Movie Review
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W. - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
W. seems largely a work of fiction - after all, it is an Oliver Stone film about a president. It certainly isn't as harsh as one might expect, although it paints Bush as less than brilliant. His version of Bush is more manipulated by Karl Rove and a desire to please his father than from any internal integrity or drive. Rather than tell you what he thinks in the narrative, Stone punctuates scenes with music to give an editorial punch. While Josh Brolin does a pretty good job, most of the performances don't rise much above impersonations. It seems like an extended skit more than a fleshed out movie. 3 Stars Out of 5
Waiting
Waiting made me question meals I've sent back at restaurants. After watching this movie, I am now questioning whether I want to eat at a restaurant ever again. Sure, the movie is funny, but it will also turn your stomach every chance it gets. This movie revels in its grossness, and digs around in many assorted vulgarities to entertain. The writers, no-doubt, spent much time working at restaurants just like the one portrayed in the movie, and that is what worries me. 3 Stars Out of 5
Waiting for Superman - Paramount - Rated PG
It's hard to believe that Waiting For Superman came from the same film maker who is responsible for An Inconvenient Truth. This well made documentary exposes the real problems in American public education.
Beginning with the biggest obstacle to reform - the teachers unions, and ending with the ones who suffer - the kids who want to learn, this eye opening film is one that should be seen by every parent. Super is right! 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
WaitressWaitress is the last film from the brilliant Adriene Shelly. She wrote, directed, and starred in it. She was killed in her own apartment by an illegal alien. After I watched Waitress I couldn't help but think, what a tragedy. Who knows how many more gems like this she would have given us? Waitress is a terrific film - brilliantly written, and with a fantastic performance from Keri Russell. I fell in love with this film, and that makes Shelly's loss all the more painful. But the film stands as a wonderful tribute to an amazing talent whose life was cut tragically short. 4 Stars Out of 5
Walk The Line
Walk The Line features some incredibly strong and surprising performances. Joaquin Phoenix is admirable as music legend Johnny Cash. He has captured the essence of his character while realizing there will only be one man in black. Phoenix is always good. But there are two surprises in this movie. The first is how good Reece Witherspoon is. She may very well earn an Oscar nomination for her performance. The other surprise is that Phoenix and Witherspoon both do their own singing, and they are good! The movie does sugar coat a few things, but I loved it. 4 Stars Out of 5
Walking Tall
The remake of Walking Tall isn't as good as its source material, but the update is fun. The Rock isn't doing much in the way of acting, but has a good time bashing the bad guys with that four by four. And after all, that is what audiences want to see.
3 Stars Out of 5
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
In Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Michael Douglas makes it look easy, and Oliver Stone makes it look less so. The sequel to the 1987 film finds Gordon Gekko released from prison and his estranged daughter couldn't care less. The film departs somewhat from what made the first film so captivating, compensating with metaphorical shots of bubbles popping and the like. Carey Mulligan is a revelation, and Shia LeBeouf is…well, the same he's been in every other movie he's been in. Charlie Sheen makes a welcome cameo. When it's all said and done, it's entertaining in parts, but isn't the winner it's predecessor was. Money never sleeps, but several in the audience did…3 Stars Out of 5
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is funny and wildly inventive. It took 5 years to make because of the time-consuming task with which the movie was made. That's a shame, because when this one ended, I wanted to see another edition right away. The kids will love it, and so will the adults as there are loads of jokes that go completely over the kid's heads.
4 Stars Out of 5
WALL-E - Disney/Pixar - Rated G
The latest entries from Pixar prove that words are not needed to tell a great story. WALL-E opens with the short film, Presto which is the funniest Pixar short yet, but has no dialogue. Then, it's on to the main attraction, where it is 800 years in the future. The earth is so polluted men can't live here and robots are supposed to be cleaning the place up. That's WALL-E's job. Men have turned into big couch potato blobs who can't stand up, living on a big cruise ship in space. The eco message is obvious, but not preachy. This is Pixar at its finest, with jaw dropping, breathtaking animation that is just about photo real in many places even to the point you forget you are watching animation. It contains very little dialogue, but is as emotional and stirring as any film that's packed with it. It is a family film in the best sense of the word. It's got themes that will cause adults to think while stimulating and entertaining the children. While it seems like it might be gloomy, it's not. It is delightful, smart, exciting, and funny. It is Pixar's most ambitious film yet, and maybe its best. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Waltz with Bashir - Sony - Rated R
The animation in Waltz With Bashir looks like a cross between Colorforms and Winky Dink (you might have to google those two if you are younger than 30.) There is a lot of talking, a few action scenes, a weird porn scene and an overall hallucinogenic tone to dealing with war. I found the whole thing confusing and kind of boring. You can sit this dance out. 2 Stars Out of 5
Wanted - Universal - Rated R
Despite its silly plot points, Wanted is an extraordinarily entertaining killer-thriller. It is well crafted, with fantastic action, amazing stunts ane fairly graphic violence. And, Angelina Jolie is sexy-scary, and James McAvoy does a terrific job. The film glorifies murder, as dictated by - get this - the loom of fate: literally a big cloth weaving machine that knits out its instructions to kill in missed-stitch binary code. Uh-huh. So if you don't think about it too much, you'll enjoy the ride even if you find yourself looking twice at that scrap of fabric in the sewing closet. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
War
Action clichés abound in the unintentionally funny War. This retread features comically bad acting, blurred action scenes with so many quick cuts you can't tell what's going on, an incoherent plot, and an ending so stupid I'm still scratching my head wondering who thought this up? No doubt, some producer's plumber coming off a bender after watching too many Kung Fu and action movies! 1 Star Out of 5
Warrior - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
Warrior is one of the best action movies of the year. I thought this would be another bad MMA movie. It's not. It is superb. My palms were sweaty, as I watched this finely crafted film with an exceptional performance from Nick Nolte. 4 1/2 Stars Out of 5
The Warriors Way - Rogue Pictures - Rated R
The Wariors Way looks like it was thought up by two drunk guys on a Southern Comfort and Red Bull bender. Here's how I imagine the conversation went…"I got it…Cowboys and Inshuns" "What? Cowboys and ninshins?" "Ya, no, wait! Cowboys and ninjas! And…clowns…and a bearded lady. Hey! Where'shd you go? Oh, you're down there. Oh, hey, you got some puke on your face. Hey! That's good! Everyone has to look like they got puke on their face!" The problem is, when they sobered up, they made the film anyway, exactly as I've described. Geoffrey Rush overacts the town drunk, Kate Bosworth is especially irritating with her gol-lly, I've got a southern twang style, the main character, Jang Dong-Gun barely has a pulse, Villain Danny Huston's tongue is on disgusting display, and the CGI blood and many other effects obviously done on a green screen look cartoony-terrible. Maybe I needed to be drunk to enjoy this, but I wasn't and I didn't. 2 Stars Out of 5
Waste Deep
Waste Deep is a movie that didn't need to be made. It probably shouldn't have been made. Overflowing with bad acting from a cast that has little screen appeal, this is just more of the tired urban garbage that glorifies crime and criminals inspiring no one to do any better. Why Tyrese Gibson keeps getting starring roles baffles me. He scowls and calls it acting. The title, Waist Deep is just a little too long. Call it Waste, and that fits better. 1 Star Out of 5
Watchmen - Warner Brothers - Rated R
Watchmen has a lot going for it. It is more introspective and thought challenging than your average popcorn flick. I liked that superheroes were ordinary and mundane, and not invincible. I also found it amusing how historical figures were integrated into the story. Despite its bladder challenging length, multiple viewings are called for. Parents, this is not a kids movie! It is extremely dark at times with loads of nudity. Dr. Manhattan's big blue uncircumcised self features prominently while he lets it all hang out. I guess he only owns one pair of underwear and it was out at the cleaners for most of the movie. 3 ½ stars Out of 5
Water For Elephants - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
In Water For Elephants, Oscar winner Cristoph Waltz acts circles around
Robert Pattinson. In scene after scene...As does Reese Witherspoon, Hal Holbrook, and, the elephant. The ever brooding Pattinson has complete control over his one, single emotion…brooding. He is a master of the brood. Just don't dare ask him to do anything else…sparkle…he can do sparkle…with aid of a computer, but he does not sparkle in this movie. Reese Witherspoon is the cougar who has the hots for him, supposedly. And try as she might, she just doesn't seem to quite muster up the steam for the kid. She probably knows she could never take Kristin Stewart's place. After all, she's eleven years older than he is. Casting problems aside, the movie is pretty great. It has a terrific story that even Pattinson's non-acting can't ruin. 4 Stars Out of 5
We Own the Night - Sony - Rated R
With solid acting and an intense story, We Own the Night is a film that delivers. Joaquin Phoenix gives a superb multilayered performance that is the heart and soul of this excellent movie. 4 Stars Out of 5
The Weatherman
The Weatherman is the type of film that fans of Wes Anderson will adore. Anderson did The Royal Tennenbaums and The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. But he didn't do this film. Gore Verbinski, who brought us Pirates of the Caribbean did. But it has that same feel. It is an understated, dry, dark black comedy. Nicolas Cage returns to the type of role we love him in. Both he and Michael Caine give tremendous performances. This film isn't for everyone. Its humor lies in the almost always gloomy outlook of the main character and the weather. Mostly cloudy skies with patches of sunshine prevail in The Weatherman - but that's a good thing. 4 Stars Out of 5
The Wedding Date
In The Wedding Date, Debra Messing proves she has a knack for romantic comedy in film. She reminds me of Sandra Bullock. That said, The Wedding Date follows the Chick-Flick formula exactly. This is a rehash of many films, all of them better than this. Yes, it will please most of the women in the audience, while the men may find a more interesting diversion on the inside of their eyelids.
3 Stars Out of 5
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins - Universal - Rated PG-13
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins is a tedious, laughless wonder packed with mean spirited, stupid slapstick humor resulting in nearly two hours of pure pain and torture. Someone should tell Martin Lawrence and the rest of the cast that making your eyes big and screaming does not a comedy make. There is very little to like in Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins. Actually, I hated every second of it. So there is nothing to like.
1 Star Out of 5
Welcome to Mooseport
Welcome to Mooseport is a pleasant enough but very bland, vanilla comedy that caused me to smile a few times, but there were no real laughs. I wanted a comedy and I got….eh!
2 Stars Out of 5
Wes Craven Presents: They
This is the most fun I've had getting scared in a long time...There are loads of jumps and shrieks in this low budget but fairly well made scare fest.
4 Stars Out of 5
Whale Rider
Deeply moving and inspirational, Whale Rider is a extraordinary gem that finds vast treasure in an unexpected place. This little movie from New Zealand touches us at an unanticipated level and star Keisha Castle-Hughes is a rare find. She has never acted before, but commands the screen like a seasoned professional.5 Stars out of 5
What A Girl Wants
What A Girl Wants has some similarities to a few other movies, and follows the formula to a tee. Star Amanda Bynes is the best part of this pleasant and engaging, but rather vanilla comedy. This is a good movie for fathers to take their daughters to, and it has a really nice ending.
3 Stars Out of 5
What Happens In Vegas - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
We've seen What Happens In Vegas before…in The Breakup, and that was bad too. Actually, the plot - getting a separated couple back together - has been in umpteen million movies. This one is tedious and predictable with obnoxious behavior taking the place of actual jokes. Cameron's not so good…she's mostly flailing around trying to act funny…Ashton's mostly well, Ashton. The film is desperate and cynical but mostly obnoxious. This one should have stayed in Vegas. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
What the Bleep Do We Know
What the Bleep Do We Know is a kind of hybrid film. Is it a documentary? Well, partly, partly drama, partly animation and all interesting! The film makers take us on a razzle dazzle trip through mind expanding ideas in quantum physics and the metaphysical. I liked it. It made me think.
4 Stars Out of 5
Whatever Works - Sony - Rated PG -13
In Whatever Works Larry David plays Woody Allen lusting after a forty or fifty year younger Evan Rachel Wood. It gets pretty creepy pretty fast.
We know Woody Allen has a thing for much younger girls…but does he have to put it in every film? And Larry David is a really bad actor. To call him amateur would cast aspersions on amateur actors. You can almost tell where Woody told him to stutter. He does it often and obediently, trying his best to be Woody. Woody's dialogue out of Larry's mouth fit like a horse shoe on a fashion model. There is almost no good acting in the film at all. Only Patricia Clarkson lifts this film out of its stale, self-constructed mire. But even she cannot rescue the film from itself. This extraordinarily bitter, negative and cynical film thinks it is so much better than the members of the audience who might happen to be conservative, members of the NRA, or - gasp! - religious! Whatever works - It's not this film. 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
When a Stranger Calls
The scariest thing in When a Stranger Calls is when the high school friends of the babysitter are in an area with no cell phone service. Imagine that! NO CELL SERVICE! You can imagine how they must have felt! That's REALLY scary!!! The movie, a pale remake that has no real scares, is overall pretty dumb. There is no character development, and no explanation why the stranger is after the babysitter. 2 Stars Out of 5
When in Rome - Touchstone - Rated PG-13)
The charm-free When in Rome comes from the writers of Old Dogs…my pick for worst movie of last year…so you know it has to be good! Paint by the numbers would be an improvement. Inept doesn't begin to describe it: Direction so bad it appears that a 4 year old gave the directions in finger paint. Obnoxious, hideously unfunny, creepy, cartoonish characters played by Dax Shepherd, Will Arnett and Jon Heder. Things are looking up, though, everyone at Disney responsible for this has been fired. Yay! 1 Star Out of 5
Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden? - Weinstein Company - Rated PG-13
In Morgan Spurlock's documentary Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden? he once again focuses on himself, this time looking for the worlds most notorious terrorist. Funny and well made, he proves he is more than just a Michael Moore wannabe, but someone with real talent. While I disagree with some of the conclusions in the film, namely that terrorism is America's fault; it is, by and large entertaining. 3 Stars Out of 5
Where the Wild Things Are - Warner Brothers - Rated PG
Spike Jonez adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are is a bit of a disappointment for me. The boy, Max, is too much of a brat to be very likeable, the movie drags, has a thin storyline and is a general downer. Add in the fact that the monsters look like people in costumes, and the magical world that was created in the children's book is best left to the book. The wild things aren't in this movie. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Whip It - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
Ellen Page shows she is no flash in the pan in Whip It. First time director Drew Barrymore has crafted an outstanding movie! It is loads of fun, exciting and pure cinematic bliss. Whip it. Whip it good!
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
White Chicks
In White Chicks The makeup is so bad you never once fall for it. As a matter of fact every time I saw the Wayans brothers onscreen in their makeup, I was distracted by it. I kept thinking "that looks so fake, why can't the real people on the screen tell?" Some of the jokes are funny, but my son liked it much better than I did. This isn't the laugh-fest that previous Wayans brothers comedies are.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
The White Countess
The White Countess takes a long time to get going. It's a movie you have to let happen. Be patient. You will be rewarded with very good performances by Natasha Richardson and Ralph Fiennes and what amounts to a very satisfying film. 3 Stars Out of 5
White Noise
Traditionally, January releases are studio leftovers and trash that need to be tossed out. Well, the first release of the new year is White Noise, a film that doesn't deserve to be released this month. White Noise is an interesting film. It's not without its problems, but it kept me interested. The gist of the film is that the dead can communicate with their loved ones through static or white noise in electronic devices like TV's, radios, and cordless phones. Michael Keaton does an admirable job keeping this film on an even keel, and makes this a better film. The script however, has some problems. We are led to believe that anyone can just tune in to static and receive messages from the dead. I don't know about you, but I've heard static for my whole life and have yet to hear a message from anyone I know. And what channel are we supposed to tune in? Ghost 98 FM? The Spirit Channel? There are some good jumps in the film, and a shiver or two. But just don't think too much…
3 Stars Out of 5
White Oleander
This features Oscar worthy performances by its female leads, and that makes this worth seeing. Michelle Pfeifer has never been better, and there are terrific performances by Alison Lohman, Rene Zellweger, and Robin Wright-Penn. The film appears to have been cut quite a bit though, leaving big plot holes, and leaves us wondering...4 Stars Out of 5
The White Ribbon - Sony Pictures Classics - Rated R
A lot of really awful stuff happens in The White Ribbon. On the surface, things are peaceful, serene. But beneath the beautiful cinematography, and the slow, deliberate pace, there is a building sense of foreboding. This is a movie that doesn't tie everything up in a nice little package…no, it gives you plenty to dwell on. And you will. 4 Stars Out of 5
Whiteout - Warner Bothers - Rated R
Whiteout is pretty much an excuse to film Kate Beckensale in her underwear and in a shower scene, along with photographing her in just the right light. She's beautiful. The movie isn't. The title refers to what the filmmakers should have used on the entire script, and then hired someone who could write a movie worth watching. 2 Stars Out of 5
The Whole Ten Yards
The Whole Ten Yards is a bad sequel to a bad movie. This sorry excuse for a comedy is downright painful.
1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Who's Your Caddy
A great example of why most rappers shouldn't try to act, Who's Your Caddy is a racist and stereotypical cross between Soul Plane and Caddyshack. Completely devoid of any humor at all, it seems like it's just an excuse for the rappers to show us the 2 carat rocks they have in each ear. Don't quit your day job or you'll find those rocks at the pawn shop! 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Why Did I Get Married? - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
Only singer Jill Scott fares OK in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? No Madea this time, but its got klunky dialogue and contrived plot gimmicks aplenty. Janet Jackson's had some more work done, and looked to me like she's going for the E.T. look. Oh, and she still can't act. Just about every character in this film is irritating, shrill, and screaming for most of the movie. At one point I thought I was watching role playing at a marriage seminar! This is Perry's worst yet! Why Did I Get Married?, No, the question is, why did I put myself through that? 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Tyler Perry's Why did I get Married too? - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
All of Tyler Perry's movies seem to star the same people and they are all basically the same. Plus, they come out so often, it seems like they are all interchangeable. Why Did I Get Married too? Begs the question, Why did he make this too? This irritating, uncomfortable film contains nothing to make it palatable, not even Madea wants to be seen it. Star Janet Jackson is looking more and more like Joe Jackson…that's not a good thing…and this movie proves once and for all that she can't act! She is so over the top, I laughed at loud at her supposed angst. The movie is filled with tedious, repetitive dialogue. But worse, the movie is two hours of conflict. I felt the life force draining from me as pieces of my heart were yanked from my chest after enduring two hours of 100% pure torture, toped by an interminable, stupid, trite ending. Shrill shrews shrieking and shouting…just shoot me. 1 Star Out of 5
Wicker Park
Wicker Park drags on at first. But after the first half there is a plot twist that makes this much more interesting. Then there are so many plot twists and turns it's almost cinematic whiplash! Obsession is the central theme in the movie, and while I don't want to give anything away, everyone seems obsessed with another. It's not great, but it is entertaining.
3 Stars Out of 5
Wilber Wants to Kill Himself
Wilber Wants to Kill Himself is a bittersweet film that is offbeat but touching. This is a character driven movie that sounds from the title like it would be something you'd rather not watch, but ends up being the kind of movie you do.
3 Stars Out of 5
The Wild
The Wild is almost a carbon copy of Madagascar as far as the plot is concerned, but it has much better animation, better characters, and better jokes. This was actually conceived first, but took longer to get to the screen. The kids will love it, and there's plenty for adults too. 3 Stars Out of 5
Wild Hogs
Wild Hogs really looked bad to me in the trailers, but is an adult comedy that is much better than I thought it would be. It's adult because it's about four middle aged men, and some of the subject matter is not appropriate for younger kids. All of the stars get their moments to shine, but believe it or not, William H. Macy gets most of the laughs. It's really a very funny audience pleaser, and one that I didn't want to end! 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Willard
Poor direction and a worse script hobble Willard, a herky-jerky, uneven muddle. There is casting genius present with Crispin Glover in the lead, but his talent is squandered, and is not in good hands here. The director should be flogged for allowing some of Glovers more over the top scenes to remain with seemingly no purpose. The character of Willard is not allowed to develop and the other characters are for the most part, one dimensional and irrelevant. This feels like large chunks of the film were cut out. It has some of the right ingredients, like Bruce Davison's portrait as Willard's late Dad (he played Willard in the original.) but too many other ingredients are missing to make this worth more than a time-filler when there isn't a better infomercial on.
2 Stars Out of 5
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is a cliché-ridden "Rocky" wannabe but set in the world of tennis. The best part of this film is the great chemistry between Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany. This movie has been done before many times with different sports. It's only the leads that lift this movie above average.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Win Win - Fox Searchlight - Rated R
Brilliant performances highlight Win Win. Paul Giamatti is wonderful as is the rest of the stellar cast, most notably Bobby Cannavale, who is especially terrific, providing some of the film's bigger laughs. Win win wins big…4 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton is not nearly as bad as I expected. The young cast is very refreshing and the story, while a bit improbable, is entertaining in a cotton candy sweet sort of way. One thing I just couldn't take was seeing the supposed superstar Tad Hamilton travel around alone with no posse! Too ridiculous to believe.
3 Stars Out of 5
WindTalkers
An unusual war movie. Since it is a John Woo movie, you expect a lot of action. You get that in bucketfuls. It is extreme, and not for the faint of heart. But this does seem to lose the story in the middle of all that action. This is supposed to be about the Navaho code-talkers who helped to win the war in the Pacific. It ends up being about dismemberments and blood spurts with a little melodramatic Navajo stuff sprinkled throughout. And some of the effects are not so great. But Nicolas Cage does a fine job as the reluctant hero. I was also impressed with Christian Slater and Adam Beach.3 Stars Out of 5
The Wind that Shakes the Barley
The Wind that Shakes the Barley is extremely political, it follows the story of the founding of the Irish Republican Army in the 1920's. It is a heartwrenching and troubling, but sometimes hard to understand and hard to follow film. 3 Stars Out of 5
Winter in Wartime - Sony - Rated R
Winter in Wartime is an involving film with an appealing star. This superb film had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It vividly shows the horrors of war and its impact on a kid. 4 Stars Out of 5
Witless Protection - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
Take everything that you like about Larry the Cable Guy, leave it out of a movie, and you've got Witless Protection. It is extremely low brow bodily-function humor in buckets but without laughs. Witless…yep. Brainless, unlikable and humorless too. And if they ever invented protection for movies, this is the one you'd need it for. 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Wolf Creek
The first 50 minutes of Wolf Creek are extremely tame. We get to meet the young stars of the film and start to feel a connection to them. It borders on boring. But then all of the sudden we are besieged with a conclusion of unrelenting brutality. This movie takes a long time to grab you, but when it does, it does so with gleeful, sadistic abandon. It genuinely got to me. And that's not easy to do.
4 Stars Out of 5
The Wolfman - Universal - Rated R
The Wolfman is a welcome return to Gothic horror. There is lots of fog, a creepy old mansion, darkness, and plenty of jumps.
While it still has the feel of a classic horror tale, it has been updated for today's audiences. There is lots of blood and gore. Add in well done performances from the cast, great effects, and you have a winner. In this age of sparkly vampires that don't really bite anyone, I loved the return to classic gothic horror. Thankfully, there is no one named Taylor anywhere near this cast.
4 Stars Out of 5
The Women - Picturehouse - Rated PG-13
The title of The Women is absolutely honest. It is 100% pure chick flick. No men appear in it at all. Not a single one. Not even an extra. Nada. No men will find their way to the theater to see it either, unless they are a critic, or dragged to the theater by a female companion. Unfortunately, most women will hate it too. It's a talky bit of amateurish drivel. 2 Stars out of 5
The Woodsman
I think Kevin Bacon is under-appreciated as an actor. The Woodsman proves it. He is superb in this very difficult and intense movie. This isn't an exploitative movie, but a examination into a character that has deep flaws. Kyra Sedgewick is equally impressive in her role. This isn't an easy film to watch, but it is certainly fascinating.
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Wooly Boys
Great performances and a great story highlight Wooly Boys. The film tries a little bit too hard to be quirky and likeable at first, but then it settles down and lets the story unfold revealing rich characterizations and a good underlying message. In the end, it completely won me over. Hats off to the entire cast, especially Peter Fonda and Kris Kristofferson for some memorable performances.
4 Stars Out of 5
The World's Fastest Indian
The smile seldom left my face during The Worlds Fastest Indian. Anthony Hopkins sparkles with his performance in an inspirational true story about a man and his motorcycle who broke records that still stand. This is a terrific film. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
World Trade Center
With terrific performances and a story that is sensitive and truly riveting, World Trade Center is a powerful, moving, important film that makes you feel like you are there. Nicolas Cage is wonderful, and Michael Pena turns in an Oscar worthy performance. Everyone should see this film...and remember.
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Wrestler - Fox Searchlight - Rated R
The Wrestler is a perfect example of perfect casting. Mickey Rourke is all but certain to get an Academy Award nomination for his heartbreaking, stunning performance. Marisa Tomei is the stripper with a heart of gold, but she rises above the cliché. This well written, well directed film is absolutely terrific and is one of 2008's very best. 5 stars Out of 5
Wristcutters: A Love Story - After Dark Films - Rated R
In Wristcutters: A Love Story, those who commit suicide inhabit a world populated by others who have "offed" themselves, who can't smile, and all of the colors are bleached. The main characters travel in a car with a literal black hole under the passenger seat. Yep, it's wildly imaginative and weird, but kind of fun. 3 Stars Out of 5
Wrong Turn
Wrong Turn is a slightly better than average teen slasher movie. That really isn't saying much. This sticks closely to the same old formula, but manages to work up some squirm-in-your-seat tension. That's where the positives about this movie end. This time the killers are inbred-backwoods-hick-mutants. And don't ask too many questions…like why they kill. Or how dozens of people have disappeared in the area and searches never turned anything up but the teens find the location of these grisly murders with relative ease.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Archive
W
W. - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
W. seems largely a work of fiction - after all, it is an Oliver Stone film about a president. It certainly isn't as harsh as one might expect, although it paints Bush as less than brilliant. His version of Bush is more manipulated by Karl Rove and a desire to please his father than from any internal integrity or drive. Rather than tell you what he thinks in the narrative, Stone punctuates scenes with music to give an editorial punch. While Josh Brolin does a pretty good job, most of the performances don't rise much above impersonations. It seems like an extended skit more than a fleshed out movie. 3 Stars Out of 5
Waiting
Waiting made me question meals I've sent back at restaurants. After watching this movie, I am now questioning whether I want to eat at a restaurant ever again. Sure, the movie is funny, but it will also turn your stomach every chance it gets. This movie revels in its grossness, and digs around in many assorted vulgarities to entertain. The writers, no-doubt, spent much time working at restaurants just like the one portrayed in the movie, and that is what worries me. 3 Stars Out of 5
Waiting for Superman - Paramount - Rated PG
It's hard to believe that Waiting For Superman came from the same film maker who is responsible for An Inconvenient Truth. This well made documentary exposes the real problems in American public education.
Beginning with the biggest obstacle to reform - the teachers unions, and ending with the ones who suffer - the kids who want to learn, this eye opening film is one that should be seen by every parent. Super is right! 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
WaitressWaitress is the last film from the brilliant Adriene Shelly. She wrote, directed, and starred in it. She was killed in her own apartment by an illegal alien. After I watched Waitress I couldn't help but think, what a tragedy. Who knows how many more gems like this she would have given us? Waitress is a terrific film - brilliantly written, and with a fantastic performance from Keri Russell. I fell in love with this film, and that makes Shelly's loss all the more painful. But the film stands as a wonderful tribute to an amazing talent whose life was cut tragically short. 4 Stars Out of 5
Walk The Line
Walk The Line features some incredibly strong and surprising performances. Joaquin Phoenix is admirable as music legend Johnny Cash. He has captured the essence of his character while realizing there will only be one man in black. Phoenix is always good. But there are two surprises in this movie. The first is how good Reece Witherspoon is. She may very well earn an Oscar nomination for her performance. The other surprise is that Phoenix and Witherspoon both do their own singing, and they are good! The movie does sugar coat a few things, but I loved it. 4 Stars Out of 5
Walking Tall
The remake of Walking Tall isn't as good as its source material, but the update is fun. The Rock isn't doing much in the way of acting, but has a good time bashing the bad guys with that four by four. And after all, that is what audiences want to see.
3 Stars Out of 5
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
In Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Michael Douglas makes it look easy, and Oliver Stone makes it look less so. The sequel to the 1987 film finds Gordon Gekko released from prison and his estranged daughter couldn't care less. The film departs somewhat from what made the first film so captivating, compensating with metaphorical shots of bubbles popping and the like. Carey Mulligan is a revelation, and Shia LeBeouf is…well, the same he's been in every other movie he's been in. Charlie Sheen makes a welcome cameo. When it's all said and done, it's entertaining in parts, but isn't the winner it's predecessor was. Money never sleeps, but several in the audience did…3 Stars Out of 5
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is funny and wildly inventive. It took 5 years to make because of the time-consuming task with which the movie was made. That's a shame, because when this one ended, I wanted to see another edition right away. The kids will love it, and so will the adults as there are loads of jokes that go completely over the kid's heads.
4 Stars Out of 5
WALL-E - Disney/Pixar - Rated G
The latest entries from Pixar prove that words are not needed to tell a great story. WALL-E opens with the short film, Presto which is the funniest Pixar short yet, but has no dialogue. Then, it's on to the main attraction, where it is 800 years in the future. The earth is so polluted men can't live here and robots are supposed to be cleaning the place up. That's WALL-E's job. Men have turned into big couch potato blobs who can't stand up, living on a big cruise ship in space. The eco message is obvious, but not preachy. This is Pixar at its finest, with jaw dropping, breathtaking animation that is just about photo real in many places even to the point you forget you are watching animation. It contains very little dialogue, but is as emotional and stirring as any film that's packed with it. It is a family film in the best sense of the word. It's got themes that will cause adults to think while stimulating and entertaining the children. While it seems like it might be gloomy, it's not. It is delightful, smart, exciting, and funny. It is Pixar's most ambitious film yet, and maybe its best. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Waltz with Bashir - Sony - Rated R
The animation in Waltz With Bashir looks like a cross between Colorforms and Winky Dink (you might have to google those two if you are younger than 30.) There is a lot of talking, a few action scenes, a weird porn scene and an overall hallucinogenic tone to dealing with war. I found the whole thing confusing and kind of boring. You can sit this dance out. 2 Stars Out of 5
Wanted - Universal - Rated R
Despite its silly plot points, Wanted is an extraordinarily entertaining killer-thriller. It is well crafted, with fantastic action, amazing stunts ane fairly graphic violence. And, Angelina Jolie is sexy-scary, and James McAvoy does a terrific job. The film glorifies murder, as dictated by - get this - the loom of fate: literally a big cloth weaving machine that knits out its instructions to kill in missed-stitch binary code. Uh-huh. So if you don't think about it too much, you'll enjoy the ride even if you find yourself looking twice at that scrap of fabric in the sewing closet. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
War
Action clichés abound in the unintentionally funny War. This retread features comically bad acting, blurred action scenes with so many quick cuts you can't tell what's going on, an incoherent plot, and an ending so stupid I'm still scratching my head wondering who thought this up? No doubt, some producer's plumber coming off a bender after watching too many Kung Fu and action movies! 1 Star Out of 5
Warrior - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
Warrior is one of the best action movies of the year. I thought this would be another bad MMA movie. It's not. It is superb. My palms were sweaty, as I watched this finely crafted film with an exceptional performance from Nick Nolte. 4 1/2 Stars Out of 5
The Warriors Way - Rogue Pictures - Rated R
The Wariors Way looks like it was thought up by two drunk guys on a Southern Comfort and Red Bull bender. Here's how I imagine the conversation went…"I got it…Cowboys and Inshuns" "What? Cowboys and ninshins?" "Ya, no, wait! Cowboys and ninjas! And…clowns…and a bearded lady. Hey! Where'shd you go? Oh, you're down there. Oh, hey, you got some puke on your face. Hey! That's good! Everyone has to look like they got puke on their face!" The problem is, when they sobered up, they made the film anyway, exactly as I've described. Geoffrey Rush overacts the town drunk, Kate Bosworth is especially irritating with her gol-lly, I've got a southern twang style, the main character, Jang Dong-Gun barely has a pulse, Villain Danny Huston's tongue is on disgusting display, and the CGI blood and many other effects obviously done on a green screen look cartoony-terrible. Maybe I needed to be drunk to enjoy this, but I wasn't and I didn't. 2 Stars Out of 5
Waste Deep
Waste Deep is a movie that didn't need to be made. It probably shouldn't have been made. Overflowing with bad acting from a cast that has little screen appeal, this is just more of the tired urban garbage that glorifies crime and criminals inspiring no one to do any better. Why Tyrese Gibson keeps getting starring roles baffles me. He scowls and calls it acting. The title, Waist Deep is just a little too long. Call it Waste, and that fits better. 1 Star Out of 5
Watchmen - Warner Brothers - Rated R
Watchmen has a lot going for it. It is more introspective and thought challenging than your average popcorn flick. I liked that superheroes were ordinary and mundane, and not invincible. I also found it amusing how historical figures were integrated into the story. Despite its bladder challenging length, multiple viewings are called for. Parents, this is not a kids movie! It is extremely dark at times with loads of nudity. Dr. Manhattan's big blue uncircumcised self features prominently while he lets it all hang out. I guess he only owns one pair of underwear and it was out at the cleaners for most of the movie. 3 ½ stars Out of 5
Water For Elephants - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
In Water For Elephants, Oscar winner Cristoph Waltz acts circles around
Robert Pattinson. In scene after scene...As does Reese Witherspoon, Hal Holbrook, and, the elephant. The ever brooding Pattinson has complete control over his one, single emotion…brooding. He is a master of the brood. Just don't dare ask him to do anything else…sparkle…he can do sparkle…with aid of a computer, but he does not sparkle in this movie. Reese Witherspoon is the cougar who has the hots for him, supposedly. And try as she might, she just doesn't seem to quite muster up the steam for the kid. She probably knows she could never take Kristin Stewart's place. After all, she's eleven years older than he is. Casting problems aside, the movie is pretty great. It has a terrific story that even Pattinson's non-acting can't ruin. 4 Stars Out of 5
We Own the Night - Sony - Rated R
With solid acting and an intense story, We Own the Night is a film that delivers. Joaquin Phoenix gives a superb multilayered performance that is the heart and soul of this excellent movie. 4 Stars Out of 5
The Weatherman
The Weatherman is the type of film that fans of Wes Anderson will adore. Anderson did The Royal Tennenbaums and The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. But he didn't do this film. Gore Verbinski, who brought us Pirates of the Caribbean did. But it has that same feel. It is an understated, dry, dark black comedy. Nicolas Cage returns to the type of role we love him in. Both he and Michael Caine give tremendous performances. This film isn't for everyone. Its humor lies in the almost always gloomy outlook of the main character and the weather. Mostly cloudy skies with patches of sunshine prevail in The Weatherman - but that's a good thing. 4 Stars Out of 5
The Wedding Date
In The Wedding Date, Debra Messing proves she has a knack for romantic comedy in film. She reminds me of Sandra Bullock. That said, The Wedding Date follows the Chick-Flick formula exactly. This is a rehash of many films, all of them better than this. Yes, it will please most of the women in the audience, while the men may find a more interesting diversion on the inside of their eyelids.
3 Stars Out of 5
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins - Universal - Rated PG-13
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins is a tedious, laughless wonder packed with mean spirited, stupid slapstick humor resulting in nearly two hours of pure pain and torture. Someone should tell Martin Lawrence and the rest of the cast that making your eyes big and screaming does not a comedy make. There is very little to like in Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins. Actually, I hated every second of it. So there is nothing to like.
1 Star Out of 5
Welcome to Mooseport
Welcome to Mooseport is a pleasant enough but very bland, vanilla comedy that caused me to smile a few times, but there were no real laughs. I wanted a comedy and I got….eh!
2 Stars Out of 5
Wes Craven Presents: They
This is the most fun I've had getting scared in a long time...There are loads of jumps and shrieks in this low budget but fairly well made scare fest.
4 Stars Out of 5
Whale Rider
Deeply moving and inspirational, Whale Rider is a extraordinary gem that finds vast treasure in an unexpected place. This little movie from New Zealand touches us at an unanticipated level and star Keisha Castle-Hughes is a rare find. She has never acted before, but commands the screen like a seasoned professional.5 Stars out of 5
What A Girl Wants
What A Girl Wants has some similarities to a few other movies, and follows the formula to a tee. Star Amanda Bynes is the best part of this pleasant and engaging, but rather vanilla comedy. This is a good movie for fathers to take their daughters to, and it has a really nice ending.
3 Stars Out of 5
What Happens In Vegas - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
We've seen What Happens In Vegas before…in The Breakup, and that was bad too. Actually, the plot - getting a separated couple back together - has been in umpteen million movies. This one is tedious and predictable with obnoxious behavior taking the place of actual jokes. Cameron's not so good…she's mostly flailing around trying to act funny…Ashton's mostly well, Ashton. The film is desperate and cynical but mostly obnoxious. This one should have stayed in Vegas. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
What the Bleep Do We Know
What the Bleep Do We Know is a kind of hybrid film. Is it a documentary? Well, partly, partly drama, partly animation and all interesting! The film makers take us on a razzle dazzle trip through mind expanding ideas in quantum physics and the metaphysical. I liked it. It made me think.
4 Stars Out of 5
Whatever Works - Sony - Rated PG -13
In Whatever Works Larry David plays Woody Allen lusting after a forty or fifty year younger Evan Rachel Wood. It gets pretty creepy pretty fast.
We know Woody Allen has a thing for much younger girls…but does he have to put it in every film? And Larry David is a really bad actor. To call him amateur would cast aspersions on amateur actors. You can almost tell where Woody told him to stutter. He does it often and obediently, trying his best to be Woody. Woody's dialogue out of Larry's mouth fit like a horse shoe on a fashion model. There is almost no good acting in the film at all. Only Patricia Clarkson lifts this film out of its stale, self-constructed mire. But even she cannot rescue the film from itself. This extraordinarily bitter, negative and cynical film thinks it is so much better than the members of the audience who might happen to be conservative, members of the NRA, or - gasp! - religious! Whatever works - It's not this film. 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
When a Stranger Calls
The scariest thing in When a Stranger Calls is when the high school friends of the babysitter are in an area with no cell phone service. Imagine that! NO CELL SERVICE! You can imagine how they must have felt! That's REALLY scary!!! The movie, a pale remake that has no real scares, is overall pretty dumb. There is no character development, and no explanation why the stranger is after the babysitter. 2 Stars Out of 5
When in Rome - Touchstone - Rated PG-13)
The charm-free When in Rome comes from the writers of Old Dogs…my pick for worst movie of last year…so you know it has to be good! Paint by the numbers would be an improvement. Inept doesn't begin to describe it: Direction so bad it appears that a 4 year old gave the directions in finger paint. Obnoxious, hideously unfunny, creepy, cartoonish characters played by Dax Shepherd, Will Arnett and Jon Heder. Things are looking up, though, everyone at Disney responsible for this has been fired. Yay! 1 Star Out of 5
Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden? - Weinstein Company - Rated PG-13
In Morgan Spurlock's documentary Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden? he once again focuses on himself, this time looking for the worlds most notorious terrorist. Funny and well made, he proves he is more than just a Michael Moore wannabe, but someone with real talent. While I disagree with some of the conclusions in the film, namely that terrorism is America's fault; it is, by and large entertaining. 3 Stars Out of 5
Where the Wild Things Are - Warner Brothers - Rated PG
Spike Jonez adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are is a bit of a disappointment for me. The boy, Max, is too much of a brat to be very likeable, the movie drags, has a thin storyline and is a general downer. Add in the fact that the monsters look like people in costumes, and the magical world that was created in the children's book is best left to the book. The wild things aren't in this movie. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Whip It - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
Ellen Page shows she is no flash in the pan in Whip It. First time director Drew Barrymore has crafted an outstanding movie! It is loads of fun, exciting and pure cinematic bliss. Whip it. Whip it good!
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
White Chicks
In White Chicks The makeup is so bad you never once fall for it. As a matter of fact every time I saw the Wayans brothers onscreen in their makeup, I was distracted by it. I kept thinking "that looks so fake, why can't the real people on the screen tell?" Some of the jokes are funny, but my son liked it much better than I did. This isn't the laugh-fest that previous Wayans brothers comedies are.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
The White Countess
The White Countess takes a long time to get going. It's a movie you have to let happen. Be patient. You will be rewarded with very good performances by Natasha Richardson and Ralph Fiennes and what amounts to a very satisfying film. 3 Stars Out of 5
White Noise
Traditionally, January releases are studio leftovers and trash that need to be tossed out. Well, the first release of the new year is White Noise, a film that doesn't deserve to be released this month. White Noise is an interesting film. It's not without its problems, but it kept me interested. The gist of the film is that the dead can communicate with their loved ones through static or white noise in electronic devices like TV's, radios, and cordless phones. Michael Keaton does an admirable job keeping this film on an even keel, and makes this a better film. The script however, has some problems. We are led to believe that anyone can just tune in to static and receive messages from the dead. I don't know about you, but I've heard static for my whole life and have yet to hear a message from anyone I know. And what channel are we supposed to tune in? Ghost 98 FM? The Spirit Channel? There are some good jumps in the film, and a shiver or two. But just don't think too much…
3 Stars Out of 5
White Oleander
This features Oscar worthy performances by its female leads, and that makes this worth seeing. Michelle Pfeifer has never been better, and there are terrific performances by Alison Lohman, Rene Zellweger, and Robin Wright-Penn. The film appears to have been cut quite a bit though, leaving big plot holes, and leaves us wondering...4 Stars Out of 5
The White Ribbon - Sony Pictures Classics - Rated R
A lot of really awful stuff happens in The White Ribbon. On the surface, things are peaceful, serene. But beneath the beautiful cinematography, and the slow, deliberate pace, there is a building sense of foreboding. This is a movie that doesn't tie everything up in a nice little package…no, it gives you plenty to dwell on. And you will. 4 Stars Out of 5
Whiteout - Warner Bothers - Rated R
Whiteout is pretty much an excuse to film Kate Beckensale in her underwear and in a shower scene, along with photographing her in just the right light. She's beautiful. The movie isn't. The title refers to what the filmmakers should have used on the entire script, and then hired someone who could write a movie worth watching. 2 Stars Out of 5
The Whole Ten Yards
The Whole Ten Yards is a bad sequel to a bad movie. This sorry excuse for a comedy is downright painful.
1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Who's Your Caddy
A great example of why most rappers shouldn't try to act, Who's Your Caddy is a racist and stereotypical cross between Soul Plane and Caddyshack. Completely devoid of any humor at all, it seems like it's just an excuse for the rappers to show us the 2 carat rocks they have in each ear. Don't quit your day job or you'll find those rocks at the pawn shop! 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Why Did I Get Married? - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
Only singer Jill Scott fares OK in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? No Madea this time, but its got klunky dialogue and contrived plot gimmicks aplenty. Janet Jackson's had some more work done, and looked to me like she's going for the E.T. look. Oh, and she still can't act. Just about every character in this film is irritating, shrill, and screaming for most of the movie. At one point I thought I was watching role playing at a marriage seminar! This is Perry's worst yet! Why Did I Get Married?, No, the question is, why did I put myself through that? 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Tyler Perry's Why did I get Married too? - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
All of Tyler Perry's movies seem to star the same people and they are all basically the same. Plus, they come out so often, it seems like they are all interchangeable. Why Did I Get Married too? Begs the question, Why did he make this too? This irritating, uncomfortable film contains nothing to make it palatable, not even Madea wants to be seen it. Star Janet Jackson is looking more and more like Joe Jackson…that's not a good thing…and this movie proves once and for all that she can't act! She is so over the top, I laughed at loud at her supposed angst. The movie is filled with tedious, repetitive dialogue. But worse, the movie is two hours of conflict. I felt the life force draining from me as pieces of my heart were yanked from my chest after enduring two hours of 100% pure torture, toped by an interminable, stupid, trite ending. Shrill shrews shrieking and shouting…just shoot me. 1 Star Out of 5
Wicker Park
Wicker Park drags on at first. But after the first half there is a plot twist that makes this much more interesting. Then there are so many plot twists and turns it's almost cinematic whiplash! Obsession is the central theme in the movie, and while I don't want to give anything away, everyone seems obsessed with another. It's not great, but it is entertaining.
3 Stars Out of 5
Wilber Wants to Kill Himself
Wilber Wants to Kill Himself is a bittersweet film that is offbeat but touching. This is a character driven movie that sounds from the title like it would be something you'd rather not watch, but ends up being the kind of movie you do.
3 Stars Out of 5
The Wild
The Wild is almost a carbon copy of Madagascar as far as the plot is concerned, but it has much better animation, better characters, and better jokes. This was actually conceived first, but took longer to get to the screen. The kids will love it, and there's plenty for adults too. 3 Stars Out of 5
Wild Hogs
Wild Hogs really looked bad to me in the trailers, but is an adult comedy that is much better than I thought it would be. It's adult because it's about four middle aged men, and some of the subject matter is not appropriate for younger kids. All of the stars get their moments to shine, but believe it or not, William H. Macy gets most of the laughs. It's really a very funny audience pleaser, and one that I didn't want to end! 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Willard
Poor direction and a worse script hobble Willard, a herky-jerky, uneven muddle. There is casting genius present with Crispin Glover in the lead, but his talent is squandered, and is not in good hands here. The director should be flogged for allowing some of Glovers more over the top scenes to remain with seemingly no purpose. The character of Willard is not allowed to develop and the other characters are for the most part, one dimensional and irrelevant. This feels like large chunks of the film were cut out. It has some of the right ingredients, like Bruce Davison's portrait as Willard's late Dad (he played Willard in the original.) but too many other ingredients are missing to make this worth more than a time-filler when there isn't a better infomercial on.
2 Stars Out of 5
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is a cliché-ridden "Rocky" wannabe but set in the world of tennis. The best part of this film is the great chemistry between Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany. This movie has been done before many times with different sports. It's only the leads that lift this movie above average.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Win Win - Fox Searchlight - Rated R
Brilliant performances highlight Win Win. Paul Giamatti is wonderful as is the rest of the stellar cast, most notably Bobby Cannavale, who is especially terrific, providing some of the film's bigger laughs. Win win wins big…4 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton is not nearly as bad as I expected. The young cast is very refreshing and the story, while a bit improbable, is entertaining in a cotton candy sweet sort of way. One thing I just couldn't take was seeing the supposed superstar Tad Hamilton travel around alone with no posse! Too ridiculous to believe.
3 Stars Out of 5
WindTalkers
An unusual war movie. Since it is a John Woo movie, you expect a lot of action. You get that in bucketfuls. It is extreme, and not for the faint of heart. But this does seem to lose the story in the middle of all that action. This is supposed to be about the Navaho code-talkers who helped to win the war in the Pacific. It ends up being about dismemberments and blood spurts with a little melodramatic Navajo stuff sprinkled throughout. And some of the effects are not so great. But Nicolas Cage does a fine job as the reluctant hero. I was also impressed with Christian Slater and Adam Beach.3 Stars Out of 5
The Wind that Shakes the Barley
The Wind that Shakes the Barley is extremely political, it follows the story of the founding of the Irish Republican Army in the 1920's. It is a heartwrenching and troubling, but sometimes hard to understand and hard to follow film. 3 Stars Out of 5
Winter in Wartime - Sony - Rated R
Winter in Wartime is an involving film with an appealing star. This superb film had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It vividly shows the horrors of war and its impact on a kid. 4 Stars Out of 5
Witless Protection - Lionsgate - Rated PG-13
Take everything that you like about Larry the Cable Guy, leave it out of a movie, and you've got Witless Protection. It is extremely low brow bodily-function humor in buckets but without laughs. Witless…yep. Brainless, unlikable and humorless too. And if they ever invented protection for movies, this is the one you'd need it for. 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Wolf Creek
The first 50 minutes of Wolf Creek are extremely tame. We get to meet the young stars of the film and start to feel a connection to them. It borders on boring. But then all of the sudden we are besieged with a conclusion of unrelenting brutality. This movie takes a long time to grab you, but when it does, it does so with gleeful, sadistic abandon. It genuinely got to me. And that's not easy to do.
4 Stars Out of 5
The Wolfman - Universal - Rated R
The Wolfman is a welcome return to Gothic horror. There is lots of fog, a creepy old mansion, darkness, and plenty of jumps.
While it still has the feel of a classic horror tale, it has been updated for today's audiences. There is lots of blood and gore. Add in well done performances from the cast, great effects, and you have a winner. In this age of sparkly vampires that don't really bite anyone, I loved the return to classic gothic horror. Thankfully, there is no one named Taylor anywhere near this cast.
4 Stars Out of 5
The Women - Picturehouse - Rated PG-13
The title of The Women is absolutely honest. It is 100% pure chick flick. No men appear in it at all. Not a single one. Not even an extra. Nada. No men will find their way to the theater to see it either, unless they are a critic, or dragged to the theater by a female companion. Unfortunately, most women will hate it too. It's a talky bit of amateurish drivel. 2 Stars out of 5
The Woodsman
I think Kevin Bacon is under-appreciated as an actor. The Woodsman proves it. He is superb in this very difficult and intense movie. This isn't an exploitative movie, but a examination into a character that has deep flaws. Kyra Sedgewick is equally impressive in her role. This isn't an easy film to watch, but it is certainly fascinating.
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Wooly Boys
Great performances and a great story highlight Wooly Boys. The film tries a little bit too hard to be quirky and likeable at first, but then it settles down and lets the story unfold revealing rich characterizations and a good underlying message. In the end, it completely won me over. Hats off to the entire cast, especially Peter Fonda and Kris Kristofferson for some memorable performances.
4 Stars Out of 5
The World's Fastest Indian
The smile seldom left my face during The Worlds Fastest Indian. Anthony Hopkins sparkles with his performance in an inspirational true story about a man and his motorcycle who broke records that still stand. This is a terrific film. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
World Trade Center
With terrific performances and a story that is sensitive and truly riveting, World Trade Center is a powerful, moving, important film that makes you feel like you are there. Nicolas Cage is wonderful, and Michael Pena turns in an Oscar worthy performance. Everyone should see this film...and remember.
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Wrestler - Fox Searchlight - Rated R
The Wrestler is a perfect example of perfect casting. Mickey Rourke is all but certain to get an Academy Award nomination for his heartbreaking, stunning performance. Marisa Tomei is the stripper with a heart of gold, but she rises above the cliché. This well written, well directed film is absolutely terrific and is one of 2008's very best. 5 stars Out of 5
Wristcutters: A Love Story - After Dark Films - Rated R
In Wristcutters: A Love Story, those who commit suicide inhabit a world populated by others who have "offed" themselves, who can't smile, and all of the colors are bleached. The main characters travel in a car with a literal black hole under the passenger seat. Yep, it's wildly imaginative and weird, but kind of fun. 3 Stars Out of 5
Wrong Turn
Wrong Turn is a slightly better than average teen slasher movie. That really isn't saying much. This sticks closely to the same old formula, but manages to work up some squirm-in-your-seat tension. That's where the positives about this movie end. This time the killers are inbred-backwoods-hick-mutants. And don't ask too many questions…like why they kill. Or how dozens of people have disappeared in the area and searches never turned anything up but the teens find the location of these grisly murders with relative ease.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
