Cloverfield‘s first trailer was shown during Transformers, at which time, it was simply the untitled film that showed an attack on New York and the date 01.18.08. Being the king of viral marketing, J.J. Abrams setup a very elaborate scheme to keep the film, and it’s monster, a secret until opening day. Shooting under a cacophony of working titles to keep everything under wraps, Abrams was mostly successful at building the suspense for the film.

Sadly, I think the film didn’t live up to that suspense. Going into the theatre, I knew Cloverfield was a monster movie. It had previously been suggested that this was going to be ‘America’s Godzilla’. Knowing that, you are treated to a film that isn’t so much about the monster, but the actors in the film about the monster. While it is an interesting and unique story, it really leaves nothing known about the monster itself. The cliffhanger may have been what J.J. Abrams wanted. Currently, Hollywood is very good at milking a franchise for all it’s worth; the Cloverfield monster seems to be destined for a similar fate as Saw and Spiderman.

The acting in the film was surprisingly well done, considering all those cast were relatively unknown. The actors didn’t actually know what film they were trying out for until they agree to join the project. The special effects were very well done at both a large and small scale. Scenes containing large landscapes of New York had as much detail as scenes shot in a subway tunnel.

I do have two gripes with the film though; first, most of the film was shot without a steady-cam. This leads to the very home-movie feel for the film, which is horribly nauseating. Multiple times I was forced to cover my eyes to settle my stomach, not from the gruesomeness, but from the jarring cinematography. The second issue I have with the film is with the idea of switching between the videos on the tape. A DV tape, as is suggested to be used in the film, doesn’t behave in the way it is show in the film. While recording over a tape, there isn’t a way to stop recording while keeping the tape playing without manually forwarding it. The seamless switching between stories doesn’t make much technological sense.

Other than my personal gripes, I’d say Cloverfield is an interesting monster movie. Plans are already in the works for a second film due out in 2009. Be prepared for another installment, and be sure to stock up on Dramamine before viewing.

Her life seems perfect until Jane’s younger, more beautiful, more outgoing sister Tess(Akerman) returns home. On her first night home, Tess meet’s George, Jane’s boss. Immediately, Tess and George hit it off, at the distress of Jane, who is secretly in love with George. To Jane, Tess and George’s relationship is the stuff made of nightmares, but it only gets worse when George proposes and Jane is dragged into agreeing to plan the wedding. In spite of warnings from close friend Casey(Greer), and new acquaintance Kevin(Marsden), Jane must wrestle with her decision to plan Tess’ wedding to the man she loves.

A cute film, 27 Dresses doesn’t deliver any surprises. It follows the simple, timeless, format for a romantic comedy spun around a story about perpetually being a bridesmaid and never a bride. While it doesn’t deviate from the ‘romantic comedy’ shtick, that may be its downfall. Going into the theater, I had an idea of how the story would pan out simply from seeing the previews. My prediction coming true is a mixed blessing; good, in that I wasn’t disappointed at the ending, bad because in some sense, I wasn’t entertained.

The acting was acceptable; not Oscar worthy, but not disappointing. Jane was a good character for Heigl, allowing her to play the hot, playful, confident girl, as well as the shy, conflicted and sensitive girl. Marsden, judging by crowd reaction, was also well cast. The coordinated swooning from the women in the audience was proof enough that Marsden pulled off the cute, well-intentioned, but slightly stalkerish (in a good way) boy trying to win over the girl.

Sadly, Greer’s character Casey was almost sickening. The outlandishness of her sexuality was rather concerning. Being best friends with Jane, Casey was obviously invited to all the weddings she organized. Upsetting was the fact that Casey acted as a female ‘wedding crasher;’ only there to pick up groomsmen and act as the opposing sexual force to Jane’s demure wholesomeness.

In the end, 27 Dresses can by counted on to deliver as a romantic comedy. It should be safe to say it may end up on the top of some favorites lists, nestled between How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Wedding Planner.

Enter Mark(Bateman) and Vanessa Loring(Garner); the wholesome adoptive couple, whom Juno’s best friend, Leah(Thirlby) found in the PennySaver. Spearheading the journey to have the baby, Juno decides to give the child up even before telling her parents she’s expecting. After telling them, Mac(Simmons) and Bren(Janney) are understandably phased. Throughout the film, all of the characters develop and grow, culminating in the birth of the baby and the happiness of all.

After watching the film, twice, it is easy to see why Juno has already won 20 awards. The best movies are always the ones that take tough topics and present them in manageable formats. Children who are sexually active often don’t know the repercussions of their actions, and the film broaches the subject in an accessible way. No matter where your moral compass points, you’ll enjoy the lessons Juno brings. Think of it like an edgier, wittier and more intelligent Napoleon Dynamite.

My favorite part of the film was definitely the dialog. Writer Diablo Cody really hit the nail on the head with the hilarious catch phrases mixed with heart-wrenching drama. Stuff like: “That ain’t no etch-a-sketch. This is one doodle that can’t be un-did, homeskillet”; “Ow, ow, f*ckity-ow! Bren, when do I get that spinal tap thing?”; and “I named my guitar “Roosevelt”-not Ted, Franklin. You know, the hot one, with polio.” Not only was the dialog spot-on, but the casting was impeccable. Alison Janney is a favorite of mine and she performed flawlessly as Juno’s mom, Bren.

It seems everything about Juno is just right. It’s no wonder it’s already won 20 awards, and nominated for another 17. If you haven’t seen this movie, you’re missing out.

Manny(Perez), Jose’s brother, runs his restaurant like a general runs an army. Cracking the whip on his employees, he cares more about the business than the people who help him run it. Because of this, it’s easy for him to fire Nina(Blanchard) after she’s late for work one too many times, regardless of the reason. Jose, an unknowing companion, extends a helpful hand to Nina who has just learn of her unplanned pregnancy. Together, they rediscover what is truly important in life; love, family and a passion for living.

My preconceptions for Bella were completely misguided. I notoriously do not trust film reviews I read; they are often misleading. I’d read a few mixed reviews for this film, some good and some bad, and went in believing I knew the story before entering the theatre. Maybe that was for the better, because the film was not what I was expecting at all. All the reviews made Bella seem like just another Hollywood love story; guy meets girl, guy woos girl, guy and girl fall in love. There have been many films that follow this template, but this wasn’t one of them.

What blew me away was the film’s true theme. It comes at you from left-field, yet seems so perfect in the emotional context of the film. The idea that Jose can find true happiness in his life by facing his demons, is something that is expected in a romantic film. It’s just the source of his happiness comes from the last place you’d expect.

From the very beginning, the film interleaves the character’s history into short almost dream-like flashbacks, which create an interesting, seemingly evolving, storyline. At the same time, the ghosts that haunt the characters are exposed through emotional dialog in the present. While being very powerful, the dialog is also lighthearted at the perfect moments. Transitioning from somber and dramatic to strikingly comedic is smooth in the film and natural from the actors. Bella is absolutely breathtaking in it’s simplicity and with its amazing character development, acting and cinematography, viewers are in for a treat.

Years pass before they meet again, only to have Fermina declare their feelings as an illusion. Devastated, Florentino stakes his love for her and declares he will have his one true love. Unbeknownst to him, Fermina is engaged to be married to another man. After years of waiting for his one true love, Florentino is devastated. In a desparate attempt to mend his broken heart, Florentino pursues lascivious affairs throughout his adult life. In the end, only waiting for his Fermina.

Too often, classic novels are turned into only mediocre movies. Not so with Love in the Time of Cholera. Firmly rooted in the culture of the late 19th early 20th century South America, this story is truly one for the ages. Love stories are only good when the characters are genuine and their love is true. Films based on love stories are great when they take the good and build into them an emotional current that carries you throughout the dramatic spectrum. Cholera does that.

The acting was superb. The direction was impecible. Even the cinematography built the scenes from the ground up using vibrant colors and dramatic angles. Especially notable was the soundtrack which combined an eclectic array of old-world spanish folk with modern talent. This film is definitely one of the best films of the year. Destined for greatness at the Academy Awards for sure, Love in The Time of Cholera is sure to be an instant romatic classic kin to Cleopatra, Ballad of a Soldier and possibly Gone with the Wind.

Set in the late 16th century, during a period of religious unrest between the power-hungry nations of Europe, The Golden Age begins as a story of a beloved queen. Elizabeth, lacking child, is expected to marry and produce an heir. Meanwhile, forces near and far align against her, each looking to further their fortunes and territories. Mary Stuart ‘Queen of Scots’(Morton), Elizabeth’s cousin, believes she is the rightful successor to the throne and is plotting an assassination from her prison. In league with King Philip II of Spain(Mollà), their plan is to kill the queen and revert England back to Catholic rule.

Back from The New World bearing gifts for the Queen, Raleigh intends to return and stake claim in the name of England. His ambitions are put on hold while Elizabeth appraises her newly found conqueror. Impressed by his boldness, the Queen tries to stake claim in Raleigh, only to have him stolen away by Elizabeth(Cornish), her own lady in waiting.

The movie is built like a romance, yet includes epic battle scenes, daring in-fighting and betrayal. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser for everyone, a solid recommendation to see is in order. Be prepared for emotional ups and downs, as the story progresses and the intricacies build.

Throughout the film, the duality of Elizabeth is shown in spades. Her first duty is to her country, but she longs to have something left for herself. Blanchett delivers an Elizabeth which is commanding and serene from one moment to the next. The film is built on her skill at portraying a strong, willful and compassionate queen as well as a gentle, playful and dove-like woman and mother of England. A solid foundation indeed.

One of the best aspects of Dan In Real Life is the convincing interaction between all members of the family. Dan and his daughters have an obviously loving relationship speckled with a little father-daughter misunderstanding. At times, the family-at-large seems a little too cliche; a boys vs. girls crossword competition and talent show to boot. All in all, the interaction allows for a sly comment or silly action that will leave you laughing. This role is a good extension of Carell’s work that differs from some of his previous
funny yet slightly dumb parts.

The story was rather predictable in it’s outcome. Although, that may be expected, considering there are only so many variations on the forbidden-love tale. In the end, the film is refreshing and enjoyable. Definitely worth a watch.