Cinthia's Movie Corner

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Bernie Mac, Ashton Kutcher, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 3 stars

Theresa (Saldana) is very excited because the time has come to introduce her boyfriend Simon (Kutcher) to her parents. They decide to spend the weekend with her folks, Percy (Mac) and Marilyn (Judith Scott). It's bound to be a very festive weekend: Theresa's parents are getting ready for a grand party to renew their wedding wows, and Theresa has an additional surprise for them - other than introducing her boyfriend: she and Simon are planning to announce their engagement. There's only one little snag: Theresa failed to inform her parents that her soon-to-be-fiancee is a white boy. You see, she's an African American from a successful and well-established family, whose traditional father is expecting to meet a well-bred and equally successful African American young man. What ensues is a series of very entertaining surprises, powered by shock and disbelief, and peppered by comedic situations. Percy is determined not to accept his future son-in-law and believes he can change his daughter's mind about Simon; but Simon is also determined to make his future father-in-law see beyond the whiteness of his skin, and see him for whom he really is. Like a mirror image of the 1967 classic "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" - featuring Spencer Tracy as the father, and Sidney Poitier as the fiancee - this comedy also touches on issues of race, and how to view our differences as a positive thing other than a negative one, as we strive to come together in the end. "Guess Who" does not have the same impact, or depth of the '67 classic, but offers a light comedy that is quite entertaining.

Rating: R

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Melissa George, Jesse James.

Rating: 3.0

"The Amytiville Horror" was a story that always fascinated me. I'm a sucker for all movies that have to deal with the supernatural, specially the subject of hauntings. The book was very intriguing, compelling and absolutely scary - mainly because these were experiences that real people went through. I've watched all the versions of this story and they were all pretty disappointing. Although this one is not a masterpiece, it is by far the best re-telling of this chilling tale. George and Kathy Lutz (Reynolds and George) buy their dream home in Long Island only to find out that an entire family was gunned down in the house. The previous owners, the DeFeos, were all shot in their sleep by the family's oldest son who said that "evil voices" had made him do it. Unfortunately, the Lutzes start to realize that the voices were real and that they never left the house. A nightmare war between the living and an ancient evil begins, threatening to destroy yet another family. There are pretty good special effects here and the film is entertaining enough. But don't expect anything memorable. If you want a better look at the unsettling story of the house in Amytiville, I really recommend you read the book instead.

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Shia Labeouf, Sarah Roener, Carrie-Anne Moss

Rating: 3.8 stars

After the death of his father, Kale Brecht - a well-adjusted teenager - plunges into a anger-dominated depression; he gets into serious trouble in school and is confined to a period of house arrest. Bored, and with no place to go, he turns to the study of watching his suburban neighbors, looking for some spark of excitement. Beware of what you wish for, they say...Kale gets a glimpse of weird things going on in a neighbor's house; weird enough to make him suspect that the man is a serial killer. Helped by his loyal best friend and a very attractive girl who moves in next door, the trio sets out to prove that the seemingly normal guy in the house nearby is a real monster? But is he really? Or are the kids just being pushed by overactive imaginations? This very entertaining and suspenseful thriller gets a higher rating due primarily to the wonderful performance of Shia Labeouf (who plays Kale). This charismatic and exceptional young actor keeps the story from losing its spark; I always thought - and now more than ever after seeing Shia on the newest "Indiana Jones" installment - that young Mr. Labeouf will have a stellar road ahead of him. In my opinion, he is one of the most promising young talents of his generation. He surely brings defining depth to this movie, and it is just enough to keep you hanging and flinching as the teenagers get deeper into trouble while investigating the suspicious man next door. Who says nothing exciting ever happens in the suburbs?

Rating: R

Starring: Ivana Baquero, Sergi Lopez, Maribel Verdú.

Rating: 4.7 stars

In this much acclaimed winner of 3 Oscars (Best Art Direction, Cinematography and Makeup), you are taken back into the Fascist Spain of 1944, where rebel forces - hidden in the mountains - valiantly fought Franco's soldiers. But the main character in this astonishingly elaborate and terrifying fairy tale is Ofelia, a shy and introverted girl of about ten years of age who travels to a military headquarters with her pregnant mother to join her stepfather, a sadistic officer of the Fascist army. Taken to a place filled with the terrifyingly grim reality of war, Ofelia encounters a magical world that promises to take her away from all the misery that surrounds her. She meets a fairy in the woods who leads her to a ruined labyrinth where an ancient faun (flawlessly played by Doug Jones) tells her that she is actually a princess. To prove her "royal" lineage, the girl must endure three horrible tasks; if she survives these tests, then she can be reunited with her parents the Queen and King of the magical world she really belongs to. As Ofelia's life becomes more infused with the harsh reality around her, the magical world that gives her a means of escape also becomes more intense. "Pan's Labyrinth" truly is a work of art by acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro. Although sometimes very difficult to watch, this is a movie that should not be missed. Dark, horrifying at times, stunningly beautiful, moving, deeply sad, it certainly offers a most unique experience to all movie goers. It is definitely a film that will remain with you long after you finish watching it. It is this lingering power that some special movies possess that awaken the mind and broaden the horizons of imagination. "Pan's Labyrinth" will certainly stir your soul, leaving an echo of powerful images, and a sadness of innocence lost.

My brother and blogmaster Andre, had a great idea: he made a list of the movies I reviewed in this blog in 2007 that received 5 stars and asked me to rate them to find the supreme winners from the list of last year's best. So here they are: coincidentally there were 10 movies that received the maximum rating. I start with number one being the best of these 10 in my opinion - and will provide a brief commentary as to why. Enjoy!

1. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (2007) - Fantasy/Adventure

Sorry guys: I'm a die hard Potter fan. Of course that would be on the top of the list...

2. "Miss Potter" (2007) - Biography/Drama

This one gets the number "2" spot for its perfection and beauty in telling the true life story of a remarkable human being.

3. "Sicko" (2007) - Documentary

Because this movie is a must-see for all Americans. And because patriotism, like the bumper sticker says, is not blind faith in bad leadership.

4. "Ladies in Lavender" (2004) - Drama

For its idyllic beauty and poetry, revealing the music inside the human heart.

5. "Deja Vu" (2006) - Action/Adventure

For its unpredictability, unique and original story that grips you until the end. Originality is so rare these days in Hollywood...

6. "The Ron Clark Story" (2006) - Drama/Biography

Because of its inspirational message that just by caring you can change a young person's life.

7. "The Mistress of Spices" (2006) - Romance/Fantasy

Because I'm a hopeless romantic who adores stories of people from different cultures/backgrounds that are united by the all-powerful force of Love.

8. "Charlotte's Web" (2006) - Children & Family

For its ability to bring a smile to young and old alike, and the loving way in which this classic story was brought to life.

9. "The Woman in White" (1997) - Mystery

Because of its gripping and suspenseful story that survived the test of time.

10. "Saved!" (2004) - Comedy

For its super intelligent humor, and superb social and religious commentary.

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Rhys Ifams, Miranda Otto, Justine Clarke.

Rating: 5 stars

Danny, an Australian truck driver, is constantly thinking of innovative ways of escaping his drab life. Subconsciously, he needs a second chance: an opportunity to reinvent himself, to awaken the real Danny that has been suffocated by the mundane reality around him. So, he comes up with a unique plan: he ties several huge, helium filled balloons to a patio chair and off into the blue he goes! A thunderstorm crash lands him in the beautifully bucolic town of Clarence where his sudden and bizarre arrival causes big excitement in the small town. Because no one knows who he is, Danny gets that much wished for "second chance" and proves to himself and all the others around him just how much soul was trapped inside. Meanwhile, back in Sidney, his girlfriend and the media go on a frantic search for him. Will his past, unfulfilled life finally come for him, or will Danny have the chance to find true love, and in the process find his true self? This brilliant, sensitive, funny and intelligent movie runs a bit like a fairy tale - choc full of insights on life, relationships and the pursuit of one's happiness. You might remember Ifams from "Notting Hill" where he played Hugh Grant's loopy roommate. In that movie you could never describe him as "good looking" (quite the opposite!); so it is really astounding to be totally charmed in this film by his, yes, good looks and sweetness. This total reinvention is the mark of a true actor and Ifams shines in this movie. Miranda Otto is beautiful and wonderful as always (you might remember her from the second and third movies of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy). All the actors in this film do a superb job. I highly recommend this movie for its genial simplicity, and its capacity to warm you heart and widen your view of life in general. May we all have the chance to go on a "flying deckchair trip" once in a while; who knows: our true selves might be just around the bend, waiting to be discovered.

Rating: Unrated
Starring: Sophia Loren, John Gavin, Maurice Chevalier

Rating: 2 stars

The only good thing about this movie - and the reason why I didn't give only 1 star - is the fabulousness of the eternal Sophia Loren. The whole thing seems to be just an excuse to parade the stunning star in gorgeous outfits. It pleases the eye like all works of art do, but this is suppose to be a movie. It tells the story of a "rebel" European princess who gets exiled into the country in order to avoid negative press due to her unique antics. She meets and falls for an American millionaire (always handsome Gavin), but then decides to embrace her role in the monarchy and return to court as a subdued version of herself. She is ready to agree to an arranged marriage to a Prussian prince, but the attractive American pops up again to remind her that she could be having much more fun instead. So could the audience...Even the genial Maurice Chevalier is tiring. One interesting thing: Angela Lansbury plays a bitchy countess intent on revealing the Princess' wild side to her future husband. Still, not interesting enough to make this a worth while film.

Rating: PG

Starring: Chris O'Neil, Rhiannon Leigh Wryn, Joely Richardson.

Rating: 4 stars

A very enjoyable, fast-paced, imaginative and unique movie. "The Last Mimzy" tells the story of two ordinary children who find an extraordinary toy, and their lives suddenly take a most unexpected turn. This movie is all about the true heroes that live inside each of us. Sometimes life present us with unbelievable situations that call for the "inside hero" to burst forth and do what's right - it doesn't always happen, but when it does it is truly spectacular. The brother and sister team who find the "last Mimzy" are presented with the opportunity to do something remarkable, so the question arises: will they? And can two children really take on a task with enormous ramifications? I don't want to give away anything else from the story, because an important part of enjoying this film is being surprised by each turn of the plot. Suffice to say that it's a movie that will grip young and old alike, with a message that bravery and determination will always keep hope alive.