Kramer vs Kramer (1979)

Young, career-driven Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) finds the momentum knocked out of him when he finds out that his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep) is leaving him and their 6-year-old son Billy (Justin Henry). Losing his new promotion and ultimately his job, Ted tries to balance work and fatherhood. Frustration and anger soon turn to joy as Ted discovers he loves being a full-time parent despite the occasionally mishap. Ted and Billy slowly setting into routine. Then Joanna reappears to claim the boy.

Kramer Vs Kramer is a poignant movie. Without taking sides, the human drama unfolds with honest emotion and repercussions. The performances from Hoffman and Streep drive this film beautifully. Hoffman is amazing to watch. The physical and emotional struggle that Ted goes through is remarkable and Hoffman makes every moment. Streep imbues Joanna, I think, with the emotion of any woman who has discovered she's lost her identity. Justin Henry is equally impressive playing Billy as frustrated and impertinent as his young mind struggles to deal with abandonment.

As the legal battle over Billy begins, the film takes on a whole other tone but still maintains an observers role only. Therein lies the films beauty. Both parties, led by juggernaut lawyers who warn 'this will get ugly' become observers in their own lives as they watch lawyers attack with vicious intent. In words unsaid and glances shared, Hoffman and Streep speak volumes.

Kramer vs Kramer rings with an authenticity that's not often found in Hollywood drama. Ground-breaking for its time, Kramer vs Kramer is one of the few films worthy of their Oscars.

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

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is to the Indy series as the Star Wars Prequels are to the original series--it neither adds anything nor does it take away... much. Fan of Dr. Jones will inevitably find something to love about it. I, myself, as casual fan find the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull to be so concentrated between nuking the fridge, alien skulls, man-eating ants, and pompadour wearing flying monkeys that it quickly became eye-roll inducing.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a ridiculous adventure that someone out there enjoys. The spirit of Indy seemed stripped away. In its place was blatant (and stupid) mass marketing without the swagger. The pathetic attempts at jokes about Indy's age were sad. at best. Shia Labeouf's role is a character I wouldn't mind exploring further. Using the Russians was an awesome and underutilized idea.

Unless you are a devoted fan of the series, stay away. Even then, I would have a hard time recommending this to you. See it if you must; but I told you so.

Step Brothers (2008)

Brennan Huff (Will Ferrell) and Dale Doback (John C. Reilly) are two grown men still living at home with their single parents. When Brennan's mom (Mary Steenburgen) meets Dale's dad (Richard Jenkins) and the rest, as they is history, the stepbrothers constant competition and jealousy strain the newlywed's relationship. An unlikely truce begins when they discover equal hatred for Brennan's overachieving little 'bro' Derek and the two become inseparable. In desperation, Dale's dad delivers an ultimatum: they've got one month to get a job and grow up.

Step Brothers is a never-ending joke that stops being funny shortly after it's told. Ferrell and Reilly are funny; their chemistry together even funnier, but this film is dull. Gratuitous language and meanness pervade what could have been. Don't get me wrong, they are funny--what's not funny about a 40-year old clinging to under-roos, grilled cheeses, and tree houses--but this gets old fast.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Taking an exagerated page from my own family, Clark (Chevy Chase), Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), Russ (Johnny Galecki) and Audrey (Juliette Lewis) Griswold prepare for the holiday onslaught of food anf family. Big eyed and more excited that little Russ, Clark pulls out all the stops for the Griswold Christmas Extravganza! Good intentions spiral into holiday mishaps and downright disasters making for good fun to be had by all.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a Christmas classic in my book. Over-the-top, hysterically funny, what makes it special is it's so gosh darn relatable. The Griswold's Christmas is filled with tradition; isn't everyone's?! Clark's excitment for the holiday is infectious and not even his crazy cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), the squirrel infested tree, or the chic neighbors next door can quell his Christmas spirit.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is as festive as your Aunt Betty's holiday sweaters only WAY more fun (and less embarrasing). Fill the moose punch cups because "We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse."

Stomp Live (2008)

Stomp Live captures the stunning stage musical beautifully. A fan since the 2000 performance at TPAC, the artistry and athleticism of the Stomp performers is legendary. This DVD (along with surround sound) recreates the intimacy of a live performance with the the footage of a front row seat.

Stomp is a fascinating production that combines rhythm, humor, and unreal discipline to create music. Brooms, pipes, trash pails, water jugs, sand--it all takes on new life and sound with the manipulation of the cast. The cast members obviously enjoy themselves. Their wordless chemistry with the audience in England's Bright Dome is fun. This banging on random pots takes on new meaning with the cadence of hubcaps and trashcans ringing in brilliant cacophony.

This DVD combined some performances from the show I remember--especially the Zippo lighters--and some new to me. The kitchen sinks were hysterical and downright cool, but the newspaper bit takes the performers at their best. Behind the scenes footage brings additional flare as does the interiew with the creates.

Stomp Live is hand down better than the '97 HBO special Stomp Out Loud. Unlike any musical you've seen, Stomp Live is a riot.