Stay ***1/2

Cast: Ewan McGregor, Ryan Gosling, Naomi Watts, Bob Hoskins, Janeane Garofalo, Kate Burton, Elizabeth Reaser, B.D. Wong
Director: Marc Forster
Running Length: 1:39
MPAA Classification: R

Psychiatrist Sam Foster (McGregor) is filling in for a co-worker when he meets Henry Letham (Gosling). Henry clearly has some problems, and when he tells Sam that he is going to kill himself in a few days on his 21st birthday, Sam decides to try to save him. As Sam begins to look into Henry's life, he finds the line between reality and illusion begin to blur.

"Stay" is all of that and none of that at the same time. Things are not what they seem, and it is interesting to watch things unfold. What could have been a huge twist at the end is instead diffused by scenes early on the let the audience in on what is happening. In fact, it is possible to know what is going on from the very beginning of the film. What makes the movie great is the journey they characters take on the way to the inevitable end.

Director Marc Forster does an amazing job of making all things tie together. If something in the movie seems odd, it is there for a reason, and if you pay close enough attantion, you will see what I mean. The acting is good as well, but is not what makes the movie so good. "Stay" is an entertaining and thought provoking film that I highly recommend.

Domino **1/2
Cast: Keira Knightley, Mickey Roarke, Edgar Ramirez, Lucy Liu, Christopher Walken, Jacqueline Bisset, Delroy Lindo, Mena Suvari
Director: Tony Scott
Running Length: 2:00
MPAA Classification: R

Domino Harvey (Knightley), daughter of actor Laurence Harvey, was a model turned bounty hunter before her recent death. This is her story (sort of). The story is exaggerated and even retold as new information becomes known. Domino is looking to get away from the 90210 world she has lived in, and joins Ed (Roarke) and Choco (Ramirez) as a bounty hunter. They all work for Claremont Williams (Lindo), bringing fugitives to justice. When Williams gets them all involved in a scheme that involves the mob, a billionaire and $300,000, Domino must find a way to get her and her crew out unscathed.

"Domino" is a glorious mess that both works and doesn't work depending upon the moment. Director Tony Scott employs ADD filmmaking to get Domino's frantic story across. The constant quick cuts work against the story, but after a while become bearable. Knightly does an adequate job as the titular character, with great support from Rourke. Ironically, two of the best roles are Brian Austin Green and Ian Ziering (from "Beverly Hills 90210") playing themselves as hosts of a reality show focusing on Domino and her gang.

This film will probably either be loved or hated by the average viewer, most likely hated. It is not a bad film though, just one that could have been better. I think Tony Scott accomplished what he set out to do, but for this moviegoer, it wasn't enough. Wait for DVD.

Elizabethtown **1/2
Cast: Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon, Judy Greer, Alec Baldwin, Bruce McGill, Jessica Biel
Director: Cameron Crowe
Running Length: 2:05
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Drew Baylor (Bloom) is a big shot at the shoe company in which he works until the Spasmotica comes along. That is a deal that will cost the company $972 million and Baylor his job. At the same time, his father dies on a visit to the town where he grew up. Drew's mom and sister elect him to go to Elizabethtown and bring his dad home. On the flight out, he meets Claire Colburn (Dunst), a chatty stewardess who treats him with extra care. After dealing with his extended family in Elizabethtown, he calls Claire (who gave him her number on the flight), and the two connect more meaningfully. Drew may be on his way to healing himself.

"Elizabethtown" is not as good as it could be. It has a decent amount of great moments, but the filler between those moments drag things down. Orlando Bloom still has not proven himself as a leading man (having failed earlier in the year with "Kingdom of Heaven". Kirsten Dunst is mostly annoying as the stalker-like claire. The chemestry between the two is so-so. The movie is flooded with songs to the point where one almost feels like director Cameron Crowe is trying to cram in as much as possible.

"Elizabethtown" is not a bad movie, but it could use a lot more trimming down. Most will find the film enjoyable, but forgettable. It is not on par with Crowe's previous films, but is still better than a lot of films in theaters now.

The Fog **
Cast: Tom Welling, Maggie Grace, Selma Blair, DeRay Davis, Kenneth Walsh, Adrian Hough
Director: Rupert Wainwright
Running Length: 1:40
MPAA Classification: PG-13

As the town of Antonio Bay gears up for its 100th anniversary, a thick fog works its way toward the town. Something in the fog begins to kill the townspeople, and it is up to Nick Castle (Welling) and his girlfriend (Grace) to figure out what is going on and save the town from the danger in the fog.

I've never seen the original and this newer version does not particularly make me want to. Despite starting out well, the ending is a mess, not making much sense at all. The effects are pretty good and give some genuine scary moments, but that is not enough to save the movie. If you want to see this, wait for the DVD.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit ***
Cast (voices): Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham-Carter, Peter Kay
Directors: Nick Park, Steve Box
Running Length: 1:25
MPAA Classification: G

Wallace (Sallis) is an inventor and Gromit is his dog. Despite that, Gromit is the smarter of the two. They run an animal removal service called Anti-Pesto. They don't kill the pests, the capture them and remove them from the area in question. This is especially important with the Lady Tottington's (Bonham-Carter) Giant Vegetable Contest coming up. Things are looking good for all until a giant were-rabbit shows up to throw the small town into chaos. Wallace and Gromit set out to capture it, while Victor Quartermaine (Fiennes) is set to kill it. At the same time, they are competing for Lady Trottington's affections.

Sound silly? It is a bit, but it is also highly entertaining. The creaters of "Chicken Run" have brought Wallace and Gromit to the big screen in style. The stop motion animation is so good that the silent Gromit's emotions can easily be read on his face in every scene. The story is funny, and engaging. This is a very good movie for the family that will be thoroughly enjoyed.

Serenity ***1/2
Cast: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Ron Glass, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Director: Joss Whedon
Running Length: 1:59
MPAA Classification: PG-13

The space ship Serenity is a place of refuge for River (Glau) and her brother Simon (Maher). River is a young telepath whose life is being manipulated by the Alliance. Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Fillion) has been working against the Alliance for a while now, and despite his gruff exterior, he is actually a nice guy. Taking River and Simon on board is not a problem until Simon begins to question the captain's orders and River begins to show some mental instability. Add to that their pursuit by an Alliance operative (Ejiofor), and the crew of the Serenity has their hands full.

"Serenity" is the rebirth of the cancelled TV series "Firefly". I have never gotten into "Firefly", despite numerous attempts, so I consider myself new to the "Serenity" universe. While the TV show never engaged me, "Serenity" was the exact opposite. Filled with action, science fiction, and humor, "Serenity" is a highly entertaining movie experience.

Joss Whedon, creator and first-time director, has crafted a highly entertaining tale that can be enjoyed by "Firefly" fans and newcomers alike. With a cast of no-names, Whedon has crafted a tale that is reminisent of the first "Star Wars" film. And, while there is closure at the end of the film, there are still possibilities that are left to be explored. I, for one, hope that we will see the spaceship Serenity again.

A History of Violence ****
Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris, William Hurt, Ashton Holmes, Heidi Hayes
Director: David Cronenberg
Running Length: 1:35
MPAA Classification: R

Tom Stall (Mortensen) is a mild mannered man in a small town. He is a family man, and runs a diner. One day two criminals enter his diner with robbery and rape on their minds. Tom manages to get one of their guns, and kill both of them. Hailed as a hero, the media descends and Tom finds his face on the television. Enter Earl Fogaty (Harris), a thug who thinks he recognizes Tom, only he knows him as Joey Cusack, an ex-killer from Philadelphia. Fogaty comes to see Tom and "out" him for the killer that he believes Tom to be. Tom firmly denied knowing anything about this Joey Cusack and claims to never have seen Fogaty before. Fogaty is unwilling to accept Tom's casual dismissal, and begins to stalk Tom and his family.

"Violence" is an excellent movie. From a solid story to solid acting, "Violence" is top notch on all levels. The story is compelling. The uncertainty of Tom's past keeps the viewer engaged in his plight. The four main actors all give top notch performances. Mortensen gives no clue as to his characters past, portraying Tom as a man living a quiet peaceful life until confronted with violence. Maria Bello is excellent as Tom's wife, who loves and supports her husband. Harris is pure evil and menace as Fogaty. His character is not likeable in the least, and you know that he is not going to leave Tom to live his life peacefully. Finally, William Hurt gives a memorable, and at times, funny performance. You have to wait until the final third of the film to see him, but he steals the scenes he is in.

"Violence" is a must see movie. It will make you think about what makes a person who they are, and how their identity is defined. And, can that change? I highly recommend "A History of Violence".