New Releases - Friday, September 26th

Eagle Eye - 1 1/2 stars

This is a dumb movie in every sense. The payoff to the setup is dumb. The characters are dumb. The dialogue is dumb. The filmmakers really think the audience is dumb. You would really have to leave your brain at the door to enjoy it. I'm not saying you're dumb if you enjoy it, but if you do enjoy it, please explain yourself.

Towelhead - 3 stars

This is one hell of an uncomfortable movie. A 13-year old girl is physically abused by her father, sexually abused by her neighbor, and emotionally abused by her mother. Lots of people walked out of the movie when I saw it, and I can't recommend it to most people. But if you think you can take it, it IS very well written and acted. This movie stays with you for a long time.

Choke - 3 stars

Here is another movie that's not for everyone. But its not as uncomfortable as Towelhead, mostly because all of the sexual dysfunction involves adults. Sam Rockwell stars as a sex addict who chokes in restaurants on purpose. His friend is a compulsive masturbator, and his mother is suffering from Alzheimer's. Did I mention this is a comedy? Funniest line in the movie: "I'm not a lawnmower!"

The Lucky Ones - 3 stars

Tim Robbins, Rachel McAdams and Michael Pena are soldiers just returning from Iraq. Two are on 30 day leave, the other is out for good. They meet on the plane to New York and when they find all flights are canceled, they decide to rent a car together. This is a good road movie, and there are some very funny moments. The movie grinds to a halt during the last 20 minutes or so, otherwise I would give this 3 1/2 stars.

Forever Strong - 2 stars

I'll admit it first: I don't like sports movies. I'm not a sports fan, and they are all about the same thing. But then any movie is only as good as the characters and the story. It doesn't matter if the backdrop is sports, wine (Sideways), or digging for oil (There Will Be Blood). In this case, the acting is bad and the story is underwhelming. Sean Faris is a troubled rugby player who changes throughout the course of the movie into a fine, upstanding young man. But his transformation was about as believable as Anakin Skywalker's.

All Roads Lead Home - 0 stars

If you love the made-for-TV movies they show on the Hallmark Channel or ABC Family, you will still hate this movie, but you won't hate it as much. Stay away.

Miracle at St. Anna (no review)

When Spike Lee lashed out at Clint Eastwood earlier this year, he was just trying to get publicity for this movie. But hey, whatever you've gotta do ...

Nights in Rodanthe (no review)

Richard Gere and Diane Lane reunite for a sappy romantic weepfest. You know if you are in the target demographic.