Neverwas (2005)

Psychiatrist Zach Riley (Aaron Eckhart) takes a job at Millwood Mental Hospital in order to learn more about the place that failed his author father (Nick Nolte). Schizophrenic Gabriel Fisher (Ian McKellen) is certain that Zachary is there to rescue him for the dungeon and return him to his kingdom in Neverwas. Returning to Millwood has a great effect on Zach. But does Gabriel hold the key to his father’s secrets or is he losing all grip on reality?

Fantasy and reality blend in this magical atmospheric drama. Sir Ian McKellen is riveting as the multi-facted protagonist. Eckhart manages the evolution of lost child to redeemed man beautifully. Supporting actors William Hurt, Alan Cumming, Vera Farmiga, Brittany Murphy, and Jessica Lang provide a myriad of characters that serve to further highlight the human pathos herein.

As I see it, Neverwas is an understated gem that deserves a look.  Equal parts Bridge to Terebithia and J.R.R. Tolkein, Neverwas is a fantastical journey inside reality.

Mr. Rice's Secret (2000)

This movie should remain a secret.  David Bowie fans, it's a true cameo here and nothing worth watching.  A total dud.

Bandslam (2009)

Bandslam is a solid tween offering centered around David Bowie-writing freshman, but well-versed music geek Will (Gaelan Connell) who is convinced to manage the popular senior girl’s rock group. Helping the band win the school’s battle of the bands is one thing. Managing this new relationship with Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens), a girl who shares Will’s passion, is another.

Bandslam, though predictable, is surprisingly good and without the cloying melodrama of High School Musical. The corny humor balances the syrupy drama to create a likeable movie. It’s more Nick & Norah for the 10-13 set.

Newcomer Gaelan Connell makes Will an honest dork who knows his CBGB from his BeeGees and how influencial The Sex Pistols were to a certain Irish band. Vaness Hudgens is about as interesting as a brick, but her part was underwriten. Lisa Kudrow plays Will’s mom convincingly.

David Bowie’s cameo was my reason for seeing Bandslam. But as I see it, the witty and overall authentic delivery of the entire cast made 111 minutes very enjoyable.

The Hurt Locker (2009)

It’s hard to tell if SFC William James (Jeremy Renner) has an addiction to adrenaline or if his cocky attitude is a coping mechanism. As part of the U.S. Army’s explosive ordanance disposal team, James lives on the edge. After his first foray into the city, the rest of the team is beginning to wonder if they will survive the countdown to going home.

The tension found inside The Hurt Locker is the kind that makes your pace the floor. It’s also what makes this film mezmerizing. Apolitical and essentially devoid of a soundtrack, the film focuses on the sights and sounds as it applies to James. Thus I don’t think it is particularly accurate judging by how well rounded the IED-diffusing trio is.  I didn't know the bomb squad moonlights as snipers.

Renner’s performance is tight, but ultimately his character is an enigma.You're never quite sure what makes him tick, nor does director Kathryn Bigelow seems to bother with key elements that would make these characters more relatable. We get shallow looks into internal conflicts, personalities, and Army life that often seem cliché.

As I see it, The Hurt Locker wouldn’t get my vote for Best Picture. But it is an interesting war drama that is worthy of viewing.  Cameos by Ralph Fiennes and Guy Pierce are cool.

An Education (2009)

Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is an Oxford bound student who dreams of a sophisticated life between Latin and English studies. But after meeting David (Peter Sarsgaard), a beguiling older gentleman who lives is a cultured world, Jenny is ready to throw her dreams to the wind. With the encouragement of her father, Jack (Alfred Molina), who has fallen under David’s spell, too, Jenny is about to get an education they don’t teach in school.

An Education is an exquisite coming of age drama thanks to remarkable performances by Mulligan and Sarsgaard. Jenny’s transformation from school girl to young lady is subtle and begins with slight changes to her hair and grades. Carey Mulligan makes Jenny authentic for the time period. Walking a fine line between debonair and predator, Sarsgaard’s David is enchanting. You, the viewer, want to despise him as you know this will not end well and yet, much like Jack, you are under his spell. Alfred Molina has a brilliant turn as Jack and Emma Thompson pops up at the demanding headmistress.

Set in 1961’s London, the production is sharp with detail. Everything from mannerisms to society standards are on par. An Education is limited by its short running time, but Nick Hornby’s screenplay manages to create an enveloping atmosphere and authentic dialogue.

All’s well that ends well. An Education doesn’t. But as I see it, you won’t find a more engrossing new release than this.  Though it is wrapped up a bit too conveniently that doesn't keep An Education from striking a chord.  Beautifully rendered, this film would easily make my 'best of' list.