Directed by: Takashi Miike
Starring: Ebizo Ichikawa, Eita, Kōji Yakusho
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 126 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Takashi Miike is known for his gut-gringing films like “Audition” and “Ichi the Killer”. His last film is an amazing remake of Eiichi Kudo’s “13 Assassins”, and one of my favorites of 2011. I feel that his directorial cred has become really more mature over the years. Though “Hara-Kiri”, a re-imagining of Masaki Kobayashi’s 1962 film “Harakiri”, doesn’t exceed his effort with “13 Assassins”. It is still very intense and really slow-burning samurai action/drama. The story is takes it time developing but really pays offs throughout its very visual journey.

The story follows a mysterious samurai, who requests honorable death by ritual suicide in the courtyard of his feudal lord. The lord tells him the story of Motome, a young ronin, who made similiar request only to meet a brutal end. The mysterious samurai unaffected by this story takes the feudal lord on his own tale with an ending that nobody will see coming. Told with wonderful cinematography and amazing performances, this film packs a deep story of revenge, honor and disgrace.

I must say that Masaki Kobayashi’s 1962 film “Harakiri” still holds the reign as the better film but this one comes quite close. This was shot in 3D (2D version reviewed here), but I saw no scenes that would have benefited from this format and I am a big proprietor of 3D films. I must give credit to pop star Ryuichi Sakamoto for creating an amazing score, which drives the film well. Kōji Yakusho also delivers an notable performance and is a living legend in Japanese film. Since Miike’s last two films are about feudal Samurai’s era, I really look forward to what he is planning to do next.

Starring the voices of: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo and Denis Leary
Directed by: Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 34 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Of all of the popular series of computer animated films that have come along in the past decade plus, I’ve always felt that the “Ice Age” series was often dismissed. Which is a shame because, along with the “Toy Story” films, I’ve always thought that they featured the most consistent story and writing excellence as well as a perfect vocal cast. And I’m happy to say that the fourth chapter, “Continental Drift,” continues that excellence.

The film begins with Scrat once again trying to protect his treasured acorn. Over the past decade Scrat has become a rodent Gollum, doing whatever he can to protect his “precious!” He has also become the ice age’s very own Wiley E. Coyote, suffering devastating consequences no matter how smart he thinks he is. While Scrat is dealing with his problems, our three main characters, Manny (Romano), Sid (Leguizamo) and Diego (Leary) are dealing with theirs. An unexpected visit from Sid’s sloth family leaves an unexpected present behind: Grandma (Wanda Sykes). Even more unexpected are the changes taking place in the world around them. Changes that will send the three friends, and their new addition, on a journey they won’t long forget.

Rendered with the beauty one would expect from Blue Sky Studios, the film is a virtual travelogue of the world of the past. Cloud covered mountains overlook clear, rushing rivers while the flowers bloom so bright you can almost smell them. And that beauty is also a vital part of the story. The film deals with the formation of the continents, a formation that separates our familiar friends from their loved ones. As they try to find their way home they come across a band of animal pirates, commanded by their simian leader, Captain Gutt (Peter Dinklage). Of course not everyone understands what a baddie the captain is. “Surrender or face my fury,” he demands. “Face your furry what,” asks Sid. Poor Sid.

As usual, the voice actors go above and beyond, breathing believable life into their animated alter egos. In checking back on my reviews of the previous three films, I noticed that I have always continued to praise the work of Ray Romano. And rightly so. He, and his fellow actors, give full and complete performances, which is many times a rarity in animated features. Leary and Leguizamo match Romano line for line. It’s obvious that these actors feel very comfortable in these roles and their familiarity is a plus. Sykes is very funny as Grandma. Like the other actors, she has managed to inject her very distinct personality into the character. Ditto Queen Latifah (Ellie), Jennifer Lopez (Shira the Tiger) and the rest of the vocal cast.

In this day of BIGGER and BETTER, 3D is pretty much standard on films like this. It doesn’t really add much to the story here. In fact, it was much better utilized in the short “Simpsons” cartoon that precedes it. But no matter how you choose to see it, you won’t be disappointed.

Starring: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward and Bruce Willis
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 34 mins
Focus Features

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Wes Anderson has always managed to amaze me. From early films “Bottle Rocket” and “Rushmore” to the stop motion “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” he has perfected a simple style of filmmaking that is easily recognizable but not easy to replicate. He continues that tradition with his new film, “Moonrise Kingdom.”

As the film begins, in what appears to be the style of an old 16 mm educational film we all remember from school, we are introduced first to the Bishop family. They live in a plain clapboard house on the water in Rhode Island. Mr. Walt Bishop (Bill Murray) is the quiet, reserved father. His wife, Laura (Frances McDormand) is also quiet but hiding something inside. The children consist of three young sons and pre-teen daughter, Suzy (Hayward). A brief tour of the house and surrounding areas concludes by the water, where we are suddenly introduced to a narrator (Bob Balaban), who informs us that the story we are about to see gets pretty intense when, three days from now, a hurricane is going to hit land.

Told as innocently as its 1965 setting, “Moonrise Kingdom” may be Anderson’s most accessible film to date. But it’s still clearly an Anderson film. From the quirky situations the characters find themselves in to the almost slide-show like camera movement, the film is a celebration of a simpler time when young love had a chance if you fought hard enough. Besides the Bishop family we meet some of the other quirky characters of the story. Young Sam (Gilman) is a run-away Khaki Scout whose brief encounter with Suzy a year ago has resulted in the two becoming pen pals with dreams of running off and being together forever. Scoutmaster Ward (Edward Norton) feels bad because he didn’t realize that Sam was a problem child. However, he doesn’t feel bad enough that he doesn’t arm his young charges with hatchets, knives and a bow and arrow when the begin to search for the AWOL Sam. Also involved in the search is Captain Sharp (Willis) the local law. Other characters, played by well known names like Harvey Keitel and Tilda Swinton, also meld seamlessly into the story. But it is Gilman and Hayward, both making their film debuts, that steal the film and hold it together. Whether holding hands overlooking the water or fumbling through their first kisses, the two youngsters are heartbreakingly believable as they learn the good and bad of first love.

The script, by Anderson and Roman Coppola (Francis’ son, Sophia’s brother) is tight and smart while the photography, by Robert Yeohman, jumps off the screen. And a smart soundtrack, comprised of Alexandre Desplat’s original score interspliced with Hank Williams and Benjamin Britten compositions, helps carry the mood.

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans
Directed by: Marc Webb
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 16 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Even in this age of Hollywood re-boots, it seems odd that, only five years after “Spider-man 3,” a new Spidey-flick, with a new, but familiar, origin story would be made. But the powers that be at Columbia, seeing how well the “Batman” franchise has done, have given us a darker look at Peter Parker and company.

We first meet Peter as a four year old (Max Charles). He’s in the middle of playing a game of hide and seek with his father, Dr. Richard Parker(Campbell Scott). While looking for his dad he discovers that someone has made a shambles out of the doc’s office. Discovering the damage, the good doctor gathers up his wife, young Peter and a leather briefcase. He rushes over to his parents house and asks them to look after Peter. In a final moment, Dr. Parker tells Peter the words he will always try to obey: Be Good.

Other then this prologue, “The Amazing Spider-man” is a pretty much by-the-(comic) book telling of the story most people know. Peter (Garfield) is accidentally bitten by a spider who has been exposed to radiation and begins to take on that creatures characteristics. He also has a crush on a girl from school – Gwen Stacy (Stone) – and uses his superior smarts to meet a doomed fellow braniac. This time it’s his father’s old lab partner, Dr. Curt Connors (a well cast Ifans). He still lives with his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field), who dote on him as if he were their own child. However, circumstances and bad luck combine to pit Peter – and his alter-ego, Spider-man, in a battle that will affect those he knows and loves.

First the good stuff. The casting here is top notch. Garfield, so good in “The Social Network” and just winding up a run where he appeared opposite Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Willy Loman on Broadway as Biff in “Death of a Salesman, gives Peter a dimension that wasn’t really stressed in the original trilogy – darkness. Like Timothy Dalton playing James Bond, some fans may not realize that this is how Peter is in the comic books. He’s not your friendly neighborhood web slinger…he’s a revenge bound vigilante. And this is how he is regarded by the public, including a local police Captain (Denis Leary) who also happens to be Gwen’s father. Garfield is solid in the role and should grow even more comfortable in what I’m sure will be a sequel or two. Stone does what she can in what is really a small supporting role and Ifans is very surprising in a dramatic role. And kudos to both Sheen and Field for making Uncle Ben and Aunt May three dimensional characters with emotions…not just kindly old people.

Now the not so good stuff. There is almost too much background filler here. Even though he goes out of his way to let the public know he’s doing good things Spider-man is still deemed a bad guy. If the public isn’t rooting for him why should we? Peter is shown carrying a camera around and often gets bullied for it. However, he goes to a SCIENCE High School…seriously, how bad could the “bullies” be? The visual effects are fine, especially when Spidey is flitting from building to building, but the advertised 3D was nothing spectacular. And there was a great point of view (POV) segment when Spider-man first learns to use his webs for swinging but, sadly, it wasn’t utilized more. The transformation of Dr. Connors to the Lizard is pretty impressive, as is the Lizard as an enemy. James Horner’s score is played loudly but not very memorable. And no J. Jonah Jameson?? Stop the presses!

Directed by: Kevin Cooper
Starring: Steve Lemme, Beverly D’Angelo, Steve Guttenberg, Alfonso Arau, Philippe Brenninkmeyer, Rylie Behr
Distributed by: Amarock Productions
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 103 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When it comes to family films, they usually hit or miss and usually have no appeal to adults at all. “I Heart Shakey” really brings a little bit for everyone. It has zany over-the-top comedy put still packs a great heart. This film was made on a low-budget and even shot 3D in fact (reviewed 2D here), but it really delivers a lot of entertainment for the whole family.

The film follows J.T. O’Neil, his daughter and their dog Shakey. After moving from a small town to Chicago to pursue his dream job. Though they are forced to get rid of their dog due to bylaws in their rental contract. Of course things don’t work out the way they planned and they realize a valuable lesson about loyalty and the importance of keeping family together.

Steve Lemme gets a chance to shine in this film. He really brings the funny as well as the sweet side of him. It is a real 360 degree turn from his work with Broken Lizard. but a great turn. Philippe Brenninkmeyer, who has worked with Steve and Broken Lizard prior, is absolutely hilarious as Mattias Ober. Beverly D’Angelo and Steve Guttenberg have small roles but are also very funny, especially Guttenberg! Lastly, Rylie Behr really lands her heart as Chandler O’Neil.

I love how they incorporate animated sequences into the film, they are really cute and allow the film to go where the budget won’t allow them. Kevin Cooper, who has worked with James Cameron and Michael Bay, is stepping up to the director’s chair for the first time and really nails his efforts. I really even enjoyed the little extras aspects of this film like added sound effects like twinkling fingers, which adds whimsy to the film.

If you and your family are looking for a simple yet fun film, I would make sure to check out “I Heart Shakey” for a good time. Also fans of Broken Lizard, keep an ear out during the scene when Lemme is driving a Lamborghini!! Who wants a mustache ride?! Check out the film’s official website for more details on where you can see this film, now in theaters and it is available now on video-on-demand. Help support good independent films!

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Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McConaughey
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 50 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

In the first few minutes of “Magic Mike” the audience is given a great piece of advice: If you meet a woman whose name is similar to a car, flower or stone, don’t ask what she does for a living.

“Magic Mike” is a modern look, with a sometimes retro feel (the film opens with the mid 1970’s Warner Brothers logo), into the world of male entertainment. Mike (Tatum) is a 30 year old “entrepreneur” who dances for dollar bills in the hopes of raising enough money to fund a business making furniture. He also works construction, details cars and pretty much anything he can to keep the cash coming in. One day at work he is saddled with supervising Adam (Pettyfer), a clueless young man who shows up at the job site in tennis shoes. Mike gives Adam a ride home after work and invites him to meet him later at his second job. Adam is surprised to learn that Mike is a male dancer but, promised a good payday at the end of the night, accepts a job at the club as the dancer’s assistant…getting props and costumes ready. As fate would have it, one of the dancer’s misses a cue and Adam is thrust out on stage. He very nervously entices the crowd and soon finds himself on the roster, advertised as The Kid!

At first look you wouldn’t expect to see Steven Soderbergh’s name attached to a project like this. But it’s only his skill behind the camera that gets the film through its clunky parts, which is really the parts of the film that don’t take place in the club. Based in part on Channing Tatums real-life experiences during his eight months of “dancing,” the story is really about Mike’s efforts to better himself. Tacked on romance (Mike has a thing for Adam’s sister) and a drug-dealer subplot often stop the film in its tracks, which is a shame because the action on stage and behind the scenes is fun to watch. McConaughey is the most fun, playing a character named Dallas. Dallas owns the club and hopes to expand from Tampa to Miami. He’s also the Mr. Miyagi of male dancing, giving advice to anyone who will listen. It’s clear McConaughey is having fun with the role and that enjoyment radiates off the screen. Tatum continues to grow as an actor. He builds on the comedic goodwill he earned with this year’s “21 Jump Street” and also proves himself one hell of a dancer. Where the other actors in the film have occasional flash Tatum is a one man dance recital.

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth MacFarlane
Directed by: Seth MacFarlane
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 46 mins
Universal

Our Score: 5 out 5 stars

We’ve all had a favorite toy at some time in our lives. For 8 year old John Bennett (Bretton Manley) that toy arrived on Christmas Day. A large stuff teddy bear that he, naturally, named Ted. The two were inseparable. One night John wished that Ted was real so they could be best friends forever. Thanks to a high passing shooting star his wish is granted. Of course a walking and talking teddy bear won’t go unnoticed and for some time John and Ted enjoy a little notoriety. But soon the hubbub dies down and the two remain best buds forever. Or do they?

Outrageously funny from beginning to end, “TED” could only come from the mind of “Family Guy” creator MacFarlane. Now 35, John (Wahlberg) is in a long term relationship with Lori (Kunis), who has learned to accept that Ted will always be part of John’s life. That the life in question is based on early morning pot smoking and continual viewings of “Flash Gordon” does not sit as well with Lori and she continues to drop hints that maybe it’s time for Ted to find a place of his own. But that is easier said than done.

Featuring funny performances and, along with Johnny Depp showing up in “21 Jump Street,” the greatest film cameo of the year, “TED” features some very familiar faces (voices) from the “Family Guy” world, including Patrick Stewart, Patrick Warburton and Alex Borstein. Wahlberg is very funny as man/child John while Kunis is strong in what is basically the “straight” role in the film. MacFarlane voices Ted as a miniature stuffed Eddie Haskell, relying on his infinite charm to stay out of trouble. As a director, MacFarlane shows great promise. There are a few great tracking shots he utilizes that may be easy to achieve in animation but are a pain when working in live action. The visual effect that IS Ted is also well rendered, making at least one person in the audience wish aloud that he could go home with them!

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Starring: Emily Blunt, Rosemarie DeWitt and Mark Duplass
Directed by: Lynn Shelton
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
IFC Films

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

As a group of friends gather to remember their friend, Tom, tensions begin to build. Gone a year, it’s obvious that Tom meant a lot to a lot of people, including his ex-girlfriend, Iris (Blunt) and his brother, Jack (Duplass). After the gathering Iris invites Jack to spend time in her father’s cabin, assuring him the privacy and solitude is just what he needs right now. Jack accepts her offer but when he arrives he finds Iris’ sister, Hanna (DeWitt) already there. They spend a night filled with conversation and tequila. Hanna has just broken up her lesbian relationship while Jack laments his lack of a love life. Almost comically they end up in bed. But when Iris makes an unexpected visit to the cabin herself some secrets are kept while others are revealed.

Solidly acted with a smart script by director Shelton, “Your Sister’s Sister” is one of those small films that it’s a pleasure to discover. Blunt gives a very strong performance here, taking an emotional journey that most fans may not have seen her take in the past. DeWitt, probably best known for her work on “The United States of Tara” and “Mad Men,” is also well cast. But the standout here is Duplass. Better known as the writer/director, with his brother Jay, of films like “Cyrus” and “Baghead,” he makes great use of his talents here. His performance here reveals an actor of many layers. In fact, if Duplass hadn’t already been doing double duty on the recent “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” he would have been a perfect choice for the title role.

Director Shelton makes good on the promise she showed on her last feature, “Humpday.” Her camera moves in and out of the characters conversations, making the audience feel not like they are eavesdropping but that they are a part of them. Credit also to cinematographer Benjamin Kasulke, who paints postcards of the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest.

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Starring: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell and Dominic Cooper
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 45 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

History tells us that Abraham Lincoln was a great man. What it doesn’t tell us is that, long before he became President he had a little side job. Seems the old rail splitter put that handiness with an axe to good use and killed him some vampires! No, really.

While living with his parents in Indiana young Abe Lincoln (Lux-Haney Jardine) intervenes when a young black friend of his is being beaten. Abe gets a taste of the lash as well for interfering. After his father has words with the man with the whip, he is fired from his job. Later that night young Abe observes an odd sight but dismisses it. When he wakes up he learns that his mother has taken ill. She later dies and Abe realizes what he saw wasn’t imagined. He swears revenge on the man he holds responsible for his mother’s death but, after shooting him in the face is shocked to see the man keep coming at him. Something funny is going on here.

Told with a brilliant 3D canvas, “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” is one of the most original ideas to ever hit the big screen. What makes the film so good is that it takes its story seriously. This is not a spoof or a comedy. It’s history. When Abe (Walker) learns that his intended victim is a vampire, he enlists the aid of Henry Sturgess (Cooper), a vampire killer who hides secrets of his own. Henry tells Abe that he will help him learn to destroy the undead and begins a training regiment right out of “The Matrix.” Along the way, Abe meets Mary Todd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) who is currently dating Stephen Douglas (an unbilled Alan Tudyk – Pirate Steve from “Dodgeball”). True love blooms and Abe confesses his deeds. However, Mary thinks he’s pulling her leg and dismisses him. Of course, Abe eventually gets his law degree, runs for elected office and embarks on his journey to the White House. And that is where we find him when he learns of a planned vampire takeover of the United States. Not on his watch!

Thanks to a smart screenplay by Seth-Grahame Smith, who also wrote the original novel, the film never disappoints. If you allow yourself to get lost in the story you soon begin to believe that what you’re seeing on screen may have happened. Along with vampires Smith has peppered the film with other historical figures who play roles in the story, including Harriet Tubman and Jefferson Davis. Another plus is that the actors are truly immersed in their performances. No sly wink of the eye to the audience. Walker bears a strong resemblance to Liam Neeson who, ironically, was director Steven Spielberg’s initial choice to play the 16th President in his upcoming bio-flick (since replaced by Daniel-Day Lewis). As played by Walker, Abe is a 19th Century Bruce Wayne or Clark Kent, his mild demeanor a mask for a man of strength. Director Bekmambetov, who helmed not only the vampire flicks “Day Watch” and “Night Watch” but “Wanted,” gets to exhibit his skills as an action director. A scene where Abe fights a gang of vampires while jumping back and forth off of moving horses during a stampede is mind blowing, aided in a great way by the brilliant use of 3D. This is what 3D was made for! Couple the process with the outstanding cinematography of multiple Oscar nominee Caleb Deschanel (father of Zooey and Emily) and you’re on the edge of your seat. To be fair I should also note that, when the action stops, the film slows down noticeably. Towards the end it’s almost like a roller coaster, with occasional stops accompanying one hell of a ride. There is also a major continuity error at the beginning of the film that really bothered me. If you spot it please let me know.

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Directed by: Thaddeus O’Sullivan
Starring: Martin Sheen, Stephen Rea, Amy Huberman, Tom Hickey
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
Running Time: 87 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Martin Sheen has taken on many amazing roles throughout his career ranging from military Captains to The President and can be seen soon playing Spidey’s Uncle Ben in “The Amazing Spider-Man”. With “Stella Days”, Martin can add priest to his line-up. This film has feel good aspects with a simple sleepy town feel. I enjoyed it overall and includes stellar (a little clever word play) performance from Martin Sheen.

In “Stella Days”, Martin Sheen plays Daniel Barry, a priest in a little Irish town of Borrisokane in the mid 50’s. When unable to return to his parish in Rome, Daniel goes up against his doubters including local Bishop Hegarty (Tom Hickey), who is more interested in raising money for a new church. Daniel instead plans to setup a cinema to spread his love for film within this little town.

The pacing of the film is a little off and Stephen Rea’s character seems to need direction. Director Thaddeus O’Sullivan direction is decent and shows off his love for film. If you are fan of religious films with themes of Catholicism, you should enjoy. The film is currently available to watch on VOD and will be released limited in New York this weekend.

Directed by: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell
Starring: Kelly Macdonald, Julie Walters, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane, John Ratzenberger
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 93 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

After last year’s “Cars 2”, Pixar was hoping to redeem itself its reputation with “Brave”. They are definitely on the right track with this one but I felt like it was missing something. “Brave” is definitely not your typical princess movie. It is dark and packs quite a bit of violence. When it comes to visuals, this is their boldest film yet and the 3D effects are absolutely amazing. At times I felt like I was watching a live action film. When it comes down to it, “Brave” is not Pixar’s best film yet but certainly not their worst. It is a fun action-packed ride that will entertain most.

Disney’s latest princess, Merida, is one tough cookie. She prefers to see fighting and shooting arrows then acting like a princess. Due to this she ends up bumping heads with her mother, who is trying to plan her future. After meeting a witch, she makes a deal with change her faith…and in the process receives a spell to “change” her mother. Although the spell changes her mother into a bear. Merida needs to find a way to reverse the spell before it becomes permanent, while changing setting her path for the future.

When I first saw trailers for “Brave”, I really wasn’t too thrilled. I thought it look “just ok”. I was suprised that I enjoyed it quite more than I thought I would. The film starts with some good humor but once the spell gets cast, the tone gets real serious. I really respected how ambitious Pixar reached with this film but I think it feels like it drags a bit and like I said is missing the Pixar charm. Parents be warned since the violence is amped up and there are a few CG butts and cleavage, which is new for Pixar. I would still recommend this film, especially since this summer has provided many amazing films.

Starring: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg and Tony Orlando
Directed by: Sean Anders
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 54 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I must admit at the start that I had a major crush on one of my teachers in high school. I’m not going to name her (she knows who she is) but it appears to be something that everyone goes through at one time or another. It happened to Donny Berger (Justin Weaver) when he was in 8th grade. In an attempt to show off for some classmates Donny gets fresh with the very beautiful Miss McGarricle (Eva Amurri Martino) and ends up in detention. While there the teacher scolds him for his actions. She continues to scold him through the school year until they are discovered. She is sentenced to 30 years in prison and, on her way to the big house reveals that she is pregnant. Donny’s parents are given custody of the baby and, upon turning 18, Donny is given the responsibility of raising it. Bad move.

Pretty much a “Hangover” – lite, “That’s My Boy” is Sandlers return to the raunchy side of his career, where films like “Little Nicky” are found. After 20 years as a talk show staple and the subject of a movie of the week starring “90210’s” Ian Ziering as Donny, Donny Berger (now played by Sandler) is now nothing more than a punch line. He’s just been informed that he’s never paid income taxes on the money he made and now faces prison unless he can come up with an initial payment. To get the money he tries to get a spot on a Jerry Springer/Maury Povich type show hosted by Randall Morgan (the getting-funnier-each-time-I-see-him-in-an-Adam-Sandler-movie Dan Patrick). Morgan offers Donny $50,000 if he can reunite with Miss McGarricle at the woman’s prison she’s in. And he needs to bring his son with him. If only he could find him.

Mildly amusing (and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, “That’s My Boy” gets it’s good grades not from its stars but from the supporting cast. Hilarious turns by Tony Orlando (!), Vanilla Ice and the adult Miss McGarricle (don’t want to give away a bit of classic casting) keep the laughs coming. For those of you familiar with Sandler’s comedy CDs, he has decided to use his “Toll Booth Willie” voice for Donny, which is like a high pitched, intoxicated JFK. As Donny’ son, Todd (which he changed when he became an adult because he didn’t like his birth name – Han Solo), Samberg is adequate. He’s very funny in short bursts on “Saturday Night Live,” but the shtick gets old quickly as the film goes on. The film is also stocked with many SNL veterans in cameo roles, including Will Forte, Rachel Dratch and Ana Gasteyer. Also look for Sandler vets Nick Swardson, Colin Quinn, Dennis Dugan and others to fill the minor roles.

I took a lot of heat earlier this year when I became one of only three critics in the world to recommend Sandler’s “Jack and Jill.” But as a 15 year old boy in a 51 year old man’s body I make no apologies. “That’s My Boy” is much funnier than “Jack and Jill.” And, as I finish this, I see that no fewer than SIX critics have already been positive on Rotten Tomatoes so please don’t flame our site this time!

Starring: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta and Tom Cruise
Directed by: Adam Shankman
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 3 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

It sounded like a good idea. Take a bunch of popular song from an era long past, add some singers and a couple of actor cameos and, voila, you have…”Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Best known for being the only film in which Carol Channing, Leif Garrett and “Bowzer” from Sha Na all appear, the film was blasted for being nothing more but a bunch of hit songs strung together (though it does have a small place in my heart and in my DVD collection). But like the saying goes, that was then; this is now! Or at least 1987.

Small town girl Sherrie Christian (Hough) arrives in seedy Los Angeles from her small Oklahoma town via bus. After having her suitcase stolen (not to worry, the only thing in it were her albums) she ends up at a popular rock and roll club called the Bourbon. There she meets bar assistant Drew Boley (Boneta), who convinces his boss, Dennis (Alec Baldwin) to give her a job. Sherrie is a singer and she KNOWS that soon she’ll be, as John Lennon used to say, “the toppermost of the poppermost!”

Full of some of the biggest songs of the late 1980s (I hate to use the words “rock and roll” because, and no offense to Kevin Cronan or R.E.O. Speedwagon, but “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” is NOT a rock song!), “Rock of Ages” is almost like one of the old Hollywood musicals where everyone gets together and puts on a show in the barn. In this show, somebody just put a bunch of songs in a show and wrote a story around them. Sherrie Christian only has that name so that everyone on that night bus from Oklahoma can sing Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian” while, when Sherrie’s name is mentioned, you get a few bars of Steve Perry’s “Oh, Sherrie!” They did the same thing in “Sgt Peppers” when they named Peter Frampton’s love interest “Strawberry Fields.”

At least the cast has fun. Hough is engaging enough as a girl who must follow her own dreams, no matter the sacrifice. Boneta starts off shaky. His character claims to have stage fright but he has no problem butchering “Juke Box Hero” inside a crowded record store. But it’s the rest of the cast that make me recommend this film. As a Tipper Gore-like mayoral wife, Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones gets to belt out some Pat Benatar while channeling Michael Jackson’s moves from the “Beat It” video. Baldwin is a hoot as is Russell Brand, as his assistant. But the star here is Cruise, who stars as Stacee Jaxx, lead singer of the band Arsenal looking to go solo. And when he announces that he’ll be giving his first performance as a single on the big stage at the Bournon, Jaxx rocks the house. Part “The Jungle Book’s” Kaa, the snake and part Guns and Rose’s Axl Rose, Cruise rocks the house’s socks off! He has the look and moves of a bonafide rock star, as well as a more then passible voice. When Cruise is on screen the film come to life! The songs are catchy (they should be, they’re pretty well known) and Shankman’s direction is brilliant. He did a great job adapting “Hairspray” from Broadway and does the same here. The script is hit or miss, with one of the biggest misses being Sherrie pretty much meets Drew, gets a job, buys new clothes, gets a place to live AND finds the cure for cancer all in one week’s time. Just kidding about the cancer curing.

Directed by: Asif Akbar
Not Rated
Running time: 1 hour 35 mins
Fleur De Lis Film Studios

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Wow!

Knowing I had just seen his new documentary, “Top Priority: The Terror Within,” producer BJ Davis asked me what I had thought of the film. I summed my review up in one word.

Much has been made of the state of the world since the horror of September 11, 2001. As citizens we’ve been told to keep our eyes open…to report anything we may think is suspicious. But what if you worked for the U.S. Government’s Department of Homeland Security and you discovered that no less than 23 “Special Interest Aliens” (read: persons from such countries as Iraq, Libya, Indonesia and others) just walked across the Mexican border into the United States. You’d notify your superiors, right? Apparently not if you want to keep your job.

The central figure in this film is Julia Davis. Born in Kiev, Russia she met and fell in love with American filmmaker BJ Davis while he was making a movie in her country. Emigrating to the USA and armed with Masters Degrees in Aviation and Spacecraft Engineering, she soon found herself working for the Department of Homeland Security as a Customs and Border Patrol Officer. So strong was her knowledge of, and commitment to, the job that she would often appear on national news programs as an anti-terrorist expert to field questions. In an average month, approximately 10-15 “Special Interest Aliens” would be given authorization to enter the USA, usually after a lengthy question and answer session with a DHS agent. While checking her daily work Davis discovered that, in a 10 hour period on July 4, 2004, 23 “Special Interested Aliens” entered the US without so much as one question by anyone in authority. When Davis reported this horrific breach of security all hell broke loose. On her.

It’s often hard to judge a politically themed documentary. Sometimes, as in the case of some of Michael Moore’s work, the information given is slanted. I’m not saying it’s wrong…I’m just saying that sometimes you don’t see all that is to be seen. That is not the case here. Pressing on with her complaint, Davis soon finds herself the target of harassment at work as well as having to deal with fifty-four fraudulent charges leveled at her. Each one of these charges is proven false thanks to an unprecedented glimpse at government video depositions as well as video surveillance tapes. In one instance, Ms. Davis reports that her superior, Linda Boutwell (who Ms. Davis’ attorney humorously refers to as “Miss BUTT-well” when he discusses her) picked up her personal backpack and threw it to the floor so forcefully that the cell phone inside was broken. Boutwell submits a sworn statement claiming to have never touched Ms. Davis’ backpack. When government investigators are confronted by video surveillance tape that shows Boutwell doing exactly what she is charged with, they inexplicably side with her. The case gets even more involving when Boutwell tells her superiors that Davis, while at work for the Department of Homeland Security, is secretly helping her husband and his crew make a local film. According to Boutwell she is told this information by actress Brittany Murphy. When the Davis’ inquire as to why these charges were made, Murphy informs them that, though she is friends with Boutwell’s daughter, she never made those statements. What follows for the next 18 months is an all out assault on the very freedoms Ms. Davis swore to protect. She is followed by helicopters…her house is illegally searched…the government tries to have her deported, calling her marriage to BJ a sham. They even arrange to have local police pull the Davis’ over at pre-scheduled times to prevent them from arriving at court hearings and depositions on time.

Surprising to hear? It was to me. But every accusation is backed up with proof! There is no gray area here. It’s all there in the black and white video footage as well as the notes and documents the Davis’ were able to track down. And they weren’t the only people under surveillance. In an interview shortly before she died at the age of 30, Brittany Murphy told the writer she knew she being watched. In fact, it was much worse. Murphy endured helicopter surveillance, wiretaps, an arrest in the middle of the night and an unsuccessful attempt to deport her fiancée Simon Monjack, whom she later married. That shortly after her statement both Murphy and Monjack suddenly died only makes the case more bizarre!

There are more twists and turns to this film then all of the rides at Disneyland. “Top Priority: The Terror Within” is a film that will make you think and, hopefully, say “Wow!”

Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron
Directed by: Ridley Scott
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 2 hrs 4 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

According to the “Alien” time line, it was June 2122 (about 110 years from now) that the USCSS Nostromo ran into a little trouble.

In 2093 a group of space travelers, led by scientists Elizabeth Shaw (Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) awaken from a deep slumber to find themselves in route to what they hope is the discovery of the century. Their trip financed by the very wealth, but very old, Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce), the reason for this mission comes from the various paintings found on ancient cave wall all over the world. To Elizabeth and Charlie the clues are unmistakable. “I think they want us to come find them,” Elizabeth comments. Maybe…..

Directed with the same master-touch he brought to such films as “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” Thelma and Louise” and “Gladiator” by Ridley Scott, “Prometheus” is a stand-alone film that may or may not have something to do with the “Alien” series. I’m hedging my comments because it’s truly up for the audience to decide Scott’s message to film goers. Co-written by long time “Lost” scribe Damon Lindelof, who also has “Cowboys and Aliens” and the upcoming “Star Trek” film on his list of credits, the story blends horror and mystery perfectly, greatly assisted by some first rate actors.

Fassbender continues his rise to the top of my favorite actors working today with a brilliant portrayal of David, a cyborg creature still trying his best to understand the world around him and the people he serves. Rapace is a revelation as a tougher then she seems character who actually “out-Ripleys” Sigourney Weaver’s character in “Alien.” Though Elizabeth and Charlie are technically in charge of the expedition the real boss is Meridith Vickers (Theron), a woman shrouded in mystery. As played by Theron she is very tough and self-sufficient. Other members of the crew include ship captain Janek (Idris Elba) and his first mate, Ravel (Benedict Wong).

Like with “Alien,” Scott depends on the atmosphere and sets to influence the audience’s emotions. His cameras move briskly through vast caves and hurtle down ship hallways as if he’s leading a roller coaster ride that you can’t catch your breath on. The production design by long time Scott associate and two-time Oscar nominee (“Gladiator,” “American Gangster”) Arthur Max is stunning while the musical score by Marc Streitenfeld helps set the films’ tone.