Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

Mysterious Mr. Smith (Clive Owen) has a thing for carrots. When he delivers a woman's baby during a crazy insane shoot-out, he unwittingly becomes at odds with Mr. Hertz (Paul Giamatti). With the help of kind-hearted and sexy DQ (Monica Bellucci), Mr. Smith protects the boy from Hertz and his gun-laden henchmen.

Yeah, I'm not sure what this movie is about. There is some vague plot hinted at, but why bother when there's so much more going on.

Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti star in this audacious shoot 'em up. They do it so well. Owen is dark, tall and unshaven. Those unflinching blue eyes stare you down as he plays a carrot-crunching British nanny and gun-freak. Paul Giamatti has the strangest of accents, but still creates a larger than life character in Hertz. Imagine a gun-running family man. "Yes dear, I'll be home in time for Timmy's birthday party" in the midst of a shoot-out.

Crazy insane action is surpassed only by hysterical one-liners. Darkly funny, outrageously violent and absurdly gory-- Shoot 'Em Up is utter nonsense. But who cares when you're having this much fun?

Masterpiece Theatre: Mansfield Park (2007)

The third in the series from PBS' Masterpiece Theatre, this adaptation of Mansfield Park has no body to it. Our heroine is poor Fanny Price (Billie Piper) who is sent to her wealthy cousins' estate at Mansfield. Surrounded by status and yet not allowed to partake of it, Fanny isn't sure where she fits in. Despite her position, a friendship is forged with her cousin Edmund Bertram (Blake Ritson) that continues to adulthood.

Years later, her cousins are off and married. Fanny, still at Mansfield Park, concerns herself with household matters until she finds herself pursued by a neighbor fresh from high society. Siblings Mary and Henry Crawford have set their sights on the Bertram fortune. Can Fanny withstand her suitor's petulant advances while waiting for her true love to notice her? Can Edmund discover his own desires before Mary hooks him?

You'll just sigh with delight as the story unfolds. Austen readers will appreciate this beautiful, albeit shallow production.

Fanny is a free spirit, but she's not daft. Sadly it's hard to tell what she's trying to be here. Billy Piper is a beautiful girl; her character doesn't have the detail and body found in Austen's novel.

The men are as dashing as ever-- with strong jaw lines and aquiline noses. Strolling about the estate, the couples look divine.

Regardless, you'd be better served to read Austen's book. There is so much more to our modest heroine and to Mansfield Park. It'd be a shame for you to miss out.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Who knows why it has taken me this long to see Finding Nemo; it's not for lack of recommendations. Nearly five years later later, I finally see what all the fuss is about.

Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks), a neurotic clown fish, is the overly protective father of Nemo-- a cute little fellow with a desire to explore the big beautiful ocean. Marlin isn't having any of that! After a spat with his father, Nemo sets out to prove he can do it only to get caught by scuba divers and added to an aquarium.

Determined to find his son, Marlin sets out and has a few adventures along the way. First up, is a new friend. Dory (Ellen Degeneres) is plagued by short-term memory loss, but joins Marlin is his quest to find Nemo. Marlin and Dory meet a trio of reformed sharks, Bruce, Anchor, and Chum. They are on the twelve step program to stop eating fish. Then there's Crush, a thrill seeking gnarly sea turtle. The adventure takes them to the depths of the ocean where danger lurks, through a swarm of jellyfish and even a whale. There friendship will be tested and Marlin will learn life lessons.

Meanwhile, Nemo is finding his own way. He's the new addition to an Australian dentist's office aquarium. There, he meets some interesting characters led by the battle-hardened Gill (Willem Dafoe). There's Peach the starfish (Allison Janey) and Bloat the blow fish (Brad Garrett) don't forget Bubbles and Gurgle, too. He soon becomes a member of the tank, nicknamed 'Shark Bait' and tries to help everyone escape the tank. Nemo is determined to get back to the ocean and his father.

Word is spreading about father and son. Marlin's tale reaches the ear of local pelican Nigel (Geoffrey Rush) who in turns, knows Nemo. It seems all of deep blue turn out to reunited these two fish.

Finding Nemo is an instant classic. It's brilliantly animated. The vivid detail and color just leap of the screen. With unforgettable characters and great dialogue, the movie is a gem. Although Finding Nemo was before A Bug's Life, Cars and The Incredibles, it further cements Pixar's place in cinematic history. The animation is mind-blowing. It's as if the fish are really swimming. You can see the current-- reach out and touch the coral. Light and texture bounce off of every little detail. It's amazing!

It wouldn't be Disney without some attempt at themes and political correctness. Relationships are examined. (So is global warming.) Death and danger are looked squarely in the eye and innocence always wins- still, Finding Nemo has bite. Parents and children alike will find something to connect to here. A word of caution: children under seven may take a fright or two.

Finding Nemo deserves a place on your Disney shelf right next to Toy Story and Sleeping Beauty. (You know you've got one.) It's a great catch. *rolls eyes*

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

For Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), year five at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is going to be more that O.W.L.s After Cedrick Diggery's death last year, Harry return from Muggle isolation to find that he (and his staunchest supporter, Professor Albus Dumbledore) is being vilified as right nutter. It seems his warning about the return of the Dark Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) are being dismissed by the Ministry of Magic and most of Hogwart's residents.

You'd have to be living under a stone to not know the story of Harry Potter-- fan or not. Director David Yates (The Girl in the Cafe - beautiful film starring Bill Nighy and Kelly Macdonald) brings to life a crucial book in the series. The Order of the Phoenix finds Harry, Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) maturing in every way.

Yates had a difficult task ahead of him. The screenplay by Michael Goldenberg (who?!) isn't a word-for-word recreation, but it is a solid adaptation of the 800+ page volume. Yates focuses on the main themes of the book and hints at subplots. Book reader will read between the lines; movie goers won't know what they're missing.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has a darker, more sinister feel. Gone is the innocent joy of the magical world. Harry has been touched by death and sadness. His friends take a somber mood as they, too, realize that the magical realm holds many dangers with Voldemort at hand.

Allow me to touch on the stellar cast. Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson are growing up before our eyes. Hermione has lost her annoying whine. Ron is no longer the funny sidekick. Harry has lost his boyish charm and gained a new depth of character.

New this time, Imelda Staunton as the calm, yet manical Dolores Umbridge just nails that annoying pink-enrobed deputy minister and her little 'ahem'. Evanna Lynch's portrayal of the peculiar Luna Lovegood was excellent. Nymphadore Tonks (Natalia Tena) was a disappointment. Not only was her character delegated to the background, but she just didn't live up to my expectations. Helena Bonham Carter was spot-on at Bellatrix Lestrange. Oh-- you just wanted Neville to get at her!

The returning cast: Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Gary Oldman, Gary Thewlis-- there just wasn't enough time for them all. They each had a moment to carry in on their own vein. Snape was his dour, sniveling-self. Boogle-ly-eyed (yes, I made that word up) Prof. Trelawney was allowed a moment of divination, even fatherly Lupin was allowed to dispense his loving affection for Harry.

Ralph Fiennes channels the Dark Lord beautifully. His evil and hate just pour onto the screen as does Jason Issac's Lucius Malfoy.

Hogwart's stands in all it's glory. The viewer doesn't get much time to explore with Harry and friends this time. We see a few long corridors and the Room of Requirement, but mostly we see the never-ending wall on which Prof. Umbridge has Finch nail her educational degrees on.

The Ministry of Magic is explored. It is everything the reader/viewer wants it to be. Unapproachable, intimidating and slick. The final showdown in the halls of the Ministry are spell-binding even if they are evocative of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. (That's all I could think of while viewing.)

As I said before, the film has a maturity about it. Touching on those, Director Yates explores that maturity with themes of friendship and loss. Yates knows when to step back and allows Sirius' death to consume not only Harry, but his audience as well. He cripples the viewer with an overwhelming blow. When Harry decides to train his fellow students in Dark Arts, the time spent learning Patronus charms are also spent learning that great wizards were once students.

Even with its mature theme and dialogue, Yates hasn't forgotten the magic that makes this series. Dementors, speaking-letter envelopes, fireworks courtesy of Fred and George, moving people in pictures, Thestrals, newspapers, broom flights through London-- it's all here and a delight to see.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will thrill fans of any age and while we'd all agree that a word-for-word adaption would be best, we are more than grateful for a solid attempt. That is what you will find here.

Masterpiece Theatre: Northanger Abbey (2007)

*sigh* I think all girls grow up with tales of romance from Jane Austen. Lord knows I'm still waiting for my Mr. Darcy. The second of six adaptations of Austen novels from Masterpiece Theatre, Northanger Abbey is new to me; however, the story is pure Austen.

This time our heroine is Catherine Moreland. A young girl from a quiet village of moderate wealth and a penchant for 'horrid' Gothic novels. The naive Cathy gets her first taste of many different things on a trip to Bath. she learns life lessons and a bit of love through her interactions with two very different families vacationing there-- the manipulative Thorpes who are desperate to raise their social status and sophisticated and mysterious Tilneys.

As with most productions from across the pond, Northanger Abbey is lavish and quite beautiful. The period costuming and set design is scrumptious. The cast is just charming. The woman are like porcelain dolls--pale complexions with the straightest of posture. Felicity Jones is beautiful.

Our dashing males are Mr. Henry Tilney (JJ Field) and John Thorpe (William Beck). Fortunately for us, Cathy is set for one early on, but must go hither and yon to truly discover her hearts desires.

Not having read the book, I can't vouch for sincerity to the book. It is a delightful adaptation all the same. Like all of her novels, Northanger Abbey is a blissfully romantic tale that is sure to please with just the right amount of cheeky spirit from our heroine.

Cloverfield (2008)

I know it's early in the year, but one of the first films of 2008 is not easily forgettable. Cloverfield is a MUST SEE on the big screen.

On the eve of Rob's (Michael Stahl-David) departure to Japan (wink, nod), friends gather to say goodbye. An uninvited guest, i.e. monster crashes the party and sends close friends on a journey of survival.

Sorry folks, you're not getting any more. The story follows a group of friends and their attempt to survive a monster attack on Manhattan. What makes Cloverfield WORTH SEEING is that the viewer joins the group through the lens of Hud's (T.J. Miller) camera. Hud was the official documentarian of the party until the monster hit. He was supposed to get good wishes from the party goers-- you know, like in a wedding. Fortunately for us, the camera is seemingly seared to his hand as he, Rob and a few others desperately try to get to Rob's friend (and crush) Beth (Odette Yustman)-- who is smack dab in the middle of it.

Cloverfield feels fresh and different because of this hand-held technique. Director Matt Reeves (28 Weeks Later) thrusts the viewer into the chaos. Sensitive movie-goers and those prone to motion sickness, be warned. We don't know any more than Hud and like him, we are sucked into the mayhem-- heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, throat-burning chaos. Several times I found myself yelling at Hud, 'Watch out!'

Director Reeves has pulled together a no-name cast that provide remarkable believability. They may not make smart decisions, but they make credible ones.

The plot line for Rob and Beth is inane-- we all know it's just a vehicle for the monster attack. Look closer and you see the interaction of the people involved and how they cope as the world crumbles around them. Watching Rob, Hud, Lily (Jessica Lucas)and Marlena (Lizzy Capland) all these epiphany-like moments where you can see they are weighing the benefits of their actions. Or not.

Overall, the film is devoid of a soundtrack, but sound is the first thing you notice. Thank the Maker for THX!! You teeth rattle as Rob and his cohorts rush to the roof to get a look. As they all rush down the stairs, the pandemonium is palatable. The special effects are perfect, best I can tell. Hud couldn't keep the camera still enough.

I had to view this one twice-- in the same day, just to make sure the experience was real. I think Cloverfield with give way to two distinct camps. This is a love/hate movies. While I can see the plot holes in retrospect, you don't have time to even consider them during the film, nor does it really matter. I mean we are trying to survive!!

Riveting, intense and thoroughly entertaining, Cloverfield is a visceral film that leaves a lasting impression. Stay past the credits. Not for the scenes, but for the sounds.

Don't miss this on the big screen!!

Balls of Fury (2007)

I enjoy an Oscar-worthy existential drama just as much as {or maybe more so} than the next person. Sometimes it's nice to throw off the pseudo-intellectual mantle and engage in nonsense.

Dan Fogler is Randy Daytona, a former Olympic Ping Pong star and Def Leppard fan who is recruited by FBI agent Ernie Rodriguez (George Lopez) for a mission he can't refuse. Track down his father's elusive killer, the evil Feng (Christopher Walken). With the help of a blind ping-pong sage (James Hong) and his niece, Maggie, Daytona travels to Feng's jungle lair where he faces a gamut of formidable opponents en route to the prize.

Starring Dan Fogler, George Lopez and Christopher Walken, Balls of Fury is as random as they come. Part kung-fu, part ping pong and all weird. Walken fans will rejoice in the sheer absurdity of it all. The laughs are set low-- it's all about balls. Sight gags and choppy, dumb one-liners just add to the random oddness. Plus it's all set to the tunes of Def Leppard. What's not to love?

In truth, the laughs aren't nonstop. It's like director Ben Garant was aiming for camp and got crap. Nevertheless, Balls of Fury is all over-the-top nonsense. If you don't mind devoting yourself to 91 minutes of nothing, then knock yourself out.

December Boys (2007)

Orphaned Maps (Daniel Radcliffe), Sparks (Christian Byers), Spit (James Fraser), and Misty (Lee Cormie) are the December boys {birth dates, people}. Maps is the eldest of this tight group of fellows who get sent to live with an elderly couple for a summer holiday. Sparks is good with mechanical things; Spit lives up to his nickname and Misty is a 'water-works' according to his brothers. When Misty overhears a couple discussing adoption, the boys soon become rivals. Their friendship will be tested and each boy's life will change forever.

December Boys is a sentimental journey of friendship that plays out like old photographs. Remember those old sepia photographs of your grandparents? The ones with just a touch of color? That's this movie. Visually, it's quite beautiful.

A beautiful location won't save a story that doesn't know what it wants to be. Much like the fish, story lines are mucking about; supporting characters are shallow and underdeveloped. It's a mess!

The young cast of boys are quite good. Radcliffe steps away from his wizardry long enough to show true acting chops. {Thanks for taking a mature role.} His compatriots are adorable. The boys stories allow us to care; but the viewer never really gets a glimpse of what makes each one. The young actors do well considering the material.

For all the boys' adventures, walk on the beach, fishing and even adolescent love, December Boys should have amounted to something and it didn't. Director Rod Hardy isn't sure if he's remaking Big Fish or Stand By Me. The hodge-podge of edits creates a time-frame that seems out of order.

Finally, the film jumps the shark with it's outlandish closure that takes us completely out of the film we were just watching. It's discombobulating.

December Boys is a hopelessly lost coming-of-age story, but thanks to the four young leads it's not all lost.

Bonus Feature: CD

Bombast isn't necessary when you have something so pure. Legendary rock god Robert Plant and bluegrass goddess Alison Krauss collaborate to create perfection in Raising Sand-- easily one of, if not THE best album of 2007. Producer T-Bone Burnett allows Plant and Krauss to pull from their respective backgrounds and creates this hybrid of blues, rock, and country.

Burnett introduces these artists in a new light that is fresh and beautiful. Krauss is raw; Plant is uncharacteristically vulnerable and soft. There is an intimacy-a maturity found here that astounds this listener. Plant and Krauss sound familiar- down right celestial. Burnett allows the best of each artist to emerge, but coaxes and guides them down unexplored paths to create perfect synergy.

I'd hate to give the impression that this album is 'old' but with descriptions that include 'maturity', 'soft' and especially 'bluegrass' won't evoke confidence from my peers. Even so, Raising Sand has true crossover appeal. Rock fans-- Led Zeppelin fans are notoriously cautious and hold all former members of the band to high standards. Those fans will truly see the versatility in Plant. Bluegrass fans are similar in their devotion and will learn that music doesn't have to have a lead fiddle to be good.

Plant and Krauss weave through songs like The Everly's 'Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)', 'Stick With Me Baby' and 'Nothin'' with a indescribable ease, yet solid power. Special shout-out to Dennis Crouch-- a regular customer of mine back in Shopgirl days-- for exquisite bass playing. {Fans may remember his work on the Walk The Line soundtrack}. 'Please Read The Letter' is easily my favorite track. See iTunes if you're the immediate gratification type.

Raising Sand deserves it's accolades. Amp it up, rock it out.

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

A recommendation from a trusted friend wasn't enough to make me see this film. After the disappointed that was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe {it wasn't that bad, but it didn't live up to hype}, I kinda swore off this child fantasy stuff. {You don't understand my devotion to Narnia.} So, I wasn't rushing to see Bridge to Terabitha. Then my friend put mentioned it being one of his top films of 2007. Now, I had to see it.

The world of fifth-grader Jess (Josh Hutcherson) is steeped in reality. The neglected son in a large, poor family, Jess' world is work, hand-me-down shoes, and school bullies. His pleasures are few: running and drawing. Moments spent doing either are few, but treasured by this young boy. When Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) moves next door, she takes from him the joy of being the fastest runner in the fifth grade. Jess' turns to drawing, filling his book with creatures and portraits of a happier place. Leslie, too, quickly becomes an outcast and the rivals slowly become friends. Unlike Jess, Leslie is outspoken and a true nonconformist. The free-spirited girl opens a magical world for Jess. Terabithia is a kingdom of adventure where rulers Jess and Leslie plot revenge against bullies and escape from the pressure of home.

Far from your average Disney film, Bridge to Terabithia is a family-oriented film that deals with some mature themes. The film doesn't go for easy answers and although parent may have some explaining to do, Bridge to Terabithia is enchanting.

Hutcherson and Robb are solid young people and portray a friendship that isn't sappy, contrived or sexually oriented. It's real and identifiable. Jess and Leslie are two creative youngsters who seek alternatives to pain and pressures in their world. Their dialogue reflects a coming of age where bullies and siblings are real issues to you as are your parent's worries and your adventures in the tree house.

I am unfamiliar with the award-winning book of the same name. According to IMBD, the screenplay was co-written by David Patterson the son of the novel's author. It's obvious that great care was taken.

Unusual for films geared to the younger generation, Bridge to Terabithia isn't loud, nor does it focus on the inane. This film isn't dumb. The focus is on characters and developing a story that rips your heart out. Jess and Leslie's friendship takes main stage, but it's the interaction with parents, bullies and authority figures that develop it. The relationship between Jess and his father (Robert Patrick) is explored, but briefly. It's obvious the man neglects his son. Zooey Deschenal is a kind-hearted music teacher who encourages Jess and his art. Jess, in turn, develops a crush. Those scenes are some of the best. Ultimately though, Hutcherson and Robb are responsible for bringing this movie together.

The magical world of Terabithia is woven into reality. Director Gabor Csupo doesn't allow CGI to overshadow the film's story. Instead, it enhances the story and catches you off guard.

Adults should easily deduce the film's ending. Rest assured, I will no spoil it. When it happens, you won't be ready-- just get the tissues.

Bridge to Terabithia is a beautiful story and not nearly the fantasy heavy film the trailers portray; nor is it go-lucky. Destined to touch your heart, Bridge to Terabithia asks you to close your eyes and keep your mind wide open. If you manage to do that, you will see the true innocence of childhood.

The Nanny Diaries (2007)

Recently grad Annie Braddock (Scarlett Johannson) is fearful of the life ahead of her. A double major in finance and anthropology, Annie isn't quite ready for the career path. When a job literally falls in her lap, Annie seizes the opportunity to observe people but then gets a whole lot more than she bargains for when she takes on caring for 4-year old Grayson.

Grayson is the son of an affluent, highly dysfunctional set of parents. Mr. X (Paul Giamatti) is the disassociated Wall Street father with dalliances on the side. Mrs. X (Laura Linney) is the Upper East Side, Type A, Wall Street wife who does nothing, but still can't seem to find time for Grayson. Enter Annie. The new nanny falls in love with her young charge. Concern for him becomes an obsession with his dysfunctional family and that leads to all sorts of trouble.

The Nanny Diaries is based on the best-selling book from co-authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicole Kraus who drew from their own experiences working with Manhattan's wealthiest families.{I didn't care for the book; never finished it}. Director Shari Springer Berman assembled a nice cast to deliver the goods.

Giamatti supports here, but he's ever successful as the sleazy creep of a husband. Laura Linney is stunning {much like in The Truman Show}. Johannson isn't as strong as I expected here, but still she manages a good, caring performance as Annie {and narrator}.

The film reads much like The Devil Wears Prada. Fans of the Merryl Streep/Ann Hathaway movie will enjoy this one. Annie gets caught up in a world that both frightens and dazzles her. It takes friends and an encounter with Mr. X to bring her back.

The Nanny Diaries is a light popcorn flick {with an uplifting message if you want to read into it}.

High School Musical 2: Extended Edition (2007)

"Curiosity killed the cat." This cat {guiltily} enjoyed this Disney Channel Original movie. Building on the success of the first one, the entire cast returns for more singing, dancing and innocent cavorting.

High School Musical 2 finds us back at East High School and summer break at hand. Not three minutes into the movie and a song! Led by Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), summer begins. Like any teen, the entire student body is looking to 'make bank'. {Kids, these days.} Endless interviews bring no hope, until... Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale), nemesis of Gabriella, decides that she and Troy should be together. Miraculously, Troy {and the entire student body} land summer jobs at the country club owned by the Evans family.

When Troy and Gabriella team up for the club's talent show {surprise}, jealous Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) and sis, Sharpay scheme to break it up. Troy gets caught up in a group not his own, the rich and popular group of Sharpay and family as they open the door to the college of his choice. Fortunately best bud Chad (Corbin Bleu), Gabriella and the entire student body are there {from the wrong side of the tracks} bring him back to earth and straighten him out. YEAH! Everyone is bursting with song and ends up happy. Even Ryan.

The infectious disease that is HSM is taken to the next level here. The production is pure Disney and that's not necessarily bad. Moral predicaments arise, friendships are tested, but all are neatly handled in true Disney fashion. Parents are mere background noise, popping up to help a teen 'talk it out'. All the real breakthroughs are in song.

The songs are fun and singable. Each main character gets a moment to shine {sometimes cheesily} in a song/dance number of their own. I was glad to see Lucas Grabeel's character get a chance to stretch and on the baseball diamond no less. Memo to Troy, you need less needy friends.

Allow my 20-something brain to dwell on the downside. This isn't Broadway, people. Sitting your children in front of something so mind-numbing could be dangerous to their health. Also, these kids are perfect. The images they reflect, physically, are a bit uncomfortable and for all the play on innocent romance-- yeah, I don't know about that.

Regardless, High School Musical 2 is fun {and better than it's original}. It's a nice family oriented movie that everyone could {if they really wanted to} gather around. Oh, and I mean it when I say 'infectious'.

2007: In review

To close out 2007 and my year in film, here's a look back on some of my favourites. Others not so much. You'll find musicals topping my list. Johnny Depp, too.
My Top Ten

1. Across the Universe - A fictional love story set in during the tumultuous 1960s. This original musical from director Julie Taymor re-imagines the music of the Beatles. Newcomer Jim Sturgess and the stunning Evan Rachel Wood star (and sing).
2. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter under the direction of Tim Burton. Do you really need more? This adaption of the Broadway musical stars Depp as the demented butchering barber.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - Grandiose and bloated the final installment of Capt. Jack Sparrow's adventure was everything I wanted. Epic battles, swashbuckling swords, incredible CGI and a monkey.
4. The Bourne Ultimatum- The final adaption of Robert Ludlum's spy series. Matt Damon, you are the most under-appreciated action hero EVER!! Paul Greengrass, thank you, for bring real gritty action to the screen. Matt, I appreciate you channeling it so well.
5. 28 Weeks Later - The perfectly evolved plague thriller with a virtual no-name cast that scared the Hades out of me. The opening sequence is brilliance perfected.
6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - It may have ranked higher if I'd seen it more than once. I was lucky to see it at all. Regardless, Potter and friends are maturing perfectly. Thank you for ripping my heart out with Sirius' death. It was indeed magical.
7. Hot Fuzz - This action-packed send-up from Shaun of the Dead genius Simon Pegg balanced action, comedy and drama. Quite well. I even got my own Japanese Peace Lily.
8. Blades of Glory - I didn't say this was the list of most perfect films- just ones I enjoyed. Will Ferrell and mouth-breather John Heder are too funny.
9. 300 - It's not a history lesson. Actually, it's an adaptation of a comic book and the best use of HD-TV.
10. Atonement - You can read my review in a previous post. Visually beautiful drama with an unusual payoff.

Honorably Mentionables:

1. Breaking & Entering - An overlooked drama starring Jude Law and Juliette Binoche that examines relationships and religion.
2. Hannibal Rising - The origin story behind Hannibal Lecter stars one Gaspard Ulliel who channels the evil created by Sir Anthony Hopkins. Wicked, beautiful and demented.
3. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium - Dustin Hoffman makes this film worth it. Kinda like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, only not.

Surprises: Wow, that was nice.

1. The Nanny Diaries - I loathed the book so much, I never finished it. Scarlett Johannson, Laura Linney, and Paul Giamatti brought the pages {I read} to life with spite.
2. Zodiac - It wasn't so much about the serial killer walking the streets of San Francisco, but the paranoia that the killer created. Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo are solid.
3. The Invisible - Teen drama that doesn't play like one. It's actually smart.

Ho-Hums: Oh, what could have been.

1. Transformers - Note to Michael Bay: You obviously have explosions and car chases down pat. You even cast the perfect hot girls. But please, if you're going to take something so sacred as this, could you try harder?! Perfect explosions are nothing if I'm laughing at Optimus Prime.
2. Spiderman 3 - This movie didn't go anywhere and still managed to rake in the dollars. What's up with that?! Instead of treading deeper into the life of Peter Parker, Spidey and his enemies, it wallows/celebrates nerd-dom.
3. I Am Legend - Will Smith and a post-apocalyptic film. It should have worked and it did, but only mildly. Human sized Gollums aren't scary. Cunning, human-sized Gollums are.

Duds: So bad, I beg you... PLEASE don't watch them.

1. Year of the Dog
2. Shrek the Third
3. Georgia Rule

Here's hoping you'll take the time to escape and enjoy!

Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007)

Only Mr. Bean could have a holiday like this After winning a raffle, the hapless Bean heads to the French Rivera with a brand new video camera and French vocabulary consists of "oui", "non", and "gracias". With his luck, he'll make it. But not before an all-out disaster occurs. This time around his train ride become a zany road trip where he befriends a little boy and an aspiring French actress named Sabine (Emma de Caunes) in a case of mistaken identity and accidental kidnapping.

Rowan Atkinson has got to be one of the silliest exports from England. Like his films before, Mr. Bean's Holiday is a mere showcase for Atkinson's physical and slapstick comedy. The plot- a good one- is there, but it just gets in the way. This time the movie isn't wall-to-wall laughs despite its spiral into sheer silliness. I got bored, but still managed to make it through 90 minutes.

Atkinson wears me out. He's a polarizing figure; I think you either love him or hate him. Regardless, his interaction with the French seafood platter and that video camera is just side-splitting funny. I felt like quite the dork enjoy those scenes.

Imagine my surprise to find Willem Dafoe supporting. Much like John Malkovich in Johnny English, Dafoe plays his character larger than life. Dafoe is Carson Clay a self-obsessed (American) director who's set Mr. Bean stumbles upon. Dafoe is genius here because he attacks the role so seriously.

Emma de Caunes is reminiscent of Audrey Tautou {Amelie}. She's downright cute and a sight for sore eyes.

Ultimately, only fans of Rowan Atkinson will enjoy Mr. Bean's Holiday. Even then, bring a small friend, a 6 or 8-year old should do it. This is a genuine G-rated film that's incredibly family friendly.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

I rang in my new year with an old{er} film and my favourite family, the Tenenbaums-- the grandest of dysfunctional families. My friend Matt is responsible for my finding this gem. Wes Anderson directs a broad cast of old pros (like Gene Hackman and Angelica Houston) and newcomers (at the time, Luke and Owen Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow).

I would only repeat myself singing the film's praises; so check out my original review here.

The Tenebaum family story is indeed a 'crazy quilt woven from the past and present family relationships, conflicts, and misadventures.'

Impeccable storytelling makes for a great film. Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson have meticulously crafted weird, complex characters that you can't help caring for no matter how mind-boggling and strange they are. Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) just kills me with that dead-pan dark-eyed empty stare. The tortured playwright with the wooden finger {how she got it is even funnier}. No one's seem to notice Margot has smoked since she was 12, but everyone knows she is adopted.

This film isn't for everyone. The humor is quick and VERY dry. Between the slapstick and the visual humor, the snappy dialogue, and overall wonderfulness-- your senses are overwhelmed.