Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Soloist (2009)

This true-life drama tells the poignant tale of Los Angeles newspaper reporter Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), who discovers brilliant street musician Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), and the unique friendship that transforms both their lives. In helping his new friend deal with his demons, Steve ends up battling with his own. Joe Wright directs this inspiring drama based on the bestselling book by the real Lopez.

17 Again (2009)

On the brink of a midlife crisis, 30-something Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) wishes he could have a "do-over." And that's exactly what he gets when he wakes up one morning to find he's 17 years old again. With his adult mind stuck inside the body of a teenager (Zac Efron), Mike actually has the chance to reverse some decisions he wishes he'd never made. But maybe they weren't so bad after all. Leslie Mann and Michelle Trachtenberg co-star.

Land of the Lost (2009)

After accidentally uncovering a portal to an alternate universe peopled with dinosaurs, Sleestaks and other strange creatures, park ranger Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) and his two kids are forced to navigate a dangerous new world. Brad Silberling directs this big-screen adaptation of the classic 1970s adventure series "Land of the Lost," the high-concept, low-budget fantasy dreamed up by famed children's television producers Sid and Marty Krofft.

The Hangover (2009)

When three friends (Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper) finally come to after a raucous night of bachelor-party revelry, they find a baby in the closet and a tiger in the bathroom. But they can't seem to locate their best friend, Doug (Justin Bartha) -- who's supposed to be tying the knot. Launching a frantic search for Doug, the trio perseveres through a nasty hangover to try to make it to the church on time.

Watchmen (2009)

Zack Snyder directs this adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons's graphic novel set in a parallel Earth in 1985, where superheroes are prohibited from using their powers despite the threat of nuclear war. When one of their number is murdered, however, the outlaw heroes -- including Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup), Silk Spectre (Carla Gugino), Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) and Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson) -- unite to defend themselves.

Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

Two extraordinarily gifted siblings (AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig) find themselves on the run from a dark organization seeking to exploit their paranormal abilities in this remake of the beloved Disney classic Escape to Witch Mountain. Meanwhile, a helpful cab driver (Dwayne Johnson) and a UFO specialist (Carla Gugino) try to keep the kids safe. Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann, who played the siblings in the original movie, co-star.

Ghost Month (2007)

In a bid to escape her nutso ex-boyfriend, Jacob, Alyssa (Marina Resa) takes a housekeeping gig at a remote Southwestern home. But her retreat coincides with the Chinese calendar's seventh month, when dead souls allegedly raise hell among the mortal world. Skeptical Alyssa isn't convinced by the warnings of her Chinese employers (Shirley To and Akiko Shima) until she starts having nightmarish visions in this creepy horror extravaganza.

Angels & Demons (2009)

After the murder of Italian physicist Leonardo Vetra, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon's (Tom Hanks) investigation with Vetra's daughter (Ayelet Zurer) leads to a secret society, the Illuminati, and a quest for the world's most potent -- and deadly -- energy source. Ron Howard directed the crime thriller, which is based on The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown's novel and co-stars Ewan McGregor and Stellan Skarsgård.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)

Ben Stiller returns as hapless museum night watchman Larry Daley in this sequel to the hit comedy. Though he's now working at the Smithsonian Institution, Daley continues to deal with exhibits that come to life while the museum is closed. His adventures this time include close encounters with Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), George Custer (Bill Hader) and Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest). Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais and Dick Van Dyke co-star.

Revolutionary Road (2008)

Helmed by Sam Mendes, this Oscar-nominated adaptation of the novel by Richard Yates follows young suburbanites (Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, in a Golden Globe-winning turn) trying desperately to confront the problems in their marriage while raising two children in 1950s Connecticut. Co-star Michael Shannon snagged an Oscar nod for his role as a mentally unstable visitor who diagnoses the couple's bottled-up misery with chilling clarity.

The International (2009)

Interpol agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) and New York Asst. DA Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) team up to expose a global financial institution's money laundering, arms dealing and other illegal rackets in this tense thriller from director Tom Tykwer. As the pair race from New York to Milan and beyond to pursue their case, they soon discover that the ruthless bank will stop at nothing to continue its profitable activities.

The Devil's Tomb (2009)

Sean Connery's son Jason Connery directs this taut action thriller about an elite group of soldiers (including Cuba Gooding Jr., Taryn Manning and Jason London) sent to rescue a missing scientist (Ron Perlman) from an underground lab, only to learn from a priest (Henry Rollins) that an ancient evil has been released inside the facility. Ray Winstone co-stars as the soldiers' seasoned former leader, who helps them figure out their next move.

Obsessed (2009)

Derek Charles (Idris Elba) seems to have it all -- including the perfect job and the perfect wife (Beyoncé Knowles). But his charmed life takes on an ugly tarnish when sexy office worker Lisa Sheridan (Ali Larter) sets out to seduce and destroy him. Now, it's much more than a dangerous liaison; it's a full-blown occupational hazard. Christine Lahti and Jerry O'Connell co-star in this Fatal Attraction-style thriller from director Steve Shill.

Crank 2: High Voltage (2009)

After surviving the brush with death that ended the first Crank film, top assassin Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) returns in this action-packed sequel to track down a ruthless Chinese mobster who has stolen his most prized possession: his heart. As the talented hit man scours Los Angeles for his enemy, he must continually jolt the mechanical ticker that beats within his chest -- otherwise, he's dead. Amy Smart and Dwight Yoakam co-star.

Anacondas: Trail of Blood (2009)

A vicious anaconda escapes into the remote mountains after being subjected to a new anti-cancer serum, and now Dr. Amanda Haze (Crystal Allen) and others must brave the wilderness to kill the fearsome beast. But no sooner do they cut the snake in half than it regenerates into two bloodthirsty serpents, thanks to the experimental drug. Don E. FauntLeRoy directs this creepy-crawly sequel to Anaconda 3: The Offspring. John Rhys-Davies costars.

The Terminators (2009)

When laborer cyborgs take over a space station and then the Earth, a group of humans, led by small-town sheriff Reed Carpenter (A Martinez), join forces in an effort to fight back and save mankind in this action-packed sci-fi adventure. Taking to the hills, they meet inventor Kurt Ross (Jeremy London), whose space shuttle could fly to the space station and shut down the cyborgs -- if the group can filch some of the fuel under cyborg control.

Push (2009)

On the run from the Division, a shadowy government agency that uses people with psychic abilities to do their bidding, telekinetic Nick Gant (Chris Evans) and clairvoyant Cassie Holmes (Dakota Fanning) join forces to find a third psychic who can help them destroy the organization. But when the Division picks up their trail, it sends a powerful agent (Djimon Hounsou) to stop them at all costs in this atmospheric thriller.

Powder Blue (2009)

Gritty stories of loss and redemption collide on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles, where a shy mortician (Eddie Redmayne) falls for a single-mom stripper (Jessica Biel), and a desperate ex-priest (Forest Whitaker) forges an unlikely bond with a transsexual prostitute (Alejandro Romero). The tightly woven ensemble drama also features gripping performances by Ray Liotta, Patrick Swayze, Lisa Kudrow and Kris Kristofferson.

Frankenhood (2009)

Eager to escape their morbid morgue jobs, slackers Motown (DeRay Davis) and Darius (Jasper Redd) plan to win the big three-on-three basketball tournament and take home its $25,000 cash prize. When their pal (Charles Q. Murphy) brings to life a tall corpse (Bob Sapp), they chance upon a wild idea. If they can teach the zombie to shoot hoops, they'll be unbeatable on the court -- right? Blaxwell Smart directs this comedy.

Phantom Punch (2008)

This fascinating sports biopic explores boxer Sonny Liston's (Ving Rhames) life in the ring and out, particularly his relationships with his manager (Nick Turturro), wife (Stacey Dash) and lover (Bridgette Wilson-Sampras). After a priest eyes his talents in a Missouri jail, Liston punches through poverty, racism, infidelity, Mafia entanglements and legendary bouts with Cassius Clay -- all the way to his mysterious death in 1971.

My Bloody Valentine (2009)

Haunted by the mining-related massacre that took place there on Valentine's Day a decade ago, Tom (Jensen Ackles) returns to his hometown to find some closure. But no sooner does he arrive than a pickax-wielding madman begins a new bloody killing spree. Now, many suspect that the murderous miner has returned to claim his final victims -- including Tom. Patrick Lussier directs this remake of the 1981 horror classic.

Crossing Over (2007)

Boasting an all-star cast that includes Harrison Ford, director Wayne Kramer's thoughtful drama weaves several stories together to create an emotionally charged examination of immigration in Los Angeles. Ashley Judd and Ray Liotta co-star in the powerful ensemble film, which provides a harrowing look at border crossing, document fraud, asylum seekers, naturalization, counterterrorism and the clash of cultures in America.

The Spirit (2008)

After rookie Central City cop Denny Colt (Gabriel Macht) is murdered, he's mysteriously reborn as masked superhero the Spirit. Setting out to rid the streets of crime, he finds his archnemesis in the Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson), whose quest for immortality imperils the entire city. Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes and Paz Vega co-star in this adaptation of Will Eisner's classic comic by writer-director Frank Miller (Sin City, 300).

Notorious (2009)

Based on the story of Christopher Wallace -- better known as gangsta rapper Notorious B.I.G. (played by Jamal Woolard) -- this insightful biopic chronicles his troubled life as a drug dealer, his artistic success and his unresolved murder at age 24. The film also delves into his close friendship with Sean Combs (Derek Luke) and the famous feud with hip-hop rival Tupac Shakur (Anthony Mackie). Angela Bassett portrays Biggie's mother.

Marley & Me (2008)

Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson star in this big-screen tearjerker based on a best-selling memoir as a newly married couple who, in the process of starting a family, learn many of life's important lessons from their trouble-loving retriever, Marley. Packed with plenty of laughs to lighten the load, the film explores the highs and lows of marriage, maturity and confronting one's own mortality, as seen through the lens of family life with a dog.

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johansson lead an all-star ensemble cast of characters dealing with the pitfalls of love and human interaction in this big-screen adaptation of Greg Behrendt's best-selling book. Set in Baltimore, director Ken Kwapis's film moves swiftly between a host of storylines brought to life by a stellar lineup of actors that also includes Jennifer Connelly, Ben Affleck, Ginnifer Goodwin and Justin Long.

Inkheart (2008)

Unbeknownst to his 12-year-old daughter, Meggie (Eliza Bennett), bookbinder Mo "Silvertongue" Folchart (Brendan Fraser) has a secret ability to bring characters to life by reading their stories out loud. But when the wicked Capricorn (Andy Serkis) comes after her father, Meggie must rescue him. Paul Bettany, Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren co-star in this enchanting fantasy based on the best-selling children's novel by Cornelia Funke.

Impact (2009)

When an asteroid slams into the moon, it sends debris hurtling through Earth's atmosphere. The damage seems minor -- until unusual electromagnetic glitches begin to occur, leading scientists to a shocking discovery. With only 39 days to prevent Earth from colliding with the moon, astronauts set out on the most important space mission ever. David James Elliott, James Cromwell and Natasha Henstridge star in this sci-fi miniseries.

Australia (2008)

In the days leading up to World War II, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) inherits a sprawling cattle ranch in northern Australia and reluctantly joins her rough-riding farmhand (Hugh Jackman) as he drives 2,000 head of cattle across the outback. Along the way, they witness the Japanese bombing of Darwin, which heralds Australia's entry into the war. Director Baz Luhrmann co-wrote this Oscar-nominated epic that earned kudos for costume design.

Bride Wars (2009)

Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway star as Emma and Liv, best friends who become worst enemies when they realize their respective weddings are scheduled on the same day at their dream venue -- the Plaza Hotel. It's no holds barred as these two bridezillas go on a ruthless rampage toward matrimony. The romantic comedy also stars Candice Bergen (as the wedding planner), Bryan Greenberg, Kristen Johnston and Chris Pratt.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2008)

This action-packed prequel to the popular X-Men films explores Marvel Comics character Wolverine's (Hugh Jackman) past and the events that influenced the mutant before the Weapon X program bonded his skeleton with the powerfully strong metal alloy adamantium. After the death of his girlfriend, Wolverine seeks vengeance against supervillain Victor Creed (Liev Schreiber). Ryan Reynolds, Danny Huston and Lynn Collins co-star.

The Uninvited (2009)

Committed to a mental hospital after her mother's tragic death, grieving teenager Anna (Emily Browning) discovers upon her release that her father (David Strathairn) plans to marry his deceased wife's former nurse (Elizabeth Banks), a woman who might not have the best intentions. But foreboding warnings from her mother's ghost only cement Anna's suspicions in this remake of the 2003 Korean chiller Janghwa, Hongryeon.

12 Rounds (2009)

Helmed by Renny Harlin, this tense actioner stars World Wrestling Entertainment grappler John Cena as Det. Danny Fisher, a New Orleans cop who must save his kidnapped fiancée, Molly Porter (Ashley Scott), from the clutches of notorious crime lord Miles Jackson (Aidan Gillen). A battle of wits and wills ensues as Fisher is forced to life race around the Big Easy completing 12 near-impossible tasks and solving puzzles dreamed up by Jackson.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

After coming within one question of winning it all on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," 18-year-old Mumbai "slumdog" Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is arrested on suspicion that he cheated his way to the top. While in custody, he regales a jaded inspector (Irfan Khan) with remarkable tales of his life on the streets and the story of the woman (Freida Pinto) he loved and lost. Danny Boyle directs this Oscar-winning Best Picture.

Fast and Furious (2009)

Fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) must team with his old nemesis Agent Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and take on a common enemy in the latest full-throttle installment of the speed-racing franchise. Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster reprise their roles as Letty and Mia, respectively, in the action adventure, which features pulse-pounding convoy heists and precision tunnel crawls.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Eagle Eye (2008)

Returning home after the shocking death of his overachieving twin brother, an aimless slacker named Jerry (Shia LaBeouf) finds himself inexplicably linked to notorious terrorist cell. Now, with the nation's law enforcement agencies hunting them down, Jerry and single mother Rachel (Michelle Monoghan) -- who's also been framed -- must work around the clock to thwart a political assassination and clear their names in the process

The Unborn (2009)

Tortured by frightening dreams at night and the ghost of a young boy during the day, young Casey (Odette Yustman) turns to a spiritual adviser named Rabbi Sendak (Gary Oldman) for help. Together, the two uncover and try to stop a powerful family curse dating back to the Nazi era. David S. Goyer writes and directs this supernatural thriller that also stars Cam Gigandet, Meagan Good and Jane Alexander.

Madea Goes to Jail (2009)

When a routine speeding incident turns into a full-blown highway "situation," Madea (Tyler Perry) mouths off to a cop and lands herself in jail, where she's suddenly trapped behind bars with more motherly instinct than she knows what to do with. But Madea's nurturing side comes in handy when she crosses paths with a recovering drug addict turned prostitute (Keisha Knight Pulliam) who needs all the love she can get.

Bedtime Stories (2008)

Skeeter Bronson (Adam Sandler) is a down-on-his-luck guy who's always telling bedtime stories to his niece and nephew, and whose life is turned upside down when these fantastical stories suddenly turn into reality. Now, all the outrageous characters and situations that Skeeter has ever imagined have morphed into actual people and events in his life. But can he manage his own unruly fantasies now that they've come true?

Valkyrie (2008)

Wounded in Africa during World War II, Col. Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) returns to his native Germany and joins the Resistance, becoming involved in a daring plan to create a shadow government and assassinate Hitler. Soon, events dictate that he become a central player -- and he finds himself tasked with both leading the coup and personally killing Hitler. Based on true events, this drama co-stars Stephen Fry, Bill Nighy and Eddie Izzard.

Punisher: War Zone (2008)

Frank Castle (Ray Stevenson), a one-man force of vengeance known as "the Punisher," battles mob boss Billy Russoti (Dominic West). Left disfigured by the encounter, Russoti reemerges as Jigsaw, a psychotic villain with a small army at his command. Too bad for the baddie that the Punisher is preparing to annihilate Jigsaw and his reign of terror, armed with a cache of high-tech new weaponry by the handy Microchip (Wayne Knight).

Friday the 13th (2009)

Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker and Aaron Yoo headline director Marcus Nispel's chilling remake of the classic 1980s slasher-thriller that spawned a legendary horror franchise. Ignoring the warnings of the locals, a group of teenage camp counselors takes on the job of reopening Camp Crystal Lake -- on Friday the 13th no less, and raise the ire of Jason Voorhees (Derek Mears), a masked, homicidal maniac.

Yes Man (2008)

Based on the comedic memoir by Danny Wallace, this film stars Jim Carrey as Carl, a man who, as an antidote to unhappiness, resolves to say "yes" to everything that comes his way. Initially, Carl's new practice proves successful in lifting his spirits, but soon he is confronted with unexpected and seemingly unbeatable challenges stemming from his unique self-imposed regime. Zooey Deschanel co-stars as Allison, Carl's love interest.

Not Easily Broken (2009)

Based on the novel by televangelist T.D. Jakes, this faith-based drama follows the trials and tribulations of Dave (Morris Chestnut) and Clarice Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), a married couple forced to reevaluate the strength of their bond after Clarice is injured in a car accident. Maeve Quinlan and Cannon Jay also star in this moving tale directed by actor-filmmaker Bill Duke (Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit).

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

A prequel to the first two Underworld films, this fantasy explains the origins of the feud between the Vampires and the Lycans. Aided by his secret love, Sonja (Rhona Mitra), courageous Lucian (Michael Sheen) leads the Lycans in battle against brutal Vampire king Viktor (Bill Nighy). Determined to break the king's enslavement of his people, Lucian faces off against the Death Dealer army in a bid for Lycan independence.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)

A botched rescue attempt strands Alex the lion (voiced by Ben Stiller) and his companions smack dab in the African wild. Sadly, as in Madagascar, Alex discovers he has little in common with the locals, having lived for so long in the city. His friends, meanwhile, begin to doubt they'll ever make it back to the zoo. David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock and Sacha Baron Cohen reprise their voice roles in this hysterical animated sequel.

Hounddog (2008)

Playing a precocious but abused 12-year-old who finds comfort in Elvis Presley's music, doe-eyed Dakota Fanning steps away from family fare with this powerful drama set in Alabama. While she suppresses her painful memories, will her seemingly indestructible spirit shatter when she suffers a shocking tragedy? Written and directed by Deborah Kampmeier, the film also stars David Morse, Piper Laurie and Robin Wright Penn.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Nothing But the Truth (2008)

Journalist Rachel Armstrong (Kate Beckinsale) turns Washington on its ear when she outs a casual acquaintance (Vera Farmiga) as a CIA agent. The government's formidable prosecutor (Matt Dillon) sends Rachel to jail for contempt, where she discovers the true impact of her decision. David Schwimmer, Alan Alda and Edie Falco co-star in this drama from Rod Lurie, the politically savvy filmmaker behind The Contender and "Commander in Chief."

Soul Men (2008)

Two decades ago, Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd (Bernie Mac) went their separate ways when their band broke up. When their group's former front man dies, the two feuding singers agree to put aside their differences for a tribute concert at the Apollo. The show promises to be a big hit … if Louis and Floyd don't kill each other on the trip there. Jennifer Coolidge and Sean Hayes co-star in director Malcolm D. Lee's uproarious road comedy.

Outlander (2008)

Fleeing an interstellar war, Kainan (James Caviezel) crashes on the shores of Norway during the Iron Age. An extraterrestrial monstrosity called the Moorwen also survives the crash, and begins cutting a bloody swath of destruction through the Norwegian countryside. Armed with the high-tech weaponry of his planet, Kainan teams up with the Vikings to end the Moorwen's rampage. Sophia Myles co-stars in this sci-fi adventure epic.