P.S. I Love You (2007)

It is a shame that such potentially interesting characterization was wasted on this plot and butchered by some good actors. Hilary Swank's character is awkward and rigid and difficult - as people are in real life, not as they are in the movies. The filmmakers can't decide whether this is a flaw to be overcome or an endearing quirk, and neither can Swank, so it's all very disjointed. The plot is unbelievably contrived, to the point where its only hope is in its characters...who are mostly all either destroyed by their actors (as is the case with Gerard Butler - who I continue to have not much respect for - and Swank), or destroyed by both the actors and the characters themselves (Lisa Kudrow - I haven't seen a character that stilted and irritating in a very long time). Harry Connick Jr's character is the one who stands out, played intelligently and scripted well. I would have liked to see more of him and less of... well, everyone else.

The only really effective scene is the flashback scene to where Swank and Butler first met. In a movie full of false emotions, false dialogue, and false situations, that one somehow rings true. If that were a short by itself, I would watch it. But this movie? Nope. A definite waste of some good talent. 1 star.

(Also, I am shocked that Sherie Rene Scott was in this movie and I didn't recognize her. I'm so sorry, Sherie!)

Paper Moon (1973)

The interaction between Tatum and Ryan O'Neal is the heart of this movie. The plot and dialogue and side characters are all capable, but what makes this movie stand out is the chemistry between the real-life father/daughter acting pair. Without that casting, the movie would have faded into obscurity for me, but as it is, it's well worth watching just to see the two of them play off each other. 3.5 stars.

The Wrestler (2008)

An extremely poignant look at the life of a professional wrestler as is forced to retire from wrestling. Mickey Rourke is brilliant, Darren Aronofsky's directing is stunning, Marisa Tomei is charming, and even the bland Evan Rachel Wood strikes the right chord as Rourke's bitter daughter. It's one of those movies that make you feel like you just watched a reality show (that was actual reality). Excellent. The final minute of the film is simply brilliant. 4 stars.

Primal Fear (1996)

(MAJOR SPOILERS) Edward Norton is excellent in this courtroom drama/psychological thriller. However, I was extremely disappointed by the ending. I'm always on the look for movies that tell the truth about multiple personalities, and this appeared to be, for the most part, accurate. And then they decide to make it all fake? There's something unfair about that. It was a very good courtroom drama up until that point, when they decided they needed a sudden twist ending to be... what? Interesting? Shocking? Daring? I have no idea. But only Edward Norton's acting made that scene interesting to watch, otherwise I would have been rolling my eyes in disgust. Not a smart direction to take the story. 3 stars.

17 Again (2009)

Zac Efron is completely charming in this film, where he actually gets to play a real character, not an archetype. The plot is comparable to any of those movies where people change ages (think of it as a reverse Big or a gender-switched Peggy Sue Got Married... or a gender-switched reverse 13 Going On 30... any of those will do) and is pretty much standard as far as that goes. But there are some good moments and the acting is surprisingly strong. Cute, sweet, worth the watch. 3.5 stars.

Everyone Says I Love You (1996)

A Woody Allen musical? This should pretty much be my ultimate movie. And it comes close. I thoroughly enjoyed random song & dance breaks from people who I never thought would be involved in a musical, and the plot is very much typical Allen fodder. Most of the songs in this are classic jazz standards and bring a light, fanciful touch to the story. Overall, an enchanting movie that really needs to be re-released on DVD since it's so impossible to find! 4 stars.

Halloween (1978)

Ah, the first of the slasher movies. Moments of this are extremely eerie and effective. The silent Michael Myers is terrifying, without rhyme or reason for what he's doing, and every scene where he shows up is terrifying. However, with the slasher movies come the stupid main actresses who apparently think it's a great idea to sit with their back to the killer and throw their weapon away because he MIGHT be dead. The dialogue for the film is hokey and contrived. It's much stronger when it's just Myers' silent hunt for his prey. 3 stars.