AVATAR. Rated PG-13, Action/Sci Fiction/Adventure/fantasy. Released Dec 2009. Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana,Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Joel Moore and a large cast . Directed by James Cameron and major Box Office hit. Offered in 3-D, with many special effects. Sci-Fi Adventure based on a paraplegic marine on a unigue mission to moon Pandora conflicted between orders and his own feelings.

Russ Comments. A very long movie, with special effects worth the watch. Story line was pretty predictable, but visuals were spectacular. I watched in blu-ray DVD, and in theater 3-D was probably better. It has been a mjor box office hit !!! While this was up for Academy awards, won 3. I gave this a 7.

Crazy Heart. Rated R. Drama/Music. DVD Release Feb 2009. Starring Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhall, James Keane,Colin Farrell, Robert Duval and others. Story of a down and out, alcoholic Country Western Singer finding love and then restarting his dysfunctional life. 6 Academy award nominations, and winner of several !!

Russ comments. This was by far Bridges best performance in any movie. HE won best actor going away, but the two others that should have recieved awards were Gyllenhall and Farrell. Her portrayal of the young girl friend with son was so believable I had to see again. The music was excellent and won best song. Bridges and Farrell actually sing in this movie and are great. I gave this movie a 8+ !!

It's Complicated. Rated R. Drama/Romance/Comedy. DVD release March 2010. Starring Meryl Streep. Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, Lake Bell , John Krasinski and others. Comedy of a divorced mother (Streep) having an affair with ex-husband after they connect at son's college graduation, and the complications that occur in rekindling love again

Russ Comments. This is one funny movie. Streep and Baldwin are excellent together, and he actually steals the show !! Steve Martin is great along with Lake Bell as the current wife. A very orginal story, with lines that are just wonderful . Written by Nancy Meyer, it is clever and witty, yet very believable movie . Igave this a 8 !!!

Extraordinary Measures. Rated PG-13 Drama/True life/Roamance. DVD release Feb 2010. Starring Brendan Fraser, Harrison Ford, Keri Russell and others. Based on a true life story of a young boy with a incurable illness and the lengths that a family will go throught to help solve this medical problem.

Russ Comments. While this movie got marginal reviews when it came out, I thought the entire movie was well done. If this doesn't get to you, then you are a "Cold fish". Harrison as the "over the top" researcher and Fraser as the entrepreneur helping fund this drug were excellent. The young children always are great actors, and the "cold industry managers" were also done well. I gave this a solid 7 !!!

Old Dogs. Rated PG-13. Comedy/Family/Romance. DVD Release Feb 2010. Starring John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Seth Green, Lori Loughlin and others. Comedy about two business partners finding there lives turned upside down when they are forced to care for two 7 year old twins.

Russ Comments. I'm a BIG Robin Williams fan and like Travolta also. This was a funny little comedy that I had picked up as a lark . I actually enjoyed it, and while somewhat over the top, it made me laugh . Kelly Preston and Lori Loughlin are good also. I gave this a 5.

Men who Stare at Goats. Rated R. Comedy/Action/ War. DVD Release Feb 2010. Starring George Clooney, Evan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, Stephen Lang and others. film based on a reporter in Iraq, who thinks he has a story of a lifetime as he meets Lyn Cassady who tells him of a new age military army that uses paranormal techniques to baffle the enemy.

Russ Comments. I did not really care for this movie. While the story line was "fresh", it just didn't come off as the "comedy" that it was hyped to be. Funny lines from time to time, but just not my cup of tea. I gave this a 4.

March/April 2010

2012. Action/Thriller/Adventure/SCi-Fi. Rated PG. Released DVD Feb 2010. Starring John Cusak , Amanda Peet, Danny Glover, Oliver Platt and several others. A Epic disaster film of 2012, showing the Earth being consumed by Major Tital waves caused by internal volcanic eruptions, and essentially drowning all the World .

Russ Comments: The Special effects of this movie are worth watching as LA and all the major cites of the US and World are erased with these Tital WAves. US and World leaders build future watercraft with selected leaders/people to save. Blu-Ray is great, but story line and plot are weak. I only gave this a 4 !!!

Clarence's Comments: I really loved the special affects, definitely worth the watch. It is also worth putting in your collection. The movie had a great story, some unrealistic special effects, but exciting. I gave this movie a 6.

The Blindside. Biographical/Drama/Sports/Family. Rated PG, DVD Release Feb 2010. Starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw,Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Kathy Bates. True Story of a homeless boy adopted by a southern woman and family, who then becomes an All-American Football player and drafted first round in NFL Draft.

Russ Comments: This is the best "Feel Good " movie of 2009. Sandra Bullock portrayal of Ms. Touy won her the best actress Academy Award for 2009, and she deserved it !!! The cast was terrific, young JJ steals the scenes, and I thought should have been Movie of the Year !!! I gave this a Strong 9 !!!

Clarence's Comments: Definitely Oscar worthy. I loved the story, knowing it was true made it more captivating. Sandra Bullock was simply outstanding. I was so glad to see that there are so many others willing to open their hearts and home to someone less fortunate. I don't dole out perfect marks, but I am in this case. I gave this movie a perfect 10!!!!

Brothers. Drama/War/Action. Rated R. DVD Release Jan 2010. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Tobey Mcguire,Clifton Collins, Sam Shepard, Mare Winningham and others. Story of a younger brother taking care of wife and family of older brother that goes missing in Afghanistan.

Russ Comments. This is not a WAR movie. However, the drama and acting of Gyllenhaal and McGuire as brothers , is excellent. It does have some graphic scenes in war , with torture tactics by the enemy and the psychological issues of POW's. I liked this movie and gave it a 8!!

Clarence's Comments: I agree with Russ, I was misled to believing that this was a war movie. Having been in war, I can relate to the psychological issues that many of our servicemen go through. Not to mention the toll that war has on the relationship. This movie did have some very realistic scenes of the possibility of torture on those that are captured in combat. I gave this movie a 7+...

Up in the Air. Drama/Love . Rated R. DVD Release Feb 2010. Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmigo. Anna Kendricks,Jason Bateman, JK Simmons, Zack Galifianiski and others. A Today story of a company "hit" man, traveling across the US laying people off, living out of a suitcase, enjoying the perks of flying till company "ground him" with new techniques for lay-offs.

Russ Comments. While this is a great little movie, it got rave reviews, and several Oscar nominations, I thought the entire concept was pretty far fetched. I do like Clooney, Simmons and Kendricks as actors, however the movie did little for me. I gave it a 6 !!!

Clarence's Comments: I like George Clooney, but felt this was not his best performance. Why should a company hire someone to fire their employees... Where is the backbone, I did not find any substance in this movie. I give this movie a 4.

Precious. Drama/family. Rated R. DVD release was March 2010. Starring MoNique, Chabourey Sidibe, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Cravitz and others. A story of a Harlem overweight illiterate teen, pregnant with a second child and invited to attend an alternate school to help change her direction in life. Several academy award nominations.

Russ Comments. This Oprah/Tyler Perry endorsed film got many academy award nominations. Best Picture, supporting Actress and others. MoNique won for best Supporting Actress, and well deserved. Great acting, solid story line, but just not for me. It drug too much, and was essentially pretty depressing. I gave it a 4 !!!

Clarence's Comments: Don't get confused, Oprah and Tyler Perry only endorsed this movie, they had nothing to do with the making of it. I did not like this movie at all. It glorified the welfare lifestyle that has plagued so many dysfunctional and low income families. There was no happy ending, and no penalty for allowing your child to be abused. I hated this movie.... I gave it a 3, for great acting by Monique..

New Moon. Drama/Fantasy/Romance. Rated PG-13, DVD Release Feb 2010. Starring Kristin Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Anna Kendrick and crew. The Third sage to the Twilight series, in which Bella recovers from the Vampire attacks that almost claims her life, then celebrates her birthday with Edward.

Russ Comments. I liked the first couple in this series, but after that just lost interest. I'm sure those that read all the novels enjoyed this, but after the intrigue of the first couple (great scenery/action), it becomes pretty boring. I gave it a 4 !!!

Couples Retreat. Rated PG-13 : Comedy/Drama/Romance. Theater Release Oct 2009, DVD Release Jan 2010. Starring Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Faizon Love, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Bell, Kristin Davis, Jean Reno and several others. Comedy of 4 couples who think they are going on a vacation to support one couple in trouble only to find out they are all required to take the Group Therapy.

Russ Comments. This is a pretty funny movie. I'm a HUGE Vince Vaughn fan, and while it didn't get great initial reviews, this hits home to any couple married of more than 5 years. We all have issues, and each has different problems. Certainly worth renting. I gave it a 6+ !.

Clarence's Comments. An enjoyable movie, definitely not for children. I too am a Vince Vaughn fan, but gave this movie a 6+ as well.

AMELIA . Rated PG-13. Romance/Action/Biographic. Theater Release Oct 2009, DVD release Jan 2010. Starring: Hillary Swank, Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston and others. Life of the Ledgendary American flier who was the first female to fly across the Atlantic and then lost her life while attempting to fly around the world in 1937.

Russ Comments. I personally like "real history" movies , and this does a very creditable job of showing Amelia Earhart's life in the 1930's. The romance of Swank and Gere is done in a "classic way", and then it really shows her dedication to being a role model for women in the USA. Earhart is almost the poster person for women liberation today. I gave this a 7 !!

The HURT Locker. Rated R. Drama/Action/War/Thriller. Theater release Oct 2009. DVD release Jan 2010.Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, Evangeline Lilly and others. Kathryn Bigelow produced this war thriller of a Squad of Elite US Army bomb specialist in Iraq defusing the IED's and other devices, plus running into long range sniper fire.

Russ Comments. This movie starts out almost as a documentary of life in-country, but quickly gets you involved with what War in Iraq is really like. The phrase "Shoot first, then ask questions" could have been the tag line for this real life drama. Bigelow does a masterful job of weaving human emotions and life in Iraq in this classic movie. Up for 9 Academy awards, this film is tought to watch but compelling at times. I gave this a 8+ !!

DISTRICT 9. Rated R. Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller/Drama. Theater release Aug 2009. DVD Release Jan 2010. Starring Sharlito Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt and many foreign actors. This Peter Jackson Sci-Fi production depicts an Extraterrestrial race forced to live in Slum-like conditions on earth, who find a kindred spirit in a govt. agent exposed to their biotechnology.

Russ Comments. I personally didn't like the movie to start with. The flick kind of grows on you, and you can see the similarities to RACISM in the world today. Ironically done in South Africa, and blacks are in-charge of that country ?? Anyway, up for several Academy Awards and certainly worth viewing. I gave it a 6+ !!!

Time Travelers Wife. Rated PG-13. Drama/Fantasy/Romance. Theater release Aug 2009. DVD release Jan 2010. Starring Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Arliss Howard and others. Fictional story of a Chicago Librarian with a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel and the complications to his life and others.

Russ Comments. While this is something of a "Chick Flick", it does a good job of fictionally showing the issues of involuntary "Time travel". The movie does not get into the technical aspects of how this all occurs, yet McAdams and Bana are excellent in this movie. Got a "So so" inital theater rating, but certainly worth viewing. I gave this 5+ !!!

The Hangover. Rated R. Comedy/Crime/Drama. Theater release June 2009. DVD Release Dec 2009. Starring; Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Sasha Barrese, Jeffrey Tambor Rachael Harris and others. Story of a bachelor party in Las Vegas where three groomsmen lose the Groom and retrace steps to find him

Russ Comments. Clearly the funniest Movie of 2009 and released right before Xmas. As I stated in the best Must see flicks of 2009, this is "Crude" humor, much like Animal house, yet just plain funny. Almost somewhat believable plot, and was a top DVD sales and Theater sales for 2009. this is not for everyone, but I gave it a 9+ !

Surrogates. Rated R. Action/Thriller/Sci-Fi. Theater . Theater release Sept. 2009. DVD Release Jan 2010. Starring Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, Rosmond Pike, James Cromwell, Ving Rhames and others. A cop is forced to leave home for the first time in years to investigate murder of other surrogate and uncover plot to destroy all surrogates.

Russ comments. While this appeared to be on the marginal fringe of action movies, I liked it. Willis is one of my favorite actors, Radha Mitchell good and the story line , while very future Sci-fi , is interesting. I think takes place in the Boston area, home for me, and while it didn't get a good initial theater review, will do better in video rental. I gave this a 6+ !!!

ZombieLand. Rated R. Action/Horror/Comedy. Theater release Oct 2009. DVD release Jan 2010. Starring ; Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Bresslin, Bill Murray and others. Story Based on how 2 men have found away to survive in a world overrun by Zombies and two women also on this journey

Russ Comments. Crazy funny , but pretty gross movie. I would not recommend this to any body who cannot take "blood/gore/gross humor", but the scenes with Bill Murray (as himself) are just plain funny. Clearly best scenes in the flick, and Emma and Abigail steal the scenes. Again, I would not recommend to all, but for Harrelson fans worth renting. I gave this a 5 !!

Love Happens. Rated PG-13. Drama/Romance/Mystery. Theater release Sept 2009. DVD release Feb 2010. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Aaron Eckhart, Dan Figler, John Carrol Lynch, Martin Sheen, Sasha Alexander. Romantic story of a widower writes a book to cope with lose,becomes a best seller and becomes a motivational speaker, meets Aniston and we find out he's still has issues with the los

Russ Comments. I'm a BIG Eckhart fan, liked this movie and think it is better than the Theater reviews. Sheen as father-in-law is great, and Aniston does a pretty good job as the new women in Eckharts life. Certainly worth a watch !! I gave this a 6 !!

A Serious Man. Rated R. Comedy/Drama. Theater release Oct 2009. DVD release Jan 20

Starring Michael Stutilbargs, Richard King, Fred Melamed, Sari Lennick and others. A very black comedy about a Midwestern College Professor who watches his life unravel as his Jewish wife wants to leave him for another "Serious Jewish Man". Takes place in the early 1960's.

Russ Comments. At first I just didn't think this was worth a watch. However, got several Academy Award nominations and decided to view . This is a classic Cohen Brothers directed film, and like watching Woody allen, either you like him or not. I gave it a 5 !!!

Whiteout. Rated R. Action/Crime/Drama/Thriller/Mystery. Theater release Sept 2009. DVD release Jan 2010. Starring Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Tom Skerritt, Columbus Short, Alex O'Loughlin and others. Crime story of a US Marshall tracking a killer in the South Pole Artic Weather station while fighting the 6 month timeframe to "get out" or be trapped there.

Russ Comments. This is a clever little movie. What fascinated me most was the depiction of life on a South Pole Weather station, freezing weather conditions and not only investigation of a series of murders but how to cope with the elements. Pretty good watch. I gave this a 6+ !!

Inglorius Basterds.Rated R. Drama/Thriller/War/Fantasy. Theater Release Aug 2009. DVD Release Dec 2009. Starring Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent,Christoph Waltz, Eli Roth , Diane Kruger, Michael Fassbender and several German actors. Fantasy depiction of a bunch of Jewish US soldiers on a special mission to terrorize the 3rd Reich by scalping and killing Nazi soldiers in Nazi occupied France.

Russ Comments. This is a typical Quentin Tarintino farce, much like "Pulp Fiction". Many folks would not like this movie, but clearly has Academy Award nods, and Waltz may get best supporting Actor. The Movie is up for "Best Picture", and the brutal scalping and killing of Nazi's would turn off many folks. I personally like his unique work. I gave it a 7.

GRAN TORINO: Rated R. Crime/Drama. Theater -Jan 2009, DVD-June 2009. Starring Clint Eastwood, plus a host of others. A Korean Vet, who's wife has passed away, must deal with family issues and his own racial prejudices developed during his Korean War stint. This all while living in the current Asian/Black sector of Detroit . Already Ranks in top 100 of IMDb.

Russ Comments. One of Clint Eastwoods finest performances. Up for several Academy awards, pictures/actor/director and original story . This is a "must see" and I really liked the directors talents on the "Kowalski's" character. He takes no "BS" from the "punks" in the neighborhood while befriending the Asian neighbors !!! CLASSIC ... I gave this a 9+ !!!.

Clarence's Comments. This was truly one of Clint Eastwood best performances. This movie is a drama that captures you from the start. I too feel that this is a must see... I gave this movie an 8+.









UP: Rated PG. Animation/Comedy/Adventure/Drama. Theaters May 2009. DVD Nov 2009.
Starring voices of Ed Ashner, Christopher Plummer, Bob Peterson , Delroy Lindo and many others. Story of a older man, loses wife and befriends a youngster (Russell age 8). While they attempt to put him in a retirement home, he ties balloons to his house and off they go searching for adventure together. Highest grossing animation film of 2009. Up for several academy awards in 2009 . (including best picture)



Russ Comments. I really liked this film. It has something for everyone, and while I normally do not enjoy animation films (some exceptions), this is uplifting. As a "older" member today, life does go on after you lose your spouse. This film grossed # 4 last year overall!! I gave this a 8+ !!.

Clarence's Comments. I am generally not a avid animation film movie goer, but for some reason thought I would give this movie a try. I really enjoyed this movie... I rented it for my grandson, but found that I too liked it... A movie for the whole family. I gave this movie an 8.

STAR TREK. Rated PG-13. Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi. Theaters May 2009, DVD Nov 2009. Starring Chris Pine, Zachery Quinto, Leonard Neimon, Eric Bana, Zoe Saldana and others. JJ Adrams chronicles the early days of the USS Enterprise, establishing its crew and quest for peace in Outer Space.

Russ Comments: While I'm not a big Trekkie fan, this is the best Star Trek movie made. The acting of the "young Crew" , with fast action and clever humor really got to me ! I also loved the Blu-Ray version of this, special effects are great and it has received IMDb top 150. Grossed top 10 2009 movies, top 10 DVD sales. I Gave this a 9 !!!.

Clarence's Comments. I too am not a big Trekkie fan, but the action in this movie was spell-binding... I thought this movie was one of the year's best, and would rate it in the top ten for the year. It has so many surprises for the novice and the experience Star Trek fan. I gave this movie a 9+.

THE Hangover. Rated R. Comedy/Adventure/Drama. Theater Jun 2009. DVD Dec 2009. Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Rachael Harris and others. Story of a bachelor party in Las Vegas where 4 guys get drunk and try and remember what happened the night before.

Russ Comments. This is the funniest movie of 2009. I literally laughed out loud, and while pretty "Animal house humor" at times, (Gross), it hit on all cylinders. Scenes with Mike TYson are classic, and Rachael Harris performance as Melissa is excellent ! 6th highest grossing film of 2009, and received 2 golden globe nods. I gave this a 9 + !!.

Clarence's Comments. This movie was quite funny. Definitely not for juveniles, but the humor was outstanding. It captures you from start to finish... I have not laughed so hard in a long time... Definitely one of the best... I gave this a 9...

State Of Play; Rated PG-13 Drama/Suspense Thriller/Action. Theater Release April 2009 DVD Release. July 2009. Starring Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirror, Robin Wright and others. Story of an older DC reporter investigating a murder of a young women linked to DC power brokers, and the cover-ups involved with Congressional staffers.

Russ Comments: This is a fast paced flick, with old reporter (Crowe), and young reporter (McAdams) working together to report on death of consultant women. It links to the up and coming Senator (Affleck) who is an old friend of Crowe, and then Defense contract $$$. Very believable story, and Mirror as the Post Editor is classic. While not rated high in IMDb, I gave this a solid 8 !!!.

Clarence's Comments. This movie has a first rate cast. Full of suspense and action. Who doesn't love a good suspense flick. Definitely worth renting. I gave this a 7.

The Proposal : Rated PG-13, Comedy/Drama/Family. Theater Release Jun 2009 DVD Release Oct 2009. Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson and others. This story revolves around a successful publisher who's visa is going to expire, so she cons her younger assistant to marry her to get citizenship! All this, while the US Visa folks suspect a cover-up.

Russ Comments: Bullock does some of her best work as the driven boss (Canadian), requiring Reynolds to marry her to save his job (and hers). Betty White as Nana, almost steals the show, and Nelson & Steenburgen as Reynolds parents, give a solid performances. Funny, great classic comedy & Romance !! I gave this a 8 !!!.

Clarence's Comments: I am a huge Sandra Bullock fan..... However, this was an average movie. Worth renting, but not one that I would purchase for my library. I gave this movie a 6.

Inglorious Bastards. Rated R. Drama/Thriller/War. Theater release May 2009. DVD release Nov 2009. Starring Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, Christopher Waltz, Eli Roth, Michael Fassbender, Diane Kruger and others. A Quentin Tarantino WW II movie of a renegade bunch of US Soldiers terrorizing the Germans SS with scalping Nazi soldiers. Up for Academy Awards !

Russ Comments: This movie is not for everyone (Like Pulp Fiction), but clearly is a Tarantino classic. His fictional account of a Nazi hunting crew, spreading fear to Hitler 3rd Reich is brutal and funny at the same time. Already a top IMDb movie , and top 50 DVD sales, plus Academy award nods make this a "Must see".. Waltz contender for Best Supporting Actor and golden globe winner. I gave it a 8+ !!!.

Clarence's Comments: I personally hated this movie. Gory and full of blood and guts, but not very well written. I like Brad Pitt, but felt this was a below average performance... This in my opinion was one of the year's worst. Not worth renting. The indiscriminate killing in this movie is not factual merely for those that like a good killing movie... Save your money... I gave this movie a 1.

Slumdog Millionaire. Rated R. Crime/Drama/Romance. Theater release Jan 2009. DVD Release Mar 2009. Starring Dev Patel, Frieda Pinto and many of India's best actors. This Danny Boyle story of a young man on the National TV show "Who wants to be a Millionaire", recalls how he knows the answers through his experiences in India ,while searching for a lost love.


Russ Comments: Clearly one of the best movies in 2009 !!! The original story line is great, acting by the younger versions of Patel & Pinto are "over the top". This Epic of India and the culture of the country comes out , and while Boyle got "slammed" by US India population, the poverty and scenes in-country made this the BEST PICTURE of 2009 Academy . The music is excellent, and seeing in Blu-Ray is a must. I gave this a 9+ !!.

Clarence's Comments. This was a great movie, one that is very believable and warms your heart. Sadly, this movie reflects a reality of many third world countries, and the lives of those that are less fortunate. Definitely worth watching. I gave this movie an 8+.

TAKEN. Rated R. Drama/Action/Crime/Thriller. Theater release Jan 2009. DVD release May 2009. Starring Liam Neeson, Famke Jansen, Leland Orser and others. Story of a CIA retired agent, who is divorced and his older child kidnapped while on a summer vacation. Portrays current Human trafficking , and tracks Neeson's attempt to find her while performing harsh retribution to the criminals.

Russ comments. This is my BEST Movie of 2009. The 93 minutes goes by in a flash, and while very violent, it is a very believable story plot. Neeson is great as the understated ex-CIA Agent who uses his "special talents" in finding his daughter. Chilling scenes depict the human trafficking underworld, and opens ones eye's to what this is all about !! I GAVE THIS A 10 !!!!.

Clarence's Comments: This was the BEST movie of the year. I agree wholeheartedly with Russ, that this movie was hot from start to finish. One that every parent should watch before sending their child abroad. Sadly, many of the girls that are taken are never found. I loved the action, the script, and Liam Neesom gave the performance of his life... Clearly the best action movie of the year. I gave this movie a 10+....WOW!!!

THE READER. Rated R. Drama/Thriller/Romance. Theater release Jan 2009. DVD release May 2009. Starring ; Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Koss and many noted German actors. Based on book, same title by Bernhard Schlink on a Post WW II German story. Revolves around a young boys affair with a older women (Winslet) over after a decade, and as a law student discovers her involvement in a war crime trial. Up for many 2009 Academy Awards.



Russ Comments. Winslet won best actress for her portrayal of Hanna Schmidt. SHE DESERVED this WIN. This movie was also up for best picture, and probably could have won also. Koss as the younger Berg is excellent, and Fiennes as older Berg also good. It was the kind of movie that made you "ponder your actions had you been Berg". Disturbing yet very real are the kind of "feelings" you had after watching this. Just a great MOVIE. I gave it a solid 8 !!!.

Clarence's Comments: I am a Kate Winslett fan, but truly did not like this movie. The story line was slow, and I lost interest in it several times... I hard to watch movie, but probably one that many will like... Older woman finds young lover.... That is the entire movie.... Merely and average movie.... I gave this movie a 5.

THE WRESTLER. Rated R. Drama/Sports/Romance. Theater release Jan 2009. DVD release April 2009. Starring Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tormei, Evan Rachel Wood and many older wrestlers portraying themselves. Story of a faded Pro-wrestler having a last chance at fame, discovering a younger women and his attempts to patch bad relationship with a daughter.

Russ Comments. This movie is tough to watch. You kind of know the ending, but are hopeful that Rourke pulls his life out of the "dumps". Both he and Tormei were nominated for Best Actor/Supporting Actress Categories, and clearly Rourke should have won. His performance was brilliant. Film already a top IMDb 150 flick, and a classic. I gave this a 8 !!!

The Dark Knight. Rated R. Drama/Action/Crime. Theater Release June 2008. DVD Dec 2008. Starring Christian Bales. Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman and others. The comic super hero fights arch enemy "The Joker" in this dark sequence of Batman. Gotham city is under attack from the Joker in this follow-on series.

Russ Comments. While this movie was actually released in 2008 (Dec) it pops on the scale of top 10 2009 DVD Rentals, IMDb top 10 movies overall and Ledger's performance as "The Joker" have made this a classic flick to watch. Ledger won Best Supporting Academy Actor award Post Hum., and the special affects are excellent. Watch in Blu-Ray if you can. (Sound & Film great). This is one of those movies that seems to grow in stature. I gave it a 8 !

Clarence's Comments: How many times can you make a Batman film... obviously too many... Though full of action and outstanding conversions of the Bat-mobile... the movie was enjoyable... Heath Ledger gave an outstanding performance.... This is also one for your library... Though I don't like 100 re-makes of a movie... This one was a good movie... I gave this a 8.