Wasn’t it one of the Wolfe boys who said that you can’t go home again? I suppose it is true in an abstract sense since all places and those returning are not the same as time passes. You can go back but you shouldn’t expect things to be the same as when you left. Tory Bodeen (Claire Forlani) is back to stay in her small home town but she’s not expecting much to be different when she left. Via a psychic vision, she knew where to find the body of her best friend Hope who had been murdered, the first of a string that continues every year on the same day. Her father had been the principal suspect when he was paid off to skip town. Folks are not too welcoming when she begins to open up her small shop on main street. But a few are able to move beyond the gossip. Cade Lavelle (Oliver Hudson) is still goofy over her and his sister Faith (Josie Davis) proves to be a fountain of support that Tory (and Faith) finds surprising.

Director:  Stephen Tolkin Writer:  Stephen Tolkin; Nora Roberts Cast:
Claire Forlani -  Victoria ‘Tory’ Bodeen Oliver Hudson -  Cade Lavelle Josie Davis -  Faith Lavelle Jonathan Scarfe -  Dwight Collier Chad Willett -  Wade Mooney Jacqueline Bisset -  Margaret Lavelle Shaun Johnston -  Han Bodeen Greg Lawson -  Police Chief Carl Russ		Maureen Rooney -  Sari Bodeen Kailin See -  Sherry Bellows Shae Keebler -  Young Hope Lavelle / Young Faith Lavelle Gabrielle Casha -  Young Tory Bodeen Brieanna Moench -  Lissy Kade Phillips -  Young Cade Connor Robinson -  Young Wade Taison Gelinas -  Young Dwight

I remember meeting a fellow who seemed to be a about a mile wide and an inch deep. He knew a little about a lot of things but not very much about any one topic. I thought he’d last about 10 minutes in his job and flit off to something else in the blink of an eye. But he seemed to careen from place to another, starting with working for me to being my boss’s boss in less time than it takes to get a legislative change made. It made me wonder at the purpose of management and whether I wanted to join their ranks. Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) shows many of the same skills. Displaying a capacity to absorb information and knowledge not expected of someone with her demeanour, she accomplishes her goals with the skills of a veteran and still looks good with her French manicure. I guess it pays never to underestimate someone with a law degree from Harvard no matter how blonde she may be.

Director:  Charles Herman-Wurmfeld; Charles Herman-Wurmfield Writer:  Kate Kondell Cast:
Reese Witherspoon -  Elle Woods Sally Field -  Congresswoman Rudd Regina King -  Grace Stoteraux Jennifer Coolidge -  Paulette Parcelle Bruce McGill -  Stanford Marks Dana Ivey -  Libby Hauser Mary Lynn Rajskub -  Reena Giuliani Jessica Cauffiel -  Margot		Alanna Ubach -  Serena McGuire J. Barton -  Timothy McGinn Bob Newhart -  Sidney Post Luke Wilson -  Emmett Richmond Matthew Price -  Cole’s Aide Juliet Pinto -  Intern Dancer Robert Peters -  Guard Caroline A. Rice -  Intern Dancer

Candace Pennington (Alexis Dziena) has been raped. Her parents Margaret (Victoria Snow) and Chuck (Ralph Small) drag her down to the police chief, Jesse Stone (Tom Selleck), and demand to know what he is going to do about it. But Candace’s mother has washed her, redressed her and won’t take her to the hospital for fear of scandal. Mom swats her when she won’t talk about what happened but mom doesn’t want the story to get around. How do you think such a situation will get resolved? Yeah, I think so too.

Director:  Robert Harmon Writer:  Robert B. Parker; John Fasano; Michael Brandman Cast:
Tom Selleck -  Chief Jesse Stone Mimi Rogers -  Rita Fiore Jane Adams -  Brianna Lincoln Reg Rogers -  Andrew Lincoln Viola Davis -  Molly Crane Alexis Dziena -  Candace Pennington Kohl Sudduth -  Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson Polly Shannon -  Abby Taylor		Stephen McHattie -  Captain Healy Vito Rezza -  Anthony D’Angelo Shawn Roberts -  Bo Marino Victoria Snow -  Margaret Pennington Ralph Small -  Chuck Pennington Thomas Gibson -  Troy Drake Tony De Santis -  Joe Marino Sylvia Villagran -  Jenn

Sneaky, creepy guys bluster and chatter like squirrels and they have a predilection for going after the girls. Harvey Morris (A.J. Buckley) and his two buddies arrive at Crystal Martin’s (Jennifer Sipes) trailer eager to punish her for talking to the good guys about a secret council meeting. They try intimidation and move on to rape to show how manly they are.

Director:  Tripp Reed; Earl Bellamy Writer:  Joe Halpin; Brian Strasmann; Howard B. Kreitsek Cast:
Kevin Sorbo -  Nick Prescott Yvette Nipar -  Agent Kate Jensen A.J. Buckley -  Harvey Morris Gail Cronauer -  Emma Prescott Bentley Mitchum -  Walter Morris Haley Ramm -  Samantha Jensen Jennifer Sipes -  Crystal Martin Robert Paschall Jr. -  Doyle Reed		Charles Baker -  Nate Ron Bath -  Restaurant Patron Riley Chambers -  Juror Steve M. Clark -  Police/Deputy Sheriff Jerry Cotton -  Traxell Byrne John S. Davies -  Det. Pete Michaels Vince Davis -  Dan Moses J.D. Fryberger -  Howie

After the terror of IKWYDLS, Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) stiffens her resolve and isn’t going to be a victim anymore. As usual, nobody believes her story, there is storm on the horizon, the holiday resort is emptying faster than fish catch from a seine and bodies are starting to pile up. But help is on the way through rough seas in the from of Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze, Jr.) who doesn’t plan to take any prisoners. When she’s a captive and Ray finds them in the grave yard, there is a moment when you’re wondering whether the producers can wring another movie out of this. But that seems unlikely when Ben Willis (Muse Watson) drives a hook into his son’s chest and Julie decides to step up and finish off Ben with Ray’s pistol.

Director:  Danny Cannon Writer:  Lois Duncan; Trey Callaway Cast:
Jennifer Love Hewitt -  Julie James Freddie Prinze Jr. -  Ray Bronson Brandy -  Karla Wilson Mekhi Phifer -  Tyrell Muse Watson -  Ben Willis Bill Cobbs -  Estes Matthew Settle -  Will Benson Jeffrey Combs -  Mr. Brooks		Jennifer Esposito -  Nancy John Hawkes -  Dave Ellerine! -  Olga Benjamin Brown -  Darick The Dockhand Red West -  Paulsen Michael P. Byrne -  Thurston Michael Bryan French -  Doctor Dee Ann Helsel -  Nurse

Clones here, clones there. You can move without stumbling over one somewhere. But now that Dr. Evil (Mike Myers) is back after having himself cryogenically frozen and sent into space, his associates figure he needs a family and they have artificially created his son, Scott (Seth Green), using his frozen semen. But Scott resents his father’s absence forcing the two of them to attend a Jerry Springeresque ‘fathers and sons’ group therapy session.

Director:  Jay Roach Writer:  Mike Myers Cast:
Mike Myers -  Austin Powers/Dr. Evil Elizabeth Hurley -  Vanessa Kensington Michael York -  Basil Exposition Mimi Rogers -  Mrs. Kensington Robert Wagner -  Number Two Seth Green -  Scott Evil Fabiana Udenio -  Alotta Fagina Mindy Sterling -  Frau Farbissina		Paul Dillon -  Patty O’Brien Charles Napier -  Commander Gilmour Will Ferrell -  Mustafa Joann Richter -  ’60s Model Anastasia Sakelaris -  ’60s Model Afifi Alaouie -  ’60s Model Monet Mazur -  Mod girl Mark Bringleson -  Andy Warhol

It is always a struggle to convince other people that there is more to you than just what they see on the surface. How you dress, how you groom, who you hang out with only reflect what you want others to see. It may bear no connection to what you think, what you believe and where your life is going. Think of it as a disguise to distract people from finding out who the real you is or trying to become. Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) may be a Miss Hawaiian Tropic, a calendar girl and a sorority president. But she is bright enough to figure out how to get into Harvard Law, how to intern at a good firm and how to defend a client in a court case. Rather than worry about what she can’t do, Elle spends her time figuring out how she can successfully accomplish what she knows needs to be done and to continue to look good doing it.

Director:  Robert Luketic Writer:  Amanda Brown; Karen McCullah Lutz; Kirsten Smith Cast:
Reese Witherspoon -  Elle Woods Luke Wilson -  Emmett Richmond Selma Blair -  Vivian Kensington Matthew Davis -  Warner Huntington III Victor Garber -  Professor Callahan Jennifer Coolidge -  Paulette Bonafonté Holland Taylor -  Professor Stromwell Ali Larter -  Brooke Taylor Windham		Jessica Cauffiel -  Margot Alanna Ubach -  Serena Oz Perkins -  ‘Dorky’ David Kidney Linda Cardellini -  Chutney Windham Bruce Thomas -  UPS Guy Meredith Scott Lynn -  Enid Wexler Raquel Welch -  Mrs. Windham Vandermark Samantha Lemole -  Claire

Meeting a new sweetie is always a caution. Jesse Stone (Tom Selleck) gentlemanly opens a door for Abby Taylor (Polly Shannon) who barrels through without so much as a thanks. She comes in ranting about Jesse’s assault on Joe Genest (Stephen Baldwin) who chose to ignore a restraining order. She wonders about how dangerous Joe is when Jesse tell her they keep guys like him as pets in south-central LA. She’s smitten and he’s interested.

Director:  Robert Harmon Writer:  Tom Epperson; Robert B. Parker Cast:
Tom Selleck -  Chief Jesse Stone Stephanie March -  Cissy Hathaway Stephen Baldwin -  Joe Genest Polly Shannon -  Abby Taylor Saul Rubinek -  Hastings Hathaway Viola Davis -  Molly Crane Vito Rezza -  Anthony D’Angelo Kohl Sudduth -  Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson		John Beale -  Dr. Perkins Maria Brooks -  Sandy Brian Jamieson -  Truck Driver Christie MacFadyen -  Veterinarian Stephen McHattie -  Captain Healy Agumeuay Nakanakas -  Native Man #2 Liisa Repo-Martell -  Carole Genest Brittany Robertson -  Michelle Genest

You work hard to get to the point in your career where you think you have finally made it. Work is going well, you feel you have begun to accomplish all you set out to do. Mary Jane Parker (Kirsten Dunst) is in just such a position. She’s featured in a musical and hopes it will be the springboard for her life as a singer. She knows it went well and Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) finally came to watch one of her shows. Life is good. Then the devastating reviews come in and she’s replaced with nary a word form the producers. And Peter doesn’t fulfill his boyfriend-end of the bargain.

Director:  Sam Raimi Writer:  Sam Raimi; Ivan Raimi; Alvin Sargent; Stan Lee; Steve Ditko Cast:
Tobey Maguire -  Spider-Man / Peter Parker Kirsten Dunst -  Mary Jane Watson James Franco -  New Goblin / Harry Osborn Thomas Haden Church -  Sandman / Flint Marko Topher Grace -  Venom / Edward ‘Eddie’ Brock Bryce Dallas Howard -  Gwen Stacy Rosemary Harris -  May Parker J.K. Simmons -  J. Jonah Jameson		James Cromwell -  Captain Stacy Theresa Russell -  Emma Marko Dylan Baker -  Dr. Curt Connors Bill Nunn -  Joseph ‘Robbie’ Robertson Bruce Campbell -  Maître d? Elizabeth Banks -  Betty Brant Ted Raimi -  Hoffman Willem Dafoe -  Norman Osborn

What sort of sign do you need to tell you that you’ve met your intended? How can you tell if it is true or just a quirk of circumstance? Captain James Norrington (Jack Davenport) of the Royal Navy is being promoted to Commodore. During the ceremony, he proposes to Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley). Before answering, she faints and tumbles into the bay not because she is swooning with delight but rather the corset she was wearing was so tight that she had trouble breathing.

Director:  Gore Verbinski; Hamilton Luske Writer:  Ted Elliott; Terry Rossio; Stuart Beattie; Jay Wolpert; Ted Elliot Cast:
Johnny Depp -  Jack Sparrow Geoffrey Rush -  Barbossa Orlando Bloom -  Will Turner Keira Knightley -  Elizabeth Swann Jack Davenport -  Norrington Jonathan Pryce -  Governor Weatherby Swann Lee Arenberg -  Pintel Mackenzie Crook -  Ragetti		Damian O’Hare -  Lt. Gillette Giles New -  Murtogg Angus Barnett -  Mullroy David Bailie -  Cotton Michael Berry Jr. -  Twigg Isaac C. Singleton Jr. -  Bo’sun Kevin R. McNally -  Joshamee Gibbs Treva Etienne -  Koehler

I’m a consumer. I like shopping for stuff. I like reading about stuff that’s coming (and wish it were here now for me to buy). I like to follow the evolution of stuff as it comes to market and see how the roll out of new stuff is accepted. I’ve got lots of stuff that never got that public acceptance it should have received. It sits right next to the stuff that did that is often replaced by the next gen stuff. I guess I’m the poster boy for consumerism. So this movie was a blow to my mad subconscious that regulates my buy, buy, buy fever. It shows a world where there won’t be any new books, movies, CDs and all manner of other toys that keeps me distracted from the real problems our world faces. And then Selena (Naomie Harris) has the gall to tell Jim (Cillian Murphy) essentially the same thing. I was bummed for a time until a buddy called to tell me what he discovered in his latest foray into the shops and I remembered this is just a movie.

Director:  Danny Boyle; Toby James Writer:  Alex Garland Cast:
Alex Palmer -  Activist Bindu De Stoppani -  Activist Jukka Hiltunen -  Activist David Schneider -  Scientist Cillian Murphy -  Jim Toby Sedgwick -  Infected Priest Naomie Harris -  Selena Noah Huntley -  Mark		Christopher Dunne -  Jim’s Father Emma Hitching -  Jim’s Mother Alexander Delamere -  Mr. Bridges Kim McGarrity -  Mr. Bridges’ Daughter Brendan Gleeson -  Frank Megan Burns -  Hannah Justin Hackney -  Infected Kid Luke Mably -  Private Clifton

How does one decide when your time is over? Do you follow your heart or your head?

In Rivendell, Arwen (Liv Tyler) knows her heart belongs to Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen). She also knows she will live on as he ages, grows old and dies. Should she give up her immortality and be with the man she loves or follow her family into exile? She is convinced by Elrond (Hugo Weaving) that the age of Elves is ending and leaves for the West.

Director:  Peter Jackson Writer:  J.R.R. Tolkien; Frances Walsh; Philippa Boyens; Stephen Sinclair; Peter Jackson Cast:
Elijah Wood -  Frodo Baggins Ian McKellen -  Gandalf the Grey/Gandalf the White Liv Tyler -  Arwen Viggo Mortensen -  Aragorn Sean Astin -  Samwise ‘Sam’ Gamgee Cate Blanchett -  Galadriel John Rhys-Davies -  Gimli/Voice of Treebeard Bernard Hill -  Theoden		Christopher Lee -  Saruman the White Billy Boyd -  Peregrin ‘Pippin’ Took Dominic Monaghan -  Meriadoc ‘Merry’ Brandybuck Orlando Bloom -  Legolas Greenleaf Hugo Weaving -  Elrond Miranda Otto -  Eowyn David Wenham -  Faramir Brad Dourif -  Grima Wormtongue

Senator Robert Kelly (Bruce Davison) has an agenda all of his own. He wants this mutant thing to be brought under control whereby all of them and their talents are known. On his way to Washington in Helicopter One for a vote, he extols the virtues of a war upon them and the need to exterminate them somewhat like his governmental predecessors did in another country a couple of generations ago. Unfortunately for him, his aide has been replaced some time ago by the shape-shifting Mystique (Rebecca Romjin-Stamos). A struggle ensues and the poor man has little recourse but to be paddy-whacked into unconsciousness by her feet. Such an ignominious defeat and beaten up by a girl too.

Director:  Bryan Singer Writer:  Tom DeSanto; Bryan Singer; David Hayter Cast:
Hugh Jackman -  Wolverine/Logan Patrick Stewart -  Professor Charles Xavier/Professor X Ian McKellen -  Magneto/Erik Lehnsherr Famke Janssen -  Dr. Jean Grey James Marsden -  Cyclops/Scott Summers Halle Berry -  Storm/Ororo Munroe Anna Paquin -  Rogue/Marie D’Ancanto Tyler Mane -  Sabretooth/Victor Creed		Ray Park -  Toad/Mortimer Toynbee Rebecca Romijn-Stamos -  Mystique Bruce Davison -  Senator Robert Kelly Matthew Sharp -  Henry Peter Gyrich Brett Morris -  Young Erik Lehnsherr Rhona Shekter -  Mrs. Lehnsherr Kenneth McGregor -  Mr. Lehnsherr Shawn Roberts -  Cody

In each life there are a number of rites of passage. Some are simple, some are strange and some are confusing. One I remember as a highlight was the first time I was allowed to go to the corner store by myself. I had no idea what I wanted to buy, it was being allowed out on my own to spend my pennies that filled my mind. I remember the journey but not the purchase. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), who is turning eleven, is ushered into Mr. Ollivander’s (John Hurt) shop by Rubeus Hagrid ( Robbie Coltrane ) to buy a wand. He’s breathless to see all of the choices available. He has some trouble in finding the right one but Mr. Ollivander is up to the challenge. Harry agrees and stumbles distractedly out of the shop. He bought something on his own.

Director:  Chris Columbus Writer:  J.K. Rowling; Steven Kloves; Steve Kloves Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe -  Harry Potter Emma Watson -  Hermione Granger Rupert Grint -  Ron Weasley Richard Harris -  Albus Dumbledore Maggie Smith -  Professor Minerva McGonagall Robbie Coltrane -  Rubeus Hagrid Saunders Triplets -  Harry Potter (Age 1) Fiona Shaw -  Aunt Petunia		Harry Melling -  Dudley Dursley Richard Griffiths -  Uncle Vernon Ian Hart -  Professor Quirrell Ben Borowiecki -  Diagon Alley Boy Warwick Davis -  Professor Flitwick/Goblin Bank Teller Vern Troyer -  Griphook the Goblin John Hurt -  Mr. Ollivander Matthew Lewis -  Neville Longbottom

I’ve been interviewed a number of times for newspapers and been peripheral to events in other stories. It is always a vague disappointment when they fail to get the details correct. Indeed, it got to the stage where I’d pass on chances to talk to the media for fear that they’d orient any commentary to their particular agency’s agenda. When that meanie TV reporter Heather Jasper-Howe (Alicia Silverstone) corners Fred (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and twists his words around, I felt nothing but empathy for the poor sod. At least in my case, the reporter didn’t stick their mic in my face. I dread to think how they would have cut the video I did.

Director:  Raja Gosnell Writer:  James Gunn Cast:
Freddie Prinze, Jr. -  Fred Jones Sarah Michelle Gellar -  Daphne Blake Matthew Lillard -  Shaggy Linda Cardellini -  Velma Dinkley Seth Green -  Patrick Wisely Peter Boyle -  Old Man Wickles Tim Blake Nelson -  Dr. Jonathan Jacobo Alicia Silverstone -  Heather Jasper-Howe		Neil Fanning -  Scooby-Doo [Voice] Pat O’Brien -  Himself Ruben Studdard -  Himself Bill Meilen -  Chauffeur Zahf Paroo -  Ned J.P. Manoux -  Scooby Brainiac [Voice] [Voice] Hayley Oakes -  dancer Andrew McIlroy -  investor

Colour me impressed. Dylan (Drew Barrymore), Natalie (Cameron Diaz), and Alex (Lucy Liu) have swiped a truck. They’re hurtling over a bridge when a tank at one end fires a round their way while a soldier fires a hand-held rocket from the other. The truck swerves off the bridge to avoid the assault and Natalie scampers out of the truck to uncover a helicopter from the truck bed. The other two leap from the truck and freefall grabbing the copter’s struts. Natalie cranks up the bird and all three escape with nary a chipped nail.

Director:  McG; Joseph McGinty Nichol; Joseph McGinty Writer:  Ivan Goff; Ben Roberts; John August; Cormac Wibberley; Marianne Wibberley; Ivan Cast:
Cameron Diaz -  Natalie Cook Drew Barrymore -  Dylan Sanders Lucy Liu -  Alex Munday Bernie Mac -  Jimmy Bosley Crispin Glover -  Thin Man Justin Theroux -  Seamus O’Grady Robert Patrick -  Ray Carter Demi Moore -  Madison Lee		Rodrigo Santoro -  Randy Emmers Shia LaBeouf -  Max Matt LeBlanc -  Jason Luke Wilson -  Pete John Cleese -  Mr. Munday Ja’net DuBois -  Momma Bosley Cheung-Yan Yuen -  Deranged Mongol Daxing Zhang -  Demented Mongol

One side of my family ancestors are Scots and Irish immigrant farmers who have been here for more than 200 years, settled in assorted parts of the country. The other side worked in stone in the north of England and answered the North American call for cannon fodder in WWI. Until about two years ago, I knew none of this. I knew my grandparents’s names and where one of them was born. So when Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) tells the US president (Bruce Greenwood), after he sorta kidnaps him, that everything he is is because of his ancestors, I can understand. Two years ago, I might have gone along with the astrology of my birthday since the description seems to hold. But now that I know some of my ancestry, I have a better grasp on why I am who I am. But I’m having trouble figuring out my sister. Maybe she was adopted.

Director:  Jon Turteltaub; Jon Turtletaub Writer:  Marianne Wibberley; Cormac Wibberley; Gregory Poirier; Ted Elliott; Terry Rossio; Jim Kouf; Oren Aviv; Charles Segars; Jerry Bruckheimer; The Wibberleys Cast:
Nicolas Cage -  Ben Gates Justin Bartha -  Riley Poole Diane Kruger -  Abigail Chase Jon Voight -  Patrick Gates Helen Mirren -  Prof. Emily Appleton Ed Harris -  Mitch Wilkinson Harvey Keitel -  Agent Sadusky Bruce Greenwood -  The President		Ty Burrell -  Connor Michael Maize -  Daniel Timothy V. Murphy -  Seth Alicia Coppola -  FBI Agent Spellman Albert Hall -  Dr. Nichols Armando Riesco -  FBI Agent Hendricks Joel Gretsch -  Thomas Gates Christian Camargo -  John Wilkes Booth

I don’t know how you felt watching this movie. Despite the thin plot, I found myself thinking these folks can’t get much cooler than this. Even when Tess Ocean (Julia Roberts) is cajoled into playing Julia Roberts to let the gang gain entrance to the museum. It all seems to be working until Bruce Willis (as himself) shows up and things begin to go awry. Then Isabel Lahiri (Catherine Zeta-Jones) reveals that she has been in contact with the real Julia Roberts who is running late for another appointment. Oops…

Director:  Steven Soderbergh Writer:  George Clayton Johnson; Jack Golden Russell; George Nolfi Cast:
Brad Pitt -  Rusty Ryan Catherine Zeta-Jones -  Isabel Lahiri George Clooney -  Danny Ocean Ed Kross -  Bank Officer Julia Roberts -  Tess Ocean Don Tiffany -  House Painter Anne Jacques -  Shop Owner David Sontag -  Plainclothes Goon #1		Larry Sontag -  Plainclothes Goon #2 Andy Garcia -  Terry Benedict Casey Affleck -  Virgil Malloy Dina Connolly -  Virgil’s Fiancée Scott Caan -  Turk Malloy Nelson Peltz -  Partygoer Mini Anden -  Supermodel Shaobo Qin -  Yen

Why is it that those who run science think they can demand results? Simply making the demand cannot guarantee them. Then raising the threat of replacement by those who will compounds the stupidity. On the other hand, when it is Umbrella Corporation scientist Dr. Sam Isaacs (Iain Glen) there may be some merit in such a crackdown. He is cloning Alice (Milla Jovovich), running deadly rat maze tests on her and finally stuffing himself with what he thinks is a solution to the zombie virus based upon her blood. He needs somebody in control before he goes off the deep end. Oops, too late.

Director:  Russell Mulcahy Writer:  Paul W.S. Anderson Cast:
Milla Jovovich -  Alice Oded Fehr -  Carlos Olivera Ali Larter -  Claire Redfield Iain Glen -  Dr. Isaacs Ashanti -  Betty Christopher Egan -  Mikey Spencer Locke -  K-Mart Matthew Marsden -  Slater		Linden Ashby -  Chase Jason O’Mara -  Albert Wesker Mike Epps -  L.J. Joe Hursley -  Otto John Eric Bentley -  Umbrella Tech James Tumminia -  Lab Tech Kirk B.R. Woller -  Scientist Rick Cramer -  Ice Hockey / Corridor Guard

It is my fervent hope that Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker got paid an boatload to assuage the shame of having this on their resume. But Paris sure is alluring in the movie. And was that Roman Polanski doing the cavity search?

Director:  Brett Ratner Writer:  Jeff Nathanson; Ross LaManna Cast:
Chris Tucker -  Detective James Carter Jackie Chan -  Chief Inspector Lee Max von Sydow -  Varden Reynard Hiroyuki Sanada -  Kenji Yvan Attal -  George Youki Kudoh -  Dragon Lady Noémie Lenoir -  Genevieve Jingchu Zhang -  Soo Yung		Tzi Ma -  Ambassador Han Dana Ivey -  Sister Agnes Henry O -  Master Yu Mia Tyler -  Marsha Michael Chow -  Chinese Foreign Minister David Niven Jr. -  British Foreign Minister Oanh Nguyen -  Mi Andrew Quang -  Kung Fu Kid

I’ve met and known a number of people for whom others line up and are entranced by. Some are bewildered by the process, others are just happy that somebody else is interested in what they do and a few bathe in the spotlight and figure they deserve the adulation. But I’d have to say that I only know a couple like Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh), a chronic inept self-promoter. His act at the signing of his book, with the women swooning and the men rolling their eyes, is one I’ve seen but made me wish I were elsewhere. It isn’t much of a surprise to know that folks like him go on to bigger and better stunts but the number of repeat visitors seem to diminish with each audience.

Director:  Chris Columbus Writer:  J.K. Rowling; Steven Kloves; Steve Kloves Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe -  Harry Potter Rupert Grint -  Ron Weasley Emma Watson -  Hermione Granger Richard Griffiths -  Uncle Vernon Fiona Shaw -  Aunt Petunia Harry Melling -  Dudley Dursley Toby Jones -  Dobby the House Elf (voice) Jim Norton -  Mr. Mason		Veronica Clifford -  Mrs. Mason James Phelps -  Fred Weasley Oliver Phelps -  George Weasley Julie Walters -  Molly Weasley Bonnie Wright -  Ginny Weasley Mark Williams -  Arthur Weasley Chris Rankin -  Percy Weasley Tom Felton -  Draco Malfoy

A dominant forthright woman is something to be feared and admired as many men know. She can be a force of natures, secure in herself and beholden to nobody. Alex Munday (Lucy Liu) is just such a woman and she send quivers of delight and anticipation through a group of admiring men during her seminar. Look out lads, you’ll probably get more than you bargain for.

Director:  McG Writer:  Ivan Goff; Ben Roberts; Ryan Rowe; Ed Solomon; John August Cast:
Cameron Diaz -  Natalie Cook Drew Barrymore -  Dylan Sanders Lucy Liu -  Alex Munday Bill Murray -  John Bosley Sam Rockwell -  Eric Knox Kelly Lynch -  Vivian Wood Tim Curry -  Roger Corwin Crispin Glover -  Thin Man		Luke Wilson -  Pete Komisky John Forsythe -  Charles Townsend (voice) Matt LeBlanc -  Jason Gibbons Tom Green -  Chad LL Cool J -  Mr. Jones Sean Whalen -  Pasqual Tim Dunaway -  Flight Attendant Alex Trebek -  Himself

Everyone has a regret or two. There are some that can nibble away at your conscience and surface when you are alone and in the dark. Often they tend to be those where you had a choice of which path to take. You look back at them and argue with yourself over the choice made, that you could have stopped yourself from taking a decision. They are ones where, in a split second, you tell yourself not to do it. But you go ahead anyway. Leeann Lewis (Rebecca Pidgeon) is plagued by many such regrets. She is taking care of her invalid mother, Mary Lewis (Jean Morpurgo), instead of living her life selling homes in sunny LA. She is trying to romance Jesse Stone (Tom Selleck) but she has a leash about her ankle and can’t travel too far from mum and home. She is wishing her missing sister hadn’t been murdered in a bank holdup some years earlier. And there are others.

Director:  Robert Harmon Writer:  Ronni Kern; Robert B. Parker Cast:
Tom Selleck -  Chief Jesse Stone Kathy Baker -  Rose Gammon Kohl Sudduth -  Luthor ‘Suitcase’ Simpson Sean Young -  Sybil Martin Rebecca Pidgeon -  Leeann Lewis Mika Boorem -  Cathleen Holton Viola Davis -  Molly Crane Stephen McHattie -  Captain Healy		William Devane -  Dr. Dix William Sadler -  Gino Fish Saul Rubinek -  Hasty Hathaway James Gammon -  Bob Nigel Bennett -  Harrison Pendelton Philip Dinn -  Cab Driver Joe the Dog -  Reggie John Beale -  Dr. Perkins

Sibling rivalry is always present when sons are in the same room. Scott (Seth Green), the irascible son, presents his father with a pair of sharks with laser beams attached to their heads. Overjoyed, Dr. Evil (Mike Myers) professes his love for his son and seats Scott at his right hand, displacing Mini-Me (Verne Troyer), the sycophantic son, who leaves dejected, giving everyone in the room the finger. Mind you, he is evil so it isn’t surprising that he has set one son against another to curry his favour.

Director:  Jay Roach; Troy Miller Writer:  Mike Myers; Michael McCullers Cast:
Mike Myers -  Austin Powers/Dr. Evil/Goldmember/Fat Bastard Beyoncé Knowles -  Foxxy Cleopatra Seth Green -  Scott Evil Michael York -  Basil Exposition Robert Wagner -  Number Two Mindy Sterling -  Frau Farbissina Verne Troyer -  Mini Me Michael Caine -  Nigel Powers		Fred Savage -  Number Three Diane Mizota -  Fook Mi Carrie Ann Inaba -  Fook Yu Nobu Matsuhisa -  Mr. Roboto Aaron Himelstein -  Young Austin Powers Josh Zuckerman -  Young Dr. Evil Eddie Adams -  Young Basil Exposition Evan Farmer -  Young Number Two

What frightens you the most? For Hannibal King (Ryan Reynolds) it is being turned into a vampire a second time. Danica Talos (Parker Posey) offers to revamp a captive Hannibal but he demurs. Danica isn’t about to be denied. She suggest he could use more fish omega fatty acids in his diet. He is more concerned about the odd design she has chosen for her hair and his SBD garlic farts. That Hannibal is quite the card. She retorts that, despite his bodily gases, he is going to be turned, left alone for days and then she plans to let little Zoe (Haili Page), the eight-year-old daughter of his colleague, visit while the hunger is upon him.

Director:  David S. Goyer Writer:  Marv Wolfman; Gene Colan; David S. Goyer Cast:
Wesley Snipes -  Blade Kris Kristofferson -  Whistler Dominic Purcell -  Drake Jessica Biel -  Abigail Whistler Ryan Reynolds -  Hannibal King Parker Posey -  Danica Talos Mark Berry -  Chief Martin Vreede John Michael Higgins -  Dr. Edgar Vance		Callum Keith Rennie -  Asher Talos Triple H -  Jarko Grimwood Paul Anthony -  Wolfe Françoise Yip -  Virago Michael Anthony Rawlins -  Wilson Hale James Remar -  Ray Cumberland Natasha Lyonne -  Sommerfield Haili Page -  Zoe

It takes a lot of chutzpah to pull off the demeanour of a gigolo. Just ask T.J. Hicks (Eddie Griffin), the man-whore rival of Deuce Bigalow (Rob Schneider). With his mangina, the he-bitch seems to have the real stuff for he is able to restore Bergita’s (Dina Platias) sight after a brief dalliance in Antoine’s (Oded Fehr) closet while Deuce and Antoine skirmish over the destruction of a fish tank.

Director:  Mike Mitchell Writer:  Harris Goldberg; Rob Schneider Cast:
Rob Schneider -  Deuce Bigalow William Forsythe -  Detective Chuck Fowler Eddie Griffin -  T.J. Hicks Arija Bareikis -  Kate Oded Fehr -  Antoine Laconte Gail O’Grady -  Claire Richard Riehle -  Bob Bigalow Jacqueline Obradors -  Mrs. Elaine Fowler		Big Boy -  Jabba Lady/Fluisa/Naomi Amy Poehler -  Ruth Dina Platias -  Bergita Torsten Voges -  Tina Deborah Lemen -  Carol Bree Turner -  Allison Andrew Shaifer -  Neil Allen Covert -  Vic

Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone) is a vixen of the first stripe. She’ll flirt with anything that walks, she doesn’t hesitate to do that which pleases her and she won’t take prisoners when confronted with anything she thinks is standing in her way. She makes my heart go pitty-pat. Especially after she agrees to go to police headquarters to be interviewed about the murder of Johnny Boz (Bill Cable). Her manner as well as her body language had me as anxious and uncomfortable as her interrogators.

Director:  Paul Verhoeven Writer:  Joe Eszterhas Cast:
Michael Douglas -  Det. Nick Curran, SFPD Homicide Sharon Stone -  Catherine Tramell George Dzundza -  Gus Moran Jeanne Tripplehorn -  Dr. Beth Garner Denis Arndt -  Lt. Philip Walker SFPD Leilani Sarelle -  Roxy Bruce A. Young -  Andrews Chelcie Ross -  Capt. Talcott		Dorothy Malone -  Hazel Dobkins, Catherine’s Friend Wayne Knight -  John Correli Daniel von Bargen -  Lt. Marty Nilsen Stephen Tobolowsky -  Dr. Lamott Benjamin Mouton -  Harrigan Jack McGee -  Sheriff Bill Cable -  Johnny Boz, Murder Victim Stephen Rowe -  Internal Affairs Investigator

It can be such a burden to be so attractive to so many women. Like me, Austin Powers (Mike Myers) knows what it is like. During a photo shoot that vixen Ivana Humpalot (Kristen Johnston) seduces him but she admits her duplicity at the last moment because he is too sexy. Never one to waste an opportunity, Austin and Ivana begin to have sex in her bed. Unfortunately they do not get far before he discovers that he has lost his mojo. Sigh… It happens more than men like Austin and I would admit.

Director:  Jay Roach Writer:  Mike Myers; Michael McCullers Cast:
Mike Myers -  Austin Powers/Dr. Evil/Fat Bastard Heather Graham -  Felicity Shagwell Michael York -  Basil Exposition Robert Wagner -  Number Two Rob Lowe -  Young Number Two Seth Green -  Scott Evil Mindy Sterling -  Frau Farbissina Verne Troyer -  Mini-Me		Elizabeth Hurley -  Vanessa Kensington Gia Carides -  Robin Spitz Swallows Oliver Muirhead -  British Colonel George Kee Cheung -  Chinese Teacher Jeffrey Meng -  Wang Muse Watson -  The Klansman Scott Cooper -  Bobby Kristen Johnson -  Ivana Humpalot

Memory is a tricky thing. I find as I age, the ability to pluck info is different from what it used to be. I joke that my brian is full and missing details have been overwritten by newer material. I hope that isn’t the case since the newer stuff may not be as profound as what was lost And even then, I don’t know that it has been lost. Maybe it is there but disconnected from its primary link. Odd thoughts tend to surface at the most inappropriate times and I wonder why. Maybe someday I’ll figure it out or someone else will find a solution. But I don’t face the memory problems that Reese Gilmore (Heather Locklear) does. Either the past treatment in a psych ward has scrambled something or a murderer is trying to drive her bonkers. Finding your clothing in the fridge, food in the closet, packed baggage when you awake and day-glo wall scribblings will give you pause that your synapses have misfired rather than think that a killer is toying with you.

Director:  Ralph Hemecker Writer:  Janet Brownell; Nora Roberts Cast:
Heather Locklear -  Reese Gilmore Johnathon Schaech -  Brody Gary Hudson -  Rick Marsden Derek Hamilton -  Lo Linda Darlow -  Joanie Lisa Marie Caruk -  Linda Gail Len Crowther -  Doc Pete Seadon -  Mac Drubber		Chezlene Kocian -  Marlie Shannon Tuer -  Denna James Jemma Blackwell -  Debbie Marsden Christy Greene -  Ginny Lori Ravensborg -  Jeweler Aedan Tomney -  Pete Guillermo Ura -  Sege Tamara Werden -  Woman in Orange Hat

The poet and philosopher George Santayana once said those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. It is a lesson that Deacon Frost (Stephen Dorff) has forgotten. He has decided that the old vampire guard, led by Dragonetti (Udo Kier), has passed its sell-by date. So he and his brood of goonish acolytes kidnap the elder and take him to the seaside to watch the sunrise. As the sun comes up over the horizon, Dragonetti pops, splatters, melt and finally explodes surrounded by the cavorting new kids drenched in SPF 60 lotion. Frost has so much to learn. You just want to slap him.

Director:  Stephen Norrington Writer:  David S. Goyer Cast:
Wesley Snipes -  Blade/Eric Brooks/’The Daywalker’ Stephen Dorff -  Deacon Frost Kris Kristofferson -  Abraham Whistler N’Bushe Wright -  Dr. Karen Jenson Donal Logue -  Quinn Udo Kier -  Vampire Elder Dragonetti Arly Jover -  Mercury Traci Lords -  Racquel		Kevin Patrick Walls -  Officer Krieger Tim Guinee -  Dr. Curtis Webb Sanaa Lathan -  Vanessa Brooks Eric Edwards -  Pearl Donna Wong -  Nurse Carmen Thomas -  Senior Resident Shannon Lee -  Resident Kenny Johnson -  Heatseeking Dennis

What is it that attracts us to somebody else? Body language? Pheromones? Location? Lighting? Lots of liquor? It is these and many other things. It is only later that we come to reflect on the merits of what we did. Paul Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) happens to be beside the pool table when Stifler’s Mom (Jennifer Coolidge) comes into the room. He looks at her. She looks at him and asks if he is trying to seduce her. They both then look at the pool table. He is horny teenager and she’s a horny housewife. If doesn’t take rocket science to know what happens next. It seems likely that post-coital reflection is the least of their thoughts.

Director:  Paul Weitz; Chris Weitz Writer:  Adam Herz Cast:
Jason Biggs -  Jim Levinstein Chris Klein -  Chris ‘Oz’ Ostreicher Thomas Ian Nicholas -  Kevin Myers Alyson Hannigan -  Michelle Flaherty Shannon Elizabeth -  Nadia Tara Reid -  Victoria ‘Vicky’ Lathum Eddie Kaye Thomas -  Paul Finch Sean W. Scott -  Steve Stifler		Eugene Levy -  Jim’s Dad Natasha Lyonne -  Jessica Mena Suvari -  Heather Jennifer Coolidge -  Stifler’s Mom Chris Owen -  Chuck Sherman Molly Cheek -  Mrs. Levinstein (Jim’s Mom) Lawrence Pressman -  Coach Marshall Clyde Kusatsu -  English Teacher

Go ahead, admit it. You’d like to wear one just to see what it is like. No? OK, I will. I’d love to try on of those fuzzy cartoon animal suits you see in theme parks. Okey-Dokey, a blue elephant, is the choice of Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) as he goes after the bad guys. But then the scene of the four other animals, playing poker and chewing stogies makes me uneasy.

Director:  John Landis Writer:  Danilo Bach; Daniel Petrie, Jr.; Steven E. de Souza Cast:
Eddie Murphy -  Det. Axel Foley Jon Tenney -  Levine Joey Travolta -  Giolito Eugene Collier -  Leppert Jimmy Ortega -  Rondell Ousaun Elam -  Pederson Ray Lykins -  Nixon Tim Gilbert -  McKee		Rick Avery -  Cline Gil Hill -  Insp. Douglas Todd Dick Purtan -  Detroit disc jockey Fred Asparagus -  Bobby Louis Lombardi -  Snake Lindsey Ginter -  Holloway Timothy Carhart -  Ellis De Wald Michael Bowen -  Fletch

Sometimes you should just mind your own business. Frank Martin (Jason Statham) has a lucrative business transporting cargo from place to place. But he figures out that the cargo in his trunk is human and, against his better judgement, he gives her a drink which leads to her needing to pee which leads her attempted escape which leads to some cops discovering his secret which leads to her delivery with the cops stuffed in the trunk which leads to a second job for “Wall Street” (Matt Schulze) which leads to his car being bombed… What’s a guy to do?

Director:  Louis Leterrier; Corey Yuen; Cory Yuen Writer:  Luc Besson; Robert Mark Kamen Cast:
Jason Statham -  Frank Martin Qi Shu -  Lai Matt Schulze -  Darren ‘Wall Street’ Bettencourt François Berléand -  Tarconi Ric Young -  Mr. Kwai Doug Rand -  Leader Didier Saint Melin -  Boss Tonio Descanvelle -  Thug 1		Laurent Desponds -  Thug 2 Matthieu Albertini -  Thug 3 Vincent Nemeth -  Pilot Jean-Yves Bilien -  Little Thug Jean-Marie Paris -  Giant Thug Adrian Dearnell -  Newscaster Alfred Lot -  Cop 1 Audrey Hamm -  Secretary

I was idling away an evening watching this movie again when the bad guys had forced the good guys to lead them to the Cradle of Life to find Pandora’s box. They were headed into the are of the shadows and we see a portion of the country that looks like it has been swept through by a forest fire when Cthulhu Mythos popped into my head. Geez, where did that come from? Then the bad guys get picked off one by one and thoughts of the minions of the Elder Gods surfaced. Then Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) drops the glowing bowling ball map down into what looks like a hole in a pinball table and I wondered whether we were in the middle of a H.P. Lovecraft shooter game. The unseen horror of Doom arises made me smirk.

Director:  Jan de Bont Writer:  Steven E. de Souza; James V. Hart; Dean Georgaris Cast:
Angelina Jolie -  Lara Croft Gerard Butler -  Terry Sheridan Ciarán Hinds -  Jonathan Reiss Christopher Barrie -  Hillary Noah Taylor -  Bryce Djimon Hounsou -  Kosa Til Schweiger -  Sean Simon Yam -  Chen Lo		Terence Yin -  Xien Daniel Caltagirone -  Nicholas Petraki Fabiano Martell -  Jimmy Petraki Jonathan Coyne -  Gus Petraki Robert Cavanah -  MI6 Agent Stevens Ronan Vibert -  MI6 Agent Calloway Lenny Juma -  Village Leader Raymond Offula -  Village Leader

The relationship between fathers and daughters is complicated. How does a girl show her dad that she is ready to be an adult? How does a father transform that image of his little girl and replace it with one in whom he can be proud, ready to stand beside him to face the world?

King Théoden (Bernard Hill) has shaken off the effects of the mental and physical weakness placed upon him by enchantments of his steward, Gríma Wormtongue (Brad Dourif), a toady of Saruman. Théoden raises an army rides off to war with some 6,000 Riders of Rohan, unaware that Éowyn (Miranda Otto), along with Merry (Dominic Monaghan), as part of the army. She knows that this will be her one chance to prove that she is truly a heir to the throne of Rohan.

Director:  Peter Jackson; Bret Robbins; Chris Tremmel Writer:  Nuno Miranda; J.R.R. Tolkien; Michael Becker Cast:
Elijah Wood -  Frodo Baggins Ian McKellen -  Gandalf Viggo Mortensen -  Aragorn Sean Astin -  Samwise Gamgee John Rhys-Davies -  Gimli Miranda Otto -  Eowyn Orlando Bloom -  Legolas Greenleaf Liv Tyler -  Arwen		Andy Serkis -  Gollum / The Witch King of Angmar Billy Boyd -  Peregrin ‘Pippin’ Took Dominic Monaghan -  Merry Christopher Lee -  Saruman Ian Holm -  Bilbo Baggins David Wenham -  Faramir Andrew Chaikin -  Shagrat Tom Chantler -  Rangers of Gondor