Shutter Island

Rating: Bravo (rating scale)

First of all, I will admit it. I am a super duper fraidy cat! I cannot stand horror movies. I went to see this movie out of love and support for Leo and was ready to walk out the moment the movie got too intense. The trailers led me to believe this movie might be more than I could handle. That wasn't at all the case. Despite what the trailers show, this movie is categorically a thriller. I'd throw in the tag of mystery in there too, for good measure. Bottom line, Leonardo doesn't disappoint. Once again he draws you in, as the masterful hero playing actor he is. Leo is essentially on shutter island to investigate an escapee from the the asylum,... you know what? I don't want to be a spoiler. There is no really good way to tell you about this movie without giving away key elements of the "what the hell?" parts to the storyline. My advice, if you are up to having your mind messed with a bit I suggest you go see this movie. Nice job Leo! *applause*

Amreeka

Rating: Bravo (rating scale)

This movie was absolutely beautifully done! Now it is a fact that I am partial to independent flicks, my bias plays no role here. I can't express in simple words much I enjoyed this movie. Without giving you too much of the storyline, the movie begins with the newly divorced single mom Muna who lives in Palestine with her teenage son. Through an unexpected stroke of luck, they get the opportunity to come to the US to pursue the 'American Dream'. This movie gives a brilliant perspective on the pursuit of the American Dream that the average person perhaps never considers. Muna is truly a heroic woman... you will fall in love with this flick. Trust me. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I was so captivated by this family, their struggles and triumphs that I honestly didn't want it end. Listen to me now and thank me later, go see this movie. :-)

Julie & Julia

Rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

Its never too late to be great! That's my summary of this movie. First of all, let it be known, I have a sincere bias here. Meryl Streep, to me, is the BEST ACTRESS ever known to industry. Don't challenge me ever on that FACT, unless you are prepared to risk our friendship. Back to the movie, its really a good movie. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but again I can see how this might not be a movie for everyone. But here's how you'll know if you will enjoy this movie: if you are a FOODIE you will dig this flick. And I mean a real FOODIE, not just someone who likes to EAT, that would make you an EATIE. Real FOODIES not only thoroughly enjoy eating, but they talk about meals they will have, they reminisce about meals they have had, and furthermore, they COOK. I'm not saying they are gourmets, but real FOODIES such as myself, cook and cook well, because, hey we love FOOD and must do it justice. But I digress, quite simply, this is a movie for the FOODIE. You end up learning so many interesting factoids about the legendary Julia Child that by the end of the movie she feels less like a gourmet super hero and more like your fun and crazy old aunt. FOODIES unite and go see this movie. You can thank me later for this recommendation with a cupcake or a BBQ'd short rib or something. :-)

The Proposal

Rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

Here's the thing, while I love chick lit, I'm not a big fan of chick flicks. But this movie was actually a cut above the typical chick flick and therefore is a great date movie. Sandra Bullock is hiliarious as ever and that Ryan Reynolds is total eye candy. Betty White is also a fun character in the cast. The premise of the movie, albeit quite absurd, really draws you in. In case you are unfamiliar, (no spoiler here) Sandra Bullock's character is a powerful publishing executive who is also a canadian citizen with pending US citizenship. Through an unfortunate, well kinda, mishap on her part, her citizenship application is denied and she is informed that she will deported. Which of course, is when she pulls in her assistant (Ryan Reynolds), who absolutely despises her, to marry her... I really enjoyed this film. I don't want to give it all away, so be sure to check it out when you get the chance. You won't be sorry.

Taken

Taken

Rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

How about if you are looking for a suspenseful action flick, this is your movie! I'm telling you, they didn't spare a minute on making this movie exciting to watch. Who knew Liam Neeson had it in him? There's not much more I can say about this movie without giving away the story line. But trust me you will be thoroughly entertained! I promise!

Talk to me

rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

The original shock jock, Petey Greene. Seriously, with menot being a native Washingtonian, I had no idea what to expect from this film. What got me into the theater to see this flick wat the one and only Don Cheadle, who in my opinion is on of the best actors in hollywood who rarely gets the credit he deservies for his genius. Don Cheadle did not disapoint. This movie is ridiculous and hilarious yet deeply moving and poignant at the sametime. I'm not sure what the other movie critics are saying about this film, but certainly gets the butterrfly stamp of approval.

Oceans 13

rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

If you are looking to laugh outloud you certainly need to hit the theater immediately to see this movie. In terms of dialog and witty banter this movie beats 12 and dare I say 11 (the classic remake **gasp**). The thing about it is that there are no surprises, you kinda know what's going on the whole time. The plot has the same superthief 'we are 4 steps ahead of you' elements that makes those criminals so gosh darn loveable. But despite the fact that you completely know how the story will play out, since they tell it all to you up front, its a great movie. They replaced thrills and suspense with pure com-moe-dee! Trust the butterrfly, you will enjoy this flick.

Babel

Rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

Okay, yeah..don't get it twisted. I am still a card carrying member of TEAM ANISTON, however I had to see this movie which stars Brad Pitt the other night to get an understanding of what all of the golden globe/ocar award nomination hoop-la is all about. Believe it or not there are still some theaters showing this flick. Anyway, the storyline is complicated, gritty and at times a tad graphic, however the you can't turn away for it at the very least is gripping. The most random act starts a chain of seemingly unrelated castastrophes. Yeah.. its a good flick. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Quite an entertaining movie but since it will probably be out of the theaters by the weekend, consider this for your next blockbuster/netflix night in. Trust me.. you know I would never steer you wrong.

Notes on a scandal

Rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

Now I will forewarn you, this is a good movie but it aint for everyone. Trust me on that. The movie features a twisted plot of deciet, betrayal, obsession, deviance ala a Lifetime movie with a Mary Kay Laturneau-esque meets Single White Female storyline combined with the overlay of good ole British cheer. Sidebar: what is it about a british accent that just draws us yankees in? Anyway, I digress. This movie will have you openly gasp with a distinct combination of disgust and shock during some scenes. However, I recommend it for an afternoon movie because there is alot of dialogue to follow. If you have a penchant for high drama and scandal then this flick is certainly for you.

Dreamgirls

rating: BRAVO (rating system)

Now you may have heard the hype on this flick. But I am here as your faithful yet random movie critic to certify this movie as a MUST SEE. Don't wait for the DVD or cable release for this one. This all star cast does an amazing job. You get the broadway musical feel along with acting that dare I say is shockingly impressive. Of course I expected good acting and even singing from Jaime Fox and Eddie Murphy (who can forget that 80s hit 'my girl likes to party all the time'?). Beyonce's acting was surprisingly convincing, quite an improvement from the Pink Pather. But that Jennifer Hudson is THE SHOW STOPPER. She was no less than totally amazing. There is this one scene where she belts out a song that will make you tear up if not weep outright. I love a good Cinderella story. This movie is a Cinderella story within itself. You can't help but watch the movie and cheer for Jennifer the whole time thinking silently to yourself, "that's right Jennifer... show Simon Cowell he was wrong wrong wrong about you... you are a STAR! sing it girl". Seriously random fans, listen to me now and thank me later... go see this movie!!!

The Good Shepherd

rating: BRAVO (rating system)

This is a good movie, however, I will forewarn you that it is slow moving in building the plot. You really have to pay close attention to details that would ordinarily seem innocuous. Its very well written story about the early days of covert CIA-esque operation with the back drop of historical events from WWII through the Cuban Missle Crisis. It was quite intriguing for this lay historian to consider yet another perspective on very well known events in American history. If you are into thinking while you watch a movie and have some basic (maybe 6th grade level) of american/world history you will enjoy this flick.

Bobby

Rating: BRAVO (rating sytem)

Okay.. first things first. I 'saw' this movie the other night, however I fell asleep after the first 40 minutes and woke up in time to see the last 20 minutes. Now, please understand, my blissful slumber is no reflection on how good or bad this movie is. If anything, its more of a reflection of the fact that I truly cannot be awake for more than 16 hours at a time on any given day. Okay, so all this aside, from what I saw of the movie I can confidently say that this was a quality film. Excellent story line, excellent acting, excellent cinematography. I wouldn't steer you wrong. Trust me on this.

Deja Vu

Rating: BRAVO (rating system)

Now I don't know much. But I know a good movie when I see one. This movie was awesome!!! Its a bit slow to start but pay attention the plot twists will leave you guessing. I personally liken the plot to Law & Order meets Back 2 the Future (specifically the 2nd in the the triology for plot complexity.) All in all very good date movie. Gives you plenty of stuff to talk about post movie. Go out and see it... I highly recommend this flick!

The Departed

Rating: BRAVO (rating system)

This movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg AND Martin Sheen. Its about loyalty, treachery, family, love, greed. I don't really want to get too much into the story line. I don't want to spoil it for you. I will say that if mind seeing people get brutally killed and/or if you are sensitive to foul language you might not be too keen on this flick.

Sidebar: Leonardo somehow relinquished his elfin magic looks and turned them in for a very mansculine mystic. Yeah.. he's pretty darn hot. excuse me HOT yeah.. with a capital H in this movie.

Okay.. back to the review. The storyline..let's say there are enough twists and turns to keep you fully engaged and thinking. I won't tell you much more than, you have to see this movie and share your review with us when you do!

Little Miss SunShine

rating: BRAVO (rating system)

This movie is funny. I mean really funny, laugh out loud funny. That is of course if the span of your sense of humor extends to finding humour in the misfortunes of others. The movie is about an exceedingly dysfunctional family and their encounters as they travel to California have the youngest of the clan compete in the "little miss sunshine" paegent.

Sounds lame, but trust me, the level of dysfunction is both heartwarming and hiliarious.