Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliot, Stephen Tobolowsky, Marita Geraghty
Classic. Gets better each time I watch it.

Yes, No, Maybe: Never
Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jonah Hill
Superstupid. Supermisogynistic. Superhomophobic.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton, Hank Azaria, Dylan Moran, Harish Patel, India de Beaufor
While I want to encourage David Schwimmer to keep directing movies because I think he could be good, Run Fat Boy Run is too formulaic to stomach. I laughed at one scene only and that's not enough for a comedy. Too bad the writers couldn't see how boring and unbelievable the storyline was.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Vince Diesel, Alex Rocco, Peter Dinklage, Richard DeDomenic, Jerry Grayson, Paul Borghese
Sidney Lumet directs and writes this based on a true story (what movie isn't these days) of Jack DiNorscio, who defended himslef in the longest mafia trial ever held in the US. And Vince does a really good job.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Famke Janssen, Jaymie Dornan, Rip Torn, Matt Ross, Lois Smith, Marin Hinkle Found this movie a little over the top - too many stupid situations. Other people liked it but I can't recommend it.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden I think that this story is inspiring and truly original, the telling of it just didn't catch me the way it should have.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Frank Langella, Lauren Ambrose, Lili Taylor, Adrian Lester, Jessica Hecht
This movie is a great display of talent with an intriguing story that plays like the real thing. Highly recommended.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Molly shannon, Peter Sarsgaard, Regina King, John C Reilly, Laurs Dern, Steve Berg
I can see myself becoming this woman. Sounds crazy? maybe, but if more of us followed our calling the world may be a different place. Thanks Brad Pitt and Plan B for this sweet thought provoking film.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Tim Robbins, Derek Luke, Bonnie Henna, Mncedisi Shabangu, Tumisho Masha
Intense and very worthwhile.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson
My favourite Christmas time movie. The all star cast goes on forever and everything turns out well for everyone, well except one and that's sad, but I like to think, in the long run, it all works out for her as well. That's what Christmas is all about - unreal expectations!

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Amir Bar-Lev, Anthony Brunelli, Michael Kimmelman, Marla, Laura and Mark Olmstead Does she or doesn't she? I know what I think but see what you make of things after your see this doc. Regardless, the paintings are beautiful and I'd love one!

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Clikve Owen, Monica Bellucci, Paul Giamatti, Greg Bryk, Stephen McHattie
I loved it! It was so over the top that you couldn't help but love it. Owen, Bellucci and Giamatti are so good. Make sure you're in the mood for a shoot 'em up and go to it! It'll keep you motivated.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Amanda Bynes, Christopher Walkin, Queen Latifah
A good remake of the John Waters classic. Watch for the Water cameo right off the top.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldham, Danny Aiello, Peter Appel, Willie One Blood
Not a story you see everyday. At the end you have so much respect for León and Mathilda that it's hard to see it come to an end. Reno, Portman, Oldham and Aeillo play it perfectly.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Ryan Gosling, Patricia Clarkson, Emily Mortimer, Kelli Garner, Paul Schneider
A sweet story about a boy and a girl and a girl. Be prepared for a slowed down storyline, that's part of it's charm. I wasn't and I didn't enjoy as much as I should have.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts Philip Seymour Hoffman, Slim Khezri, Amy Adams
The business behind war.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Stacy Keach, Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk
An American classic that everyone in the world should see.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman
Excellent!

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Irvin and Rutajit Worth discussion; watch it and see how you think afterwards. The entire video is online - The Pharmacratic Inquisition.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Loren Horsley, Jemaine Clement, Craig Hall, Rachel House, Brian Sergent
It would be tempting, and accurate, to say that this felt like a cross between Napoleon Dynamite and Me and You and Everyone We Know - and that's a good thing. But it would not be giving Eagle vs Shark the raves it deserves. The simple telling of a story should not be confused with the telling of a simple story - this is not a simple story. It's wonderful to see people like writer/director Taika Waititi, and the excellent actors, bring these stories to the screen. Miranda July of Y&M&EWK is another bright light in this genre.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Richard Gere, Terrence Howard, James Brolin, Jesse Eisenberg, Ljubomir, Kristina Kepela
While I certainly like what this movie is trying to do, I can't say that it does it very well. Everything is too Hollywood: Mr Gere supposedly a down on his luck, boozing, over extended, over the top, on his last chance jounalist is too beautiful to be taken seriously: Eisenberg playing up the sterotype I got my job because I'm the son of a top exec but I'll be tough when you least expect it: and Terrence Howard, well I love Howard so he's okay. But, while it's not black enough for satire, the memories it does bring back about the horror in Bosnia are real and the fact the the world organizations hunting down any criminal do so only when it serves their interests, not the interests of the victims is a message that needs to to reinforced as much as possible. So, see this movie.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Julie Delpy, Adam Goldenberg, Daniel Bruhl, Aleksia Landeau, Albert Delpy, Marie Pillet
If you liked the Before Sunrise Before Sunset movies, you'll like this movie. I didn't like those movies, but I still liked this one. With the maestro Woddy Allen winding down, it seems, Delpy takes steps towards rewarding us with an Allen-esque pciture. While set in Paris, the city is not the star - the 2 year relationship between the Marion and Jack and all that involves is the star. The movie takes us into their world, and our own, where things are never black and white and where must confront their own feelings before blaming others for them. This wisdom comes to Jack from a vegetarian fast food arsenist. Throw in Delpy's French talkative parents, past lovers, Jack's hypochrondria, and Marions flirting and you've got a quirky, serious, emotional, funny, and true to life story - just like Mr. Allen's.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Zooey Deschanel, Jeremy Renner, Sam Shepherd, Sam Rockwell
Brad Pitt shows once again that he is a real actor and not just another incredibly handsome face. But, the real story here is Casey Affleck's portral of Robert Ford - simply brilliant. Although I very much liked Javier Bardem in No Country For Old Men I believe Affleck should have won the oscar for supporting actor.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Johnny Depp, Helen Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen
I've heard about this musical ever since I worked in the prop department at UBC. Sounded like a blood fest to me so I never watched it when it was performed there. I like Stephen Sondheim and I also like Alan Rickman very much as well as the two stars. But for me you'd have to be a lover of the Sweeny Todd play to enjoy this movie version. I'd rather watch Ed Wood or Big Fish again.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer Tim Meadows, Kristen Wiig David Krumholtz, David Koechner
The more I think about this movie, and there's really not a lot to think about really, I more I like it. I was ready to turn it off at the beginning but my mate kept laughing and I like to watch him laugh so I stayed. Glad I did. The movie moves into a satirical spoof of all rock singer movies and it's pretty well done. I warmed up to it when they did the scene about marijuana. With a sprinkling of cameos, the main actors Reilly and Fischer give us fun entertainment matched with really good acting. Watch, go with it and you'll be rewarded.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, James Franco, Josh Brolin, Susan Sarandon Powerful.
A truly important story of the lasting effects of war. After the horror of the current war has stopped being delivered by your news TV, the long term payment on our society begins. The first time I saw this was when I watched The Deer Hunter as a teenager. In The Valley of Elah takes the Iraq war and one family's story and shows us standing on the sidelines what hell life could really be. A young soldier is found murdered and dismembered and his father sets out to find some answers since the local cops are giving it over to the military police to investigate. If you think you know how it turns out be prepared - this is not an ordinary film. Like real life it is complex, full of mistakes and regrets, and answers that should make us all think once again about the horrific cost of war. Tommy Lee Jones is outstanding and I would have given him the Oscar.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Kevin J O'Connor, Paul F Tonpkins, John Kerry

Daniel Day-Lewis is an amazing actor. Amazing, amazing, amazing. But There Will Be Blood?, well I understand what the idea of the movie is but sorry people, I kept waiting for the story to begin. Yeah, yeah, I know, I guess I'm not the great intellectual I thought I was because this movie left me bored and restless. DD-L's performance was great but I kept seeing it as just that a performance that lead me nowhere. The movie felt totally disjointed. Yes, I realize that I'm possibly the only one on the planet who doesn't revere this movie but if you ask me this movie was excessive and over the top.

Yes, No, Maybe: No!
Writers: Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine

And here I thought it may be worth looking into the world of Micheal Moore. What a joke. How the writers ever got any money to produce this farce is beyond my comprehension. This is an embarrassment to the Canadian public who consider themselves fair minded people and the NFB who does sponsor some excellent work. But not this time. I'm sure that Ralph Nader regrets ever speaking with these people. And the revered Noam Chomsky is interviewed agreeing with what Micheal Moore has just said. And,oh my gosh Micheal Moore may have an ego, my gosh, he said he was from Flint but he's actually from a town 10 minutes away, my gosh but he won't sit down with two yo-yo's from Canada who want to trash him - while making it look like they're not taking sides. And after trashing his techniques and style, they use those same ideas to get into one of his events because they don't have any journalist credentials. Oh, these peole should give their head a shake.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Naveen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen, Nicky Katt
Not a very good movie, a revenge flick that tries to say something about society but never really delves deep enough to matter. But it certainly cements that fact that Terrence Howard is an amazing actor and Foster deserves her status of one of Hollywood's best. But beyond that, not much to watch for here.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, Toby Jones, Bin Li, Diana Rigg Somerset Maugham is one of my favourite authors - what a life that man lead. If you haven't read his books, I'd suggest starting today. This adaptation of his The Painted Veil is truly worthy of the sotry Maugham wrote in 1925. Everything is right - the setting, the clothing, the acting, the direction. A cast that captures the dangerous moment of time and shows in true Maugham fashion the silliness and triumphs of humanity.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Olivia Thirlby
Ever since Hard Candy, we knew Ellen Page was an actor to watch for and here she is in another amazing performance as a too smart for her own good teenager who finds herself pregnant. While Page steals the show the rest of the cast is superb. Cera holds on to his Arrested Development charm, while Bateman does a 180; Garner was really good (I've never seen her in anything before). Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons are Juno's acting parents and who doesn't wish our parents could be like them? I heard some didn't like the ending but for me it was just how I hoped it would end. Director Director Jason Reitman and 1st timescript writer Diablo Cody know exactly how to make this movie real. Easily one of the best movies of 2007.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Woody Harrelson, Kelly Macdonald
Electrifying. Half way through I was thinking, I can't wait to see this again. There is so much so watch in No Country For Old Men that you can't get it all in just one viewing. One word of caution - this is a film noir so watch it with that genre in mind. Critcs throwing out the adjectives thrilling, suspenseful, and relentless should remind audiences that it's not Hollywood action, in your face, biff bam boom. There's no car chase. It's dark, dangerous, damaged, deranged, doomed, violent, courageous and intelligent. Nothing is wasted in this movie, not a word, not an action. The Cohens have made a classic and they did it while being true to the book. While some blame them for that (the ending) the only thing I didn't like was that I felt the Carson Wells character was weak - all hat and no cattle. But that is minor. The best movie of 2007 and way beyond.

Yes, No, Maybe:Yes! Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, Michelle Monaghan, Carla Antonino
Ben Affleck directs and co-writes a movie that offers a lot to think about. What is doing the right thing? I thought one thing just before the end of the movie and another the next morning. My partner thought one thing after the film and the same in the morning. We arrived at the same conclusion but came by very different roads. It made for a long, thoughtful discussion on values and what's right. And if a movie sparks that it's got to have something going for it. Seems Ben Affleck may be on the right track with this direction thing. We knew he could write and I think Gone Baby Gone shows he can direct as well. His younger brother has a sort of male Naomi Watts thing going - sweet, tough and naïve - all believable. I look forward to either Affleck's next project.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Naveen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen, Nicky Katt Not a very good movie, a revenge flick that tries to say something about society but never really delves deep enough to matter. But it certainly cements that fact that Terrence Howard is an amazing actor and Foster deserves her status of one of Hollywood's best. But beyond that, not much to watch for here.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, Simon Woods

Very well made, acted, scripted and directed. Romantic, despite having Knightley in one of the leads. Matthew Macfadyen is so different from his Death At A Funeral role - wow he's really something. I guess that's what's called acting. I can see why people think so highly of him. And once again Donald Sutherland gives us a performance that's perfect for his role.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Peter O'Toole It's not Princess Bride but it's close - and that's saying something! Great cast - De Niro doing his best work in ages - also Sienna Miller and Ricky Gervais join the fun. Pfeiffer is excellent. Wickedness and trickery attempt to triumph over love and you know how that turns out in fairy tales. the story is not surprise but how the story unfolds is the fun part. Does it have what it takes to become a classic? Inconceivable!

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Saoirse Ronan, Vanessa Redgrave I would love to see an even decent adaptation of Ian McEwan's novels. The worlds he creates are fascinating and disturbing and you are gripped by his words and the feelings they invoke. Enduring Love great novel, bad film. The much anticipated movie version of Atonement - no heart and no soul. Will you movie people please stop ruining McEwan's novels?

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Freddie Prince,Scott Caan. Jerry Ferrara, Alex Baldwin, Mena Suvarim Daniel Tay,Ty Reed A very medicore version of the wise guys story in Brooklyn. The story of three long time friends growing up. Doesn't try to be good - it is what it is and if you don't like it that's fine with them. With a better script it may have been okay but overall just dull and duller. The only fun was the three actors playing off each other. Caan is always fun to watch and Ferrara was priming for his role in Entourage.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, Billy Green Bush, Fannie Flagg, Lorna Thayer, Toni Basil

One of my favourite movies. Nicholson at his finest with amazing performances by Black and all. I like the hitchhiker rant best but of course it's famous for Jack's scene with the waitress. One of the best movies ever made.

Yes, No, Maybe:Maybe
Laura Dern, Justin Theroux, Jeremy Irons, Grace Zabriskie, Harry Dean Stanton A Lynch film with Dern, Irons, Theroux, and Stanton - I'm there. And I stayed there for the full first half liking it very much. But then I lost it. The second half got away from me and I couldn't get it back. I'm sure it's genius but if one must be a genius to understand it that kinda rules me out.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Emily Blunt, Maria Bello, Kathy Baker, Amy Brenneman, Hugh Dancy, Maggie Grace I was prepared for a sweet, simple, no surprises, sort of movie but even that didn't prepare me for how much sugar was added. Although I got through it, I would have liked a bit more substance. But if you're having a hard time and need to escape, give it a go. But better to pick up a Jane Austen novel and get the real thing.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Mads Mikkelsen, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Rolf Lassgård, Stine Fischer Christensen A truly wonderful film. From the get go you're not sure of what's going on and why. Are any of these people who they seem? When the so try becomes clear, once again we marvel at how nothing is ever straightforward in this world and that people are not good or bad but just trying to make it through life as best they can with who they are. Rolf Lassgård was outstanding.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Jenna Fischer, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Craig T. Nelson

It's official - I'm now a Will Ferrell fan. After Stranger Than Fiction I thought maybe I could like this guy. After Blades of Glory oh dear, I believe I've fallen for him. Ferrell and Heder together are reminiscent of some of the great teams of comedians and had me laughing out loud throughout the entire first half. The last bit started to drag a little but overall the funniest movie I've seen in a long, long time.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Matthew Macfadyen, Rupert Graves, Alan Tudyk, Daisy Donovan, Kris Marshall
I like British humour, I do, I do, but I just couldn't find any in Death At A Funeral. I sat down 3 different occasions to see if I could get into this movie but no go. It's getting good reviews which is why I thought it was me, but it isn't. Face it people, this movie just isn't funny in the slightest.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Bill Hodnett, Geoff Minogue, Alaistair Foley, Gerard Hendrick
Amazing. A true love story. An honest, sweet, strong, candid, completely real film about two people who want love and who may find it in the end. The songs are all brilliant and let me say that any movie that begins with Van's And The Healing Has Begun is a movie for me. It would be hard for any musician to follow that but Hansard does quite well in his first original song of the film. That song is built on beautifully by Hansard and Irglová as the camera follows them through their individual song writing methods. You may have to listen closely to the dialogue as the accents are sometimes hard to keep pace with but when the singing starts it flows straight to your heart: you feel it first and understand the lyrics later. Hansard and Irglová are the real thing; writing the songs, singing them and playing the music. Take a night off the action, thrillers and CGI and take in Once. You'll be brought back to basics and be a better person for it.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts Armin Mueller-Stahl, Vincent Cassel, Sinéad Cusack
Cronenberg does it again. The man makes beautiful movies - and he's Canadian. Is it better than a History of Violence - I think so. The characters and the story are surreally real and these actors are up to the challenge. Mortensen is brilliant in his role as Nikolai and Watts once again pulls off her doe eyed, naïvely brave persona that we've seen in many movies (Mulholland Dr, King Kong, The Ring) yet keeps it fresh. How does she do that? Supporting performances by Armin Mueller-Stahl and Vincent Cassel add to the perfection. Yes, I think this movie may be perfect. Of course everyone will be talking about the sauna scene and for good reason, but the film blends a mixture of danger, violence, stupidity, naïvety and hope that somehow makes us feel comforted and that doing the right thing is the right thing to do. Of course it is a movie so don't go crazy on that theme, not everyone has a guardian angel.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin, Lymari Nadal, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Want to be bored to death, then watch this movie. It could easily have been cut down from it's 2 hours 30 minutes but it still would have been a hash of a story. With an all star cast, including Cuba Gooding Jr and Carla Gugino in a small roles, and Ridley Scott as director, one would expect a film that was at best riveting and at least worthwhile but instead it mismashed it's way through what could have been an important story. All the makings of a mesmerizing story are there - it's the days of a black man taking control of an empire; it's a violent, yet charismatic, family oriented character vs an honest, what I have a family, bumpkin; a police force on the take; shady military drug trafficking - you name it, it's there. But somehow this story was lost in the back and forth, the misdirection of the leads, and the formulaic shots of junkies and use of music. Despite the Hawaiian shirt, it's no French Connection, just an empty Hollywood blockbuster.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Gaby Hoffman, Ray Liotta, Timothy Busfield, Burt Lancaster
Classic family story of W.P. Kinsella's novel. I had never seen it and it holds up as a hopeful, believe in yourself, it's never too late story that tugs at your heartstrings. Great cast and beautifully shot.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Ellen Barkin, Al Pacino, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac

Another romp with the boys. Not as good a 11 but much better than 12. A fun night with the who's who of Hollywood male stars. Will there be a 14?

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Voices: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy, Peter O'Toole I know your kids loved it, you liked it, the critics loved it, but I didn't. Halfway through I fast forwarded to the end and that was that. I admire it, is that enough?

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Parker Posey, Drea de Matteo, Melvil Poupaud, Gena Rowlands, Justin Theroux

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, Nonso Anozie Saw this the first night it came to a town and the place was full of kids: young kids and their parents, young teenagers, and old kids like us. Overall I'd say it was enjoyable. The all star cast was well chosen and the story was full of friendship, suspense, some brutal fight scenes, without a drop of blood or gore, hope and a to be continued ending. Richards was a delight and I liked Kidman as the evil Mrs Coulter. From what I understand it doesn't go as far or as deep as the first book so don't expect a full adaptation. Much is left for the 2nd part. Even though I should be old enough to get through fantasy fight scenes I still can't face them. This time I got a bonus when I turned my head from the screen during the fights and saw the look of total awe and amazement on the kids' faces, even the oh so cool teenagers. That was fun. So, grab a kid and hit the cinema for this one.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Philip Seymour Hoffman
What starts out as a slow and somewhat boring picks up once secondary characters enter the scene. Kathy Baker, Zellweger, Hoffman, Portman and Giovanni Ribisi add life to a story that otherwise would have dragged on as a sappy love story. Law and Kidman are both beautiful but there is no chemistry and it's hard to fell a lot of emotion about their struggles. While busting up the place with her practical farm no nonsense ways Zellweger as Ruby brings perhaps too much energy which forces Kidman to be too restrained in their scenes together. Hoffman, of course, is perfect and he and Portman are really the only characters we care about. Watch and listen for Jack White, a musical genius. The movie is full of violence. Favourite quote: "If I had my way they'd take metal out of this world - every blade, every gun." Amen.

Yes, No, Maybe: Oh Yes!
Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, Albert Finney, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn
Matt Damon is at the top of my favourite actor list. The man goes from clumsy, wanna be suave in the Oceans to the coolest, toughest character in the Bourne series. And he's totally believable in both characters. No wonder he's Hollywood's most bankable star. You're right - I'm not writing about the final, maybe, maybe not, Bourne film, I don't really have to - just see it and be ready to be amazed. Identity was incredible, Supremacy upped the anti by building on the excitement and the story and now Ultimatum simply pushes us over the edge. Don't worry Bourne will be there to catch you - he's everywhere. The only dull part was Julia Stiles pouting her way through scenes - but I needed to catch my breath anyway. You know a movie's good when you're cheering, jumping up and yelling at the screen - not that I'm admitting to any of those things - and a note on the weapons - if that's what they show in the movies, imagine what they really have. Oh, and for those who say that the authorities won't hurt you unless you're doing something wrong - take notes.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Foster, Logan Lerman, Peter Fonda I like Westerns a lot less than the average person. Lots of boys doing yeehaws, horse chases and shut 'em ups, then hitting the saloon and finding a beautiful woman to love them, til they hit the trail again. 3:10 To Yuma has all that but it's also got more, much more. Crowe and Bale for one thing - those boys can act! I'm not sure that it's the story that holds your attention for the entire 2 hours or the unbelievable good acting from every player. Fonda and Lerman - excellent and Ben Foster deserves a supporting actor nomination for his performance. You can't take your eyes off Foster when he's onscreen. I'd like to see the original 1957 film starring Glenn Ford and Van Heflin because people say it was just as good. But movies like this don't just happen and credit goes to director James Mangold. The cinematography, this score and the pace was well crafted and it's obvious that Mangold digs the genre and is willing to have some fun as well. A character named Sam Fuller? A very good movie. If you want to see more amazing Bale catch The Machinist.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Harry Dean Stanton, Emilio Estevez, Tracey Walter, Olivia Barash, Sy Richardson
Repro Man came out in 1984 and was an immediate hit. I've heard about this movie ever since then but had never seen it. It's always interesting to see if a cult movie holds it's status over time. So, I sat down to watch Repro Man. I'm happy to report that it's really good! Emilio Estevez is perfect as Otto Maddox and the supporting cast just as well chosen. This unusual story blends the practical life of repro men with the fantasy, or reality, of alien contact. Throw in a lot of wonderful dialogue, some mild romance, and you've got an underground classic that suits all ages. A perfect low-budget, punk, sci-fi story. Intense.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
John Cusak, Samuel L Jackson, Mary McCormack, Jasmine Jessica Anthony,
Room 1408 Adapted from a Stephen King short story, 1408 is not a room you'd want to stay in. Unless you're a jaded writer of books on haunted houses and hotels who doesn't believe in the real thing. There's more to this room than meets the eye and with Mr King there's always more to the story as well. Cusak's character is the movie and he's on his own to pull it off. That's quite something for an actor who critics seem to really either really like or dislike. I really like him (High Fidelity, Being John Malkovich), except when I don't (Serendipity, Runaway Jury). As Mike Enslin, Cusak shows us that he's got what it takes. The plot is pure Mr King and I'm digging his stuff more and more - yes I'm finally catching up to the rest of you. This room is not to be trifled with and Enslin's disregard for it's power is both dangerous and comforting. Samuel L Jackson is perfect as the hotel manager who attempts to dissuade Enslin from taking the room. And, I was able to watch the film so all you out there who don't do horror - don't be afraid, you can do this, just don't do it alone.

Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Ben Affleck, John Cleese, Rebecca Romijn, Mike Binder, Kal Penn, Gina Gershon I like Mike Binder movies. I loved Upside of Anger and I liked Reign Over Me so even though the reviews weren't good I took a chance on Man About Town. Let me just say this, unless you are trapped - say on a plane, waiting for a bus, or at the in-laws, I can't recommend this movie. And what's the deal with Ben Affleck? I can't figure out whether he can act or not. He seems to be good in rich white boy realizing how shallow his life is but mediocre at anything else. His brother Casey seems to have received more of the acting gene. (Yes, I've heard the buzz about Gone Baby Gone and am looking forward to it.) But here's the thing, Affleck wanted to be in Binder film and I like that. To me it shows that's he's not about the ego, at least not all about it, and wants to be in films he likes. Unfortunately, this one didn't work out, but not due to any fault of Affleck's. He was a good fit for the role. The movie just didn't manage to reach the heights the Binder is capable of. But it had it's moments and the teeth might have been worth it.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Angelina Joile, Dan Futterman, Archie Panjabi, Mohammed Afzal You have got to be kidding me - this movie got good reviews? Ms Jolie is such a good actor that you forget that it's her onscreen? I don't think so. While the Daniel Pearl story is one that should be told, nothing in this movie tells us anything. It seems more like a vehicle for Jolie. If you don't know the story of the journalist, then check the internet because this movie will tell you nothing. It shows Jolie looking beautiful as always, shows her as Mariane Pearl attempting to piece together Daniels' whereabouts and it shows a lot of police busting into places, but it doesn't try to explain anything about why it happened. It just reinforces the official line of the US. And it's unbelievably boring. How can this be? The story of Pearl is one filled with questions about his work, what he was pursuing and why. Can Mariane not give us an insight into that? I've read that her book is meant to be an introduction to her son to the father he will never know. I trust that she will tell him more than we learn here.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Richard Gere, Alfred Molina Hope Davis, Stanley Tucci, Marcia Gay Harden
Heard this was good but didn't go into it expecting a lot. I got more than I bargained for. Gere gives an excellent performance as Clifford Irving and Molina backs him up 100% as his sidekick Dick Suskind. The tale is quite beyond a petty rip off story. These boys took on the biggest business man in the US, the publishing industry, and in doing so eventually involved the Nixon Republicans. Watergate anyone? If Gere portrays him correctly Irving seems like the perfect man to attempt such a feat as this hoax, part genius, part brilliant story teller, part little boy, part ego-maniac and a touch of self-grandeur thrown in for good measure. His scheme gets more and more elaborate each time he succeeds in his lie and yet he stays true to form writing the authentic Hughes story. He's not an amateur who get overplays his hand. As with any good hoax, you're not quite sure what to believe in the end. Was Irving's book really a threat to Nixon and his crew, did Hughes have an agenda that involved the book or was it all just a manifestation of Irving's imagination?

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Hilary Swank, Scott Glen, April Lee Hernandez, Hunter Parish, Mario
The violence to Rodney King in 1992 in LA, sparked more violence that hit many people living in LA and Long Beach in particular. Interracial gang warfare is something that many of us will never realize and seeing the effect it has on teenagers in this film was a lesson in life. Based on the true story of Erin Gruwell and her students, the movie shows that a naive, white woman raised with money, who becomes a teacher and starts her career in a tough high school actually can make a difference. While the movie does have some feel good to it, it doesn't shy away from the hard facts of life amongst the students. These kids are just teenagers - who should be worrying about their first kiss, sports and school grades - instead they deal with beatings, being true to your kind, losing friends to shootings, and always being ready for violence. A good movie for parents to watch with their teenagers.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Lorraine Stanley, Johnny Harris, Georgia Groome, Sam Spruell, Alexander Morton
If you ever wondered what the real life was like, not the Pretty Woman fantasy story, but the real story of people toughened from living on the streets and the scary elites of our society who use them, then hang on, because it isn't pretty. London To Brighton follows two women, one an experienced hustler and the other just a girl, as they run for their lives after a trick gets out of hand. But that's just the beginning for these two and the movie keeps the pedal to the metal. It's not easy to watch because it's so well done that you can't but believe that it's really happening and like these two women you can't escape what's going to go down. Puts you in a world where few escape and many only manage to survive. If you're up for it, watch it. I'm not sure if I was ready to see it, but I'm glad I did. A truly amazing piece of work by writer/director Paul Andrew Williams.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Simpson, Bill Nighy, Juno Temple, Max Lewis Wow. You watch movies and they seem so mediocre that you think, Am I too critical, too demanding? And then you watch Notes on A Scandal and realize how intelligent a film can be. With a near perfect script, actually it is perfect, and a superb cast and director, Notes takes us inside those lives we read about in the papers. The lives we are shocked to read about going off the rails. But of course, there's more drama in everyday life than we want to admit. Dame Dench is absolutely riveting and Cate Blanchett shows her depth of talent. Rounding out the cast, Nighy portrays the wounded husband and Simpson, the young student. An amazing film that makes me realize why I love the movies - at least some of them.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows, Mike Binder
Was watching this movie and recognized an actor from Upside of Anger (brilliant movie). I liked his character in Upside and while his role here wasn't as involved, the whole thing felt like Upside. Duh - Mike Binder anyone? Writer and director of both movies! Well, I like his work. When tackling a tough subject, the aftermath of a 911 victim, no one is going to be completely happy. But I don't think 911 was the big story here - it's a story of loss. Loss when people are gone and when they are still with you. The pain that comes with that loss and which everyone feels but responds to differently. The searching it takes for us to discover the source of our own pain and the respect we should give to others experiencing theirs. Critics didn't go overboard in their praise but they are professional film people. Mike Binder makes movies that go straight to your heart, with some mischievous humour along the way - and this lay person really appreciates it.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker An all star cast sets out to make a yuletide movie full of the usual family frolics over the holidays - bickering, a hidden illness, an unwelcome in-law, or about to be in-law - you know, the usual. I'm half way through and I swear it's so predictable that if it doesn't turn out exactly like I think I'll write a glowing review...okay so no glowing review coming. The thing that I really didn't like about the movie was the switching between tense drama and broad comedy. It just didn't make any sense and the plot should have been focused on one or the other. That way maybe it would have had a chance but let's face it, either way it would have been another contrived holiday film that wants us to laugh and cry at all the right moments. Both Keaton and Nelson give solid performances.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt, Gael García Bernal, Jamie McBride, Kôji Yakusho, Adriana Barraza I put off watching Babel because I wanted it to be a good film and the critics were split. I should never have watched it, but since I did I'd have to agree with those that say it was a good effort but didn't work. Unlike Amores Perros and 21 Grams, which are both brilliant, it didn't come together. It felt convoluted and a bit contrived. But will I see Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's next film - you bet.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo, Donal Logue, Dina Spybey, Jon Heder
I like Reese Witherspoon and I like Mark Ruffalo so when they appear together in a romantic comedy I'm going to like it. Taken for what it is, Just Like Heaven is a sweet movie based on the long running fairy tale that some things are meant to be. The movie is what a light romance should be with cute characters, a fun story, and a great apartment. So, if you need to escape with a touch of saucy Ms Witherspoon humour, let yourself relax into this flick. Watch for the bookseller who helps out.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Stephen Galaida, Robbie Shapiro
Having had friends in film school, one watches a lot of student movies. Puzzlehead would rate in the mid-range of those efforts. But if you ask the critics, they would say I didn't get it and as an indie movie with no budget it was very good. In my defence to those hypothetical critics I would say I did get it, it was pretty straightforward, and while I liked the original twist of the story it wasn't enough to overcome the difficulty of having to plod through the movie.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Ray Wise, Alexandra Holden, Lin Shaye, Mick Caine, Amber Smith, Billy Ashe
I'm not good with scary movies. I'd love to be able to watch horror flicks but my imagination goes on overdrive and I'm besieged by nightmares that make the movies seem tame. I stuck with this one just about half way through and then had to call it a night. My partner, who doesn't mind the odd horror flick, kept watching and gave me his report in the morning. As I suspected, he enjoyed it and liked the twist at the end. We both liked it because is was low budget and yet still got the scare across. The actors were all very good, especially the parents.

Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Kevin Costner, William Hurt, Dane Cook, Danielle Panabaker, Demi Moore
While critics were divided on this film, I liked it - a lot. Maybe because I was in the right frame of mind, wanting a something that was thrilling, had a bit of wit, and was a good story. I got more that I asked for because the combo of Costner and Hurt was really fun. They made this movie all of the above plus added a sense of campiness that actually improves the movie. Some critics have bashed them as aging stars; I say they're still more fun to watch than a lot of the new cookie-cutter stars. Watch it, have fun and remember, always to your homework.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Laura Linney, Dennis Haysbert, Kathleen Quinlan
Thrillers are my thing. I love to be wowed by a movie that has a twist that I didn't see coming. So, even though I knew how the story turns out I, went in interested. I'd seen some reviews that mentioned the words 'spy film, tension, intrigue, taunt, hold your breath'. Oh yeah, just what I'm looking for! Well I just want to say that those above review quotes and that it is the 'answer answer to The Bourne Identity' and 'better focused than The Good Shepherd', should give their head a shake - hard. In a word I'd call it stolid. And let's just make this clear for once and for all, The Good Shepherd is a good film so stop slamming it and Bourne... well comparing this to Bourne simply doesn't make any sense at all. Skip Breach and pick up a Graham Greene novel instead.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Peter O'Toole, Leslie Phillips, Jodie Whittaker, Vanessa Redgrave
Peter O'Toole is a great actor. When I heard he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Maurice in Venus I wanted him to win. Anxiously I awaited the movie on DVD. I guess I really didn't get it, because while O'Toole's acting was on a level many actors only dream of Maurice was selfish, egotistical, patronizing, foolish and not someone I wanted to watch for 90 minutes. Even the few joyous moments of having two great actors O'Toole and Vanessa Redgrave in the same scene were quickly undone by the loutish behaviour of O'Toole's character. I believed everything that happened to Maurice, he deserved. Is that harsh? No. He treated his wife, his children, his friends with the same selfish disregard as Venus treats him. The point of this movie? I don't know - if you do I'm here to be enlightened.

Yes, No, Maybe: No
Katherine Heigl, Seth Rogen Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd Tim Bagley, Jay Baruchel
Another movie I was looking forward to seeing and while parts of it were funny, as a movie it was just plain stupid. I have a rule of thumb that I use: I change the genders of the characters. Would a great, and gorgeous, no stunningly beautiful man who has an up and coming career even attempt to build a lasting relationship with an juvenile, overweight, loser woman who's Animal House partying her way down to her last $100? I'm guessing not, yet this movie asks you to believe that in reverse. It's the same tried and true fairy tale. This movie is the schlock that pitched at teenagers and some people mistake for funny. And btw, comedies don't have to be realistic as in 'could that really happen?' But in order for them to be funny they have to address situations experienced in real life and then show us how ridiculous we are in those encounters. Watch Stranger Than Fiction instead.