HESHER: ONE NAME SAYS IT ALL

Some people only need one name: Cher, Maddonna, Sting. We're never really sure if it's his first or last name, but that's the least of concern in this highly original and quirky film. Hesher (gracefully played with robust by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) may be the exact opposite of Napoleon Dynamite. He is dirty, foul mouthed, preoccupied with pussies, smokes, drinks and likes to mess with people. Then he meets this kid, TJ (Devin Brochu). TJ just lost his mom in a car accident. His dad (Rainn Wilson) lies heavily medicated in his pajamas on the sofa all day, drifting in and out of consciousness. They have moved in with TJ's grandma for the time being and let's just say that the kid is having a hard time. Mind you, this is no Lifetime movie of the week. Hesher accidentally gets run out of his makeshift home by TJ so he decides to move in with him, threatening death and disembowelment if he makes any fuss. Hesher does not joke around. Oddly enough, the family accepts him and soon after, he accepts them too. It's one of the most interesting group of characters I've seen in a real life situation. Hesher keeps them all guessing, but toward the end of the movie we see him shift, if only slightly. In fact everyone shifts and despite all the violence and anger and grief, everything turns out the way it should. It's appropriate. I must admit going for a walk with grandma was quite touching. Gordon-Levitt really outshines himself and pushes outside the box. It kept my attention and was different. I like it a lot.

SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS: OFF-BEAT IS TASTY

Mark Ruffalo makes his directorial debut with an old friend, Christopher Thornton, better known here as DJ (Dean) Delicious. The story is unconventional and pushes the limits of believability. However it is that sense of magic and the powerful supporting cast that push the story along. Ruffalo also plays a priest working on skid row and notices the effect one of his flock has had on another. Soon this young man learns about faith healing and his ability to do it. The catch: he is is a wheelchair and can not heal himself. A reluctant hero, Dean is pushed to his limits before he decides to sell his gift to the highest bidder, which also puts him in an up and coming band, something he loved before his crippling accident. He is no saint and follows the reckless life of women, booze and drugs before a terrible tragedy takes him away from all of that. So what does he do now? Where does he belong and can he be saved from himself? Also starring Orlando Bloom as a cocky lead singer of the band, a ethereal Juliette Lewis and a power hungry, tough Laura Linney. It wasn't until I watched the extras that I learned that Thornton not only stars in the film and star being the key word, but he wrote the screenplay and also happens to be in a wheelchair in real life. I can't wait to see what he does next. Ruffalo however, should stick with acting. Again, one of those odd stories with compelling characters well acted by top talent. Not everyone will like it, but I did.

EVERYTHING MUST GO: INCLUDING THIS FILM

Congratulations to Will Ferrell for carrying through on a serious role. Mark that one off the bucket list! Problem is, the result was a sad, depressing dud of a movie. Nicky Halsey is kind of a jerk. It becomes apparent once we discover he is an alcoholic which is why he lost his job, after numerous attempts to stop, and now he comes home to find he is loosing his wife as everything he owns is put out on the yard in a hint-hint fashion. He's just not very likable and even though he does make some changes toward the end of the movie, it's just not enough. This film was painful for me to watch, even if he did a good job with his part.

HANNA: ADAPT OR DIE

Hanna isn't a typical teenager. She doesn't own an Ipod, lip gloss or skinny jeans. But those aren't the things that make her atypical. She lives with her father, rouge CIA agent, in icy Finland and has been raised as a soldier, trained in combat, to survive in extreme circumstances. When we meet Hanna and her father, "the plan", her life's goal, etched in her head since birth is finally ready to be carried out and all she has to do is press a button. Launch into action uber-tense Marissa (a fantastic Cate Blanchett) with her Texas twang and steel cold heart who becomes both the hunter and the hunted. The story twists and turns and is a heart pounding race to the finish. Unfortunately the end ends with a whimper and not a bang, but it is the right ending to this girl's journey. Saoirse Ronan is stunning as a young woman who is both full of knowledge and naivete at the same time. At times she is like a wild animal and at others she is just a wide eyed teenager seeing all that the world has to offer for the first time, both good and bad. Eric Bana as her father is too full of heart and yet disconnected in that CIA operative kind of way. However Blanchett is a woman who is as tightly wound as they come. I will never brush my teeth again without remembering her. Her protagonist is about as cold hearted, cold blooded and steely as possible. This is a truly engaging film.

THE LINCOLN LAWYER: HE CAN DEFEND ME ANYTIME

Mick Haller: I checked the list of people I trust

and your name ain't on it.

After watching this film, a friend turned to me and asked why it was called the Lincoln Lawyer until the closing shot where she noticed what kind of car he had been driving around in. That's just the kind of guy Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is. To call him slick would be an understatement. He's the kind of guy that seemingly gives lawyers their bad images. He may not be honest all of the time and may bend the rules and drinks far too much, but yet he's still likable. This film takes place in the "real" Los Angeles; gritty, dirty and full of low-lives. Much to his surprise he is called in to represent a wealthy young man accused of rape, played eerily stone faced by Ryan Phillippe. Talk about a low life dressed in a nice suit. Haller discovers this and much more but a lawyer is obligated to provide the best defence for his client no matter if they are actually guilty or innocent. However, the rule breaker finds a few ways to dodge the bullets. William H. Macy plays Haller's friend and investigator. What I liked best is seeing a gay man portrayed on screen without the clear announcement that he is. That's the way it should be. Also fun was Marisa Tomei as Haller's ex wife and current sympathetic ear (and sympathetic other things!) This movie is as full of twists and turns as the Hollywood Hills and it keeps it exciting. It's a side of LA we don't often get to see sans the gang violence and racial tension. I thought McConaughey did a fine job walking a fine line between good and highly questionable. I was thoroughly entertained and would certainly recommend it.

INSIDIOUS: TOO MUCH HYPE, BUT NOT AN AWFUL FLICK

My guilty pleasure is watching suspense thrillers, okay, it's really watching horror movies, BUT the ones without all the blood and guts. I like to be afraid, not grossed out. Brought to us by director James Wan, his style is a collective homage; in part to haunted house movies, in part to poltergeist and the last, little seen psychic astral projection and the "Further". It was visually quite stylish and well presented, but the plot was lacking and the acting was acceptable, but not much more. It is spooky and you'll find the edge of your seat quite worn, but that seems like its only intention. I can't recall it now, but I seemed to have liked the end twist, which is always a good sign. I think the hype out played what was delivered, but the delivery wasn't so bad.

HORRIBLE BOSSES: AMUSING FILM

Dean 'MF' Jones: I think I can help you boys.

Kurt Buckman: Are you a businessman?

Dean 'MF' Jones: Mother F**ker Jones.

Dale Arbus: Your first name is 'Mother F**ker?

Dean 'MF' Jones: My real name is Dean.

Nick Hendricks: Dean Jones, that's the same name of the actor in Herbie and the Love Bug.

Kurt Buckman: Yeah he probably doesn't even know that is.

Dean 'MF' Jones: I know who he is b***h. I can't walk around this f**king neighborhood with that Disney-ass name.

 The poster for this film, shows six good reasons why this a funny movie. Unlike others, I did not see this as "the funniest film of the year". However, I did think it was fun to watch.The uncompromising Jason Bateman stars with Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis who are three good friends who all have the same problem: their bosses. Kevin Spacey is an asshole, Colin Farrell is a coke head and Jennifer Aniston, well, let's just say she has some sexual frustrations. All three friends are pushed to their breaking point and one night in jest, it is suggested that they solve the problem by murdering each other's bosses. Jamie Foxx is perfect as a consultant hired on to advise on their proposed criminal deeds, Dean MF Jones. As with many things, the fun is in the journey and watching these three ordinary Joe's try to act as criminals is a long path to nowhere. Anyone who has daydreams of getting rid of their boss will appreciate at least the idea behind this film.   

SOMETHING BORROWED: SOMETHING BLUE, LIKE THIS FLICK

What a sad little film this turned out to be! Rachel (sweet Ginnifer Goodwin) falls for a college classmate Dex (Colin Egglesfield) but the friendship borderlines on romance gets sidetracked when her pushy, testosterone driven "best friend" (Kate Hudson) decides to date him. So good little egg Rachel tries hard to put him out of her mind while helping with the wedding plans, but is still attracted to him. So here begins the chase of cat and mouse and other cat. It's ugly and it's mean and if that's what you have for a best friend, then you have worse problems than Rachel does. It's the case of the bitch versus the doormat. Worse than that, when there is no way out of the pickle they are in, the story line goes way overboard and tries for a happily ever after that fizzles. Skip this and see ANYTHING ELSE!

 LIMITLESS: BREAKS THE BOUNDARIES

"I was blind, but now I see."

What if there was a pill that when you took it, your eyes became more intensely blue? Okay, that may not be the case that that is what it certainly felt like when watching this movie. Perhaps I was the only one to notice that change... When we first meet Eddie (Bradley Cooper) he is, for lack of a better word, a big loser. Being in the right place at the right time he is introduced to a pill, NZT, that allows him to use the full potential of his whole brain. It doesn't sound like much of a high but instead more of a mania. Either way, this pill allows him to be all that he can be without joining the Army. Soon, he is on top of the world, both careerwise and in general lifewise. This is what living life to the fullest is. Of course living this intense life does not come without consequence. Of course, to up the ante, there are only so many pills. Soon Eddie also finds out that he is not the only one to have discovered this new drug. And then things get literally cutthroat. (watch for the ice skating scene) I've loved the concept for this film, the idea of using the whole brain and what that might look like. It was a very slick looking movie and the story was intriguing. The supporting actors were not outstanding. The dialogue was not very memorable. But the idea that propelled the movie made up for it to weaker moments in this film. Cooper did an excellent job, especially with his big blue eyes.   

THE DILEMMA: NO CHOICE HERE, PASS

It's the Vince Vaughn show! This may be my new worst movie of the year. If you recall, this film got a lot of bad press due to its misuse of the word "gay".Well, I've got news for you. That wasn't the worst of it. This was the first movie that I saw where the gag reel isn't even funny. The characters in this were mean and did cruel things to each other. Note to Mr. Vaughn: you are no longer a young man and can no longer play stupid young man roles. Please stop. This movie was tedious, painful, and boring. I didn't like anybody. To make matters worse it was one of the longer films that I have seen. I'm sorry Ron Howard, but this one didn't cut it for me. What a total embarrassment of a film.   

RED RIDING HOOD:  NOT A FAIRY TALE

Once upon a time, dark little village in the middle of the woods, there lived a young girl named Valerie (Amanda Seyfried)whose family, as well as the whole entire village was threatened by an elusive werewolf. Now, throw in lust, forbidden love, family secrets, and Gary Oldman and then you will have this film. It is a visual spectacle, very focused on cinematography. And then the focus shifts, and shifts again and then shifts again and pretty soon we are alone in the woods with a werewolf. This film was lovely to look at but almost totally void of emotion. You cannot force sensuality. In the end, the story is brought together much like the "ah ha" moment of a Law and Order episode where we see the connection between all of the characters and the purpose for the crime. However, this summary was less than thrilling. There is nothing to miss here.  

HALL PASS: FROM THE FARRELLY BROTHERS... WATCH OUT

This movie, brought to you by the Farrelly Brothers,joins their latest body of work which begs the question, is it funny or is it just plain gross? We need a group of married guys who take their wives for granted. Knowing that these men are pretty much all talk, the wives agree to give them a hall pass.This past gives them one week off of being married, so they can do what ever they want and not worry about the consequences. And as the movie goes, yes, they pretty much are all talk, however the twists comes when the wives find themselves starting to stray. I liked how they used the Law and Order sound bite when counting off the days. It is however, typical Farrelly Brother's gross out scenes including, full frontal shots and the most graphic sneeze I have ever seen. All I can say is, these guys are in a class all by themselves. Should you see this movie, consider yourself warned.  

CEDAR RAPIDS: A BIG BAD WORLD AND A GOOD MOVIE

Tim Lippe (Ed Helms) is a little fish in a little pond. He is an insurance salesman in a small town which he will probably never leave. Finally, he gets his big break and is asked to leave on a very important company trip to an insurance convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Once there, he rapidly finds new friends: John C. Reilly, as the bad influence and party boy, Anne Heche as the seductive,live for the moment and let your hair down kind of woman and straitlaced, rule following, Isiah Whitlock, Jr. The four of them bond quickly and form a believable alliance. Helms is naïve and wide-eyed and totally believable in a part that could've been played over the top. In fact, the cast struck a comfortable tone that complemented one another. Of course with such bad influences, Lippe gets himself in to trouble and then out of trouble again with the help of these friends.  This was a sweet film with many entertaining and funny moments. My favorite, is when Whitlock launches into his favorite character from Oz the HBO television series about prison life. A very sweet movie.

CHATROOM: COME ON IN... IF YOU DARE

I wasn't sure quite what to expect from this film, but I did know that I adore the main character, actor Aaron Johnson, from two of my past well-liked movies, Kick Ass and Nowhere Boy. He plays William, an introvert who is disarmingly charismatic and charming. However, we find that he is more disturbed than one can imagine. In a highly clever and original style, this movie brings the concept of Internet chat rooms into a very visual medium. In this "place" (which is of course the Internet) we find many doors with intriguing titles on them and watch as William takes one for himself. This is his chat room. Slowly, other people join in, namely Eva, Jim and Emily. Our view switches back and forth from names in a chat room to where and who they actually are on the other side of the computer in real life. The dialogue is beautifully written so that it sounds like what someone would type in when chatting but yet acted out in a way that sounds like normal conversation. Johnson is the only actor I recognized, however all other actors in this film are excellent and did outstanding work. We learn about all of the people in the chat room and what their real lives are like. As we get to know them, we also get to see how twisted William really is. He acts as a sort of puppet master and gets his new friends to do things they probably wouldn't have done before. William sinks farther down into both depression and depravity as the film grows darker and darker. It is a suspense filled psychological drama and I found it 10 times more scary than Paranormal Activity. I could go on a bit about how good William is in this role, but I won't. I just want you to know that I could. It is a sad film and a tad depressing, but more than anything I found it intriguing, interesting and entertaining. What more could you ask from a film? Loved it!   

ARTHUR: DRUNKS NOT AS FUNNY AS THEY USED TO BE

Alcoholism just doesn't pack the same amusing punch. This remake by the same name doesn't mean the same thing as it did in the original. Hobson is now a woman (Helen Mirren) and Arthur is a young party boy (Russell Brand) who has  "savant-ish gift for defying death with fun." His overbearing mother pushes for his marriage to Jennifer Garner, another overbearing woman with dollar signs in her eyes. Brand has some funny one-liners and scenes (boxing with Evander Holyfield, bidding in an auction against himself) but then he tries to fall in "real" love with Greta Gerwig (???) who has the opposite of funny one-liners and whose performance falls worse than flat. The funny just isn't consistent and then at the end it gets all serious and dramatic. No one wants to see Arthur in rehab. This was not a brilliant remake AT ALL. I like Brand but he isn't enough to carry the movie. Mirren is lovely, but not enough to save the movie. Garner is nice but doesn't belong in this movie. Gerwig... she was in this movie??? Sorry, I forgot.