Doubt, Day the Earth Stood Still, Yes Man, and Despereaux

An Academy Award Nominated movie that is set in a Catholic school is quite good. Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams star in this wonderful film. They are the reason this flick is so good - the acting is front and center in this adaptation of a stage play. I can't possibly talk about the movie without giving away the little bits and pieces that make it really interesting to watch. So, go give it a try. It's worth it.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

I did not want to watch this flick. It is a sci-fi remake of a classic film starring Keanu Reeves. Keanu is alright in sci-fi but this just didn't seem like a good fit. I watched it anyways - and was not bored. The film is decent and although nothing was extremely interesting about it - the movie moved at a decent pace with lots of action and thrills. The acting was pretty bad at times and some of the dialogue was just plain ridiculous, but it was kind of fun to watch. Which leaves me at a dual opinion - it wasn't a good movie, but okay for one viewing. So, should you watch it? Only if you DON'T go in expecting a smart, tightly made sci-fi thriller. The Day the Earth Stood Still is all about an alien that has come to the Earth as a 'friend of the Earth.' Soon, everyone realizes what that means.

Yes Man

Saw it in theatres - watch it again - enjoyed it again. Read the original review at http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/14878....

The Tale of Despereaux

An animated film that centers on a mouse who refuses to 'be a mouse.' Instead, he prefers to be a gentleman and is banished from his hometown. It is here he encounters a friendly rat in Rat Town and the story proceeds. The animation is good, the voice cast is top-notch with several prominent actors/actresses providing voice work, and the story is so-so for a movie. It was adapted from a book supposedly and I'm sure the book was a much better read than the movie turned out to be. It is a bit sluggish at times and focuses a bit too much on extra details instead of getting on with the story. I enjoyed watching it but can't say I'd ever watch it again. The flick has some cute moments, but overall, I would have skipped it. This one might just be for the little ones.

That's it for this week - next week is The Spirit, The Reader, and The Caller, or 'THE' week. That was stupid - enjoy making fun of it. See you next week.