The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Director: Wes Anderson

Rated: R

Length: 91 min.

This star studded cast consisting of Owen Wilson (Francis), Jason Swartzman (Jack), and the incredibly talented Adrien Brody (Peter); come together in this highly entertaining oddball comedic adventure, that is...The Darjeeling Limited. The plot is based upon the hysterics that ensue on the journey of three brothers trying to find themselves in the holiest place on earth: India. The three leads play off each other extremely well, and make for a highly amusing dialogue to follow throughout the film. All three brothers play uniquely different roles in the picture. Wilson, being the eldest of the three, feels the false necessity to act as the father figure of group (which his brothers resent), seeing as their father has recently passed. Swartzman plays that of the lost lover who can't seem to let go of his ex. Brody is the most worrisome case of the three, for he is constantly taking things that aren't his because of his issues coping with the death of their father, along with his uncertainty in the upcoming birth of his child. In the end, the three brothers find that brotherhood is the most important thing in life, and their companionship is all they need to get by. If you want to take a ride on the peculiar side while having a laugh or two, this is the film for you.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Director: Michel Gondry

Rated: R

Length: 108 min.

In this very strange, but quirky romantic tale of the odd couple, Jim Carrey (Joel Barrish) and Kate Winslet (Clementine Kruczynski), we find that some people can never truly be forgotten. Carrey plays a lost man, bored senseless, who can't seem to find his way until he makes a chance encounter with Winslet. Clementine seems to be a bit on the crazy side, but in this case, she is just the bit of crazy that Joel Barish needs in his life at this time. For Winslet, this is a dramatic transformation from her roles in such films as Titanic, where she plays the rebellious young lover of Leonardo DiCaprio. But in this film she finds a way into the audience's heart, maybe its her constant alteration of vibrant hair color, or maybe its her unpredictably cute behavior; but somehow we all fall in love in the end. This is not your typical love story and it leaves a bit lingering at the film's conclusion, but it shows us that love is something that cannot be forgotten, no matter how hard we try to erase it from our minds forever. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Half Nelson (2006)

Director: Ryan Fleck

Rated: R

Length: 106 min.

In this inspiring story of the developing relationship between a student and teacher who are working through the hardships of their lives, Ryan Gosling (Dan Dunne) shines. Most people know Gosling for his roles in such romantic films as The Notebook and Lars and the Real Girl, but in this film he truly shows his dynamic acting ability by perfectly portraying someone struggling to break their habit. Director Ryan Fleck does a great job of demonstrating the secret life of a teacher who molds young minds by day, but drifts back into his perilous habit by night; surrounding himself with the frequent faces of immorality. It seems as though his student, Shareeka Epps (Drey), is the only one who truly understands the misunderstood teacher, for she too lives in a world of disarray. As the film comes to a conclusion, there is nothing solved or accomplished, just the promise of a new day and a second chance at life. For those of you looking to see Gosling play the role of another alluring hearthrob, go ahead and skip this one; for the realistic depiction of this cruel world is not a pretty portyal for this typical stud. Half Nelson.

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Director: Terry George

Rated: PG-13

Length: 121 min.

This exceptionally moving film plays out history as it was; yet it lacks a realistic quality in its production. Overall, not a bad film. Certainly not as fantastic as I had anticipated from an Academy Award winning film, especially considering the acting ability of the great Don Cheadle (Paul Rusesabinga); who displayed his talents in unforgettable films such as Crash.  Although not accompanied by many other star contributors (with the exception of Joaquin Phoenix, (Jack Daglish), Cheadle still puts together a stellar performance in this remarkable true story. Not every film you see is going to have you talking about it days after its conclusion,  for only certain films have the ability to invoke that kind of reaction. However, this Colorado native carries this deeply emotional, heart driven film, from start to finish. Cheadle plays the awe inspiring role of a father turned leader, caught between a mass genocide of his people and saving his hotel. Director Terry George makes it easy for the audience to sympathize with the situation with which these people are placed in. And with little to no help, Cheadle manages to save the lives of thousands of innocent Rwandans. Hotel Rwanda.

City of God (2002)

Director: Fernando Meirelles

Rated: R

Length: 130 min.

After viewing this film for the very first time this evening, all I have to say is WOW...This is a film that makes you truly appreciate the world you live in and how priveledged you are. In the unforgiving slums of Rio de Janeiro, these young kids are forced to deal with the hardships of death and despair due to the world of poverty that they have been brought up in. The cinematography of this film is some of the best I've ever seen, and plays perfectly into the emotional triggers of every specific scene. The jump cuts that director Fernando Meirelles uses play an ideal role in setting up the audience for the consistent violence throughout the film. The narration of this film is told through the eyes of the main character, Alexandre Rodrigues (Rocket). As you can see from the title of this film, religion plays a key role in the narrative. Rocket, who is extremely religious himself, is dealt a shit poor hand in the game of life, but eventually surprises everyone, including himself, by taking the pot so to speak.  As the film progresses you almost become used to the constant bloodshed, for the realistic quality of this film is surreal. And even though this film is an accurate depiction of the difficulties of growing up in the poorest places on earth, there is a very endearing quality to this story as well. The emotional rollercoaster this film takes you on seems to be neverending, endlessly unsure if you're going to make it to its climatic conclusion. This is an absolute must see, and I would recommend it to any and all movie goers. City of God.

The Illusionist (2006)

Director: Neil Burger

Rated: PG-13

Length: 110 min.

With a variety of stars ranging from one of my personal favorties in Edward Norton (Eisenheim), the always stunning Jessica Biel (Sophie), and the ever-so versitile Paul Giamatti (Inspector Uhl); you would expect this film to be a ball park home run, unfortunately this is not the case. Without the poor dialogue or cheap magic imitations this film would have some real promise, but the truth of the matter is that Edward Norton, who displayed his talent in such epics as American History X, and my all-time favorite film, Fight Club; plays a role that is inferior to the acting quality he is capable of producing. The beauty in both scenery (Vienna) and of leading lady (Biel), can only take a film so far. The small twist at the end does leave you pondering about the film for a moment, but that moment is lost in the recollection that you no longer care why or how the plot has come to its conclusion. Do not fall under the "illusion" that this is a good film, and can definitely be passed up upon the screen of your local Redbox. But for you disbelievers out there, go see for yourself, only if you wished to bored into a stupor for the next hour and a half. The Illusionist.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Director: Ron Howard

Rated: PG-13

Length: 135 min

Although most of you have probably already seen this Academy Award winning film, I just recently watched it for the very first time this evening. I must say that it was not at all what I expected, but it definitely delivered the powerful emotional reaction that I hoped for. Russell Crowe (John Nash), produces one of the greatest performances of his acting career, in which he tranforms from a cocky, arrogant genius into a timid, absent minded fool. This is a remarkable display of acting versitility at its very best. This film will make you want to turn the cold shoulder to Professor Nash because of his misfortune, but as the film reaches its climax, you will jump out of your seat and applaud him in veneration. I am not one who is easily turned to tears by the film's emotional effect on the audience, but I must admit that I shed a tear or two out of pure admiration; both for the exquisite performance given by Crowe, and the life changing story that takes place onscreen. For those of you who have seen this film, go watch it again; and those of you who have not, take a break from reality in order to fully envelop yourself in the beautifully trancesdent story of Professor Nash. I promise that you won't regret it. A Beautiful Mind.

SPUN (2002)

For those of you who haven't seen this classic new age film about the miscellaneous problems that habitual drug users encounter; it is a must see. With stars ranging from Britanny Murphy (Nikki) to Jason Schwartzman (Ross), this film takes you on a wild adventure through the lives of multiple drug users and how they all connect in finding a way back to eachother through their continuous habit. This film reminded me a lot of one my all-time favorite movies, Requiem for a Dream. The altered state of mind that director Jonas Akerlund potrays in this film takes the audience out of their seats and into the movie, making them feel as though they are experiencing the actions being played out firsthand, as an innocent bystander being pulled into the dangerous situations brought into their lives by these enigmatic characters. As the plot of the film unfolds, you get to see how sex, drugs, and rock & roll play a part in tearing apart the lives of those with which seemed to be getting by just fine. This film will make you laugh, cry, and gasp in disbelief; but telling you about it is not enough. Go see for yourself what it feels like to get Spun.