, the movie's a little bit sappy at the end, but this is a family friendly film that features strong performances by Robert Duvall and Michael Caine.3 Stars Out of 5
The Secret in Their Eyes - Sony - Rated R
2009's Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film, The Secret in Their Eyes
starts out slow, with mostly a lot of talking for the first hour or so, and since it's in Spanish, you'd better know the language or read the subtitles fast. When it finally kicks in there is plenty of action along with an interesting story with plenty of twists and turns and a little romance to keep you interested. What's the secret? That this is a very good film! 4 Stars Out of 5
Secret Things
Secret Things is a tawdry movie that midway through shows promise, but then decays into a porn flick…
1 Star Out of 5
Secret Window
Secret Window is a pretty good film. And it's all because of Johnny Depp. His performance turns what might have been a mediocre film at best into something that is riveting and extraordinarily watchable. He makes you watch his every move. Steven King's story has enough twists and clues along the way to make it a lot of fun. 4 Stars Out of 5
Secretariat - Disney - Rated PG
Secretariat is another inspirational sports movie that gives us…real inspiration! And that is just so darn…inspirational. This oh-so-plucky film has the standard inspirational sports movie plot, but also has the wonderful Diane Lane and John Malkovich, who help turn it into something more than standard. Secretariat wins…by a nose…3 ½ Stars Out of 5
See No Evil
See No Evil is produced by the folks that give us professional wresting, and stars the wrester, Kane as an expressionless, murderous near mute who enjoys picking peoples eyeballs out with his fingernails as he murders them one by one. I think I've said enough, but you know that's gotta be entertaining! And just wait for all the acting and writing awards this …film…will…get…uhem.. 1 Star Out of 5
Seed of Chucky
Why? Why did the producers of this film see the need for Seed of Chucky? Only to pick your pockets and fill theirs! This is poorly acted, vile, disgusting piece of trash that is sure to offend everyone. Avoid it at all costs!
1 Star Out of 5
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising is the latest movie from a series of kid's books, but it has something for the whole family. I found it to be a well put together, engrossing and enjoyable family adventure. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Semi-Pro - New Line - Rated R
Semi-Pro has a few moments, but Will Ferrell's laugh machine seems to be running out of gas. The movie's funny parts are all in the trailer. Semi-Pro obviously refers to the joke writers of this limp comedy. It can only dribble and never provides a slam dunk. Semi-Pro is barely semi-amusing and mostly shoots air-balls. 2 Stars Out of 5
The Sentinel
The Sentinel Is an action thriller that is fairly smart, with a mostly interesting plot, and a look at the inner workings of the Secret Service. Michael Douglas is believable and enjoyable as is the rest of the cast. I spotted who the bad guy was quickly, but that didn't matter, because there's enough action to keep you involved and believing that 61 year old Michael Douglas can still do stunts like that! 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
September Dawn
September Dawn is heavy handed, and decidedly anti-Mormon. It implicates Brigham Young in the murders of 120 innocent settlers. But controversy does not a good movie make…There is some low budget movie overacting - especially by Jon Voight, and poor direction along with some potentially over-reaching "dramatic license." If you want to find out what really happened that September day in 1857, Google it. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Seraphine - Music Box Films - Not Rated
Gloomy but intriguing, Seraphine tells the true story of French artist Seraphine Louis. Wonderfully acted, the film tells the interesting but tragic tale of an artist who ends up in a mental institution. It drags a bit, but not so much you lose interest. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Serenity
Serenity is an entertaining space opera that has elements of Star Wars, Star Trek, and yes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The dialogue is fresh and snappy, and this film is a lot of fun. You don't need to have ever seen the TV show it is based on, just go to have a good time! 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Serving Sara
A somewhat mediocre comedy that's a little mean spirited. Elizabeth Hurley looks great, but Matthew Perry admits to being hung over for most of this film, and looks it.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Seven Pounds - Sony - Rated PG-13
Seven Pounds is a movie that features terrific performances from Will Smith and Rosario Dawson, but suffers from huge plot holes, a story that leaves a bit to be desired, and a twist end you can see a mile away. 3 Stars Out of 5
Sex and the City - New Line - Rated R
I went into Sex and the City with no prior history. I had never seen the HBO show. So I have no attachment to the characters or the story line which seems essential, since after watching I still bear no such attachments. Does the movie stand on its own? Kind of. It does assume the viewer knows the history behind each character, but one can still mostly understand what is going on without it. I'd say however, it is a movie made only for fans of the series. It is strictly a women's movie. Most men being dragged into a theater showing this would rather poke their eyes out with the heel of a designer shoe. The men appearing in this movie are either set dressing or objects of vilification. There are lots of frothy outfits and designer namedropping, endless fashion montages along with some bad acting, and melodrama. It is crude, vulgar, shriek-y, flabby, slow, predictable and numbing during much of its excessive, overlong run time. Jennifer Hudson injects some life, but the film seemed like a worn out shoe relegated to the back of the closet. You don't want to throw it away because it used to be so nice. Perhaps the most amazing thing to me is that Sarah Jessica Parker looks so unappealing in much of the film. Several close ups make her mole look so big I thought it might start talking. 2 ½ Stars out of 5
Sex in the City 2 - Warner Brothers - Rated R
Both the stars and the story in Sex and the City 2 have gotten a little long in the tooth. This latest clothes orgy masquerading as a movie starts out at a gay wedding. I quote. "Anytime there is this much gay energy in one place, Liza manifests." And she does. Liza Minnelli, or an animatronic version of her - I couldn't tell - officiates said gay wedding and then breaks into a Broadway version of "Single Ladies" - I'm still trying to figure that one out. But there is some good news here, Sarah Jessica Parker finally had that mole removed. I assume it was because it had gotten so big, it was demanding its own salary. At the screening I attended, I was the lone male in the audience. I witnessed the collective ooh's and ahh's at the sight of Carrie's closet, and was about to fall through the seat I was clawing through. But then, a braless Alice Eve gave any man roped and tied into attending this estrogen fest a short but welcome respite. It was far too short however, and the seat clawing shifted into overdrive when the four main characters traveled to Abu Dhabi and sang "I Am Woman," making for one of the most retch inducing moments in cinema history. Ron White, Myley Cyrus and Penelope Cruz make cameos, but I have yet to figure out why. This movie is one for every female to remember…it can be used at any time for Pure. Male. Torture. Abu Dhabi doo. 1 ½ stars Out of 5
Sex Drive - Summit Entertainment - Rated R
Sex Drive is being marketed as this years Superbad. It's not. But it has a few moments. There is some funny stuff amongst the typical raunchy teen situations. Seth Green and James Marsden are the highlights of this mostly average adolescent road trip flick. Sex Drive needs a little Viagra. 2 ½ stars Out of 5
The Shaggy Dog
Disney's remake of The Shaggy Dog is bland but serviceable. It pales in comparison to the original. Not that it doesn't have its funny moments, it does. But, it ends up being kind of corny. This doesn't have enough to keep the interest of the real little ones, but kids from around 4 or 5 through 12 should love it. I'd say save some money and buy the original on DVD. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shall We Dance
Shall We Dance is a film that has a lot of heart. It stays away from where I thought it might go. That of a middle aged man in a mid-life crisis looking for love in all the wrong places, but finding it with J-Lo on the dance floor. It swerves a bit differently which was refreshing. She's not interested in anything on the dance floor or anywhere else except dance. The cast is great, Jennifer Lopez is measured and a bit strained, Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon give their usual, but Stanley Tucci steals the show with his lawyer who hides behind a wig and false teeth so he can fulfill his dancing passion. His performance helps make this an audience pleaser.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shanghai Knights
Shanghai Knights feels a touch contrived. The likeability of Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson compensates though. They have great chemistry here, but the movie itself is no work of art. But we didn't go to this movie to see a great plot or great dialogue…we want to see lots of action and have a few laughs. And that's exactly what we get. But, unfortunately, the requisite out-takes at end provide the most laughs.
3 Stars Out of 5
Shark Tale
The opening minutes of Shark Tale are so packed with jokes and sight gags, I found myself wanting a "pause" button! It's a little too long on the hip street stuff and not long enough on warmth and heart to make it an animated classic. It's no Shrek or Finding Nemo, but it's got enough inside jokes to keep the grownups amused and enough else for the kids.
3 Stars Out of 5
Shattered Glass
Hayden Christiansen is wooden as Aniken Sywalker and turns in a one-dimensional performance in Shattered Glass. The movie is about a fascinating true story concerning fabricating the news, but the movie doesn't compel, and doesn't dig deep enough into the main character to give us his motivation for making up stories.
2 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Shaun of the Dead
Shaun of the Dead is not your typical zombie movie. Sure it has the typical zombie movie
elements…the dead reanimating into flesh eating monsters, and plenty of gore. But this also has a fantastic sense of humor. It is extremely entertaining especially in the opening scenes when we are given hints about the impending zombie invasion, but Shaun is so wrapped up in his own problems he misses them all. This is a witty, fun movie!
4 Stars Out of 5
Sherlock Holmes - Warner - Rated PG-13
Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes isn't spectacular, but is fun. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are clearly having a blast and there is loads of action, but the over the top direction sometimes gets in the way of the film. 3 Stars Out of 5
She's Out of My League - Dreamworks - Rated R
She's Out of My League features geeky Jay Baruchel, and the gorgeous Reece Witherspoon look alike, Alice Eve, in a very appealing Judd Apatow type comedy that is heavy on raunch and laughs but has a heart. I was pleasantly surprised. This isn't a major league comedy, but a very good minor league entry. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
She's The Man
She's The Man stars the wonderful Amanda Bynes in a cookie cutter movie that does little to show off her comedic talent. She is never convincing as a soccer player, or as a male. The film has a few moments that are laugh inducing, but while I found this film barely tolerable, my daughter and her friends loved it. 3 Stars Out of 5
Shine A Light - Paramount - Rated PG-13
Mick Jaggar and Keith Richards on an Imax screen? While it is truly frightening, Shine A Light isn't really a horror film. The stones in all their geriatric glory can still rock the house, but this underwhelming set of 15 or so tunes spliced with historical footage fails to excite. It's just got too many obscure songs with too many shots up Mick's nose, and more zooming into his dental work. By the time we see Mick and Christina Aguilera grinding, I had had enough. 2 Stars Out of 5
Shoot 'Em Up
One-liners abound in Shoot 'Em Up, a gluttonous, wild and raucous action flick with a dark sense of humor, and more gunshots than are usually in 10 or 20 regular action films. Punctuated by loud rock music, snazzy visual effects and the occasional moment of stupidity, it plays like a comic book.
Shoot 'Em Up is wisecracking hyperactivity on steroids! 3 Stars Out of 5
Shooter
Shooter is a movie for those who think "they" really ARE out to get you. It's a conspiracy yarn that is thrilling, moves quickly and is always involving. Mark Wahlberg is very believable, as is Michael Pena, but Danny Glover sounds like he is having trouble with "shome new denshers." Overall though, Shooter hits the bulls-eye. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shopgirl
Shopgirl is a film that is funny, touching, involving and exceptional. Steve Martin turns in a brilliant, understated performance, while Claire Danes is the best she's ever been. Jason Schwartzman also impressed me with his funny and quirky role. Shopgirl made me remember why I love the movies. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shrek 2
Shrek 2 is filled with so many laughs and puns it'll take repeated viewings to catch them all. The animation is better than the first, and I think that number two may be funnier than the first as well. It is incredibly enjoyable-it had me laughing to the point of tears on more than one occasion. All of the characters are great, Eddie Murphy's Donkey gets more than his share of laughs, and the addition of Antonio Banderas' Puss In Boots is an inspired addition. I loved Shrek 2, and you will too!
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shrek The Third
Shrek The Third time is not the charm. That ole' Shrek magic is gone. The fun of the first two films has disappeared. This one is just stale. Uninspired, stale jokes, and stale everything. Shrek is a nice guy now, blanded down along with Donkey who also used to be hilarious. Oh, and Justin Timberlake's performance as a cartoon voice is so "good", I've already forgotten it. This Shrek is about as fresh and delightful as ogre's breath. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shrek Forever After - Dreamworks - Rated PG
Shrek Forever After kind of feels like an episode of "Shrek the TV series,"
where they decided to do a "very special episode of Shrek" - an homage to "It's a Wonderful Life." Nothing deep or original here, it's more milquetoast than cutting edge. And the 3-D adds nothing. The series has gotten rather sleepy. This should have gone straight to DVD. They just ran out of pop culture references and ran out of ideas. I will say that Antonio Banderas is the star of the show with his Puss in Boots. The movie is better than the last one, but the tired series needs to be put out to pasture. Please, let's make it Shrek Nevermore… 3 Stars Out of 5
Shutter - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
Shutter is a supposed ghost story with not much of a pulse. Ooh…there's a reflection…flickering lights! A whisper…that's this film's idea of a big scare. There just isn't any sign of life, much less anything that might shock or scare. The name is supposed to be a clever play on the word shudder - as in, get the chills. This one is barely lukewarm. Here's a better name for it, Snoozer. 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Shutter Island - Paramount / Sony - Rated R
I figured out the twist in the Martin Scorsese film, Shutter Island in the first 5 minutes. The cast is fine, unless you count Leonardo DiCaprio's bad "Baston aakcent" and the film is technically well made, with several nods to Alfred Hitchcock, but is overlong, overwrought, tiresome and it didn't make me shudder at all. It suffers from a painfully obvious and unbelievable conclusion. The end is so silly, I thought Gilligan might jump out any minute. And this only seems like a three hour tour! (Where is Mary Ann when you need her?) 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
SiCKO
SiCKO is Michael Moore's latest work of fiction disguised as a documentary. The film drags and is not very entertaining. Moore's condescending narration sounds like he thinks his audience has the intelligence of a goldfish. Even his stunts seem disingenuous. Its heavy-handed message is pronounced with unending repetition…every other country is better than the USA. OK, Mike, we get it. Why don't you just move? 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Sideways
Sideways is absolutely brilliant! I loved every minute. It succeeds admirably on every one of its multiple levels. The script is funny, poignant, and hugely entertaining. The dialogue is witty and sharp, and the cast is perfect! Paul Giamati and Thomas Hayden Church have just the right chemistry and Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen are superb. Look for several Oscar nominations for this film. It is easily the best film so far this year. And certainly my favorite.
5 Stars Out of 5
Signs
This is an intriguing, spooky return to form by director and writer M. Night Shyamalan. There are a few good jumps here, but the highlights of this film are the outstanding performances by Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix. This movie is really good. You won't be disappointed.
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Silent Hill
I'm a big fan of Silent Hill - The Video Games. But in the long list of turning video games into movies, most, if not all, have been dismal failures. Silent Hill now joins the group. It starts out OK. It really looks good, it captures the mood and feel and there are several scenes from the games in the movie. There's really not much plot. It's a lot like the video game. The main character travels from place to place each time uncovering a new set of monsters. But in the last third of the film it falls apart and turns into a silly "lets burn witches at the stake" movie. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Silver City
So much talent….so much waste. Silver City has so many superb actors, I can't list them all. It could have been biting political satire, but ends up being a very heavy handed long winded environmentalist anti-mining and anti development movie. Chris Cooper plays a George Bush-like character with the last name of Pilager. Get it? This film starts out promising, but then grinds to a halt from the overbearing weight of it's own preachiness.
2 Stars Out of 5
The Simpsons Movie
There is good news and bad news with The Simpsons Movie. The Good news is it's just like the TV show. That's also the bad news. It's funny - especially the first 30 minutes, but it does drag a bit in the middle. Nothing too terrible though. In the opening sequence, Homer taunts the audience for paying to see something that can be seen on TV for free. Lesson learned. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Simone
Simone is a movie star that takes the world by storm. What the world doesn't know is that she's computer generated. Her director and creator played by Al Pacino sees his career skyrocket by putting her in his movies. After a while he starts to feel bad about putting one-over onto the film-going public. Funny, how in this case life DOESN'T imitate art! We never believe any of this contrived flimflam that wears thin after the first 30 minutes. The uncredited actress that plays Simone is so wooden that she could never take anything by storm, and Al Pacino's career has taken a hit by his appearance in this waste of time.
2 Stars Out of 5
Sin City
Sin City is a kind of cross between Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Kill Bill, with a healthy dose of Pulp Fiction thrown in for good measure. It's the most violent movie of the year and one of the best! The look of the film is captivating, but its entertainment value far exceeds any artistic success it has. Its all-star cast is great, and, surprising. The hit of the film is Mickey Rourke. Yes, Mickey Rourke! He hasn't made a good movie in years. (Or, has he ever made a good movie?) But he steals the show here, providing the films most entertaining moments. This is not for the prude, or squeamish. Several people got up and left part way through the movie. But I was blown away, and I can't wait to see it again!
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas doesn't have the broad family appeal that an animated film needs to be successful. This is no "Finding Nemo" The animation is pretty good, but the story isn't compelling. Loads of star power from Brad Pitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Catherine Zeta Jones cannot elevate this above the average kid flick.3 Stars Out of 5
The Singing Detective
Robert Downey Jr. shows what an amazing actor he is in The Singing Detective. He plays a man with a hideous skin disease that has affected his whole body. Unfortunately, his performance isn't enough to make this movie worth seeing. The 1980s BBC miniseries this is based on is usually cited as one of the hallmarks of television history. The film has its moments. There is a devastatingly good word association scene between Downey and Mel Gibson, who plays a psychologist. The dialogue is sharp and witty. With a more talented director, this may have been movie magic, but in the end, it's just a very strange convolution of a movie.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
A Single Man - The Weinstein Company - Rated R
Colin Firth is the best he's ever been in A Single Man. For someone that has been mostly the same in every film he's ever been in, wow, he can really act! This time, he's different! This is a beautifully done, but very sad film. It deals with grief. I loved the way the film is washed out for most but adds color for emphasis. There's not a false note in the film. It's a tender, tragic but absolutely outstanding film. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a teen chick flick that gets mushy and turns into a four box weeper. It's much too long, but it has its moments. The four young actresses that play the leads are all pretty good, and all show a lot of promise. I was especially impressed with 12 year old Jenna Boyd who plays a young girl who is dying. She was pretty good in The Missing and makes the film here. Guys will want to stay as far away from this film as they can, but some girls may find it a pleasant diversion. My 12 year old daughter said she hated it, but I did catch her crying a few times.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2- Warner Brothers - Rated PG-13
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 REALLY wants you to cry. And I did - maybe it was more of a groan - because my butt hurt. This movie is long. Way too long - like its too long title, it's never ending. It consists of several disjointed vignettes that get more weepy and irritating as the film progresses. It tries too hard to be emotional and heartwarming but ends up being only tedious. Like the disco queen found out when she hit middle age, the pants aren't so magic anymore. 2 Stars Out of 5
Skeleton Key
Skeleton Key is not as the ads suggest. It's not really a ghost story. It's an eerie, somewhat supernatural hoodoo thriller (hoodoo is kind of like voodoo.) It's a little short on thrills, although the cast makes up for that a little bit with some nice performances. Kate Hudson is pretty good, as is Gena Rowlands and Peter Sarsgaard. The eerie atmosphere of the film adds a lot. But the film is a bit of a let down when the big reveal is finally upon us. My question? Hoodoo this film scare? Not me, and probably not you either…3 Stars Out of 5
Skinwalkers
Skinwalkers is an interesting twist on the werewolf legend. Full of action, it'll keep you involved. 3 Stars Out of 5
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow looks like it's right out of the 30's. It's look is amazing. Jude Law is entertaining, Gwyneth Paltrow is wooden, and Angelina Jolie is interesting, but she doesn't appear in the film until about an hour into it, and then she's only on screen for about ten minutes. This is a very busy movie that has a lot going on, but there's not much story. It actually drags in spots. Just because things are whiz-banging on screen, doesn't mean it's interesting. I applaud it's ambition, but it's execution is a bit disappointing.
3 Stars Out of 5
Sky High
Sky High is an enjoyable family comedy that provides a couple of hours of pleasant diversion, with parents recognizing the 80's cover tunes in the soundtrack, and enjoying the performances of Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston, while the kids enjoy the themes of teen awkwardness. I especially liked Bruce Campbell in his role as coach Boomer, a super hero turned teacher. 3 Stars Out of 5
Skyline - Universal - Rated PG-13
Cross War of the Worlds, Cloverfield, Return of the Living Dead and Hungry Hungry Hippos and you've got Skyline. Aliens are attacking, and they want your brain! It held my interest for about 30 minutes when it started pouring on the melodrama and then lost me. By the silly ending, I was laughing. Don't watch Skyline…it will eat your brain! 2 Stars Out of 5
Sleepover
Mika Boorem is the standout in Sleepover. She shines while the rest of the cast sleeps it's way through the movie. There are some disturbing scenes between 14-year-old girls and males that are way too old to have any romantic interest in them. Parents may want to think twice before letting their kids see this due to its twisted take on right and wrong. I was glad my daughter didn't want to see this.
2 Stars out of 5
Slither
Slither is a throwback to the great B movie horror films of the 80's. This is wickedly funny, campy, spooky and wonderfully original. It revels in gore and revulsion, but with a sense of humor that had me laughing all the way through! I loved Slither so much I watched it twice! (and I NEVER do that!) 4½ Stars Out of 5
Slumdog Millionaire - Fox Searchlight - Rated R
Slumdog Millionaire is uplifting and original, exhilarating and an absolute pleasure. Featuring great direction from Danny Boyle, and a terrific cast, it's a rags to riches story that'll make you feel good, and is a movie you shouldn't miss. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
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