transsiberian

I usually like Brad Anderson, but this movie is an overly violent version of the intrigue-on-a -train genre that's been done much better by others before him. it did have a couple of good twists, though, and a very intimidating Ben Kingsley. also Emily Mortimer looking deep and soulful, Eduardo Noriega emanating sexiness, Kata Mara being enigmatic, and Woody Harrelson personifying the dumb American. I saw this at the Paris theatre in NY, which is always a pleasure.

the house bunny

I can't resist the combination of Anna Faris and a sorority movie. it's funny and painful, just like it should be.

the band's visit

a lost Egyptian band ends up meeting a bunch of lonely people in the-middle-of-nowhere, Israel. this movie drew me in, despite wondering why the beautiful woman would throw herself at the stodgy, old band leader. I guess that's loneliness for you.

tropic thunder

this is the most amused I've been at the movies all summer. I like jokes about movie people. forget about Heath Ledger's performance, give Tom Cruise the Oscar.

pineapple express

viva la stoner movie! the best parts of this are when Seth Rogen and James Franco just spout nonsense at each other like it was Freaks and Geeks all over again. the worst part is the totally superfluous violence. this movie is odd, and that's a backhanded kind of compliment.

tell no one

this French thriller is a cross between Gone Baby Gone and Romeo and Juliet. it has good twists and lots of character development, but it creeped me out. the art cinema in Hartford is across from a water treatment plant. they put out little index cards for people coming out of the movie to write reviews then post them on a bulletin board. obviously, I'll be a regular.

stepbrothers

a movie to make you cringe and laugh at the same time. my first movie-going experience in Hartford - very loud teens kicked out of theatre after many complaints and no lines on a Friday night. it's no Plaza Las Americas.

rory o'shea was here

James McAvoy is really good and easy on the eyes in this story about a guy with muscular dystrophy who shakes things up for a guy with cerebral palsy. it's a lot more fun than it sounds.

flawless

a diamond heist movie that gets interesting about half way through. Demi Moore looks too old for her part but Michael Caine is good as a janitor with secrets.

it's a boy girl thing

I have a lot of catching up to do - it's hard to watch movies when you're moving from a tropical island to New England. this movie is highly cliched but a little bit fun. two teenage opposites switch bodies, hilarity and compassion ensue. you know the drill.