My Fake Fiance (2009)

Directed by: Gil Junger
Written by: Howard March
Starring: Melissa Joan Heart and Joseph Lawrence

Jennifer (Heart) and Vance (Lawrence) are near strangers who meet at a friend's wedding. He owes money to a loan shark called The Monkey, and soon after, her moving van is stolen, leaving her with nothing but a box of throw pillows in a big new apartment. She stages a plan to help both of them. They fake a wedding to get the gifts. This way, she can stock her apartment, and he can pay off The Monkey. But things are easier said than done, as they deal with parents, nephews, and the attraction growing between them.

Okay, this is pretty formulaic for a romantic comedy, but that doesn't stop it from being very good. While littered with plot holes (Like where do all her clothes come from since everything she owned was stolen?), and cliches, it's very fun. Both Heart and Lawrence prove that they still have awesome talent, which was last seen in the 90s for both of them. And I recently read that they have a new sitcom airing on ABC Family later this summer. That should be very good if the chemestry on display here is still there.

9/10

Rated TV-PG for some sexual material

This is safe for most of the family. Younger children may not get all of the jokes, but there's nothign dirty here. The sexual material goes no farther than a kiss.

The DVD contains no special features.

The Laramie Project (2002)

Written and directed by Moises Kaufaman
Starring: Dylan Baker, Steve Buscemi, Jeremy Davies, Clea DuVall, Peter Fonda, Camryn Manheim, Joshua Jackson, Laura Linney, Christina Ricci, Frances Sternhagen

In October 1998, Matthew Sheppard; a 21 year old gay man; was bound, beaten, and murdered. Later, a group of theatre students came to his small hometown of Laramie, Wyoming to write a play focusing on the townspeople's reaction. The play, and this film were compiled from over 200 interviews.

This is one of the most horrowing and realistic films I've ever watched. And one that I feel everybody needs to see at some point. While it's made for NBC counterpart "The Matthew Sheppard Story" aired the same night this premiered on HBO, this is the better film, because it focuses on the reactions of those involved in the town. The dramatizations were note perfect, and the documentary style of filming was really incredible. Made it even more realistic.

9/10

Not Rated

This film contains graphic descriptions of what happened the night Matthew was attacked. While the event wasn't depicted, you get the full visual image from the stories pieced together. There is also strong language, including derogitory terms for homosexuals. 15+

The DVD includes a commentary by the real theatre group who are depicted in the film.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Directed by Jon Faverau

Written by Justin Theroux

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwenyth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson

Billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) has now revealed himself as Iron Man, a protector in a metal suit. 6 months after the events of the first one, Tony is attacked by Ivan Vanko (Rourke), a man with a personal vendetta against him. He must also contend with the fallout his announcment had on his friends Pepper Potts (Paltrow) and James Rhodes (Cheadle).

After a streak of semi disappointing comic book sequels, including X3 and Spiderman 3, Iron Man 2 comes as a breath of fresh air. Everything in this movie is great, from the acting, to the writing, and even the effects. Tony Stark is a more rounded out character this time around. He actually has more depth to him, something that I felt the first one was missing. And I love that they padded out the role of Pepper Potts. She was one of my favorite characters the first time around, and it was cool to see her around more.

The villain was awesome. Mickey Rourke is a great actor, and is at his best as Vanko. I know I was supossed to root for Iron Man, but sometimes I found myself rooting for him instead. In the words of Ferb, a hero's a hero, but everybody loves a good villain.

When I first heard about the recasting of James Rhodes from Terrance Howard to Don Cheadle, i was a bit ticked. Howard has been one of my favorite actors since Hustle and Flow and Crash. It all turned out great, though because Cheadle took the character to new levels of toughness that I'm afraid Howard wouldn't be able to pull off.

If you do go see this, make sure to stay after the credits for a nice surprise.

9/10

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.

There isn't much to worry about with this one. There is some intense violence, where people are hurt and possibly killed. Tony is an alcoholic, and drinks frequently, and he makes continuous sexual advances toward Scarlett Johannson's character. I'd say about 11+

Just arrived in theatres 2 weekends ago. It should be on DVD by September.

Leap Year (2010)

Anna planned to propose to her boyfriend on February 29.

Directed by Anand Tucker

Written by: Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont

Starring Amy Adams, Matthew Goode, Adam Scott, John Lithgow

Anna (Adams) is in love with her boyfrend Jeremy (Scott). They have been together for four years. After Jeremy fails to propose, Anna takes her father's (Lithgow) advice and follows him to Ireland to propose to him on February 29th; Leap Day. The one day where a marriage proposal can't be refused. Sidetracked by a storm, she winds up in the small villiage of Dingle, where she meets Declan (Goode) who agrees to drive her to Dublin, where Jeremy is. Along the way, Anna realizes that her true love may not be Jeremy after all.

This was one of the cutest romantic comedies I've seen in a while. I love Amy Adams. She is one of the cutest actresses in Hollywood, and I'll watch anything she's in. Sure, the movie is VERY predictable, but it's also a lot of fun, which is most important. The chemestry between Adams and Goode is genuine, and their bickering is very cute.

The one thing I wasn't impressed with is that while he was near the top of the credits, John Lithgow's role is nothing more than a glorified cameo. I've been a fan of his ever since 3rd Rock From the Sun, and thought it would've been cool to see a bit more of his character, who was funny in his scene.

This was the most fun I've had with a love story this year. It will definitely be in my collection soon.

9/10

Rated PG for sensuality and language.

There isn't too much to worry about with this one. There are some curses, most of which are from Declan, and he's using the Irish variations. (example: It's Murphy's fecking Law with you!) And the sensuality is just a few kisses between the 2 leads.

The DVD contians previews for It's Complicated, a very cute ad for the upcoming animated film Despicable Me, and the DVD release for Mamma Mia!, and a few deleted scenes.

The Princess Diaries (2001)

She rocks. She rules. She reigns.

Directed by Garry Marshall
Written by Gwen Wendkos

Starring Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore

Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway) is just your ordinary 15 year old girl. Until her grandmother (Andrews) informs her that she is the princess of a small European country called Genovia. Now, Mia has to balance "princess lessions" with her normal social life.

This is one of my favorite Disney movies. It's one of those movies that I break out whenever I'm feeling down. And it's still as magical the 100th time as it was that warm August Sunday afternoon that when I saw it in the theatre. And I've always wanted to have a real "foot popping" kiss.

The whole cast is wonderful in their roles. Especially Julie Andrews, who's work I've always loved. And the movie has a special place in my heard because it was the first time I saw Anne Hathaway. I'll watch anything she's in.

This film is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. While being a complete chick flick, I'm pretty sure that some guys out there will enjoy it.

Rated G.

There is absolutley nothing to worry about with this movie. It's the cleanest of Disney movies.

I'm not sure of the DVD features because I'm still rocking the VHS tape. It does have 2 music videos at the end of the film.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)

Never sleep again...

Directed by Samuel bayer

Written by Wesley Strick and Eric Heisserer

Starring Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara, Kyle Gallner, Katie Cassidy, Thomas Dekkar, Kellan Lutz, Connie Britton, Clancy Brown

Nancy (Mara) and her friends Kris (Cassidy), Dean (Lutz), Jesse (Dekkar), and Quintin (Gallner) have been having bad dreams lately. Dreams of a disfgured man named Freddy Kreuger (Haley). In these dreams, if Freddy kills them, they die for real.

This was one of the better horror movie remakes. Jackie Earle Haley is an awesome successor to Robert Englund. While being terrifyingly scary, he can also crack a killer joke. His appearance was greusome, and quite scary, right down to the dirty sweater and the dingy fedora. My main reason for wanting to go was Katie Cassidy. I've loved her since her Supernatural days, and have enjoyed her performance on Melrose Place. In this, she was given the role of the typical blonde girl with a great body, but does so much more with it. Katie gives us a sympathetic character to whom you don't want anything to happen. Her screentime was cut way short. I would've loved to have seen a whole movie featuring her character.

This was so worth the price of the ticket. I just might go again, if time and money permits.

9/10

Rated R for strong bloody horror violence, disturbing images, terror and language.

The film contains quite strong graphic violence. Characters are slashed and stabbed repeatedly. Not overly gory, but quite bloody. Nearly everytime Freddy appears onscreen, it is in a jump scare fashion. Tension is sometimes strong. While there is no explicit sex, there are impications that a couple have slept together. Characters drink red bull, take ritalin, and steal adrenaline shots from the hospital to stay awake. There is also frequent strong language from nearly every character. 17+

The DVD should be out around July or August if you prefer to wait.

Homecoming (2009)

A girl never forgets her first love...

Directed by: Morgan J. Freeman

Written by: Katie L. Fetting

Starring: Mischa Barton, Matt Long, Jessica Stroup, Michael Landes

Shelby (Barton) and Mike (Long) were the high school golden couple. When he dumps her to go off to college, she is so devistated that she thinks the relationship is still going on. When he brings his new girlfriend Elizabeth (Stroup) to the high school's homecoming game, Shelby devises a plan to get rid of her so she can have Mike all to herself.

This was a pretty fun little thriller. Mischa Barton (Whom I've crushed on since her Marissa Cooper days) is sublimely over the top in her role as the Kathy Bates like villian, taking sadistic glee in torturing Jessica Stroup in greusome ways. I'm drawing comparisons from the film Misery because the film is basically that one with a younger cast. Where Annie Wilkes had a sledgehammer and needle, Shelby has a syrup bottle and garden clippers. If you're a fan of the crazy bitch" genre (Fatal Attraction, Swimfan, Obsessed), then you'll love this one.

8/10

Rated R for some violence and language.

This film contains some quite graphic violence. Some of this is obscured, but there are 2 particularly greusome scenes that show the violence in full vivid light and color. One involves my biggest ick, the ankle twisting. Language is quite frequent. About 20 or so F words and numerous other swears. Shelby tries to seduce Mike by wearing nothing but a jacket and skimpy underwear. 16+

The DVD includes some deleted scenes and trailers.