Documentary: Religulous- 2008

Politically provocative talk show host Bill Maher skewers the current state of organized religion in this hot-button documentary that derives its title from a blend of the words "religion" and "ridiculous." Making stops in Jerusalem, the Vatican and other holy destinations, Maher travels the world to talk to believers from a variety of faiths to find out why they're so sure their religion is right -- and why they're so certain others are wrong. (Netflix.com)

Grade: A

This is actually the second time that I've watched this. The first time I watched it I was VERY closed minded, didn't want to hear what Bill Maher had to say, didn't think that his jokes were that funny, and overall, gave it a "C". This time, I watched it with a more open mind, decided not to take everything he said so seriously, or personally, and more than anything, listened to the information, and, subsequently, gave it an "A" this time, weird, eh? This is one of those movies that may shock, may infuriate or even make you sad, IF you let it. More than that, it is the complete examination of religions around the world, and their histories, as we know them. For information alone I thought it was great, but more than that, it was a journey WITH Maher, where we as viewers are learning these things for the first time together, and honestly, I think that made it more enjoyable. He wasn't "preaching" his beliefs (or lack there of), we are learning, and examining together. Great watch, lots to learn, but, MAY make you mad.

Thriller/Suspense: Kalifornia- 1993

While researching a book on serial killings, writer Brian Kessler (David Duchovny) and his girlfriend, Carrie Laughlin (Michelle Forbes), travel cross-country to the murder sites and unwittingly stumble upon strangers who know the subject firsthand. A pair of hitchhikers (Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis) offer to share expenses for the trip, but Kessler doesn't realize just how close he is to his subject -- even as bodies pile up behind them. (Netflix.com)

Grade: B

Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis play the part of somewhat dimwitted, and completely out of touch with reality "red necks" with such ease and believability, it was almost difficult to understand that I wasn't watching a documentary! This movie was incredibly well acted, and David Duchovny's quiet, and at times boyish, demeanor was the perfect opposition to balance out Brad Pitt's borderline insanity and overall creep factor. I can honestly say that this is the first time I have watched a movie starring Brad Pitt, and been completely turned OFF! Sure, this movie was pretty slow moving in parts, and the "accidentally convenient" factor for a lot of the situations could be taken as falling into place a bit to easily, but, for the most part this was a great watch. If you're interested in having that eerie weirded out feeling for a couple of hours, this is definitely worth the watch!

Comedy/Indie Comedy: Visioneers- 2007

Visioneer George Washington Winsterhammerman (Zach Galifianakis) lives a comfortable but monotonous life in this slightly futuristic black comedy. But when people start exploding from stress and George is showing early symptoms, he's forced to examine his life. Taking a look at his prestigious job, his sexless marriage and his resistance to life coaching, George reconsiders the philosophy of happiness through mindless activity. (netflix.com)

Grade: C-

Ok,... So, the description sounds funny, right? And, it's got Zach Galifainakis in it, and he's a funny dude, so this should be pretty good, right? Well,... unfortunately that is not so much the case with this one. Perhaps my expectations were a bit to high going into it, leaving me feeling a little let down in the laughter department. The only redeeming quality about this movie was that the storyline itself was an original idea, and definitely an interesting concept, but the execution was far too slow moving, and just seemed to take too long to get to anything of substance. I wouldn't really suggest this, nor would I endorse it, but, it was a decent idea, and the acting itself was not bad, so it's not completely lacking worth watching at all.

Documentary/Gay & Lesbian: Prodigal Sons- 2008

In high school, Kimberly Reed was male, a straight-A student and captain of the football team. But since leaving his rural Montana hometown, he's become a woman -- and a filmmaker whose documentary could not be any more personal. Half the story involves her attending her high school reunion as a transgendered female; the other half involves reuniting with her siblings, including her estranged adopted brother. (netflix.com)

Grade: A

I originally saw a segment about this movie on Oprah, and when I came across it on netflix I decided to check it out. The whole idea behind the documentary, and the intimate and personal side of it was very compelling, and incredibly interesting. This was just a very up-close and personal look into the life of this woman, and her family relationships, as well as her brother's. This was made very well, and is well worth the watch, in my opinion.

Romantic Comedy/Fantasy: TiMER- 2009

In this comedic fantasy, science has facilitated the search for a soul mate via biotechnological implants that count down to the moment one is supposed to meet his or her match. But Oona (Emma Caulfield) is worried: She's nearly 30, and her TiMER isn't ticking yet. Will her dream guy get snatched up by someone else? John Patrick Amedori co-stars in this film from first-time writer and director Jac Schaeffer. (Netflix.com)

Grade: B+

This was an interesting new spin on a romantic comedy, and was something that I have not seen done before, and I LOVE originality in movies. This was just really cute, and a different way to look at "love". Can love exist on a timer? Can a person have more than one true love? What about those who have no true love, can that happen? This was funny, and it really makes you think about love, and appreciate the one you have, or will have.

Documentary: This Film is Not Yet Rated- 2006

Kirby Dick's provocative documentary investigates the secretive and inconsistent process by which the Motion Picture Association of America rates films, revealing the organization's underhanded efforts to control culture. Dick questions whether certain studios get preferential treatment and exposes the discrepancies in how the MPAA views sex and violence. Interviewees include John Waters, Darren Aronofsky, Maria Bello, Atom Egoyan and more. (Netflix.com)

Grade: A+

This was REALLY interesting and funny! This was just a totally cool look into what we, as movie viewers, rarely think about, and largely take for granted. Who knew that the entire rating system for America's movies was so intertwined with politics and morality, and all done behind a curtain of secrecy. For most of us, we watch the movies that we want to, and probably don't pay much attention to what it's rated, I mean, even in this blog I've never mentioned what a movie was rated, because to me it's irrelevant. But it's interesting to know that so many good movies are being completely shut out of the industry because they couldn't get a "respectable" rating, and for reasons that are not legitimate! There are not set in stone structures to determine a movie's rating! This was just really interesting, and WELL worth the watch! Check it out, but NOT with kids in the room! :)

Comedy/Satire: CSA: Confederate States of America- 2004

What would the United States look like if the South had won the Civil War, slavery was still legal and liberals had fled to Canada? According to filmmaker Kevin Willmott (an assistant professor at the University of Kansas), it would resemble the vision put forth in this provocative mockumentary, set in a modern-day Confederate States of America. Spike Lee lends his name as a producer to this daring, if discomforting, parody. (Netflix.com)

Grade: C+

This was a funny, and interesting look into what life would have been like had the south won. There was A LOT of racist stuff in this movie, but it was done in a way to show the idiocy of racism, not to promote it, and actually, the things that were the most racist and offensive were actually things that existed back then, so you cant fault them for showing us a piece of history that we'd rather have tucked away or swept under a rug. For that reason it was good, it was a good "what if?" movie, and also a good "look at what life was LIKE back then" movie. I think it was worth the watch, and it was done in a way that really was not off putting, and more thought provoking.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Surroggates- 2009

Based on Robert Venditti's graphic novel of the same name, director Jonathan Mostow's sci-fi thriller is set in a futuristic world in which humans hibernate at home while living their lives vicariously through robot surrogates. When a series of mysterious surrogate murders occurs, FBI agent Greer (Bruce Willis) ventures out into the world for the first time in years to investigate. Radha Mitchell and Ving Rhames co-star. (Netflix.com)

Grade: B

This was certainly an interesting concept to say the least. To imagine a world where real human interaction is so minimal it's almost nonexistent is bizarre, but compelling non the less. The acting was great, and the action scenes were awesome too. This was a really cool look into an original idea, and worth the watch.

Romantic Drama: The Time Traveler's Wife- 2009

How can a couple's relationship possibly survive if one of them happens to uncontrollably vanish into another time and place at any given moment? In this original version of a love story Henry and Clare make it happen, despite the odds stacked against them.

Grade: B+

This was a very touching story about a love that won't quit, no matter what, and a man that lives his life the best way he can, without always living it in chronological order. This story was totally original, and the acting was awesome. This is one of those stories that really makes you feel what the characters are feeling, like you are right there with them. It conveyed the emotions very well, and, although at times felt a bit tear-jerky, was a great watch!

Comedy: Big Business- 1988

Upscale New Yorkers Sadie (Bette Midler) and Rose (Lily Tomlin) think they're twin sisters, but what they don't know is they were separated at birth from their true identical twins -- Southern blue-collar types also named Rose and Sadie, and also played by Midler and Tomlin. The two sets of twins cross paths some 40 years later on the streets of Manhattan, setting up a hilarious story of mistaken identities, split personalities and trouble times two! (Per Netflix.com)

Grade: C+

Ok, this was one of those movies that had me cringing and thinking "COME ON!!" This movie kept that feeling going by having the "twins" switching places (without knowing it), being in the same room, missing each other by a hair, like one getting on one elevator, while the other is getting off another. It was funny, it was cute, and, once again, another thing I enjoyed about it was the originality, and the acting by Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin was great, both playing two people, and making the distinction between their characters obvious. It was a good watch.

Comedy/ Romantic Comedy: All of Me- 1984

Just before stubborn millionaire Edwina Cutwater (Lily Tomlin) dies, she asks her uptight lawyer, Roger Cobb (Steve Martin), to amend her will so that her soul will pass to the young, vibrant Terry Hoskins (Victoria Tennant) -- but the spiritual transference goes awry. Edwina enters Roger's body instead, forcing him to battle Edwina for control of his own being. Director Carl Reiner's comedy nabbed Golden Globe nominations for Martin and Tomlin. (Per Netflix.com)

Grade: B

This was a cute movie. The characters were played wonderfully, as one would expect, and probably just as important, if not more, the story was very unique and original, and you know I'm a sucker for that. Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin make a great team in this movie, and make it a great watch. Steve Martin's ability to play a person with two souls, basically two people is fun to watch. Definitely check it out!

Documentary: Tyson- 2008

From director James Toback comes this documentary feature about the trials and triumphs in the life of famed boxer Mike Tyson. From his salad days with promoter Don King, to his infamous ear-ripping match against Evander Holyfield, to his sexual assault conviction, this film, made with the cooperation of Tyson himself, was culled from more than 30 hours of fascinating interview footage of the notorious heavyweight champion. (Per Netflix.com)

Grade: A+

This was a very interesting, and intriguing insight into a totally different side of Mike Tyson than the public has ever been shown before. Behind his "tough guy" outer crust, lies a normal, emotionally charged man. Angry at times, fragile at times, family man, friend, lover, all of the sides that make up a human are examined and exposed in this documentary. It was put together and edited beautifully, and was a very revealing documentary, and honestly, such a profoundly personal look into someones life is always worth the greatest respect.

Comedy: The Invention of Lying- 2009

Ever imagine what the world would be like if there was no such thing as lying? If everyone on the face of the planet had to tell the total and absolute truth about EVERYTHING? Well, this is a look into what that world would be like, and what would happen if one person suddenly realized he was capable of saying things that weren't true.

Grade: A+

This was a really funny movie, that had me laughing quite a bit. The whole premise of the story line was so fresh and such a new take, that that alone made me enjoy the idea of it, and it did not fall short of my expectations at all. Ricky Gervais is funny, as usual, and Jennifer Garner is as well. For being such an unbelievable plot, it was acted in a way that was very much so!

Drama/Based on a True Story: Mockingbird Don't Sing- 2001

Based on the events of Katie Steele's life, a 14 year old girl who had been locked away and completely isolated her entire life. This is the story of the the time and effort put in by a specialized team, in the attempt too teach her not only language, but how to live life.

Grade: B

This really was an interesting story, and an incredibly sad look into the life of someone who was totally neglected, and kept in the worst circumstances imaginable, to the point of not even being able to talk. The fact that this was based on a true story is horrifying, and incredibly sad. The acting was great, and for being filmed in 2001, it genuinely looked and felt like it was from the 70's/80's. If your interested in seeing one of the many atrocities that take place against children, this is worth watching, although sometimes shocking, this was a good movie.

Crime Documentary: Very Young Girls- 2007

Enter into the life of teen prostitutes, and their struggle to leave their pimps, and "the life" behind. This is an incredibly intimate look into the inner thoughts of these young girls who have been forced into this lifestyle, and sexually exploited.

Grade: A+

This was not only informative, but actually very sad. Not only did this movie show the girls' individual struggles through their attempts (mostly successful, but not without "relapse") to leave their pimps, after years of brain washing, but it showed the power of the human spirit, and the fact that these young women so desperately want something better in their lives. This movie REALLY makes you re-evaluate your impact in the world, and I wish that there was something I could do to help.

Romantic (teen) comedy: Nick and Norah's Infinate Playlist-2008

In an attempt to prove that she has a boyfriend, Norah grabs the first guy she sees and kisses him. Little does she know, the guy she kisses is Nick, her "friend's" ex, who still wasn't over her. In this movie, we fallow a group of teens on a night in New York, as they search for their favorite band's secret show.

Grade: C+

This was a cute comedy, and as usual, Michael Cera is funny and cute in his nerdy/shy way. The acting was decent, and the story was as well, it just felt like it was lacking something. If your looking for a cute, teenage love story type of movie, this is worth checking out.

Romantic Comedy: Gigantic 2008

This is a look into the life of a single mattress salesman who is pursuing his lifelong dream of adopting a Chinese baby. In the process he falls in love with the daughter of one of his customers.

Grade: B

This was an interesting look into a brief period of time in this guys life. The acting was great, and the story was interesting and entertaining. Brian, played by Paul Dano, gives a great performance as a man who seems to be going through life with nothing really outstanding going on. This was one of those stories that didn't necessarily have a point, (not one that I got, at least) but was more about watching this specific time in this person's life. If you're interested in quirky romantic comedies, this is the one for you.

Drama: Autumn Hearts: A New Begining-2007

This is a moving story of three former internment camp prisoners reuniting more than 30 years after being let go.

Grade: B+

This story is not only touching, and emotional, it is also well written, and heart warming. The acting was wonderful, and the story line was thought provoking. Susan Sarandon, as well as the rest of the cast's, performances were great. The ending left something to be desired, but not enough to detract from the movie. This was a very attentive look into the effects that this horrific time had on these people. If your looking for a movie that will make you think, this is the one for you.

Documentary: American Movie 1999

This is a movie chronicling the life of Mark Borchardt, during the making of his first feature film, "Coven". This is an intimate look into the life of a man persuing his dream, and the friends and family that help to make it a reality.

Grade: A

This was an interesting, yet sometimes slow moving, look into Mark's life. Although the topic of the documentary is the making of "Coven", we delve deeper into his personal life, and the troubles, and sacrafices he faces in order to complete his movie. This was pretty good, it was entertaining, and kept me interested.