Movie Reviews

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The Betrayed - 2008 - NR [After surviving a terrible car crash, a young wife and mother regains consciousness only to discover that her real nightmare has just begun: She is now the prisoner of a deranged masked man who accuses her husband of stealing money from the mob. Can she get away from her captor -- and is there any truth to his story? This psychological thriller from director Amanda Gusack stars Melissa George, Donald Adams and Christian Campbell.] If you enjoy psychological thrillers, you will definitely enjoy this movie. The entire movie takes place in one room of an old warehouse. The plot twists and continual surprises kept me enthralled, however, and I found it impossible to predict the final resolution--right up to the ending. The acting and directing are good, the suspense is captivating, and the story is fresh and unusual. I recommend this movie.

Planted Evidence - 2008 - NR [In the wake of their weekly card game, six co-workers stumble upon the body of one of their associates. To avoid suspicion, they secretly dispose of the corpse. But a stranger was watching everything -- and he caught it all on tape. Thanks to threats from their ruthless blackmailer, the friends begin turning on one another until only one of them remains. But is the last man standing the one who actually started it all?] The storyline sounded interesting, but the acting was so abysmal and the dialogue so insipid that I managed to watch only five minutes of the movie!

Hit and Run - 2008 - Rated R [A wild spring break night goes badly awry when coed Mary (Laura Breckenridge) hits a pedestrian while driving home and instead of seeking help for the critically injured man, she batters the bloody body until he finally dies. The terrified girl buries the corpse in the woods to hide the evidence of her horrible crime but soon learns that her victim is, in fact, still alive -- and out for revenge.] I was enjoying this movie. It was a decent thriller and had above-average acting and a good storyline. Then, it turned from thriller to horror flick and became gratuitously bloody and predictable. I have nothing against horror flicks, in general, but I do dislike genre-switching mid-movie. It was an above-average thriller but became a third-rate horror flick at the 2/3 point. I do not recommend this movie.

Danika - 2006 - Rated R [Loving mother of three, Danika Merrick (Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei) worries constantly about her children, fearing for their safety in a world filled with danger and peril. When her darkest premonitions start coming true, Danika wonders whether she's seeing the future or simply losing her mind. Directed by Ariel Vromen, this psychological thriller taps into the anxieties and fears experienced by many in a modern world.] This movie really had me on the edge of my seat a good deal of the time. It is a psychological thriller that really takes the viewer inside the world of Danika--played very well by Marisa Tomei. The lines between fantasy and reality are thoroughly blurred at times, and the viewer is left to judge for himself what is real and what is not. This can be unnerving, but it is definitely a well-produced movie that should captivate anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers.

Hero Wanted 2008 - Rated R [In order to impress a lovely bank teller, small-town trash collector Liam Case (Cuba Gooding Jr.) stages a robbery so he can emerge as the hero. But the simple plan yields deadly consequences, and Case must seek vengeance against the cohorts who betrayed him. Unfortunately, Detective Terry Subcott suspects Case as the perpetrator of a string of murders in this twisty action drama, co-starring Norman Reedus as Case's conflicted pal and co-worker.] This is an interesting movie. It is violent--but not overly so, and the violence is generally muted by dim lighting. There is a good deal of foul language--albeit for the most part by lowlife villains. Cuba Gooding Jr. plays his part very well and is fully believable as an accidental hero, initially, and a fabricated hero, ultimately. Ray Liotta plays the police detective well. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys dark crime drama. I do caution viewers that the language is at times very foul.

Civic Duty - 2006 - Rated R [Recently fired from his job, accountant Terry Allen (Peter Krause) spends his days glued to the television, transfixed by 24-hour news coverage that obsesses over the threat of terrorism. When a quiet Islamic student moves in next door, Terry assumes the worst and takes it upon himself to quell the perceived threat. Directed by Jeff Renfroe, this suspenseful thriller examines the American psyche in a post-Sept. 11 world.] I thoroughly enjoyed this movie--until the last five minutes! I will not be specific (in order not to spoil the ending for anyone who might wish to see this movie), but I found the ending very disappointing!

Conspiracy Theory - 1997 - Rated R [ Jerry Fletcher (Mel Gibson), a New York City cab driver who moonlights as a conspiracy theorist, puts his life in danger when crooked government officials set out to silence him. An attorney named Alice Sutton (Julia Roberts) might be able to help him, as she tries to unravel a mysterious murder that could be connected to Fletcher's theory. Richard Donner directs and Patrick Stewart co-stars.] I saw this movie over ten years ago and enjoyed it. I enjoyed it nearly as much last night as I did initially. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys action thrillers. Mel Gibson's and Julia Roberts' performances are very good.

Spiral - 2007 - Rated PG-13 [Mason (Joel Moore), a socially awkward would-be artist, works as a telemarketer for a car insurance company run by his only friend, Berkeley (Zachary Levi). Enter Amber (Amber Tamblyn), a charming and friendly new employee who reaches out to Mason, not knowing how troubled he really is. Co-directors Moore and Adam Green took home a Gold Vision Award from the 2007 Santa Barbara International Film Festival for their creepy thriller.] This is a captivating (albeit disturbing) movie. I found myself absorbed by the story, in general, and Mason, in particular. It is a bleak, often depressing, story that revolves about the dark side Mason's world. Nonetheless, I found it very interesting. I recommend this movie only to those who can watch depressing fare without concern.

Long Distance - 2006 - Rated R [A misdialed phone number thrusts a grad student into a horrific nightmare in this spine-chilling thriller. When Nicole (Monica Keena) dials a wrong number, she interrupts a murder in progress. The killer (Kevin Chapman) then taunts her by calling her from each murder scene in his string of killings. Terrified, Nicole can hear the violence taking place over the phone -- and becomes aware that each murder brings the psycho closer to her home.] This movie has above-average acting, screenplay, and production. The entire movie takes place in an apartment, but the action works well within this constraint, and I found the movie suspenseful and engaging. There is very little objectionable language and almost no graphic violence. The ending caught me completely by surprise. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers.

Heaven's Prisoners - 1998 - Rated R [In this twisty thriller based on the crime novels of James Lee Burke, former New Orleans cop Dave Robicheaux (Alec Baldwin) is forced to return to the violence of the streets after his family is victimized. When Robicheaux saves the life of a young girl, he and his wife (Kelly Lynch) get caught between rampaging federal agents and a drug-running former friend (Eric Roberts).] This movie contains a good deal more objectionable language than I feel is necessary. While the story and acting are good, the language is a great deterrent, in my opinion. I recommend this movie only to those who are comfortable with ignoring the language.

Population 436 - 2008 - Rated R [For a century, Rockwell Falls has had the same number of residents: 436. A census taker (Jeremy Sisto) is sent there to figure out how the town managed to accomplish such a dubious feat in this disturbing drama. Once he arrives, he quickly senses all's not well and is subsequently stripped of his freedom. If he doesn't fall in line with the village's oppressive rules, he may end up lost forever. David Ames and Fred Durst co-star.] This movie is entertaining and suspenseful--albeit predictable. I recommend the movie to anyone who enjoys suspenseful, psychological thrillers.

P2 - 2007 - Rated R [It's the night before Christmas, and workaholic Angela Bridges (Rachel Nichols) is late for her family holiday party. She tries to leave the office, but her car won't start and her cell phone won't work -- and then she meets the too-friendly security guard Thomas (Wes Bentley). After Angela turns down his dinner invitation, the twisted Thomas spends the rest of the night terrorizing her as she tries to escape the now-infamous parking level P2.] This movie is suspenseful and does a good job of holding the viewer's interest--despite the fact that the entire movie takes place in an underground parking facility. There is a bit of objectionable language, but it is used only by the villain, and it realistically helps define his evil nature. I recommend this movie to all who enjoy psychological thrillers.

River's End - 2007 - NR [When 17-year-old Clay (Sam Huntington), grandson of Sheriff Buster Watkins (Barry Corbin), goes into a downward spiral after his father's death -- making trouble at school and committing petty crimes--the lawman decides it's time for some tough love. Given the option of jail time or a 60-mile wilderness trek, Clay chooses the latter but may come to regret it when he encounters more than a few surprises along the way.] This is a "feel good" movie that the entire family can enjoy comfortably. Barry Corbin turns in an excellent performance, the story is good, and the ending is encouraging. I recommend this movie to all.

Nickleback: Live at Sturgis - 2006 - NR [Nickelback cranks out an electric performance at the world-renowned "Rock'n the Rally" show in Sturgis, S.D., in this 2006 concert captured in high definition. The Canadian alternative rock act also appears in a bonus behind-the-scenes featurette. Highlights include performances of "Because of You," "How You Remind Me," "Too Bad," "Never Again," "Someday," "Photograph," "Savin' Me," "Far Away" and "Rockstar."] I enjoy the music of Nickleback and was eager to see this movie. After 10 minutes of unreasonably foul language, however, I found it impossible to enjoy the music because of the objectionable language used by the frontman. I do not recommend this movie.

The Contract - 2007 - Rated R - While vacationing with his teenage son (Jamie Anderson) in the wilderness, Ray Keene (John Cusack) discovers that a hired killer (Morgan Freeman) and his team of assassins are tracking the duo's every move. Can Keene take down a first-class hit man before his bullet finds its mark? Ned Bellamy, Corey Johnson and Thomas Lockyer also star in this action-driven crime thriller from director Bruce Beresford. I found the movie thoroughly enjoyable and suspenseful. The acting was very good. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspenseful action/adventure movies.

Untraceable - 2008 - Rated R - In this tense thriller, cybercops find themselves grappling with a megalomaniacal, murderous psychopath who uses the Internet to show off his grisly handiwork, rigging his site so his remaining captives' fates depend on how many viewers it attracts. Led by FBI Agent Jennifer Marsh (Diane Lane) and working against the clock, can the team apprehend the technologically brilliant killer? Colin Hanks and Mary Beth Hurt also star. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspenseful thrillers.

My Super-Ex Girlfriend - [Matt Saunders (Luke Wilson) is uneasy when he meets Jenny Johnson (Uma Thurman), who comes off to him as a shy, needy librarian type. But Jenny has a secret. Everybody in the town knows G-Girl, who constantly manages to single-handedly keep New York City from trouble. Little does anybody know, G-Girl is really Jenny Johnson. When Matt introduces Jenny to his long-time work friend Hannah (Ana Faris), Jenny begins to act jealously and controlling, which leads to him dumping her. But that upsets her greatly, so she decides to get her revenge, using her powers to make his life a living hell.] For a film that is so silly, it is surprisingly well-executed. Everything gels, and director Ivan Reitman catches us off-guard with moments of absurd hilarity. Performances are likable all around, with Uma Thurman portraying G-Girl with believable ease. Luke Wilson is well-cast as the guy in over his head. Writing is solid, and direction keeps things breezy.

Transporter 2 - [In Miami, the professional driver Frank Martin (Jason Statham) is working temporarily for the Billings family, transporting their son Jack (Hunter Clary) while his driver is on vacation. Mr. Billings (Matthew Modine) is an important member of the government and Mrs. Audrey Billings (Amber Valletta) trusts on Frank, who promises to protect the boy. When Jack is kidnapped by a mercenary hired by the Colombian cartels, Frank faces the criminals and the Miami police force trying to rescue the kid. When the boy returns to his family, Jack discloses the real and lethal intention of the abduction of Jack. "Transporter 2" is a great action movie that certainly will never be indicated to an Oscar or discussed by intellectuals at a table in a bar, but very entertaining and recommended for fans of James Bond, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and movies with car chases and explosions. The story is full of adrenaline, funny most of the time, with very hilarious sequences. The performance of Matthew Modine and his grimaces is the negative point of this film.]

The Skeleton Key [The background story is textbook "New Orleans' voodoo vengeance;" the characters' motives are obvious from the second they appear on screen, and the solid but pedestrian cinematography means that the locations are massively underused. Kate Hudson is really switched-on and not your average dumb heroine. John Hurt is surprisingly effective, really working his eyes and body, considering he's had a stroke (in the film). Gena Rowlands and Peter Saarsgard are fine, but their performances are hampered by the all too obvious script and direction. Joy Bryant is gorgeous, but her character is nothing more than a device to give Kate slightly more personality and a convenient person who can explain about hoodoo/voodoo. Although the film as a whole is predictable and does not quite live up to its potential, the final scenes wrap up the story nicely and will put a grin on your face.]

The Guardian - [Appointed to teach at an elite Coast Guard school, legendary rescue swimmer Ben Randall (Kevin Costner) is compelled to skillfully train and inspire cocky upstart Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher). Applying unorthodox coaching methods, Ben helps the young hotshot build his strength -- and character -- in this powerful tale of courage and endurance of the human spirit from director Andrew Davis.] We enjoyed this movie a good deal. We were surprisingly impressed with Ashton Kutcher's acting. Kevin Costner, as always, was excellent. It is a very powerful movie. I highly recommend it to all.

War - [FBI agent Jack Crawford (Jason Statham) is out for revenge when his partner is killed and all clues point to the mysterious assassin Rogue (Jet Li). But when Rogue turns up years later to take care of some unfinished business, he triggers a violent clash of rival gangs. Will the truth come out before it's too late? When the dust settles, who will remain standing? Directed by Philip G. Atwell, this taut action thriller also stars John Lone.] This movie is really exciting, and the chase scenes and special effects are first rate. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys action/adventure movies.

Invincible - [Average Joe and devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg) manages to land a spot on his favorite NFL team in open tryouts. He's just lost his wife and his job as a substitute teacher, but by impressing the coach and winning a place on the field, Papale turns a terrible year into a winner in this inspiring film (based on a true story) from the producers of the similar, baseball-themed The Rookie.] This is an amazingly powerful movie that is based on a true story. Mark Wahlberg turns in an excellent performance, the story is wonderful, and the action scenes are extremely well done. I am not a football fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed the movie nonetheless. I highly recommend it.