8 Mile (2002)      

6.5 /10

A semi-autobiographical account of Detroit rap scene in mid 90's, this is essentially a 2 hour promotional device for Eminem, now an official entertainment phenomenon. Can he act? Basically, showing a range from OK to decent, although the "I'm a pissed white guy in the ghetto" scowl gets old. Rest of cast is all right, with Mekhi Phifer strong as Em's best friend. Follows old yet proven 'come from behind' formula, but grimy city lifestyle is tiring more than inspiring.   [English, 110min,  R]

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13 Conversations About One Thing (2002)      

8 /10

Thought provoking character driven film, dealing with finding happiness in life and uncontrollable circumstances one must deal with. Well acted across the board by the likes of Alan Arkin and John Turturro, with career standout role from McConaughey.  [English, 104min, R]

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21 Grams  (2003)      

9 /10

Emotionally devastating character drama with stunning, powerhouse performances from trio of Penn, Watts, and Del Toro. Shattered chronology is initially disorienting but eventually lends itself to narrative momentum. Multiple vantage points of pivotal car accident are used to maximum effect, especially disarming hospital scene. Excellent meditation on loss, love, and guilt, even as raw anguish occasionally threatens to suffocate story (and viewer).  [English, 124min,  R]  5/09

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24 Hour Party People  (2002)      

6 /10

Docudrama focusing on emergence of 80's music scene in England is an exercise in excess from the rapid fire blur of images to it's extreme self-reference, although highly sporadic zaniness leads to some wonderful comedic scenes. Steve Coogan rises above it all as the utterly believable protagonist with an underdog charm.  [English, 117min, R]

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25th Hour  (2002)      

6 /10

Spike Lee brings usual heavy handed directing, attempting to fuse commentary on post-911 NYC with bleak countdown to busted drug dealer’s incarceration. Norton under whelms in bad-boy-lite mode, Hoffman adds another self-conscious introvert, but Barry Pepper rolls up his dramatic sleeves for a career best. Lee misses potential of timely subject matter, yanking film in too many directions despite powerful stand alone moments of style and substance. [English, 135min, R]

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40 Days and 40 Nights  (2002)      

6 /10

Entertaining sex comedy, with focus more on heart than humor. Josh Hartnett is very likable and has good chemistry with Sossamon, but film doesn't exactly break new ground...unless you count a feather induced orgasm.  [English, 96min,  R]

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40 Year Old Virgin  (2005)      

6 /10

Well, it ain’t Wedding Crashers. Steve Carrel has a number of laugh out loud moments as titular character but plot drowns in sweetness, especially once Catherine Keener is introduced as love interest. Supporting cast shines, with Paul Rudd’s “don’t give a (bleep)” attitude often stealing scenes, especially his ex-girlfriend subplot. Ultimately an entertaining watch, though a much shorter length and rougher edge would have helped considerably. [English, 116min, R]

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48 Hrs.  (1982)      

7 /10

Years before Lethal Weapon, and over a decade before Rush Hour there was this “buddy” cop movie that paired the unlikely duo of Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy. Much grittier territory than genre enters today, with racism, brutal murder, and mean spirited attitude at the forefront. Became Murphy’s breakout movie, and rightfully so, as his wise-crackin’ con energizes a fairly predictable plot; his interrogation of a redneck bar alone is worth price of admission.  [English, 96min, R]

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2001: A Space Odyssey  (1968)      

10 /10

Kubrick's unequivocal sci-fi masterpiece is a heady, claustrophobic exploration of deep space and the human psyche. Unforgettable images (the infamous “flying bone” shot among many), remarkable special FX, and arguably the most effective depiction of artificial intelligence committed to film. Second best character next to HAL is the ominous black Monolith - surprisingly unnerving  for a non-descript, inanimate object. Third act can be frustratingly cryptic but reveals itself with some patience. [English, 148min,  G]

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