Starring: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart and Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs
Film District

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

It’s a snowy night at Camp David. President Asher (Eckhart) is currently in the ring, sparring with his main Secret Service man, Mike Banning (Butler). Later that evening the president, his wife (Ashley Judd) and son (Finley Jacobsen) will leave for a party and get into an accident, one that leaves Mike having to choose whether to save the president or the first lady. Sorry, ma’am. Tales, you lose. Eighteen months later Mike finds himself riding a desk at the Treasury Department, no longer a part of the presidential detail. But an attack on the president soon brings Mike back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Directed with maximum impact, “Olympus Has Fallen” could easily be pitched as “Die Hard” in the White House. Not only because the film has some great action but because screenwriters Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt have borrowed several plot turns from the adventures of Mr. John McClane. As this is their first produced screenplay I can only think that in between writing sessions they wore down a VHS copy of “Die Hard” in the VCR. I would be giving away plot points to go any further but I urge you to watch “Olympus Has Fallen” and not say to yourself, “Hey, that’s just like in “Die Hard.”

Retread plot aside, what the film has going for it is a top notch director and a charismatic star (just like “Die Hard,” I might add). Director Fuqua, who guided Denzel Washington to an Oscar in “Training Day,” has a great eye for action and stages the initial attack on the nation’s capital with some breath-taking special effects. Butler, in growling “300” mode, kicks ass and takes names when he’s allowed to switch himself on and defend his commander in chief from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Except a couple of lazy screen writers.

Starring: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vinessa Shaw, Daniel Gimenez Cacho
Director: Makinov
Distributed by: New Video
MPAA Rating: Unrated
RUnning Time: 95 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I am not sure what it was that drew me to “Come Out and Play”. Before watching this film, I hadn’t seen any of the teasers or trailers. I think what was the real draw for me, besides that it is a horror flick, was that it was directed by Makinov, who we know little about personally except that he is known for wearing a mask. Nonetheless, Makinov knows how to direct a film.  He delivers some great tension in his directorial debut in “Come Out and Play”. The film itself is a slow-burn but as it developed  throughout, especially in the third act, it grabs you and doesn’t let do. Do not miss this!

This is based on Juan José Plan’s 1976 Spanish horror classic, “El Juego De Niños”. The premise is quite simple yet very effective. It follows a young couple’s attempt to escape to a isolated island during vacation. This vacation represents their last chance to enjoy themselves before they become parents. When they arrive on the island, at first they do not see anyone else around. But they soon find out that they are not alone at all. In fact the island is filled with tons of children, who are ruling the island and have quite the murderous appetite. The couple struggle to survive and make it off this remote island. Think “Children of the Corn”, hold the corn and taking place on an island.

The film stars Vinessa Shaw, who I know best from “Hocus Pocus” but more recently in “The Hills Have Eyes” remake and Ebon Moss-Bachrach known for his role on “Damages”. The film really sits on their shoulders and they hold it up well with great performances. The horror is the film is practically yet packs a nice punch, literally. Assisting with the suspense is Makinov’s score, which really takes you along for the ride and does not let you take your eyes off the screen. There is no shortage of gore or even violence to the kids, which I feel is very ballsy but pays off. I hope this little film gets some attention because it should not be missed. I can’t to see what Makinov has planned next for sure.

Director: Eric Walter
Starring: Daniel Lutz, Laura DiDio, Neme Alperstein
Distributed by: IFC Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 86 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Growing up less than 10 minutes away from “The Amityville Horror” house, I have always been interested in this “haunted house”.  We used to take trips to the house numerous times throughout the year. Was it real? Was it a fake? Either way it is still history and has influenced everything from books to films over the last almost 40 years.  This film is a very intimate chat with Daniel Lutz, who was 10 years old when him and his family moved into the house after the murders that took place just 13 months before. “My Amityville Horror is a well-crafted documentary and an interesting look into the life of Daniel Lutz both past and present. Fans of “Amityville Horror”, should definitely check it out.

Official Premise: For the first time in 35 years, Daniel Lutz recounts his version of the infamous Amityville haunting that terrified his family in 1975. George and Kathy Lutz’s story went on to inspire a best-selling novel and the subsequent films have continued to fascinate audiences today. This documentary reveals the horror behind growing up as part of a world famous haunting and while Daniel’s facts may be other’s fiction, the psychological scars he carries are indisputable.

The interviews with Lutz, who is now in his 40’s, are very honest. He seems very damaged from his experience but then again who wouldn’t be. There is also no bullshitting with this guy. You can tell that he has a hard time talking about his experience.  If you are looking for any secrets revealed, this film doesn’t offered any new evidence or information.  But I found it very interesting to hear it first had from someone that lived through the events that occurred to the Lutz family. Whether they are true or not, I would like to think that they were true. I mean you almost feel bad for this guy but he does tell his story quite well.

Starring: Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi and Jim Carrey
Directed by: Don Scardini
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hr 40 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Young Albert (Mason Cook) is a lonely boy. He lives with his mother who works frequently, meaning he’s often home alone. One year, while celebrating his birthday (alone) he opens a present to reveal a magic kit complete with an instructional video featuring the great Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin). Albert practices the enclosed tricks and is soon a young wiz with the sleight of hand. A chance meeting with fellow lonely boy Anton (Luke Vanek) nets him an assistant. Together the two devise new tricks and dream of the day they will be on top of the magic world.

A sweet film with a message of never giving up on your dreams, “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” gets by on the magic of a game cast. Now adults, Burt (Carell) – the former Albert – and Anton (Buscemi) are THE attraction to see in Las Vegas, where there show, “A Magical Friendship,” packs them in nightly. But things aren’t what they seem. Off-stage these friends have grown tired of each other, fake-smiling their way through performance after performance while they gradually grow bitter at performing the same illusions over and over. Burt now fancies himself a lady’s man, though his female assistants would be to differ. After firing yet another one – mid show – Burt appoints one of the stage crew to the position. Jane (Olivia Wilde) reluctantly takes the job, even though Burt continues to call her “Nicole” – the name of the last assistant.

Meanwhile, a new kind of entertainer has come on the scene, one Steve Gray (a hilarious Carrey). Gray is a performer in the tradition of David Blaine – he really doesn’t do anything. Among his “feats” are staring for three days without blinking and not peeing for twelve. Yet Gray manages to attract crowds while filming a television special called “Brain Rapist.” And as Gray begins to grow, Burt and Anton’s audiences begin to shrink. Soon their theatre is dark and Burt finds himself performing at the local Big Lots. But a chance meeting with his inspiration convinces Burt he may have one more trick up his sleeve.

Consistently funny, with a little heart mixed in, “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is a welcome addition to multiplexes still packed with raunchy comedies, action films and last year’s Oscar contenders. Carell and Buscemi work well together and it’s nice to see Buscemi with a substantial comedy role, not just a bit in an Adam Sandler film. Wilde, who was so funny in last year’s underrated film “Butter,” also flashes some comedy chops, holding her own with Carell and Carrey, two comic masters. As a casino owner more involved with business then his own son James Gandolfini is perfectly cast. Carrey steals the film as Gray, a man more concerned with the trappings of fame then actual entertainment. The script quietly delivers the laughs, not hitting you over the head as some comedies do. Director Scardino, an Emmy winning television veteran, keeps the film moving while staging some great visual illusions.

Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Rated: PG
Running time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Disney

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

It’s one of the most beloved films of all time. When I was a young boy I would see this film on television each year and always know that Easter was close. The film, of course, is the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz.” And while there have been many different “Oz” stories in many different Medias (books, film, stage) it’s taken almost 75 years for a prequel to come along. May I present “Oz: the Great and Powerful.”

Kansas. 1905. We’re visiting a traveling circus and have been invited to see the midway show featuring a magician that calls himself “Oz.” Thanks to simple naiveté (and a seemingly endless supply of music boxes), Oz keeps finding new assistants for his act in every town. However, a jealous boyfriend chases him around the grounds into an empty hot air balloon. Just when he seems to have gotten away cleanly Oz and his balloon are sucked into the middle of a tornado and whisked away to a place both magical and frightening. Oz.

Visually spectacular, “Oz: The Great and Powerful” is a beautifully created film that really takes advantage of both super-sized screens and 3-D. The film is filled with much homage to the original, including the fact that Oz works at the Baum Brothers Circus and that, after beginning in black and white, the film erupts into beautiful, cheerful color. In fact Oz’s first few moments in Oz is a perfect example of technology and creativity working together in harmony.

As the story takes place before the plot of the 1939 film, there is no Dorothy or Toto. Instead we are introduced to a group of witches. Theadora (Kunis) is young and beautiful. She tells Oz that he is the Wizard that has been prophesized to come to Oz and end the tyranny of the Wicked Witch of the West. Glenda (Williams) is an even more beautiful witch. Evanora (Rachel Weisz) is the third witch and also the overseer of all that the Wizard will inherit. But, as in all good stories, things are not always as they seem. All three actresses are strong in the performances. Fine work is also turned in by Zach Braff, who plays both Oz’s valet in Kansas as well as voices Finley, the flying monkey that Oz saves early in his arrival and who swears his loyalty to him. Fine supporting work as well from Tony Cox and Bill Cobbs. If there is a weak link in the chain it’s Franco. He seems to be unsure on how to project sarcasm or how to be “tongue in cheek.” Instead he ladles on the smarm. I can see why both Robert Downey, Jr. and Johnny Depp were director Raimi’s first choices for the role.

Still, the film has enough imagination to make even the most hard core “Oz” fan happy they returned to the Yellow Brick Road.

Starring: Miles Teller, Justin Chon and Jonathan Keltz
Directed by: Jon Lucas and Scott Moore
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 31 mins
Relativity Media

Our Score 1.5 out of 5 stars

The first thing I did when I walked out of “21 and Over” was go double check the movie poster in the lobby. No, I hadn’t misread it. In big letters it proclaimed that “21 and Over” was “FROM THE WRITERS OF ‘THE HANGOVER’” I thought for a few minutes…maybe it’s the writers of the 1973 Swedish film, “Hangover.” Or perhaps it was written by the fine people that created the 1950 Van Johnson/Elizabeth Taylor film “The BIG Hangover.” But no, next to “written by” are the names Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (they also direct). Those are the names of the men credited with writing the very funny 2009 “The Hangover.” Wow. Looks like they used up all of their funny four years ago.

The story, as it is, consists of three friends getting together after some time apart to celebrate the 21st birthday of one of them. Miller (Teller) is the obvious “fun” one, Randy (Keltz) more laid back. Both of them have come to visit pal number three, Jeff Chang (Chon). I should point out here that Jeff Chang is always referred to as Jeff Chang, even if it’s obvious that he’s the only “Jeff” or, for that matter, “Chang” in the room. While Miles and Randy want to party, Jeff Chang (damn it, now I’m doing it) begs off, citing a very important job interview he has in the morning. It seems that Jeff Chang’s father has set up the interview and has insisted his son not embarrass him. After much persuasion Jeff Chang agrees to go out for “just one beer.” Yeah, right.

I can’t remember the last time I laughed at the trailer of a film more then the entire film itself. You may have to go all the way back to “Schindler’s List” for that to have happened. Though, in my defense, I should point out that I was laughing at a story a friend of mine told before the “Schindler’s List” trailer ran, not the actual trailer itself. When I say “21 and Over” is uneven that’s pretty much the best I can offer it. What it basically is is a jumble of unfunny jokes and circumstances strung together with really no rhyme or reason, nor common sense. As their night progresses Miles and Randy learn that Jeff Chang, who’s in pre-med, gets tutoring in basic science, has been kicked out of his dorm for attempted murder and is currently carrying a handgun. Wow. You’d think that real friends would stop the partying and find out what’s been going on in Jeff Chang’s life, not playing beer pong or infiltrating an all-Latin sorority house.

The characters themselves are also too broadly drawn to care about. Teller, who was the best part about the remake of “Footloose” (he was Willard) seems to be trying to channel John Cusack, circa 1985 here. It doesn’t work. Keltz is equally at a loss as Randy. Only Chon get’s off lightly, mostly because he’s unconscious for parts of the film and doesn’t have to perform. I don’t blame the actors, I blame the script. Perhaps Lucas and Moore should have given Todd Phillips a chance to work some magic with it like he did on “The Hangover.” Oh well, guys, better luck next time.

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Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jon Bernthal and Susan Sarandon
Directed by: Ric Roman Waugh
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 52 mins
Summit Entertainment

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

If you’ve ever flown you’ve heard the great words of advice that greet you through the airport loudspeaker: “Don’t offer to carry something in your bag for someone else.” Thanks to the new film “Snitch” you can add this tip: “Don’t let your friend ship you a package, no matter how much they beg.”

Jason Collins (Rafi Gavron) is chatting with his best friend over the computer. His friend needs a favor…he has a “package” that he can’t have sent to his house so he wants to send it to Jason. Jason knows what’s in it and, after contemplating the request says “no.” The next day the doorbell rings and Jason is greeted by a delivery driver. “Sign here, please.” Moments later Jason’s home is raided by federal agents. Busted!

A smart story that only begins to unravel at the end, “Snitch” is about Jason’s father, John Matthews (Johnson). John runs a successful construction company and lives happily with his second wife and young daughter. Jason is bitter about his folks breaking up, evidenced by the fact he uses his mother’s maiden name. It seems that Jason’s friend set him up…painting him as a drug dealer to reduce a sentence he received. John learns that, due to mandatory sentencing laws, Jason is looking at a minimum of 10 years in the pokey. He can get time off if he can supply some names of people that sell drugs but he refuses to do to his friends what happened to him. John takes it upon himself to approach the federal prosecutor (Sarandon) and offer his services…he’ll find a drug dealer, turn him in and get the sentence reduced. Unfortunately for John, you can’t look up “drug dealer” in the Yellow Pages so he persuades one of his employees (Bernthal), who stated a criminal record on his job application, to help him. And the game begins.

There are a lot of things to like about this film. First off, this is probably the most impressive performance that Johnson has given on film. John loves his son and that is conveyed through his words and actions. A few emotional moments cause John to drop his self assured guise and these are some of the better moments of the film. Sarandon is her usual strong self as is Barry Pepper as one of the federal agents that busted Jason but is sympathetic to his plight. Where the film goes off track is when it turns from an emotional drama into a car-crashing, gun-shooting action film. Instead of frightened father, John begins to channel John Wayne. As he drives his semi towards the bad guys while emptying the shotgun he holds with one hand he resembles the Duke at the end of “True Grit,” taking on all comers with no regards to his own safety.

Starring: Heather Graham, Lang Lang
Directors: Martin Clapp (Stop Motion), Dorota Kobiela (2D Animation) and Geoff Lindsay (Live Action)
Distributed by: Breakthrough Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time 77 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

I am a big fan of fantasy family films. I am also a big fan of music. This film is a mix of both but really feels a light on both areas. The film is being released in 3D and it includes a fun blend of stop-motion, 2D animation and live action.  Though I did not have the privileged of viewing this in this 3D format. Since the film was shot mostly on a green screen that the third dimension would have made this film include the added depth it yearned for.  Without it, I feel the film is very flat and not very exciting. Also for the first 20-30 minutes, the film is told through music without any talking.  This is a brave move but for a kids film, I just keep thinking about how their attention span was gone after five minutes.

Official Premise: The film takes off in London when over-worked single mum, Georgie takes her children, Jane and Fred, to see The Flying Machine, a film being accompanied live by super-star pianist, Lang Lang, playing Frederic Chopin masterpieces. The film, which we get to watch as well, is called “The Magic Piano”. Jane and Fred are enchanted, but as soon as they leave the cinema, their mother Georgie is right back on the phone. When she finishes her call she notices the kids are gone. They were engrossed into the magical world of the Flying Machine that they have flown away with it. Georgie, with a little help from Lang Lang, follows Jane and Fred on their way to Warsaw where Chopin’s is buried. On her way she gets to understand how much was she missing and how much she loves her kids.

Let’s get the acting, boy is it rough.  Heather Graham is extremely amazing…at over-acting.  I hate to bash her performance since it is a kids film but every time she delivers a line it just hurt my ears.  Lang Lang is a fantastic Chinese concert pianist but as an actor…well…let’s just say he should stick to tickling those ole ivories. I really wanted to this film to work since I am My favorite part of this film was the various types of animation but that isn’t enough for me to recommend this to anybody. If you want to see for yourself the film is available now on VOD provides including most Cable Providers and online with Apple iTunes, Vudu and Amazon Video On Demand. But I warned you!

Starring: Sally Kirkland, Aidan Bristow and Shoshana Bush
Directed by: Justin Chambers
Not Rated
Running time: 2 hours 31 mins
Crevice Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I’m sure I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. One of the pleasures of this job is getting the chance to take a look at some of the first work a filmmaker does, especially when it’s done well. This week it was my pleasure to watch the first feature from writer/director Justin Chambers, a drama called “Broken Roads,” which is opening in New York City on February 19.

Aldo Russo (Bristow) is a happy kid of 17. But when he and his mother are involved in an auto accident that takes her life he finds his world turned upside down. As he is not yet 18 he is sent away to the country to live with his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Wallace (Kirkland). As his mother left home at a young age and never returned Aldo has never met Mrs. Wallace. At first things are strained. Though they are technically family there is nothing but the memory of a dead woman to bond these two together. Aldo has to wonder how long the next nine months are going to seem.

An intimate drama, with only a few main characters, “Broken Roads” could easily have gone down the maudlin road that bigger budgeted and similar stories (the Jane Fonda/Lindsay Lohan stinker “Georgia Rules” comes to mind) have followed. But with a smart screenplay by director Chambers and a talented cast, led by former Oscar nominee Kirkland, the story maintains its credibility throughout.

As Aldo, Bristow (who bears a strong resemblance to a younger Joaquin Phoenix) does a fine job dealing with the various emotions he’s called on to express. Anger. Fear. Loss. And, eventually, love. It’s a strong performance from an up and coming actor. Kirkland, who has somehow always managed to remain under the radar, is equally impressive as she deals with the same emotions Aldo is experiencing. Supporting work by Bush, as a young girl Aldo meet, along with Rolanda Watts as a kindly neighbor and Ross Marquand as someone from Aldo’s past, helps carry the film along. And special mention needs to go to cinematographer Michael Moghaddam for his camera capturing the beauty of the countryside as well as composer Jimmy Gelhaar, whose score is an excellent accompaniment to the on screen story.

Starring: Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney and Sebastian Koch
Directed by: John Moore
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 37 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

In 1988 the know-it-alls in Hollywood laughed when it was learned that 20th Century Fox had given $5 million to a television actor to star in a film whose lead character had already been offered to, and turned down by, such stars as Burt Reynolds, Sylvester Stallone, Don Johnson and Richard Gere. Of course now you know that the actor was Bruce Willis and the film was “Die Hard.” Who’s laughing now?

It’s a bad time in Russia. A political prisoner, a scientist who once worked at Chernobyl, is about to go on trial. But a member of the government does not want his voice heard, even on a witness stand. As this problem is being worked out we visit a Moscow nightclub where an assassination is attempted. The would be killer is apprehended.

In New York City we reunite with Detective John McClane (Willis). He has been informed that his son, Jack (Courtney), is currently in a Russian prison, charged with attempted murder. Though their relationship isn’t the best, John knows that a dads gotta do what a dads gotta do. Yippie Ki Yay!

Packed with wall to wall action (sometimes too much), the fifth film with the words “Die Hard” in the title is a worthy addition to the family started with John McTiernan’s classic original. Taking the story outside the United States for the first time, the story is a well written puzzle full of double-crosses, car chases and machine gun fire. The action is well delivered by director Moore, who opens the film with an incredible car chase through Moscow involving a utility van and an armored personnel carrier. Moore does not depend on miniatures or CGI in this sequence, choosing instead to destroy what surely must be every car in the Russian capital. While fun to watch, the chase seems to go on f-o-r-e-v-e-r, which eventually ratchets down the excitement. Ironically, it’s when the actors are center stage that the film succeeds. Willis and Courtney have an ease with each other, sharing the same mannerisms and smart-aleck attitude. Peeved that his son continually refers to him as “John,” McClane finally asks, “Whatever happened to dad?” Jack’s reply: “Good question.” The relationship feels real, a father and son trying to one up each other. There is even a physical resemblance between the two, with Courtney looking more like a junior Willis then Joseph Gordon-Levitt did in “Looper.”

The supporting cast also does a fine job helping the plot along, particularly Koch and Rasha Bukvic, who has some fun as a tap-dancing enforcer. Also strong as the corrupt politico is Sergey Kolesnikov, an actor who appears to have been separated at birth from the great Clancy Brown. Production values are strong and the story moves along fairly well thanks to a sharp score by Marco Beltrami.

Incidentally, there was one more actor that turned down the role of John McClane. He had appeared in the film “The Detective” which, like “Die Hard,” was based on a book by Roderick Thorpe. The actor had it in his contract that should another film based on Thorpe’s character be made, he would have first refusal of the role. Thankfully, 73 year old Frank Sinatra passed.

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Starring: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, David Lyons, Cobie Smulders
Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Distributed by Relativity Media
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 115 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Following in the footsteps of some of the greatest romantic movies such as “The Notebook,” “A Walk to Remember” & “The Lucky One” is not an easy task. All of which are movies based on the romantic novels by the best- selling author, Nicholas Sparks. Safe Haven is a romantic thriller that takes you on a journey of a mysterious woman’s struggle to try and escape her past and find the courage to love again.

Katie ( Julianne Hough) escapes to a small town in North Carolina. While struggling to feel safe, Katie slowly starts to let her guard down and allows herself to make friends and put down some roots. In doing so she forms a romantic relationship with Alex ( Josh Duhamel), a widowed store owner with two young children. Katie’s past is not far behind and slowly starts to catch up with her, threatening her new life and her new found love!

Anyone that has read the book couldn’t have asked for better casting! Julianne Hough and  Josh Duhamel really nailed their characters. They were both close if not exactly who I was picturing in my head when I was reading the book.  The chemistry between Hough and Duhamel was amazing and had their viewers rooting for their romance to succeed. Safe Haven is a romantic thriller that will not only keep you in suspense but has a twist in the end that might even bring you to tears!

Directed by: Dave Grohl
Starring: Tom Petty, Rick Springfield, Stevie Nicks, Neil Young
Distributed by: Roswell Films
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 108 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Sound City” written by Mark Monroe and directed by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl tells the fabled story of Sound City Studios a recording studio in Southern California that turned out such classic albums as Nirvana’s “Nevermind”, Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumors” and Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” just to name a few. Part documentary and part memoir told by the artists and staff that worked and recorded there throughout the highs and lows of the studios 40+ years of existence.

Yes “Sound City” is another documentary in a market that is already saturated with documentaries that range from eating out of dumpsters to living off of Craiglist but, this film is more than just another stock documentary or a niche film strictly for music fans. Instead the film touches on the bond various people had with this one special place that wasn’t always for everyone. Sound City was the jewel in the rough. When many artists wanted lavish recording studios with hot tubs and other modern day accoutrements Sound Studio remained true to what it was. A place to record music and that was it. As the film progresses we see how various events impacted the studio and the people involved with it. As the studio succumbs to the evolution of digital recording Grohl and company find a way for the studios legendary mixing board to live on.

Interesting stories and great music made the 108 minutes I spent watching the film well worth it. The film draws you in due in part to the charisma and dedication of those featured in the film. There was just something really great about seeing and hearing all these stories that probably would never been hear had it not been for Grohl and company.

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Directed by: Chris James Thompson
Starring: Andrew Swant, Jeffrey Jentzen, Pat Kennedy, Pamela Bass
Distributed by: IFC Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 77 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I am not sure what it is about serial killers but the topic always sparks America’s interest. “The Jeffrey Dahmer Files” is a documentary/re-enactment film about Jeffrey Dahmer during the summer of his arrest. Andrew Swant plays the serial killer in those segments and that footage is mixed in with real interviews with Jeffrey Jentzen, the medical examiner from the case; Pat Kennedy, the lead detective; and even Dahmer’s actual next door neighbor, Pamela Bass. I loved the way that the real and new footage that was created and is blended almost seamlessly. Even though this film is just a documentary, it still disturbing and creepy.

Official Synopsis: In the summer of 1991 Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested in Milwaukee and sentenced to 957 years in prison for killing 17 people and dismembering their bodies. ‘Jeff’ explores the city of Milwaukee by meeting those surrounding Dahmer during and after his hidden spree. Recollections from Milwaukee Medical Examiner Jeffrey Jentzen, Police Detective Patrick Kennedy, and neighbor Pamela Bass are interwoven with archival footage and everyday scenes from Dahmer’s life, working collectively to disassemble the facade of an ordinary man leading an ordinary existence.

When you see the re-enactment footage with Andrew Swant playing Dahmer and then the actual court footage of Dahmer it is very disturbing and at first almost hard to tell the difference. As a film, I think this word be better suited as a TV special then a feature film. But nonetheless, it was interesting and definitely grasped my attention for the near 80 minutes. In fact, I actually learned a few things about this notorious serial killer. If you are interested in serial killers, then I would recommend checking this out.

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Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy and John Cho
Directed by: Seth Gordon
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 52 mins
Universal

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I can only imagine what it was like to go to a movie during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Long before television, home video and the internet you could go, uninformed, to see a movie and every now and then leave the theatre realizing you had just witnessed the birth of a star. I felt that way after seeing the movie “Bridesmaids.” In a supporting role Melissa McCarthy totally blew me away. Of course, it wasn’t just me she impressed since she earned an Oscar nomination for her performance – a very rare feat for a true comic performance. Though I don’t see another nomination coming here, McCarthy continues to shine in the new film “Identity Thief.”

Sandy Patterson (Bateman) is a mild mannered Colorado-based account executive who has had to suffer with a first name that makes strangers think he’s a woman (his father actually named him after baseball great Sandy Koufax). One morning the phone rings with terrible news. Sandy is informed that someone has tried to use one of his credit cards. The woman on the phone also tells him that if he can provide some information that she can stop the fraud from happening. Sandy shares his info, not knowing that the voice on the other end of the line belongs to Diana (McCarthy) a scam artist living in Florida. Soon Diana, as Sandy, is buying jet skis, a car and rounds of drinks for her friends. She also gets into a bar fight. When she doesn’t show up for court a warrant is issued for Sandy’s arrest. Understanding he’s in a tight situation from which the police can offer no help, Sandy decides to travel to the Sunshine State to confront his new self.

Packed with some great physical comedy by both stars, “Identity Thief” does a fine job of making a complete film out of a one-joke plot line. This is due to the chemestry between Bateman and McCarthy. Bateman, who was once “Teen Wolf” (or Teen Wolf 2 to be exact) has carved out a solid new career as the everyman that many in the audience can relate to. He has some great moments, especially at home with his wife (Amanda Peete) and daughters. Just as his life was getting good (new job, major raise) it begins to fall apart. His credit score is below 240, which isn’t a good thing to have when you work with other people’s money! While his idea to retrieve Diana may seem far fetched, it makes sense to a simple guy like Sandy.

McCarthy makes Diana believable as well. Even when she’s conspiring to get away from Sandy or complaining to anyone that will listen about her Fiber Myalga you feel a wee bit of sympathy for her situation. Of course the two leads have some great supporting characters to lend them a hand, including “Modern Family’s” Eric Stonestreet and “Terminator 2” bad guy Robert Patrick. When they show up on screen, in seperate moments, they breathe like into the film just as it appears it will stall. Some of the bits are included because they seem funny though aren’t really needed and add an extra 20 minutes or so to the film that it really doesn’t need.

That being said, I recommend you see “Identity Thief,” even if it’s just so you can witness the continued rise of a shooting star.

Starring: Jude Law, Rooney Mara and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 46 mins
Open Road

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

An empty room. On the floor, a set of bloody footprints. Fade to black.

Martin (Channing Tatum) has just been released from prison where he did time for insider trading. His wife, Emily (Mara), appears to be happy that he’s home though the combination of a husband in prison and an uprooted life has given her an anxiety condition that is out of control. After a car accident Emily meets Dr. Banks (Law), a psychiatrist who feels the accident was anything but. He offers to help Emily, unaware that soon he will be the one needing help.

An old fashioned thriller in every sense of the word, “Side Effects” gives you just enough clues to stay in the game but never reveals enough to get you to drop your guard. The clever script, by Scott Burns, is full of twists and turns that take you from one character to the next, silently scratching your head and wondering who do you believe?

The storyline is helped by a cast just as serious as the material. In his best work since “Cold Mountain,” Jude Law is brilliant. He gives Dr. Banks a heart that one normally doesn’t see in the typical Hollywood shrink. With a wife (Vinessa Shaw) and step-son at home he strives to do what he can for both his family and his patients. Mara continues the great promise she showed in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Emily is sometimes happy, sometimes sad and, sometimes, both at the same time, which is very hard to portray believably on screen. You want to root for her but you take a step back, unsure if you should. Zeta-Jones is well cast as a former doctor of Emily’s while Channing Tatum continues the run of fine performances that started last year.

For a director supposedly mulling retirement, Steven Soderbergh has kept busy. This is his fifth feature film since 2011 and, after roles in the recent “Haywire” and “Magic Mike,” Side Effects” completes a Channing Tatum trilogy! Busy or not, Soderbergh is still at the top of his game, crafting a film that gives you clues that may or not tell all that you need to know.