1. Across the Universe - I love the take on the Beatles music.

2. Atonement - Great storytelling!

3. Batman Begins - Despite being of comic origin, these movie creations should be played straight. Marvel gets this right. This is the first time D.C. did. And I am probably in the minority, but I like it better than the sequel.

4. The Dish - A small film played against the backdrop of the 1969 moon landing (unless you still believe the Earth is flat) with wonderful characters. I watch this periodically to be reminded by one poignant line.

5. Enemy at the Gates - One of the best battle scenes. Great cat and mouse motif. Unusual perspective for us to be rooting for the Russians.

6. Hero - This might be a tie with House of Flying Daggers, but I enjoyed both more than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

7. Moulin Rouge - You either love it or hate it; I like the style though I wouldn't want it repeated. It works here.

8. Mulholland Drive - Most people hate it because they don't understand it, but incoherence aside, the individual narratives are fascinating (at least to me).

9. Pan's Labyrinth - Visonary. Don't eat the food!

10. The Polar Express - One of my new December traditions. It's right there next to A Christmas Story. I believe!

Honorable Mention - Memento - for making us pay attention and reminding us that stories don't have to be linear.

QUICK REVIEWS

An Education - Carey Mulligan gives a very credible performance in this otherwise predictable spin on the importance of education. The sad thing is, she asks an extremely important question that is never answered. It is resolved, but never answered. Peter Sarsgaard is too perfect for the role. How is that possible and doesn't every actor want to be perfect for a role? He leaves nothing for the audience to figure out. It's like reading an entire book on page one. I'd watch this movie for Mulligan but I wouldn't have given it a Best Picture nod.

The Hurt Locker - Given the material, it's difficult to say I like this film. I can say that I appreciated the work. In the weeks before the Academy Awards, news reports surfaced about its validity. I find the same problem with people complainging about a movie because its not like the book. It's a movie. It can't be the book. It's not a documentary. There will be choices made for the perceived audience. Let's make our distinctions and accept the constraints of the medium. That said, did I find it totlly engaging? No; there were moments I wanted to move or lose. Was it suspenseful? Yes; whenever there's a bomb about to explode, it better be suspenseful. Was it worthy of Best Picture of the Year? Hmmm, tick, tick....

Up in the Air - Very smart dialogue! Wonderfully natural performances, which I think speaks well of the director. It is certainly a movie with good timing considering the economic climate. The end however, left me up in the air. I am very disappointed on a couple of fronts. First there was a great (perhaps somewhat expected) opportunity for irony. Didn't happen. Take what didn't happen and add to it what did happen and the movie really becomes about the assistant. That is, it's Kendrick's film rather than Clooney's. Which is probably just as well since he handles glib better than introspection. Having said that, I should have just secured him his Oscar.

Avatar - It's a good thing this is in 3-D because the characterizations are all 2-D. The visuals are stunning! What this needed was a new movie to go along with it. We've seen the story before and some of the sequences seem retrospective of other films. Overall it's trite. Cameron does display a great visual imagination but we've seen stuff blown up ad naseum. And please-"unobtainium!" I laughed out of the story when I heard that line. Why not just call it "BSium"? I think the story exploration that happens too easily is the relationship between Jake and Neytiri. Here's the story potential to look past the facade and make a connection on a deeper level. How does that happen? How do you overcome what might be natural tendencies? How do the spirits entwine? Diversity versus Inclusion. Spend more time on that and less on retelling Dances with Wolves on Pandora.

The Mysteries of Pittsburgh - Art Bechstein has been so overwhlemed by his domineering father and his family history that he is submerged by everyone and everything. It's difficult to understand why any of the other characters find him interesting. Even his lovemaking appears methodical and uninvolved, except for one instance-and that changes everything. Aside from that, there are few surprises though I am glad that I watched it.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past - Of course this does involve girlfriends present and future wherein "Scrooge" exchanges his monetary desires for sexual conquests. Don't be fooled, this isn't a Dickens' fable. It wants to be, but it falls well short. It also wants to be a comedy but it wasn't until it was over that I realized I never laughed out loud. Let this one fade away like the spirit of some "undigested bit of beef...(or) fragment of an underdone potato."

The Proposal - It's a good thing Betty White is in this otherwise sluggish movie. If you've seen the trailer, you've seen the good jokes. Sandra's not bitchy or cunning enough, which is a trick to accomplish in keeping the audience sympathetic. And there's just no chemistry with Ryan. This was a casting deal rather than a casting session. It's a TV movie at best. Sorry. I even wanted to like it.

Julie & Julia - The more I watch Streep, the more I begin to think that females are the superior actors. She has certainly disappeared more effectively into a career of roles than any male actor of her generation. That actually may extend beyond her generation, but I'm trying to allow for a benefit of doubt.--a very small benefit. This little charmer has two wonderful performances though after reading some things about Julie, I'm wondering how close Amy's performance is to the real thing. That of course wouldn't be a slight to Amy, but a casting decision that needed us to attach to her character. You have to sell tickets. The blogging excerpts certainly play more to Amy than Julie. As always, Streep is worth the ticket or rental or TIVO programming. Enjoy and be thankful we have her.

Inglorius Basterds - The pacing is much too slow to build any serious tension. That and the tone being (as always) comic book in nature, works to undermine what would otherwise be some highly effective scenes. Pitt was an incorrect casting choice. I know he puts people in the seats, but the role needs a less familiar actor with a deft hand to avoid becoming goofy. Otherwise a great cast with credible performances trapped in an inconsistent narrative.

G.I. Joe - Explosions and special effects. In light of the unprecented success of Avatar, creative storytelling is no longer necessary. We've seen this plot premise before.

Australia - I may give this another try sometime, but I only lasted 20 minutes. I kept thinking, hold my attention but it was too sluggish despite not wanting to be. Nothing compelling here early on.

Transformers: Rise of the Fallen - I liked the first one, but this is just more of the same. This one takes too long to unfold and the battles become a little redundant. My main issue with the transformers is their complexity and speed of transformation. It's difficult to follow. They might as well pop change. And the battles, like many fight scenes today are designed just to create a feeling by bringing you too close to disern and enjoy the particulars. Still there's Megan Fox. I hope she gets a good role soon.

Star Trek - This reboot works, though I'm not enthralled with all of the casting choices--most notably Eric Bana. I was a fan of the original so I viewed this with reservations. It won me over. If you rent it, be sure to watch the making of special features. The falling sequence effect is so simple even a caveman could do it.

Into Temptation - Expect this short film to take a while. The pace is somewhat plodding with Catholic theology providing the impetus. That's not a criticism of Roman Catholicism, just the film. Sometimes you don't see the result of faith, but the work continues regardless.

Is Anybody There - By his own admission, Michael Caine has done some movies for the money. This isn't one of them. It's a little film with a lot of "spirit". I'm sure that Caine wishes more of his films gave him this opportunity.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine - Dark necessary take on Wolverine's origins. I enjoyed it more than I expected, though Marvel does tend to do it better than D.C. I could fix D.C.'s problems as to why they don't get it. However there are a couple of scenes here that are just silly. I know it's a comic book, but decide on your tone and stay with it.

L4yer Cake - This is a layered story, which plays more to the intricacies and "cake" they're producing than the actual explanation at the end of the movie. Delete the angst scene. It doesn't take that long to convey that message and this just brings the movie to a stop. Limited use of Sienna Miller though this was before her significant movie roles.

Marley and Me - Anniston earned her paycheck. John Grogan was miscast. Read the book. Grogan's a writer. I stayed with the movie even though I felt like taking a walk about 35 minutes in. Grogan's also written a book about his father. I'm hoping he doesn't do the same thing at the beach.

Flash of Genius - Read the true story. Kearns is much more tragic and volatile by all accounts. It's a fascinating story, unfortunately this portayal is more pathetic. The pacing is so inefficient, you'd think an auto company produced it.

The Bank Job - Interesting enough diversion based on the 1971 Baker Street Robbery in Britain. Some basis in fact but heavy on speculation and fabrication. The question remains as to why the press suddenly stopped covering the robbery. You might be interested in doing an Internet search on the actual event.

Population 436 - It brought to mind Shirley Jackson's short story, The Lottery. When I got to the end of the movie, I thought "Oh no, you didn't." I suppose every now and then I'm hoping for the impetus for discussion but all I get is the end of the movie. Play the premise straight and it's even creepier. You can tie in Eric MacDonald's blog on the "privacy" of religious belief, but I guess that's not entertainment. What you do get in this disappointment is Eric Durst playing a well-meaning, naive deputy. Now that's acting!

Man on Wire - The story plays like a heist. Won an oscar. Did it earn one?

Doubt - Hmmmm. Isn't that where we started?

Taking Chance - This one gets a salute. It amazes me how appropriately slow each scene develops and yet the movie doesn't seem slow. It's a wonderfully efficient contradition. If the movie doesn't get you, make sure you watch the credits.

Quantum of Solace - Where's Bond? Where's the beef? We already have Jason Bourne. Put Bond back.

Slumdog Millionaire - Did not expect to jump on this bandwagon.

The International - Who green lit this?!

Wanted - Silly but then there's Angelina Jolie. Though I guess not silly enough since they're making Wanted 2.

Flicka - Yeah, I watched it. Needs a tonal adjustment and less predictable story.

Definitely Maybe - Definitely not. Too long. Wrong actress in the wrong role. You picked the wrong girl!

Revolutionary Road - Forget Winslow and DiCaprio, the real performance if you can stand the film that long is Michael Shannon's portayal as the psychiatric ward alum.

The Reader - Strong performances and story. I prefer Winslow in this to Revolutionary Road.

Taken - For a ride. No surprises. Relatively short film so remarkable trails must be picked up quickly. Don't think when you're watching, just go for the ride.

Defiance - Based on a true story. Never forget.

Watchmen - or Super Heroes know best. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes.

The Wrestler - Okay I watched it. Happy?

The Brave One - Really?! As opposed to the damaged one.

Nothing But the Truth - When fiction is stranger than fact. This would shape up for a good discussion. What's really important?

Rambo - Every now and then a story emerges. Just kidding. It's just blood and guts.

Dirty Pretty Things - Thoughtful little film. A starstruck romance revolving around organ harvesting. Sounds like date night to me.

The Visitors - They look like people I know. Moves too slowly to create real suspense. Halfway through I was bored so I turned it off and read the synopsis online. They're making a sequel, so you also know what won't happen at the end of the next one. Hold on, someone's at the door...

Away from Her - This one breaks my heart (yes I have one), because I've seen this happen.

Little Children - Uncomfortbly watchable.

The Happening - It ain't. Another bland directing effort.

Vantage Point - I was looking forward to this until I got it and started saying aloud, Noooooo! Don't show me the same scene again.

The X-Files: I Want to Believe - I wanted it to be good.

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed - I hate when people have an opinion.

Grizzly Man - Sadly watchable and horrific. Unfortunately his opinion killed him.

The Illusionist - How to make an audience disappear.

Prarie Home Companion - I guess you had to be there. A perfect example why character must support the story and not the other way around. I was out in 30 minutes.

Across the Universe - I think I love this styling of Beatles music better than the originals.

Breach - How to kill suspense.

Letters from Iwo Jima - Probably one of the few who preferred Flag of Our Fathers. It felt like 50 defenders rather than 20,000.

Flag of Our Fathers - It's all about the picture.

Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest - 30 minutes too long.

The Queen - Curious Prince Phillip casting. When life is more interesting than the life.

Last King of Scotland - Here's a lesson. Whitaker isn't the lead actor.

Dreamgirls - Another lesson. Jennifer Hudson is the lead. She and Whitaker won the wrong Oscars.

Running with Scissors - Talk about characters. Don't watch this with anything sharp.

Chronicles of Narnia - Good cast. Christian allegory.

Volver - Charming.

Prestige - This plot twist was a major disappointment. It wasn't the least bit clever. Who greenlighted this?

Bable - The third story was forced in. A simple plot twist would have made perfect sense. I can't believe they didn't figure it out. It was still too long.

The Departed - Anyone else directs it and it doesn't even get nominated. It was a life achievement Oscar.

The Guardian - Haven't we seen this movie about a half dozen times.

Borat - I apologize for laughing. Let it be a lesson to all. Beware of British comedians bearing cameras.

Venus - Beware of old actors.

Man of the Year - Muddy tone. Missed a much better story, but that would have required a different lead actor.

Cars - Every now and then you have to stop and smell the motor oil.

Little Miss Sunshine - Everyone has their moment in it. Enjoy the ride.

An Unfinished Life - I was finished about an hour in.

Dreamer - Every now and then, you just need to escape with a fairy tale. But bear in mind that we've already seen the tale.

Good Night and Good Luck - I was not impressed with the direction of Morrow's character. This guy flew on bombing raids in the second world war. He's got a bigger pair than this film depicted. That's a shame.

Shopgirl - Hated the voiceover. Would have been a better film without Steve Martin. Unfortunately he wrote and produced it.

Transamerica - Now that's a struggle even without a road trip.

She's the Man - Could that not have been another title for Transamerica?

Munich - Revenge goes on and on, but why did the movie have to?

V for Vendetta - At least there's Natalie Portman.

Capote - Phillip Seymour Hoffman!

A History of Violence - More questions than answers. I would have liked to have seen the story concerning Viggo's redemption.

Mrs. Henderson Presents - Charming, Pleasant, Enjoyable chemistry, but don't hold any great expectations.

Annapolis - Are we really upset that we lost this movie? Will somebody please have an original idea!

The Devil Wears Prada - No suprises. I got it early on and didn't need the rest of the clothes.

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada - two burials too many.

Little Miss Sunshine - Glad I saw it, but how did the kids in front of me get in to see it?

Superman Returns - Forget the past. Create your own character, don't mimic an old performance. Write a good story (we've seen this one) and make your own way.

King Kong – Why you don't let the director edit the film.

Memoirs of a Geisha – Would have been interesting to have seen this with a Japanese director at the helm.

Pride and Prejudice – If you like Jane Austen, pick Sense and Sensibility.

Revenge of the Sith – The opening battle scene is spectacular, but be careful about titling a film when the word jumble for Sith is appropriate.

Batman Begins – finally! THE Best Batman.

The Upside of Anger – The first 35 minutes takes an hour and a half, but Joan Allen’s performance is worth the tedium.

Hide and Seek – The game might have been more entertaining.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith – Angelina Jolie, need I say more? Okay I will. Angelina Jolie. Unfortunately this movie has no ending. I was thinking all that for this? Okay, Angelina Jolie. Should have just bought the poster.

Monster in Law – Expected to laugh more. Happy to see Jane Fonda back. Have always liked her even if she has seemed contrived at times.

Love Actually – Something for everyone who’s ever been in love or hope’s to be. I particularly liked the Colin Firth story. One scene in the lake is one of the funniest movie moments I’ve ever seen. If you like this movie, read the lyrics to Andrew Lloyd Webbers’ Love Changes Everything.

Finding Neverland - we all should be so lucky. Find this movie.

National Treasure - A treasure it is not. Unfortunately the director didn't find all the clues. This one should have had Brendan Fraser not Nicholas Cage. Diane Kruger must have used Kevin Costner's dialect coach.

Incredibles - Fun, but not as witty as I had expected. Doesn't quite match the trailer of getting the old costume on.

The Manchurian Candidate - what a global stretch. Viewers will get it. Okay I have seen the original and this is somewhat different. But not in a good way. I found it almost as interesting as NBC's coverage of the Olympics. The fireworks on the first night were good. Anyway, one careless plot point and an initiation phrase that's just to simple to not accidentally be repeated. Performances were good, but I'd still stick with the original. Here's a thought Hollywood--new idea. Keep repeating it over and over.

The Secret Window - Johnny Depp is always watchable and a better actor than Sean Penn. He'll get his Oscar. But the better ending is in the book.

The Bourne Supremacy - It would have been nice to have seen the fight scenes and car chase. I heard they were exciting, but the camera and editing style were too frenetic to tell. I'm sure you spent a lot of money and time staging those things. If only we could have enjoyed them.

I, Robot - I, Yawn.

Spiderman 2 - Liked it better than Spiderman, though I'm almost as equally impressed with the online lego version.

The Shipping News - Strong story elements and wonderful photography of an otherwise bleak landscape. I only wish that Spacey would have played his character more simply rather than pathetic.