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.