So, I may have exaggerated a bit, but for all the credit we give to American Graffiti, Stand By Me, and The Sandlot, it only seems fair to ...]]> The coming of age flick that flew so far below the radar that it dipped its talons into the water, plucked a pregnant trout from beneath the surface, and carried it off into the majestic sunset and beyond the horizon to feed and nourish itself so it may soar off into the clouds again and allow any human eye keen enough the chance to glimpse it in all its wonder once again—Liberty Heights.

So, I may have exaggerated a bit, but for all the credit we give to American Graffiti, Stand By Me, and The Sandlot, it only seems fair to give this movie the exaltation that it has deserved for the past decade. Plus, Adrien Brody is just so damn charming. How did he manage to do that, be charming?

Anyway, Liberty Heights follows two brothers in 1950’s Baltimore, father-son relationships, interracial puppy love, and anti-Semitism amongst teenagers and twenty somethings. This is the sort of movie that, even though the characters endure harassment, embarrassment, awkwardness, and a short-lived kidnapping, you want to have their lives. Well, maybe not their lives, but you want to have that one night when things just go completely and perfectly awry.

Van, played by Adrien Brody, is the older brother who plans to defy his Jewish lineage by attending a WASP party and pursuing a voluptuous, blonde debutante. Ben, played by Ben Foster, is the younger brother that falls for a black student, spends his time innocently listening to records in her room, and eventually attends a James Brown concert. A night of moderate mayhem and mischief ensues.

This movie might feel a bit clunky or odd at some points, but it also manages to cultivate a warm nostalgic glow that you will want to bask in for the rest of your life, or at least the rest of the night. Oh to be a teenager.

American ...]]> After watching this, I wondered about a few things. I wondered about whether or not I can really call myself a dreamer. I wondered whether or not I was more of a measured dreamer, one who dreamed dreams interspersed with calculated and realistic benchmarks and goals. Maybe this makes me a half-assed dreamer. Maybe this makes me a realist, a cynic, a copout—who knows? Either way, American Movie will sure make you wonder about your own dreams. It’ll make you take a good and hard look at what you’ve done with your life and what you could have done differently.

American Movie follows the dreams of Mark Borchardt and his mission to complete a short horror film that he has been working on for over three years. With the help of local Milwaukee talent, immense credit card debt, and a few grand from his suspicious Uncle Bill, Mark really puts all of himself into completing a movie that most people might pay not to see. Still, the story is not about his god-given talent as a filmmaker. It is about his relentless pursuit to realize his dream of becoming a filmmaker. It is really a testament to all of us who have ever wanted to do something with our lives, but were to afraid to try for whatever reason—kids, school, bills, education, or whatever else you can think of as a reason not to do something.

While I might not personally advocate Mark’s level of dedication, I can certainly appreciate and learn from it. It is nice to see a group of guys from Milwaukee with long hair and army jackets get blackout drunk and get behind a camera. It’s almost magical, and if not magical, it’s certainly hilarious, charming, and startlingly inspiring.

This might not be the quintessential American movie, but the fact still remains—it is an American Movie. It is an eccentric and bloody blend of family drama entrenched in the stench of local lager, cheap whisky, and brain cells that never had a chance.

Geena Davis plays Samantha Caine, the ideal suburban housewife who wears aprons, garnishes dinner entrees, and tucks her daughter into bed. Well, after taking a bump to the head, Geena Davis plays Charly Baltimore, an old secret agent with the propensity to put out cigarettes in the palm of her hand and take bullet wounds like they are mosquito bites. Essentially, after Samantha hits her ...]]> Is it just me, or was Geena Davis completely wrong for this role? On the other hand, wasn’t she the only one who could have played it? This…is the conundrum of The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Geena Davis plays Samantha Caine, the ideal suburban housewife who wears aprons, garnishes dinner entrees, and tucks her daughter into bed. Well, after taking a bump to the head, Geena Davis plays Charly Baltimore, an old secret agent with the propensity to put out cigarettes in the palm of her hand and take bullet wounds like they are mosquito bites. Essentially, after Samantha hits her head, she starts to remember her old life piece by piece, the life she lived as a lethal agent of death and destruction. She only makes the full transition back to badass after snapping the neck of a dying deer that she hits with her car on the way home from a Christmas party.

So, after Samantha becomes Charly, she enlists the help of a lowly detective, played by Samuel L. Jackson, to help her figure out just what is going on. This unlikely pair then takes off on an adventure so full of bullet holes and dead bodies that you begin to wonder what kind of Christmas movie this really is. Hell, even Brian Cox makes an appearance, a short one at that.

After Charly pushes Samuel L. out of a moving car, rents a motel, and bleaches her hair blonde, I’m not sure what to say. Other than a cool scene with water torture and the fondling of Cox’s nether regions, my mind goes into a haze of fiery explosions and Geena Davis’ mouth.

In my opinion, The Long Kiss Goodnight is the perfect movie for the TNT network. I have a hard time ever managing this in theaters; however, I have a hard time imaging Geena Davis in anything other than a catcher’s uniform, so I am probably not the best judge.

This movie has cute written all over it. It is the tale of Josie Gellar, a 25-year-old copy editor for the Chicago Sun Times, who gets put on an undercover reporting assignment in which she must pose as a high school student again. This might seem to be a simple or even enjoyable task, but Josie didn’t have the best high school experience the first time around. She had a pretty intense case of braces and got egged in the face on prom night by her date, ...]]> Josie Grosie gets a second chance at high school stardom. What’s not to like?

This movie has cute written all over it. It is the tale of Josie Gellar, a 25-year-old copy editor for the Chicago Sun Times, who gets put on an undercover reporting assignment in which she must pose as a high school student again. This might seem to be a simple or even enjoyable task, but Josie didn’t have the best high school experience the first time around. She had a pretty intense case of braces and got egged in the face on prom night by her date, the most popular guy in school.

Well, she doesn’t exactly get off to a great start on the second go-round. Luckily, she has her naturally charming and good-looking older brother to reenroll on his own accord and help spice up her reputation. Played by David Arquette, Rob Gellar joins the high school experiment, shines on the baseball field, and manages to sexually entice a 16-year-old gymnast.

Never Been Kissed manages to take one of the lowest stake situations and transform it into a tear jerking, moist-eyed moment of pure romanticism and innocence. Even though Josie starts hanging out with the popular girls, she can’t help but exhibit a shining level of intelligence that only comes with being seven years of out of high school with a college degree. This most certainly does not go unnoticed by Josie’s teacher, the handsome and well-spoken Michael Vartan. And to think, I thought he only ever played in Alias.

This movie really is “rufus.” The cast of high school students is as generic, stereotypical, and over exaggerated as you could ever hope for. Between Josie’s attempts at high school popularity, her exploits in the office, and the fact that all of it is being secretly videotaped with a camera the size of a button, you get a fun film that oozes sweetness and sentimentality. The ending is also something to be cherished. Just when you think you might burst into tears, you catch yourself, hold back the wall of water, smile, and then bawl.

After experiencing the same coincidence three times in one day, Albert Markovski (Jason Schwartzman) enlists the help of existential detectives to spy on him and enlighten him on the ways of the universe. The detectives comprise a married couple, Dusting Hoffman and Lily Tomlin, who employ the means of the blanket theory and the black bag to aid Albert in his search for meaning. I really do like the blanket exercise and ...]]> Never has human suffering been so satisfying. In this comedy of existential proportions, Jason Schwartzman struggles with his existence, the meaning of life, and how to save the marsh.

After experiencing the same coincidence three times in one day, Albert Markovski (Jason Schwartzman) enlists the help of existential detectives to spy on him and enlighten him on the ways of the universe. The detectives comprise a married couple, Dusting Hoffman and Lily Tomlin, who employ the means of the blanket theory and the black bag to aid Albert in his search for meaning. I really do like the blanket exercise and utilize it as a daily means of reaffirmation in my own life.

Perhaps one of the best aspects of this movie transcends sex in the mud and dinner conversation about what happens in a meadow at dusk. Everything. Nothing. Everything. Nothing. No, it is the dynamic duos and mortal enemies in this film that really make it unique. For instance, Brad Stand (Jude Law) is actually Albert’s sworn, corporate enemy, while Tommy Corn (Mark Wahlberg) is Albert’s philosophically confused partner in crime. Wahlberg really shines in this movie as a tender-hearted fireman who has given himself over to the belief that the universe is a random and cruel place composed of disconnected events. Naomi Watts also really drives it home as an aging corporate spokes model who struggles with self image and the meaning of life in the face of being replaced and feeling neglected by the people she loves.

Chock-full of Shania Twain anecdotes and contrived poetry about saving the planet, I Heart Huckabees goes places that no movie has ever gone before. Separatist schools of existential thought compete with notions of a pessimistic and random universe vs an existence that is wholly connected and meaningful. Jason Schwartzman fight Jude Law, and Mark Wahlberg becomes a fan of the ball exercise. You’d have to see it to believe it.

Mel Gibson plays Nick Marshall, a single man who has it all—a great advertising job, nice clothing, and a swanky high-rise apartment in Chicago. However, there are two schools of thought on Nick Marshall.

There is Nick’s school of thought that says: I’m charming, handsome, suave, masculine, and as smooth as the silk ...]]> This movie has a lot of similarities to The Family Man. In fact, they were released only a week apart. I don’t say this to make a comparison. No, I say this to offer a simple explanation as to why I might love both of these films so much.

Mel Gibson plays Nick Marshall, a single man who has it all—a great advertising job, nice clothing, and a swanky high-rise apartment in Chicago. However, there are two schools of thought on Nick Marshall.

There is Nick’s school of thought that says: I’m charming, handsome, suave, masculine, and as smooth as the silk inner-lining of my designer slacks.

Then, there is the school of thought that stems from the general female population, which says: Nick is charming, handsome, suave, and masculine. He is also clueless, brutish, insensitive, chauvinistic, egotistical, and utterly oblivious to the needs of a woman.

Well, after Nick is accidentally electrocuted in his home, he inherits the power to hear what women are thinking—literally. He hears their thoughts, desires, wants, and needs. At first, Nick is turned off by this surprising and invasive gift. However, once he determines that he can use his telepathic powers to sabotage a woman who stole his work promotion, he warms up to the idea of being able to hear what women want. This is where Helen Hunt comes in.

Helen Hunt plays Darcy Maguire, the very woman who snagged Nick’s job and his testosterone-inspired rule over the office. At first, Nick uses his power to probe inside her head and steal her ideas. However, as you might have expected, he soon begins to develop deeper feelings for Ms. Maguire.

What Women Want is a simple romantic comedy with a fantastical twist. Mel Gibson does a great job and Helen Hunt is as cute as a button from beginning to end. And in case I forgot to mention, Marisa Tomei! She’s got a role. This should be reason enough to give this movie the time of day.

This is a real gem for Nicolas Cage. Before Bangkok Dangerous, before Knowing, Ghost Rider, and The National Treasure sequel, Nicolas Cage knew exactly what he was doing.

A rich and wealthy bachelor, Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage) thinks that he has everything that the world could possibly offer—nice suits, a high-powered investment job, and a Ferrari. Well, this all changes when Don Cheadle gives him a ...]]> This is a Christmas movie if I’ve ever seen one. While there is no Santa Claus, Don Cheadle plays a Christmas angel and Nicolas Cage gets a glimpse of a life he never had. Sound familiar?

This is a real gem for Nicolas Cage. Before Bangkok Dangerous, before Knowing, Ghost Rider, and The National Treasure sequel, Nicolas Cage knew exactly what he was doing.

A rich and wealthy bachelor, Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage) thinks that he has everything that the world could possibly offer—nice suits, a high-powered investment job, and a Ferrari. Well, this all changes when Don Cheadle gives him a glimpse of a different life, one in which he never left his high school girlfriend to go toLondon.

This so-called “glimpse” is filled with a hot wife, two kids, a house in the suburbs, a job at a place called Big Ed’s, and a minivan that has trouble starting. Needless to say, Jack Campbell is not happy with his new life, at least no at first. Sure, he considers an affair, mopes around, and even tries to go get his executive job back, but in the end, he learns something. Yes, a true Christmas miracle.

There are some really fantastic scenes in this movie. Particularly, one in which Jack Campbell watches a home video of himself singing the old Delfonics Jam, “La La Means I Love You” to his wife, Kate. Really, I’m thinking about replicating this scene for my marriage proposal. And Téa Leoni—wow! She really nails it as the completely supportive; however, no bullshit wife.

The Family Man is often underrated and overlooked as a Christmas film, even though it embodies one of those It’s a Wonderful Life/ A Christmas Carol lessons. Yet, it manages to do this in a way that feels updated and relatable to the lives that so many of us live. The ending to this film is also a winner. You think you know, but you really have no idea.

The marriage between Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore) has not been without its problems. Nic is a busy and demanding doctor and the wielder of the marital power. Jules is a struggling entrepreneur and stay at home mom who feels like she just can’t get the right footing. However, between them and their two kids, both brought into the world by means of artificial insemination, things are all right. This dynamic changes when the ...]]> Not only did this movie have a great cast, but it had the perfect cast. The roles could not have been played by anyone else.

The marriage between Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore) has not been without its problems. Nic is a busy and demanding doctor and the wielder of the marital power. Jules is a struggling entrepreneur and stay at home mom who feels like she just can’t get the right footing. However, between them and their two kids, both brought into the world by means of artificial insemination, things are all right. This dynamic changes when the kids decide to find their sperm donor and biological father and include him in their lives. The father just happens to be the too cool for his own torn jeans, organic-farming, motorcycle riding, Mark Ruffalo (Paul).

Perhaps the greatest thing this movie has going for it is how believable it felt. Don’t get me wrong, the story is unique and solid and wonderful in every way. Believability is just something that rounds it out. The kids don’t immediately warm up to their father. Nic is disinterested in getting to know Paul, while Jules and Paul seem to click on a more personal and emotional level.

Paul really is a cool guy, in a sad sort of way. If they made cologne called “Essence of Paul,” I would no doubt purchase it and lather myself in the scent, hoping that I would come into the ownership of a Harley, sleep with a supermodel, and sexually entice a lesbian to the point that she changes teams, at least a few times. Yes, Paul and Jules sleep together, and just when you get the idea that Jules has been converted, things go terribly south for Mr. Ruffalo.

The details of the affair are unearthed by Nic, and Paul is cast out of their lives, by kids and moms alike. Though the end of the movie shows that their family is far from perfect, you do get the sense that they are alright, or at least will be. On the other hand, Paul is left behind.

This is easily the saddest, most frustrating, and overwhelming story I’ve ever heard. After Andrew Bagby, a medical resident, is found murdered after breaking up with his girlfriend, and his girlfriend is found to be pregnant with his son, a longtime friend, Kurt Kuenne, sets out to make a movie for baby Zachary. The intention of the movie was to film interviews with all of Andrew’s close friends and family so his son could ...]]> This is the first movie that I would give 5 out of 5 stars. What makes this so terrible is the fact that it is a documentary.

This is easily the saddest, most frustrating, and overwhelming story I’ve ever heard. After Andrew Bagby, a medical resident, is found murdered after breaking up with his girlfriend, and his girlfriend is found to be pregnant with his son, a longtime friend, Kurt Kuenne, sets out to make a movie for baby Zachary. The intention of the movie was to film interviews with all of Andrew’s close friends and family so his son could have an idea of what great things people thought about his father.

I’ve spoken about documentaries like this before—films that expose immense flaws and oversights in the systems that we trust. The worst, or should I say, saddest, part about this film is that it is not a mystery. There is such a conclusive and shocking end to this story that you’ll wish it wasn’t so.

I don’t want to give anything away. However, being that it is true; you could also just look it up and find out what happened. Still, I would recommend the movie over a simple news story. The emotional intensity displayed by Andrew Bagby’s parents is something that I will never be able to forget, especially his dad.

While the unresolved, but certainly not unsolved, murder in this story is upsetting, the biggest travesty concerns a government and legal system that failed a family on multiple accounts. You have to wonder how some of these judges and case workers are able to live with themselves after the jobs they’ve done.

There is nothing particularly upbeat about this movie. While many of the members of Bagby’s family seem like charming and wonderful people, the greater arc of the story is overshadowed by the absurdly tragic events that have taken place.

Really, I wouldn’t watch this if you aren’t ready to get a little emotional. Upon my first viewing, I had to pause the film a few times and either shake my head, scream into a pillow, or slam down a shot of tequila just to compose myself.