I was impressed by how Hathaway’s intense performance breathed life and emotion into the story line. The film was shot with a handheld camera – just like a home movie – giving it a realistic and somewhat personal touch. I really thought that I was one of the guests in the wedding party! If you want to get an intimate look at sibling rivalries and at a fascinating dysfunctional family, then this is your movie. It gave me a lot to think about.

Doug Frazier
Sewickley, PA

Martha Agnew
Milwaukee, WI

Clint Eastwood portrays masterfully the social, political, and moral climate that existed during this era: a time when women were viewed as too emotional, and often subject to bouts of hysteria; a time when women were expected to keep their mouth shut and do as they were told; a time when the unbridled police abused and expanded their power. Eastwood’s artistic unfolding of the central elements of the plot allows this dark film to cast a defining shadow over the political culture of the day. The result is an enlightening and dramatic film that is well worth seeing.

Scorecard: Clint Eastwood — two Oscars; Angelina Jolie — one Oscar.

Ronald Niziol
Pittsburgh, PA

This crooked cop movie is a brutal and bloody drama that exposes police corruption in the NYPD. In that respect it just like the other films in this genre and seems to borrow similar plot lines from them. However, it does go one step further by weaving police family relationships (father, son, son-in-law) into the movie action. It also illustrates the psychological stress, self-destructive behavior, and temptation and greed that result from this type of work. But these added perspectives don’t counterbalance the mundane and trite story line.

I always enjoy the presence of Edward Norton on the big screen. He is terrific. And Colin Ferrell does a great job playing the hotheaded Jimmy, a veteran police officer like his brother and father. But let’s face it, this is just another ordinary good cop vs. bad cop movie that is excessively violent, a bit too long, and plagued by a confusing plot. Nothing special.

Paulette Dobrovolskis
Pittsburgh, PA

Oliver Stone’s movie W. is a reasonable and plausible psychological analysis of George Dubya Bush’s life and presidency. Stone handles his material honestly and even-handedly, and takes special care to present a fair, unbiased picture of Bush’s character. His decision as a director to err on the safe side is necessary in order to make this quasi-documentary credible. But that balanced and ultraconservative approach makes the film stiff and a little boring at times.

The movie plays itself out as a strained father-son relationship through the use of flashbacks. We see a famous father who misunderstands his wayward son, and a son who agonizes over his failure to live up to his father’s expectations. It is a story of a reborn Christian trying to redeem himself and achieve success in the field of politics, an arena that he is ill-suited for.

Josh Brolin’s impersonation of George W. is generally excellent, though up close he doesn’t quite flesh out the real essence of Dubya. Richard Dreyfuss is right on as Dick Cheney; Thandie Newton’s role as Condoleezza Rice is a bit underdeveloped. Although this movie sports a great cast, some viewers may be disappointed with the way it ends. At any rate, Stone’s implied message –voters should objectively evaluate the candidates and pick the most qualified one—is sheer common sense.

Jean Miksic
Pittsburgh, PA

I hate to say it, but this movie was boring. You have to be really into politics to possibly enjoy it.

I felt the intended humor wasn't even funny.

Terry Sutton
Florence, KY

What a horrible movie… This movie was hard to sit through and so predictable. I do not care for the way movies are shot as if someone is filming the whole scenario. It is too dark during most of the movie and the cameraman moves the camera around a lot. The entire movie is pretty predictable. The ending was the best part of the movie.

Melissa Ballard
Niceville, FL

The Secret Life of Bees is a touching and uplifting coming-of-age drama that takes place during the Civil Rights period in South Carolina in 1964. The fourteen year old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) and the housekeeper Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) escape from the home of Lily’s father. The depressed Lily flees the physically abusive relationship with her father, T. Ray. The housekeeper Rosaleen, who was beaten by some local bigots on her way to register to vote, is convinced by Lily that now is the time to search for a new home. They travel to the small town of Tiburon where they seek refuge in a “Pepto-Bismol” colored pink house that catches their fancy.

The eccentric Boatwright sisters, named May, June, and August, welcome the twosome into their unique home. August Boatwright (Queen Latifah), the matriarch of the family, comforts and supports Lily and makes her an apprentice in the family’s bee farm and honey business. The lonely and unloved Lily finally finds the blessed home and loving family she has always yearned for. This idyllic setting allows Lily to peacefully enjoy the simple things in life and to explore her need for a sense of belonging. “I can’t think of something I’d rather have more than someone loving me”, she remarks about sister June’s boy friend problems.

The cast is excellent, the scenery is beautiful, and Dakota Fanning is marvelous. The script is well written, the handling of the Civil Rights issues is not oppressive, and the meandering quest for true love and true family is heartwarming. An enjoyable movie that deserves to be seen twice!

Ignacy Manko
Pittsburgh, PA

Body of Lies is an intriguing spy thriller that is packed with fast-paced action set in the turbulent areas of Iraq and Jordan. Leonardo DiCaprio plays an undercover CIA agent, Roger Ferris, a frantic and arrogant person who is hunting down a rising terrorist leader. The versatile Russell Crowe plays Ed Hoffman who is Ferris’ low-keyed boss at CIA headquarters. With his headset and laptop Hoffman orchestrates the field strategies and moves the pawn-like Ferris deceptively from one square to the next.

Unfortunately, the stellar acting ability of Russell Crowe seems so wasted in this undemanding and mundane role that one must question the logic of the director’s casting. Also the budding romance of the American Ferris and the Muslim nurse Aisha seems a bit contrived and awkward. It is only the suave Hani Salaam (Mark Strong), the head of Jordanian intelligence, who captures your attention with his smooth and manipulative moves and ruthless behavior.

Although this movie seems like a replay of other foreign terrorist films, its view of the Middle East environment is quite impressionable and unforgettable. It paints a grim picture of lies and deceit that fosters a general sense of paranoia. It depicts bloody violence, unsettling and confusing behavior, and a hopeless existence punctuated with life or death situations. The portrayal of this daily fear and horror separates this film from all its predecessors. It’s well worth checking out.

Neil Miksic
Pittsburgh, PA

The acerbic wit of Ricky Gervais is on full display in this predictable, but charming comedy. Playing an unlikeable dentist who suddenly finds himself with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, Gervais entertains and shows he has leading man capability as he deals with his unwanted "gift". Téa Leoni has great comedic presence as well.

Eric Wightman
Milwaukee, WI

The challenge of condensing a sports legend’s life so that it fits into a two hour film is quite daunting, but director Gary Fleder achieves it in the movie The Express, the story of running back Ernie Davis of Syracuse University.

His life is an inspirational and important one that needs to be told, and it is told in a well balanced and unbiased manner. This uplifting movie touches upon his early childhood, explores his high school years, and delves into the various forces that shape his college football career. The racial climate of the early Sixties in the South is interwoven into his life story without undue bias. Ernie’s quest to become the first African-American to win the Heisman trophy is an entertaining and deeply moving journey that will keep you riveted to the big screen.

In addition, Dennis Quaid’s numbing portrayal of the stoic and heartless coach Ben Schwartzwalder will have you cheering him on to an Oscar nomination.

Stanley F. Niziol
Pittsburgh, PA

A very good movie for everyone to watch during the football season or anytime. This is a great movie for the entire family to watch since it has a great biography story, Ernie Davis, and great historical story about the 1960s and all of its torment / history. An excellent educational story to teach the youth about what was happening during the time period.

Patti Blount
Durand, WI

When I heard the name of the movie, I thought it was gonna be something boring! As always, dont let the name of any movie fool you. I laughed from the start till the end and was still laughing atferwards. I told everyone to go see it. I will see it over and over and over…

Phyllis Sowah
Oklahoma City, OK

An interesting romantic movie about two people who aren't in love with each other; who don't even know each other and then find and fall for each other. A great movie for any dating couple or just to watch on your own. This movie has great music too.

Patti Blount
Durand, WI

This is a must see movie. It is awesome. All creative persons should see it. 4.5 stars!

Phyllis Sowah
Oklahoma City, OK

The Duchess impressed me with its stunning fashions, gorgeous hairdos, and eye-catching scenery. Yet, the plot and action of this pre-Victorian period piece did not make it stand out when compared with similar films that I’ve seen. It’s a movie about a pre-arranged aristocratic marriage that is falling apart. A bed-hopping, authoritarian Duke (Ralph Fiennes) who boasts “I’m in charge” is united with an independent thinking, dreamer of a wife (Keira Knightley), who has a drinking and gambling problem, as well as a fondness for the politics of the Whig party.

But this movie really shines with its portrayal of the flagrant repression of women during this period. It also highlights the widespread domestic abuse that they suffered, as well as exposing the dirty politics of sex among the royalty. It does a great job of addressing these feminine issues amid the beautiful costumes, dazzling sets, and memorable musical score.

Mike Dawida
Pittsburgh, PA

I enjoyed this movie immensely. It made me laugh, cry and even get angry at times. I would highly recommend this movie. I plan to get it when it comes out on DVD.

Martha Agnew
Milwaukee, WI

I’ve always liked Bill Maher as a stand-up comedian and as the host of his HBO show. But in the movie RELIGULOUS the quality of his humor is somewhat substandard, and his role as a devil’s advocate in his attack on religion is unconvincing and quite biased. This film is sort of a documentary in which Bill Maher attacks religious fundamentalists from the world of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Unfortunately, Bill doesn’t have the talent of a Michael Moore. During his worldwide encounters Maher pre-selects the religious leaders whom he interviews, uses sarcastic film subtitles, and uses corny, B-grade religious film clips to mock and attack his interviewees.

Bill Maher is an outspoken atheist. That’s no problem. However, in the movie he has an ax to grind, and he grinds this one razor sharp. He considers all religions to be dangerous because they mislead people into thinking that they have all the answers. And he finishes the movie by urging all people to “grow up or die”. The sad fact is that it’s time for Bill Maher to grow up.

Jean Miksic
Pittsburgh, PA

I would recommend this movie to anyone. My family and I went to see this movie last Sunday evening. It was great. I would like to see Tyler playing in more movie as a guy instead of Madea. I would also recommend not to get rid of Madea. Madea is a very funny lady. My family and I did enjoy this movie.

Valerie Caldwell
Antioch, TN

Once again Tyler Perry did an outstanding job at writing this movie. Everyone needs to veiw this movie; it will make you think how we take our spouse or significant other for granted. We should take this and apply it to our everyday life.

Mary Phillips
Milwaukee, WI

Lakeview Terrace is a tense and gripping drama dealing with prejudice and racism in a suburban community. But this time there is a surprising twist. It is an African American LAPD police officer who resents and harasses a newlywed interracial couple who just moved in. Samuel L. Jackson plays a veteran LAPD officer, Abel Turner, who is your dreaded “Neighbor From Hell”. He is a bigoted, hostile, and stressed out individual who considers himself “the Law” and acts as the neighborhood watchdog. Abel launches several attacks of intimidation and harassment against the interracial couple in an attempt to drive them out. This in turn provokes the couple into retaliatory and escalating counterattacks.

The persona and fine acting ability of Samuel L. Jackson produces a cohesiveness that awkwardly carries the plot forward in this “What will he do next?” thriller. However, at their chance meeting in the barroom Abel divulges to Chris (Patrick Wilson) the origin and rationale for his racist attitudes. From this point on the plot begins to falter. The character of the bland yuppie Chris and his helpless wife Lisa (Kerry Washington) are too weak to add momentum to the script. The flawed final scenes do little to elaborate further on the dynamics and complexities of Black and White relations. Nevertheless, it is the tense plot and this unique perspective of interracial relationships that makes the film worth a closer look, even though a weak ending makes it fall short of its target.

Sandy Fischer
Pittsburgh, PA

I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie, but I was kind of disappointed. I thought the general story was fresh (or one not so often told); neighbors that can't seem to get along no matter how hard one of them tries. The actors seemed to have decent chemistry, but at times it felt a bit forced and I've definitely seen better, especially the couple. Samuel L Jackson did a great job as the angry distubed guy. I say wait for this one to come to the "cheap show". You really won't feel like you've missed out!

Ginger Pierson
Cincinnati, OH

This is a good movie with lots of suspense and action. It's based on a true story, and my friend and I liked it enough that we would go see it again.

Daniel Sutton
Florence, KY

I went into Disaster Movie knowing what I was getting into. It is another ones of a long series of movie parody films. It was stupid,offensive and gross.But, hey I laughed. I admit it, I'm an easy laugh.

They were particularly hard on poor Amy Winehouse, bless her heart. And also took many a shot at Jessica Simpson especially, in a film staring her ex-husband's girlfriend. A lot of the cast will be familar to watchers of Mad TV. You will see Ike Barinholtz as a smashing, sexually confused naked Beowulf. Crista Flanagan as our now iconic, beloved Juno, or Juney in the film, and as both Hanna Montana and Miley Cyrus. And lastly from Mad TV, Nicole Parker as the streetwise Enchanted Princess. And I am sure the gentlemen will enjoy the wrestling scene with Carmen Electra and Kim Kardashian. Kim got a real job…good for her.

Anyways, be forewarned; this will be on a lot of the critics' worst movie lists for the year. But I came out of the theater after a brief 90 min in a better mood than I went in. It might not work for you. Enter at your own risk. You will never get those 90 minutes back.

Jill Zamsky
West Allis, WI