I’ve never had a dog. People who have one tell me there is a lot to do to maintain their health and well-being. But I don’t think that is the whole story. Dooley (James Belushi) has been teamed up with Jerry Lee (Mac) for about 10 years now and he brushes the dog’s teeth (but no flossing), gives his breath spray and cleans out his ears. Is this really part of the ritual? I sure hope not.

Director:  Charles Kanganis; Charles T. Kanganis Writer:  Steven Siegel; Scott Myers; Gary Scott Thompson Cast:
James Belushi -  Dooley Christine Tucci -  Welles James Handy -  Captain Byers Wade Williams -  Devon J.J. Johnston -  Fat Tommy Joe Palese -  Officer Perry Scotch Ellis Loring -  Phil Cage Vincent Castellanos -  Harry Stripe		Timo Flloko -  Johnson Joe Sabatino -  Counterman Ron Yuan -  Jackie Hammonds Susanna Puisto -  Girl in Park Denise Y. Dowse -  Dr. Perkins Marla Frees -  Nurse Nadja Pionilla -  Terri

Each time we meet somebody, we form an impression of who they are, what they’re like and how they will handle themselves in many situations. Sometimes we’re surprised and other times, we’re not. Ben Holmes (Ben Affleck) has just met Vic DeFranco (Jack Kehler) and seen him in his car. Ben is traveling with Sarah Lewis (Sandra Bullock) from New York to Savannah, Georgia and he asks her, “How do you know I’m not dangerous?” and Sarah smiles, then laughs, then chortles and just walks off leaving him to draw his own conclusions.

Director:  Bronwen Hughes Writer:  Marc Lawrence Cast:
Ben Affleck -  Ben Holmes Sandra Bullock -  Sarah Lewis Maura Tierney -  Bridget Steve Zahn -  Alan Blythe Danner -  Virginia Ronny Cox -  Hadley Michael Fairman -  Richard Holmes Afemo Omilami -  Cab Driver		Richard Schiff -  Joe David Strickland -  Steve Montgomery Jack Kehler -  Vic DeFranco Janet Carroll -  Barbara Holmes Meredith Scott Lynn -  Debbie George Wallace -  Max Steve Hytner -  Jack Bailey John Doe -  Carl Lewis

How do you cope with the circumstances of life when you have to reinvent them? If everything around you is falling apart such that all of your choices are taken from you, where do you turn? If you are Bobby “Bats” Batton (Tom Sizemore), the feds and witness protection. But now he has to get a job (something he has never had), put his kids in school (with no money fro private school) and pay for the day-to-day amenities all while doing an honest day’s labour.

Director:  Richard Pearce Writer:  Robert Sabbag; Daniel Therriault Cast:
Tom Sizemore -  Bobby Batton Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio -  Cindy Batton Shawn Hatosy -  Sean Batton Skye McCole-Bartusiak -  Suzie Batton Forest Whitaker -  Steven Beck William Sadler -  Sharp Jim Metzler -  Jim Cutler Greg Pitts -  Duffy		Daniel Zacapa -  David Ramirez Greg Lipari Sr. -  Hit Man Leon Russom -  Reedy Joanna Merlin -  Cindy’s Mother Harrison Young -  Cindy’s Father Randy Thompson -  First Marshal Byron Keith Minns -  Second Marshal Janni Brenn -  Airplane Passenger

All agreements should be fair to both parties. But there aren’t any rules about how you get to that stage. Steven Philips’s (Albert Brooks) career has tanked without him even noticing. He needs help so he decides to solicit the guidance of a muse, Sarah Little (Sharon Stone). In return for her help, Steven has to provide her with food and shelter. Back and forth, they spar. She wants this, he’s willing to provide that. While negotiating, Sarah looks as if he’s kicked a puppy and Steven looks as if somebody squeezed his heart.

Director:  Albert Brooks Writer:  Albert Brooks; Monica Mcgowan Johnson Cast:
Albert Brooks -  Steven Phillips Sharon Stone -  Sarah Little Andie MacDowell -  Laura Phillips Jeff Bridges -  Jack Warrick Cybill Shepherd -  Herself Monica Mikala -  Julie Phillips Jamie Alexis -  Mary Phillips Marnie Shelton -  Jennifer		Catherine MacNeal -  Anne Mark Feuerstein -  Josh Martin Lorenzo Lamas -  Himself Jennifer Tilly -  Herself Bradley Whitford -  Hal Skip O’Brien -  Universal Studio Guard Aude Charles -  Spielberg Secretary #1 Ange Billman -  Spielberg Secretary #2

Sometimes being in a service industry makes one wish for a tidier, saner career. During a cab ride to the party after a gallery show, the banter between Oscar Novak (Matthew Perry) and Amy Post (Neve Campbell) so freaks out the cabbie (Ho Chow), that he’s thinking there are better jobs for him to undertake. Compound that with mechanical failure—the taxi engine begins to smoke and while Oscar investigates, it blows up in his face—and he knows that there are safer jobs and it’ll be the first thing he does in the morning.

Director:  Damon Santostefano Writer:  Rodney Patrick Vaccaro; Aline Brosh McKenna Cast:
Matthew Perry -  Oscar Novak Neve Campbell -  Amy Post Dylan McDermott -  Charles Newman Oliver Platt -  Peter Steinberg Cylk Cozart -  Kevin Cartwright John C. McGinley -  Strauss Bob Balaban -  Decker Deborah Rush -  Lenore		Kelly Rowan -  Olivia Rick Gomez -  Rick Patrick Van Horn -  Zack David Ramsey -  Bill Kent Staines -  Gallery Owner Ho Chow -  Cabbie Michael Proudfoot -  Diner Waiter Shaun Smyth -  Intern #1

Have you ever made a bet that changes your life? Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) is offered a wager by Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar), his step-sister, that he cannot bed the virginal daughter of their private high school’s new headmaster, Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon). If Sebastian fails to lure Annette into bed before the summer is over, Kathryn gets his prized car. If he succeeds, Sebastian gets Kathryn. Little do they realize that Annette is made of stronger stuff than either realize.

Director:  Roger Kumble Writer:  Choderlos de Laclos; Roger Kumble Cast:
Sarah Michelle Gellar -  Kathryn Merteuil Ryan Phillippe -  Sebastian Valmont Reese Witherspoon -  Annette Hargrove Selma Blair -  Cecile Caldwell Louise Fletcher -  Helen Rosemond Joshua Jackson -  Blaine Tuttle Eric Mabius -  Greg McConnell Sean Patrick Thomas -  Ronald Clifford		Swoosie Kurtz -  Dr. Regina Greenbaum Christine Baranski -  Bunny Caldwell Alaina Reed Hall -  Nurse Deborah Offner -  Mrs. Michalak Tara Reid -  Marci Greenbaum Herta Ware -  Mrs. Sugarman Hiep Thi Le -  Mai-Lee Charlie O’Connell -  Court Reynolds

Did you ever wonder what goes on in your hotel room when you are visiting some far off city? Staff like Mr. Mersault (John Cleese) caper about wearing your earrings, your fur coat, hat and high heels dancing like a fool to “Bad Girls.” Mind you he does look rather fetching.

Director:  Sam Weisman Writer:  Marc Lawrence; Neil Simon Cast:
Steve Martin -  Henry Clark Goldie Hawn -  Nancy Clark Mark McKinney -  Greg John Cleese -  Mr. Mersault Oliver Hudson -  Alan Clark Valerie Perri -  Stewardess Steve Mittleman -  Passenger Randall Arney -  Passenger		Carlease Burke -  Airline Representative William Duell -  Lost Baggage Clerk J.P. Bumstead -  Boston Cab Driver Peggy Mannix -  Sweeper Woman Anne Haney -  Woman in Bathroom Charlie Dell -  Janitor on Train Jordan Baker -  Rental Car Clerk Tom Riis Farrell -  Andrew Lloyd Webber

Why is it that ex-players turned coach say that they prefer being behind the bench to being a part of the game? Mostly because they can’t play and telling others how to do it gives them a chance to be around the game if not a part of it. Such is the case for Sheriff John Biebe (Russell Crowe) and it is what he tells his wife Donna (Mary McCormack) when he has his hopes dashed about returning to the ice to face the New York Rangers.

Director:  Jay Roach Writer:  David E. Kelley; Sean O’Byrne Cast:
Russell Crowe -  Sheriff John Biebe Hank Azaria -  Charles Danner Mary McCormack -  Donna Biebe Burt Reynolds -  Judge Walter Burns Colm Meaney -  Mayor Scott R. Pitcher Lolita Davidovich -  Mary Jane Pitcher Maury Chaykin -  Bailey Pruitt Ron Eldard -  Matt ‘Skank’ Marden		Ryan Northcott -  Stevie Weeks Michael Buie -  Connor Banks Kevin Durand -  ‘Tree’ Lane Scott Grimes -  Brian ‘Birdie’ Burns Jason Gray-Stanford -  Bobby Michan Brent Stait -  Kevin Holt Leroy Peltier -  Ben Winetka Adam Beach -  Galin Winetka

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

It only takes a moment to decide someone is right for you. It only takes another to realize you’ve made a mistake. When and how it happens is often mercurial. Chris (Amanda Peet) is dating Tom Bartlett (Sean Patrick Flanery). She has downloaded her daytimer into his office computer. They’re having lunch at Southern Cross, a restaurant run by Amanda Shelton (Sarah Michelle Gellar). But after only a mouthful of food Chris knows it’s time and thinks Tom is a controlling asshole. Upset at this turn, she burps, checks her tits, breaks a few plates and walks out. One heck of an exit.

Director:  Mark Tarlov Writer:  Judith Roberts Cast:
Sarah Michelle Gellar -  Amanda Shelton Sean Patrick Flanery -  Tom Bartlett Patricia Clarkson -  Lois McNally Dylan Baker -  Jonathan Bendel Larry Gilliard Jr. -  Nolan Traynor Christopher Durang -  Gene O’Reilly Betty Buckley -  Aunt Stella Olek Krupa -  Valderon		Amanda Peet -  Chris Alex Draper -  Francois Drew Nieporent -  Gil Shapiro Anthony Ruivivar -  Ramos Andrew McFarlane -  The Poet Steven Skybell -  Mr. Mueller Phyllis Somerville -  Ruth Andrew Seear -  Frank Rogers

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

You want the best for your children. You don’t want them to be caught up in the activities that can affect their lives regardless of how irresponsible you’ve been. Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) is trying to be just such a responsible adult when he questions the kids at his adopted (well… sorta) son Julian’s (Cole and Dylan Sprouse) school about drugs and alcohol. The worst he can find is one kid who has a belly button and that they like to drink Yoo Hoo.

Director:  Dennis Dugan Writer:  Steve Franks; Tim Herlihy; Adam Sandler Cast:
Adam Sandler -  Sonny Koufax Joey Lauren Adams -  Layla Maloney Jon Stewart -  Kevin Gerrity Cole Sprouse -  Julian ‘Frankenstien’ McGrath Dylan Sprouse -  Julian ‘Frankenstien’ McGrath Josh Mostel -  Arthur Brooks Leslie Mann -  Corinne Maloney Allen Covert -  Phil D’Amato		Rob Schneider -  Nazo Kristy Swanson -  Vanessa Joseph Bologna -  Lenny Koufax Peter Dante -  Tommy Grayton Jonathan Loughran -  Mike Steve Buscemi -  Homeless Guy Tim Herlihy -  Singing Kangaroo Edmund Lyndeck -  Mr. Herlihy

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

It took only three things to like this movie. One was the version of Cheap Trick’s I Want You To Want Me by Letters to Cleo with the band playing on the roof. I don’t know how they got them up there but it was inspired. Please don’t tell me it was CGI. I like the idea of someone humping all that gear up there. Number two was the attempt to look cool riding away on his scooter by Michael Eckman (David Krumholtz). Unfortunately a car blocks his path and forces him off the cliff overlooking the football stadium, giving him the ride of his life. The last was Katarina ‘Kat’ Stratford (Julia Stiles) disdain for the attempts by Ms. Perky (Allison Janney) to get her to play a bigger role in high school activities.

Director:  Gil Junger Writer:  Karen McCullah Lutz; Kirsten Smith; William Shakespeare Cast:
Heath Ledger -  Patrick ‘Pat’ Verona Julia Stiles -  Katarina ‘Kat’ Stratford Joseph Gordon-Levitt -  Cameron James Larisa Oleynik -  Bianca Stratford David Krumholtz -  Michael Eckman Andrew Keegan -  Joey Donner Susan May Pratt -  Mandella Gabrielle Union -  Chastity		Larry Miller -  Mr. Walter Stratford Daryl ‘Chill’ Mitchell -  Mr. Morgan Allison Janney -  Ms. Perky David Leisure -  Mr. Chapin Greg Jackson -  Scruvy Kyle Cease -  Bogie Lowenstien Tarance Houston -  Derek Cameron Fraser -  Trevor

Holly Anderson (Yasmine Bleeth) is enjoying lunch at an outdoor restaurant located beside a canal. She is the object of some attention by a struggling writer, Harrison Tyler (Dean Winters) when my attention was distracted by the semi-familiar locale. It turns out that the scene was filmed down at the end of my street. Not many movies get shot in my home town let alone within a block of my house. A fanboy’s dream.

Director:  Bryan Michael Stoller Writer:  Bryan Michael Stoller Cast:
Dean Winters -  Harrison Tyler Lorraine Ansell -  Melissa Morrison Yasmine Bleeth -  Holly Anderson Emily Mae Young -  Jenny Morrison Carmen -  Stenographer Elliot Durant -  Gangster Richard Eden -  Fred Yves Fournier -  Car Salesman		Craig Gauthier -  Employee Michel Grey -  Femme Fatale James Earl Jones -  The Judge Casey Kasem -  Himself Carherine Knight -  Mrs. Stevens Gabrielle Mackenzie -  Claire David L. McCallum -  Dan O’Donnel (Publisher) Russel Molot -  Bailiff

We can forgive some people for almost anything. Their efforts, albeit awkward, are so endearing that it only brings a smile to our face. Watching Cindy (Kate Hudson) falling off the curb into the dog shit, dropping her purse, breaking the light over the pool table, smearing lipstick on her dress, knocking over the food and water in the Indian restaurant all contribute to her charm. It’s obvious that the camera loves her and so will anyone seeing her performance.

Director:  Risa Bramon Garcia Writer:  Shana Larsen Cast:
Ben Affleck -  Bartender Casey Affleck -  Tom Dave Chappelle -  Disco Cabbie Guillermo Díaz -  Dave Angela Featherstone -  Caitlyn Janeanne Garofalo -  Ellie Gaby Hoffmann -  Stephie Kate Hudson -  Cindy		Catherine Kellner -  Hillary Courtney Love -  Lucy Brian McCardie -  Eric Jay Mohr -  Jack Nicole Parker -  Bridget Martha Plimpton -  Monica Christina Ricci -  Val Paul Rudd -  Kevin

It always seemed kinda stupid but, I suppose, somewhat romantic when a marriage proposal is surrounded by a actions dependent upon the participation of others. Michael Felgate (Hugh Grant) has organized that a personal fortune be put into a Chinese restaurant’s cookie. It goes to another couple, surprising him and causing her to break into tears. When Gina Vitale (Jeanne Tripplehorn) gets the correct one, she declines Michael’s offer while the restaurant owner (Lori Tan Chinn) rattles on to her staff in Chinese.

Director:  Kelly Makin; Carl Gottlieb Writer:  Adam Scheinman; Robert Kuhn Cast:
Hugh Grant -  Michael Felgate James Caan -  Frank Vitale Jeanne Tripplehorn -  Gina Vitale Burt Young -  Vito Graziosi James Fox -  Philip Cromwell Joe Viterelli -  Vinnie D’Agostino Gerry Becker -  FBI Agent Connell Maddie Corman -  Carol the Photographer		Tony Darrow -  Angelo Paul Lazar -  Ritchie Vitale Vincent Pastore -  Al Frank Pellegrino -  Sante Scott Thompson -  FBI Agent Lewis John Ventimiglia -  Johnny Graziosi Margaret Devine -  Helen, Michael’s Assistant Beatrice Winde -  Mrs. Horton, Michael’s Neighbor

Max Gast (Udo Kier) is a diabolical gazillionaire and his wife Elizabeth (Brigitte Nielsen) is as scary a woman as one will ever meet. He has a plan to depopulate the world and she has the cojones to carry it out. When a minion drops the ball, she freezes him with a look and has him removed from the room without a second thought. The rest of the underlings look around and discover that their testicles are being drawn up into their body cavities. None of them want to find themselves targeted by her penetrating gaze.

Director:  Michael J. Sarna Writer:  Bob Couttie Cast:
Joe Lara -  Jack Logan Udo Kier -  Max Gast Brigitte Nielsen -  Elizabeth Gast Paige Rowland -  Valentin Daly T.J. Storm -  Montgomery Pettigrew Alexa Jago -  Mary Silverbell Ravil Issyanov -  Viktor Dorestoy January Isaac -  Dyna Castenada		Daniel Massa -  Emilio Costaneda Paul Holme -  Commander Torres Romano Kristoff -  McLean Don Stockwell -  Burt Noel Izon -  Burgess Benson Ventura -  Amos James Paolelli -  McDowell Neil Morrison -  Gross

There are times when I figure I’ve been possessed. I know it wasn’t me that bought that CD and I know I’d never by something in that colour. Anton Tobias (Devon Sawa) is in the same boat since the Dark Lord Himself has taken possession of his right hand causing him to drive a broken bottle into Mick’s (Seth Green) face and take a radial saw blade to slice off Pnub’s (Elden Henson) head. And then things really get weird. On the plus side, Mick and Pnub do reappear (as zombies though) after they duct tape his head back on.

Director:  Rodman Flender Writer:  Terri Hughes; Ron Milbauer; Terry Hughes Cast:
Devon Sawa -  Anton Tobias Seth Green -  Mick Elden Henson -  Pnub Jessica Alba -  Molly Vivica A. Fox -  Debi LeCure Christopher Hart -  The Hand Jack Noseworthy -  Randy Katie Wright -  Tanya		Sean Whalen -  McMacy Nick Sadler -  Ruck Fred Willard -  Dad Tobias Connie Ray -  Mom Tobias Steve Van Wormer -  Curtis Kelly Monaco -  Tiffany Timothy Stack -  Principal Tidwell Joey Slotnick -  Burger Jungle Manager

Don’t you just love urban legends? I’ve heard them, repeated them and know folks who know folks to whom they have happened. It’s a constant source of gossip and confusion. One of the best forms a plot line here. Sydney Barringer (Chris O’Hara), a 17-year-old boy, attempts suicide by jumping off the roof of his apartment building. It becomes a homicide when he was accidentally shot by his mother Faye (Miriam Margolyes) as he fell past his own apartment window. His parents, Fay and Arthur (Clement Blake) argued often and threatened each other with a supposedly unloaded shotgun. But Sydney had loaded it a few days earlier hoping they would follow through with their threats to kill one another. Thus he unwittingly became an accomplice in his own murder, albeit unwittingly. Even creepier is that a newly installed protective netting for window washers on the apartments building’s exterior would have saved his life if he had not been shot.

Director:  Paul Thomas Anderson Writer:  Paul Thomas Anderson Cast:
Tom Cruise -  Frank T.J. Mackey Pat Healy -  Sir Edmund William Godfrey/Young Pharmacy Kid Julianne Moore -  Linda Partridge Genevieve Zweig -  Mrs. Godfrey Mark Flannagan -  Joseph Green William H. Macy -  Quiz Kid Donnie Smith Neil Flynn -  Stanley Berry Philip Seymour Hoffman -  Phil Parma		Rod McLachlan -  Daniel Hill Allan Graf -  Firefighter Melora Walters -  Claudia Wilson Gator Philip Baker Hall -  Jimmy Gator Patton Oswalt -  Delmer Darion Jeremy Blackman -  Stanley Spector Raymond ‘Big Guy’ Gonzales -  Reno Security Guard Melinda Dillon -  Rose Gator

Have you ever done an Elvis impersonation? Did you try doing the voice? Or maybe got gussied up in a similar jumpsuit? The sneer is something most try. Well, Chelsea Turner (Bridgette Wilson) does a great Elvis impersonation of one of The King’s numbers from Viva Las Vegas. And it isn’t just the singing. She has the dance steps to match. But she has something more than Elvis was ever able to give to his fans when she pulls open her top.

Director:  Jeff Franklin Writer:  Jeff Franklin Cast:
French Stewart -  Seth Winnick Bridgette Wilson -  Chelsea Turner Bill Bellamy -  Larry Garnett Tyra Banks -  Holly Garnett Steve Hytner -  Marty Mark Jason Bateman -  Jesse Travis/Ronnie Tiffani-Amber Thiessen -  Rebecca Melini/Juliette Ellis E. Williams -  Minister		Ivana Milavich -  Amber Montrose Hagins -  Nana Renata Scott -  Mrs. Littlejohn Warren Littlefield -  Peter Bloomstein Lisa Amsterdam -  Writer Tom Gammill -  Writer Tim Hightower -  Writer Hal Spear -  Writer

I was chatting with a neighbour and her daughter the other day. Mostly about the snow melting and how much fun rubber boots are since it is tough to get abstract with a two-year-old. She knows my first name, where I live and sorta makes a sentence once every three tries. A few days later, I was being visited by a friend when there was a knock on the back door. It was my neighbour with her daughter who apparently wanted to talk to me some more even though I must look 60 feet tall to her. She got a few sentences out before she turned shy and decided to go home. When I turned to my visiting friend, she had teared up. That’s the way Gloria (Sharon Stone) feels when she finds out that Nicky Nuñez (Jean-Luke Figueroa), orphaned when his family is murdered, doesn’t have anyone in the world to care for him or to raise him. She figures she can give it a go much to the chagrin of her family and circle of friends.

Director:  Sidney Lumet; John Cassavetes Writer:  John Cassavetes; Steve Antin Cast:
Sharon Stone -  Gloria Jean-Luke Figueroa -  Nicky Nuñez Jeremy Northam -  Kevin Cathy Moriarty -  Diane George C. Scott -  Ruby Mike Starr -  Sean Bonnie Bedelia -  Brenda Barry McEvoy -  Terry		Don Billett -  Raymond Jerry Dean -  Mickey Tony DiBenedetto -  Zach Teddy Atlas -  Ian Bobby Cannavale -  Jack Jesus Nunez Sarita Choudhury -  Angela Miriam Colon -  Maria Desiree Casado -  Luz

I’m a sucker for production design and this movie has some of the best I’ve seen. The portions set in 1937 Los Angeles are remarkable for their style, tone and nuance. I keep popping it back into my DVD player just to enjoy. But I must admit I was taken aback seeing Vincent D’Onofrio as a blonde.

Director:  Josef Rusnak; Chris Roach Writer:  Daniel F. Galouye; Josef Rusnak; Ravel Centeno-Rodriguez Cast:
Craig Bierko -  Douglas Hall/John Ferguson/David Armin Mueller-Stahl -  Hannon Fuller/Grierson Gretchen Mol -  Jane Fuller/Natasha Molinaro Vincent D’Onofrio -  Jason Whitney/Jerry Ashton Dennis Haysbert -  Detective Larry McBain Steven Schub -  Zev Bernstein Jeremy Roberts -  Tom Jones Rif Hutton -  Joe		Leon Rippy -  Jane’s Lawyer Janet MacLachlan -  Ellen Brad Henke -  Cop #1 Burt Bulos -  Bellhop Venessia Valentino -  Concierge Howard S. Miller -  Chauffeur Tia Texada -  Natasha’s Roomate Shiri Appleby -  Bridget Manilla

We all know that war is hell. The deprivation, the firing of guns, the taking of orders, the lack of proper sanitation. All contributes to making it at best uncomfortable. But then sometimes there are those who know how to make it a little less miserable. With two weeks to go before he retires, Major Archie Gates (George Clooney), a decorated Vietnam vet and special forces officer and his two buddies, Troy Barlow (Mark Wahlberg) and Staff Sgt. Chief Elgin (Ice Cube), discover a map retrieved from the butt of an Iraqi soldier which may lead to a Kuwaiti gold stash stolen by Saddam Hussein’s forces. Using the UV setting on his flashlight to discover the location, they decide to follow the trail and take some of it for themselves. You gotta love American technology.

Director:  David O. Russell Writer:  John Ridley; David O. Russell Cast:
George Clooney -  Maj. Archie Gates Mark Wahlberg -  Sfc. Troy Barlow Ice Cube -  SSgt. Chief Elgin Spike Jonze -  Pfc. Conrad Vig Cliff Curtis -  Amir Abdullah Nora Dunn -  Adriana Cruz Jamie Kennedy -  PV2 Walter Wogaman Saïd Taghmaoui -  Capt. Said		Mykelti Williamson -  Col. Horn Holt McCallany -  Capt. Van Meter Judy Greer -  Cathy Daitch Christopher Lohr -  Teebaux Jon Sklaroff -  Paco Liz Stauber -  Debbie Barlow (Troy’s wife) Marsha Horan -  Amir’s wife Alia Shawkat -  Amir’s daughter