American Gangster

Denzel, Denzel, Denzel, how can a handsome and talented man be so good at playing a criminal. Although not as bad as his character in training day, the character of Frank Lucas is a heroin-smuggling kingpin but Denzel brings a family-oriented side to him. Normally Russel Crowe is over-rated in my eyes but he brings a troubled good guy persona very well opposite Denzel. The real star though is Ruby Dee who portrays Mama Lucas with authority yet compassion. This is a bit violent for the obvious gangster action but not as bad as the gross-out film No Country for Old Men. American Gangster also brings to it a realization of how mch power the government has similar to Charlie Wilson's War but this movie is better than Charlie. American Gangster gets two thumbs up but scared of crossing Frank Lucas.

Atonement

Atonement is part of the movie industry's never-ending quest to turn a book into a movie. A lot of people prefer the books and even more are disapointed in the elimination of characters or whole plots onto the bigscreen. Ian McEwan wrote the bok and co-wrote the screenplay for Atonement and this is what I believe helps. The author knows what they wrote, what is important and can work with the director to make sure nothing important is left out. When I read the book, I enjoyed it but felt as if I was missing something like it went over my head. The movie brings the story full circle. I liked the movie and cinematography very well. It sort of reminded me of Titanic where no actor/actress stood out in a really good movie however, Saoirse Ronan did stand out as being an amazing 13 year old actress who totally captures the character of Briony Tallis as young, book-educated yet socially-innocent and yearning to be noticed. Two thumbs up while holding the pages of the book that you should read----BEFORE seeing the movie!

Enchanted

Disney has done it again. For that matter, so has Amy Adams. Amy first burst onto my radar as the funny pregnant woman in Junebug who completely stole that movie. Now, she is delightful, beautiful and wonderful singing lead actress in Enchanted. Enchanted starts off being narrated by Julie Andrews who is an amazing legend so how can it go wrong from there. It can't. Deciding to poke fun at itself, Disney has hit another homerun with beautiful scenes, animation and especially music. Patrick Dempsey is his usual cute self and Susan Sarandon lives up to her own amazing acting ability in this toe-tapping, smile-placing movie. Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew aka: wormtail from Harry Potter movie fame) is a little typecast as the sniveling sidekick but enjoyable nonetheless. James Marsden is good too. With three songs nominated for an Oscar (Happy Working Song, So Close and That's How you know), this is a thumb-snapping treat to enjoy for the whole family. P.S. Don't let the cockroaches, rats and such cleaning the apartment gross you out! Tee Hee, Julie! :-)

August Rush

Freddie Highmore plays August Rush, an orphaned musical prodigy who is determined to find his parents (Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers) through his gift of music. With good support from Terranc Howard and Robin Williams and with breakthrough performances by Leon Thomas III as Arthur and Jamia Samone Nash as Hope, this is an inspirational tale about dreams, persistance and hope. The passion that August has for music reminded this reviewer of her passion for writing. Music and writing are not just important it is to the individual but to society as a whole. Nominated for an Oscar is the wonderful song "Raise It Up"; which is where your thumbs will point after seeing this movie.

Lars and the Real Girl

A strange premise in that Lars (played by Ryan Gosling) is a loner who lives in a garage next to his brother and sister-in-law (wonderfully played by Emily Mortimer) who is scared to get close to women because his mom died during childbirth. He goes online to order a blow-up doll that he treats as real along with the rest of his community. This is a very light-hearted but heartfelt movie. I also liked Patricia Clarkson playing the psychologist who was glue to all the characters. Kelli Garner portrayed Margo with intelligence, beauty and humor. Thumbs up as a way to escape from the real world with Lars and his real girl.