The Woodsman - 3 stars

The Woodsman, starring Kevin Bacon, is about a man re-entering society after serving 12 years for child molestation. He truely thinks what he did was bad, but has an uncontrollable impulse.

The movie is pretty good, taking the high road when it could have easily gone down the most obvious route. He struggles at work when people find out, he develops a new relationship, and trys to make contact with his family. All at the same time as still battling his demons. Kevin Bacon delivers another nuanced and creepy performance. Kyra Sedgwick is consistently good and always cute. It's not as disturbing as it could have easily been, but it does attack a gross subject.

Romper Stomper - 3 stars

Romper Stomper is about a gang of Australian neo-Nazis, led by Russell Crowe. As you can imagine, it's very violent. The role is a perfect fit for Crowe, as he is himself an angry and controlling Aussie (that's pronounced Ozzie) and performs naturally.

It's not the most violent film I've ever seen, nor is it the best neo-Nazi film. American History X starring Ed Norton is much better and more gruesome. They do share some interesting similarities, aside from the obvious. They are both excellent character studies. Both leads are responsible for protecting someone they love. But that's where the two diverge. The characters in the 2 films react very different to increased pressure and new information. Not knowing much about Melbourne (for those of you keeping score: it's pronounced Melbun), I was surprised that the focus of their hatred was Viet Namese immigrants.

Dune - 3 stars

Dune is a classic that you will watch over and over again. I mean you have to watch it over and over again in order to start figuring out what the heck they are talking about. There are so many intergallactic names, places, and concepts in this epic (that means long) sci-fi tome that you are better off with a guide. Fortunately, I have one. Besides the confusion, it's fun to watch. They do a good job of creating a futuristic society that is surprisingly well constructed.

Primal Fear - 4 stars

Edward Norton's (my boyfriend) first role won him an academy award. He's that good. Primal Fear is a surprising thriller. Smarty Pants figured out some of what was happening, but not everything, so that's pretty good. Again, the acting is excellent and Richard Gear co-stars. So really, there's something for everyone.

Watch this one.

Chasing Amy - 3 stars

I loved Chasing Amy the first time I saw it. I thought it was witty, fast, clever, and sexy. This time it wasn't so great. I found it predictable and preachy.

For those of you out of touch with this generation of movies, it was written and directed by Kevin Smith, aka Silent Bob. He also did Mall Rats, Clerks, and Dogma. Each of these movies has the exact same setup - 30 somethings from New Jersey who think they are teensomethings prostelatize on their dating theories and other important topics like smoking weed. You will only enjoy these movies if you come directly from NJ or were born in the late 60s, early 70s.

I still LOVE the scene at the bar when Ben Affleck is grooving while she sings. His body language and facial expressions are perfect! There's a fun cameo of Matt Damon, too.

Bourne Sepremacy - 3 stars

The Bourne Supremecy is a solid action flick, especially for a sequel. Matt Damon does a believable job as a leading man in an action flick, much better than his boyfriend. It's too bad that Franka Potente dies in the first couple of minutes, she was good in the first one and fabulous in Run Lola Run (4 stars). I also enjoyed Joan Allen as the ranking CIA agent.

Lost Boys - 3 stars

I can't believe that I've never seen The Lost Boys from beginning to end. Made in 1987, it's a cult classic of my generation. The cast is great with Dianne Weist, Keifer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Jami Gertz, and of course, the Coreys (Corey Haim & Corey Feldman). Dianne moves her sons Jason Patric (hot!) and Corey Haim to "Santa Carla" (aka Santa Clara), the murder capital of the world. Lo and behold, vampires are the source of all the missing people. The story is predictable, but vivid and fun. It's not for children, but not as scary as it could be. The sets are cool and the make-up is very good. The acting is solid. Basically, it's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in pjs with popcorn and your high school friends.

And Justice for All - 3 stars

And Justice for All is a serious lawyer movie from 1979. Al Pachino gives one of his better pre-thug performances as a do-good lawyer navigating the corrupt and jaded legal system. It was probably eye opening 20 years ago, but the subject is now common. His defendands are all colorful characters that are fun to watch. The acting is the best part of the movie, and everything else is solid.

Kids - 3 stars

Kids is painful to watch. It's like Black Velvet with children. The movie is really well done - great script, great directing, great acting, but the subject is aweful. The worst part is that it's probably all true. Maybe not always and all of the time, but certainly unattractive boys are lying their way into bed with 15 year old virgins and groups of kids are beating the crap out of any random who crosses their path. I had no way to rate it since I didn't enjoy it, so I just gave it a 3.

Wild Things - 3 stars

I was expecting Wild Things to be trash, but it was pretty good. Starring Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, Neve Cambell and Denise Richards, it provides several surprises. All 4 of the principal actors were solid, but Kelly's mom wasn't. The direction was one of the best parts, with lots of visual clues telling the story - like mom and daughter slamming the door at the same time to demonstrate how much they are alike. I also liked how the common folk always knew more about what was going on than those who were supposed to be in the know. One more thing, Bill Murray plays the lawyer, so there is some humor, too.

It's quite adult and racy - not for those who are easily bothered.