List of the 78th annual Oscar nominations
The Associated Press
The Oscar nominations were announced Tuesday in Beverly Hills, Calif., by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Here's a rundown of the nominees:

Best Picture:
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck
Munich

Actor:
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote
Terrence Howard, Hustle & Flow
Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain
Joaquin Phoenix, Walk the Line
David Strathairn, Good Night, and Good Luck

Actress:
Judi Dench, Mrs. Henderson Presents
Felicity Huffman, Transamerica
Keira Knightley, Pride & Prejudice
Charlize Theron, North Country
Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line

Supporting Actor:
George Clooney, Syriana
Matt Dillon, Crash
Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man
Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain
William Hurt, A History of Violence

Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams, Junebug
Catherine Keener, Capote
Frances McDormand, North Country
Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener
Michelle Williams, Brokeback Mountain

Director:
Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain
Bennett Miller, Capote
Paul Haggis, Crash
George Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck
Steven Spielberg, Munich

Foreign Film:
Don't Tell, Italy
Joyeux Noel, France
Paradise Now, Palestine
Sophie Scholl — The Final Days, Germany
Tsotsi, South Africa

Adapted Screenplay:
Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, Brokeback Mountain
Dan Futterman, Capote
Jeffrey Caine, The Constant Gardener
Josh Olson, A History of Violence
Tony Kushner and Eric Roth, Munich

Original Screenplay:
Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco, Crash
George Clooney and Grant Heslov, Good Night, and Good Luck
Woody Allen, Match Point
Noah Baumbach, The Squid and the Whale
Stephen Gaghan, Syriana

Animated Feature Film:
Howl's Moving Castle
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride
Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Art Direction:
Good Night, and Good Luck
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
King Kong
Memoirs of a Geisha
Pride & Prejudice

Cinematography:
Batman Begins
Brokeback Mountain
Good Night, and Good Luck
Memoirs of a Geisha
The New World

Sound Mixing:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
King Kong
Memoirs of a Geisha
Walk the Line
War of the Worlds

Sound Editing:
King Kong
Memoirs of a Geisha
War of the Worlds

Original Score:
Brokeback Mountain, Gustavo Santaolalla
The Constant Gardener, Alberto Iglesias
Memoirs of a Geisha, John Williams
Munich, John Williams
Pride & Prejudice, Dario Marianelli

Original Song:
In the Deep from Crash, Kathleen Bird York and Michael Becker
It's Hard out Here for a Pimp from Hustle & Flow, Jordan Houston, Cedric Coleman and Paul Beauregard
Travelin' Thru from Transamerica, Dolly Parton

Costume:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Memoirs of a Geisha
Mrs. Henderson Presents
Pride & Prejudice
Walk the Line

Documentary Feature:
Darwin's Nightmare
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
March of the Penguins
Murderball
Street Fight

Documentary (short subject):
The Death of Kevin Carter: Casualty of the Bang Bang Club
God Sleeps in Rwanda
The Mushroom Club
A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin

Film Editing:
Cinderella Man
The Constant Gardener
Crash
Munich
Walk the Line

Makeup:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Cinderella Man
Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith

Animated Short Film:
Badgered
The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation
The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello
9
One Man Band

Live Action Short Film:
Ausreisser (The Runaway)
Cashback
The Last Farm
Our Time Is Up
Six Shooter

Visual Effects:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
King Kong
War of the Worlds

Academy Award winners previously announced this year:
Honorary Award (Oscar statuette): Robert Altman.
The Gordon E. Sawyer award (Oscar statuette): Gary Demos.

Capote ****
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr., Chris Cooper, Bruce Greenwood, Bob Balaban, Amy Ryan, Mark Pellegrino
Director: Bennett Miller
Running Length: 1:50
MPAA Classification: R

In 1959, Truman Capote (Hoffman), an author at the time best known for "Breakfast at Tiffany's", read about the murder of the Clutter family in Kansas. He decided to investigate the four murders for a non-fiction article, having grown tired of writing fiction. He takes his good friend, Nell Harper Lee (Keener), and heads to Kansas. The police chief reluctantly cooperates with themandsoon Capote is interviewing Perry Smith (Collins) and Richard Hickock (Pellingrino). Capote and Perry form a bond of sorts, both using the other to their own benefit. Capote even observes, "It's as if Perry and I grew up in the same house. One day, I went out the front door and he went out the back." Their bond becomes torment for Capote, and he soon finds himself wishing for it all to be over.

"Capote" is an absolutely fascinating film about one of America's most well known authors, and gives an in-depth look in to the writing of his masterwork, "In Cold Blood". Philip Seymour Hoffman is outstanding as the title character, throwing all of himself into the role. This movie is his, and he owns every scene. If he does not win an Oscar for his performance, it will be a crime. Supporting actors Catherine Keener and Chris Cooper, as well ast Clifton Collins, Jr. also give solid performances that make this film gripping. I cannot recommend this movie enough. It is only in limited release, and has been since September 2005, but I highly recommend searching it out.

Underworld: Evolution ***
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy
Director: Len Wiseman
Running Length: 1:45
MPAA Classification: R

Picking up where "Underworld" left off, Selena (Beckinsale) and Michael (Speedman) are on the run. They have just killed Viktor (Nighy), and now Marcus (Curran) is after them. He is even older than Viktor, and a twin brother who is the original werewolf. And, while all this is going on, someone else (Jacobi) is plotting something mysterious.

Fans of the original will not be disappointed with the sequel. In addition to the continuing story, some backstory is also given, setting up the action that takes place in the present. Beckinsale and Speedman seem comfortable returning to their roles, and the new cast members do good jobs as well. The special effects are on par with the original, and the action is intense. Fans of the first definately want to check this out, and newcomers will find this movie accessable as well.

Tristan & Isolde ***
Cast: James Franco, Sophia Myles, Rufus Sewell, David O'Hara, Henry Cavill, JB Blanc Jamie King, Bronagh Gallagher
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Running Length: 2:05
MPAA Classification: PG-13

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Ireland has conquered Britain. It seems that they are too busy fighting among themselves to band together and fight the Irish. Lord Marke (Sewell)is the man who may be able to change that. When the Irish arrive there, Marke's men, led by Tristan (Franco) leads the charge against them. After he is apparently killed in battle, his body is sent out to sea on a funeral boat that ends up coming ashore in Ireland. There he is found by the daughter of the king, Isolde (Myles). He is not dead, and she nurses him back to health. They do not know who each other really are, and soon fall in love. Given the situation between their people, they realize that they really have no future. Tristan heads home, but the two will meet again.

"Tristan & Isolde" is based on an old British legend, and may even be the inspiration for Lancelot and Guinevere. The film is well made, and Franco and Myles do good jobs as the star-crossed leads. The action sequences are done well, and the story is interesting. Yes, this is a period romance, but there is plenty of action and story to entertain those who want more than just a love story. This was a pleasant surprise, and I recommend it for all.

Hoodwinked **1/2
Cast (voices): Anne Hathaway, Clenn Close, Patrick Warburton, James Belushi, Xzbit, Anthony Anderson, David Ogden Stiers, Andy Dick
Director: Cory Edwards
Running Length: 1:20
MPAA Classification: PG

You think you know the story of Little Red Riding Hood? Well, forget everything you think you know, because "Hoodwinked" sets the story straight. "Hoodwinked" is the true story of Little Red Riding Hood, told from the points of view of Red Riding Hood (Hathaway), the Big Bad Wolf (Warburton), the Woodsman (Belushi), and Granny (Close). While being questioned by Nicky Flippers (Stiers), the four tell their side of the story, and none are what you will expect. It seems that there is more going on than meets the eye here, and Mr. Flippers is going to get to the bottom of it.

"Hoodwinked" is an interesting twist on a classic story. That classic story is just a jumping point for all that is going on behind the scenes, and that will all come together to give the story that we all know. The voice talents are all good, but not outstanding. The animation is sub-par though, looking like something made for TV. That is the film's biggest downfall. In an age where Pixar has spoiled moviegoing audiences, the animation in this film is at times painful. Kids will probably love it though, and that is all that really matters I suppose, since they are the target audience.

Casanova ***
Cast: Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, Oliver Platt, Jeremy Irons, Stephen Greif, Natalie Dormer, Lena Olin
Director: Lasse Hallström
Running Length: 1:48
MPAA Classification: R

Casanova (Ledger) is searching for a wife. It seems that, if he cannot show he is living a more respectable life, he will be kicked out of Venice. You see, Casanova is a womanizer with many conquests, and his actions have upset the Church. He is quickly engaged to Victoria (Dormer), a woman with a pure reputation. Of course, as soon as that is arranged, he meets Francesca (Miller), a feminist who hates all he stands for. He pretends to be someone else to get into her good graces, and soon finds out she is engaged to Papprizzio (Platt), a man whom she has never met. Meanwhile, arriving in Venice to find Casanova, is Pucci (Irons), one of the Vatican's most known and feared inquisitors.

"Casanova" is more entertaining than the average romantic comedy, if that is what you would call this movie. Part comedy, part historical piece, "Casanova" has an odd tone that somehow earns is an undeserved R rating. This movie is PG-13 at worst, and the MPAA rating handed down is stupifying. Ledger and Miller are adequate as the leads, getting the job done, but not amazing. The scene stealer in this film is Oliver Platt as the rotund Papprizzio. He is funny every time he is on screen. The story is entertaining, and will be tolerable for men as well as the women who drag them to see it.

Wolf Creek ***
Cast: John Jarratt, Cassandra Magrath, Kestie Morassi, Nathan Phillips
Director: Greg McLean
Running Length: 1:39
MPAA Classification: R

Liz (Magrath), Kristy (Morassi), and Ben (Phillips) are travelling across the Australian outback, on their way to the east coast. Along the way, they stop and do some sightseeing at a crater in Wolf Creek. When they return to their car, it will not start. They are in the middle of nowhere, with no one around for miles. Fortunately for them, one night Mick (Jarratt), a local, comes across them and offers to fix their car and take them back to his place for the night. Unfortunately, Mick has other plans for the three of them as well.

"Wolf Creek" is a genuinely creepy movie. The kids' aloneness is very evident and eerie, and it is easy to believe that this could really happen. (Indeed, the movie is inspired by true events). Jarratt is about as disturbing as you could want in a killer in this type of movie. "Wolf Creek" was a surprise for me, as I enjoyed it more than I anticipated (if "enjoy" is actually the correct word to use for a movie of this type). I recommend this for horror fans only.

The 12 Best Movies I Saw in 2005
Once again...the list is 12 movies long because two of the twelve are actually from 2004. 2005 was a very good year for movies quality-wise, and I hope 2006 is at least as good.

1. Munich ****
2. Crash ****
3. Batman Begins ****
4. Million Dollar Baby **** (from 2004)
5. Hotel Rwanda **** (from 2004)
6. The 40 Year Old Virgin ****
7. Jarhead ****
8. A History of Violence ****
9. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ****
10. Sin City ***1/2
11. Syriana ***1/2
12. March of the Penguins ***1/2

Memoirs of a Geisha **1/2
Cast: Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, Michelle Yeoh, Kôji Yakusho, Kaori Momoi, Youki Kudoh, Gong Li, Kenneth Tsang, Suzuka Ohgo
Director: Rob Marshall
Running Length: 2:25
MPAA Classification: PG-13

As a child, Chiyo (Zhang) is sold by her father to the owner of a geisha house. A geisha is a "moving work of art" who sells her skills. Her new plans to become one are ended when Hatsumomo (Li) decides she does not like her. She is instead forced to perform chores for the house. After the Chairman (Watanabe) is kind to her, Chiyo decides she will find a way to become a geisha and make him her patron. Mameha (Yeoh), a famous geisha, decides to take Chiyo under her wing, and when she is introduced into society she must compete with Harsumomo for clients.

"Memoirs" is an interesting movie that gives a window into the world of the geisha. Unfortunately, it is not fascinating enough to sustain the movie's 145 minute running time. Zhang and Yeoh give good performances and are likeable in their roles. Li is suitably dislikeable in hers. The film is beautiful to look at and evokes the time frame of the movie very well. This is not a bad movie, but like I said, it runs way too long. Because of this, I cannot recommend it for most theater-goers. Those really interested in the story material and the time, however, may just find a gem of a film.

Munich ****
Cast: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Ciaran Hinds, Mathieu Kassovitz, Hanns Zischler, Geoffrey Rush, Ayelet Zurer, Michael Lonsdale, Mathiew Amalric
Director: Steven Spielberg
Running Length: 2:42
MPAA Classification: R

At the 1972 Olympics in Munich, the terrorist group Black September kidnapped and murdered some Israeli atheletes. This is the story of Isreal's response to this horrific event. Avner (Bana) is chosen to lead a five-man team of ex-Mossad agents that are to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians responsible for the attack. They are working unofficially for the government, through their handler, Ephraim (Rush), who provides them money and information. For Avner, this is patriotism, and a chance to serve his country.

The team travels the world locating and eliminating their targets. He becomes focused and begins to lose himself with each passing murder. Also, the hunters become the hunted, and soon they are guarding their own lives as well as trying to finish the job. Plus, Black September begins retaliating, forcing Avner to question their actions and if those actions are actually making things better or worse.

"Munich" is an excellent movie, showing a story that is very relevant today. It is thought provoking and engaging. Eric Bana is amazing as the conscience-tortured Avner who just wants to do the right thing. His team (especially the new James Bond, Daniel Craig) are all excellent in their roles. The story is fast paced, and full of action. Director Stephen Speilberg has crafted another masterpiece. "Munich" is an important film that I highly recommend be seen by all.

Fun with Dick and Jane **
Cast: Jim Carrey, Téa Leoni, Alec Baldwin, Richard Jenkins
Director: Dean Parisot
Running Length: 1:30
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Dick Harper (Carrey) has just been named VP of Communications at a corporation that is about to go under. The CEO, Jack McCallister (Baldwin), is leaving with all the money and leaving Frank Bascom (Jenkins), his CFO to take all the blame. Dick has gone from being on top of the world to being jobless. Jane (Leoni) has quit her job after learning Dick had received a promotion, and now the two are unemployed.

Unable to find jobs, the two begin selling off their posessions in order to retain their house. Eventually, when the bank comes for the house, they are forced to take matters into their own hands, becoming criminals and stealing to get by.

"Fun With Dick and Jane" is a disappointment. It is not very funny. Jim Carrey gives his usual over-the-top performance, but that act is going old. Téa Leoni is unremarkable as Jane and adds little to the film. While being far from awful, "Fun With Dick and Jane" is not a movie that I can recommend.

Pride & Prejudice **1/2
Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen, Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn, Rosamund Pike, Simon Woods, Jena Malone, Judi Dench
Director: Joe Wright
Running Length: 2:10
MPAA Classification: PG

Elizabeth Bennett (Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (MacFadyen) do not impress each other in their first meeting. In fact, they seem alltogether unimpressed with each other. Circumstances continually force their paths to cross, and soon their opinions of each other begin to change. Things are not happily ever after though, as marriage proposals interfere with their possible relationship, but if you know the story, you know how it ends.

Yet another adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice", and I am told that this is a pretty good one. The story, however, did not hold my interest. I am not a Jane Austen fan, and was probably doomed from the start to be disappointed. Keira Knightley does a good job as Lizzie though, being both playful and vulnerable. MacFayden, as Mr. Darcy, is uninspiring, but Darcy himself is kind of a jerk at times and I found him unlikeable. This is a movie I would recommend for Jane Austen fans only. I think they will enjoy the film, but others will not.

King Kong ***
Cast: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Andy Serkis, Jamie Bell, Kyle Chandler, Thomas Kretschmann
Director: Peter Jackson
Running Length: 3:07
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Carl Denham (Black) is a filmmaker who wants to get his film made. The problem is that creditors are after him and he is missing a leading lady. Ann Darrow (Watts) is an out of work actress who stumbles across Denham's path. When she agrees, they make a hasty retreat to the "Venture", the ship that will take them to the filming location. In the process, he manages to strand screenwriter Jack Driscoll (Brody) on board. Soon, they ae heading for Skull Island.
Once there, the filming begins, only to be interrupted by the natives, who have a tendency to remove the heads from their victims. Ann is offered up as a sacrifice to the dominant male of the island, a big ape by the name of Kong (Serkis). Instead of killing her, he develops a crush on her. After a long chase on the island, we go back to New York for the fateful ending.

"King Kong" is a good movie, full of action, special effects, and heart. Serkis gives Kong a realness that has not been seen before. The action is tense and unrelenting. Black and Brody do good jobs as their respective characters. Watts shows she can act convincingly with a green screen. The biggest drawback to this film is the running time. At over three hours, "King Kong" is at least an hour too long. This is not an epic tale, despite getting the epic treatment, and the film is hurt by it. Fans of Peter Jackson (and there are many) will no doubt be thrilled by everything in this movie, and for them I recommend this film highly. Otherwise, you may want to wait to DVD so you can have access to a pause button.

Syriana ***1/2
Cast: George Clooney, Jeffrey Wright, Matt Damon, Alexander Siddig, Chris Cooper, Christopher Plummer, Amanda Peet, William Hurt
Director: Stephen Gaghan
Running Length: 2:06
MPAA Classification: R

"Syriana" is a complex film about oil, terrorism, the government, and other related issues. It is so intricate, that it really cannot be described in a way to make it clear. There are, however, three main story lines. First, Bob Barnes (Clooney) is a Middle East CIA operative that is let go after he ceases to be helpful. Second, Connex and Killen are two oil companies that are merging. Third, Prince Nasir Al-Subaai (Siddig) is next in line to become Emir of his unnamed country, and believes that his country should not give in to the United States. These story lines, as well as the others, all come together in the end in a satisfying conclusion.

"Syriana" is a thinking person's movie. If you do not pay attention, you will get lost very quickly. But, if you pay attention, "Syriana" is highly satisfying. Structured like "Traffic" and "Crash", "Syriana" is a movie that makes you think. The cast is excellent all around, all providing their piece of the puzzle. Director Stephen Gaghan weaves the tale skillfully, bringing seemingly unrelated stories together for a fantastic finish. "Syriana" is definately not a movie for everyone, but I highly recommend this film.

The Chronicles of Natnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe ***
Cast: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Liam Neeson (voice)
Director: Andrew Adamson
Running Length: 2:20
MPAA Classification: PG

During World War II, the Pevensie children - Peter (Moseley), Susan (Popplewell), Edmund (Keynes), and Lucy (Henley) - are sent from London to stay with Professor Kirke (Broadbent). One day, while playing hide and seek, Lucy hides in a wardrobe. She soon finds it is no ordinary wardrobe as it transports her to Narnia, a magical wintery world. She meets Mr. Rumnus (McAvoy), and finds out that it has been winter there for 100 years because of the rule of the Wite Witch (Swinton). After returning to her world, she brings her siblings back with her. Edmund disappears, having been tricked by the White Witch, and the rest must rescue him and save Narnia in the process.

On the heels of "The Lord of the Rings", it is no surprise that this movie has been made. There has been a surge in the popularity of fantasy epics as of late, and "Narnia" is a logical coice for the film treatment. The results are about the same as the "Rings" trilogy. The acting is solid all around. This is impressive since the film is carried by four kids with minimal acting experience. Swinton is menacing as the evil White Witch, and probably the standout performance of the movie. The special effects are good overall. Aslan the lion is impressive, and looks completely real. Some of the scenes look like they were definately filmed in front of a green screen though, and that is distracting. The story is given a good treatment by "Shrek" director Andrew Adamson, but I was not blown away like I hoped to be. The result is an entertaining and good film that falls short of greatness.

Good Night, and Good Luck ***
Cast: David Strathairn, Robert Downey Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Ray Wise, Frank Langella, Jeff Daniels, George Clooney
Director: George Clooney
Running Length: 1:33
MPAA Classification: PG

"Good Night, and Good Luck" is the true story of CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow (Strathairn) and Senator Joseph McCarthy. In 1953 and 1954, Murrow attempted to discredit McCarthy's hunt for communists on his television show. When McCarthy turned on him, Murrow was able to disprove the allegations, and soon the Senate would choose to investigate McCarthy, ending his hunt.

"Good Night, and Good Luck" is a solid movie with a solid cast. Strathairn is impressive as Murrow, portraying him as a man of integrity and a desire to expose the truth. He is not a household name, but he is the core of this movie, and it succeeds mostly because of him. The story itself is very interesting, mostly because it really happened. George Clooney's direction gets the job done, and shows that he has whet it takes to make serious films about important topics. This is not a fun movie, but it is very good and well worth seeing.

Aeon Flux *1/2

Cast: Charlize Theron, Marton Csokas, Jonny Lee Miller, Sophie Okonedo, Frances McDormand, Pete Poslethwaite, Amelia Warner
Director: Karyn Kusama
Running Length: 1:35
MPAA Classification: PG-13

400 years from now, 99% of the world's population has been wiped out by a virus. Those remaining are living in a walled city and led by the Goodchild regime. Five million people survived the plague in 2001, and five million still live in 2415. The Goodchild regime is a totalitarian government, and the Monicans are focused on removing him from power by any means necessary. The most dangerous Monican, Aeon Flux (Theron) accepts a specific mission from the Handler (McDormand) to kill Trevor Goodchild (Csokas). With the help of her sidekick, Sithandra (Okonedo), she ventures into his fortress. When the time comes to pull the trigger, something happens that will change their world forever.

"Aeon Flux" is the film version of some short cartoons aired on MTV in the 1990's, and is a mixed bag, sometimes working and sometimes not -- mostly not. There are a lot of nods to the cartoon, and they seem kind of silly when not in cartoon form. Theron is wrong for the role, and never really feels right to this fan of the cartoon. The story is moderately interesting, but poorly executed for the most part. "Aeon Flux" was a disappointment for me, and I can't help but think that with a different cast and crew, a better job could have been done.

The Ice Harvest **
Cast: John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Platt, Randy Quaid, Mike Starr
Director: Harold Ramis
Running Length: 1:28
MPAA Classification: R

Charlie Arglist (Cusack) and Vic (Thorton) are attorneys who steal $2 million from their boss, Bill Fuerrard (Quaid) on Christmas Eve. They just need to kill some time before meeting up later in the night to split the money. Charlie wants to take stripper Renata (Nielsen) with him, and tries to convince her to leave town with him. As he is doing this, one of Bill's enforcers shows up asking questions about Charlie and Vic. While dealing with this, he is hindered by his drunken buddy Pete (Platt). As things begin to accelerte, Charlie finds that he just might not get out of town alive after all.

"The Ice Harvest" was somewhat disappointing. I expected more, and while the film delivers here and there, overall it is missing something. Cusack, Thorton, and Platt give good performances (especially Platt who steals every scene he is in), but that is not enough to lift this film above average. I can only recommend to wait for the DVD.

Rent *
Cast: Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Tracie Thoms
Director: Chris Columbus
Running Length: 2:15
MPAA Classification: PG-13

"Rent" is the story of eight New Yorkers from Christmas Eve 1989 to Christmas Eve 1990. Those New Yorkers include Mimi (Dawson), a stripper who got HIV from sharing needles; Tom Collins (Martin), a gay man with HIV; Angel (Heredia), a transvestite with HIV; Roger (Pascal), a musician who also got HIV from sharing needles; and Mark (Rapp), a filmmaker who is trying to catch a break. When old friend Benny (Diggs), the guy who owns the tenement that they all live in, threatens to evict them unless they start paying rent, they begin to worry about what the future holds for them.

"Rent" is based on the popular musical of the same name and stars most of the original Broadway cast. That is probably the greatest thing I can say about this movie, and I applaud the filmmakers for getting the cast to reprise their roles. After all, they are the ones who made the characters what they are. The music is OK, the stand out song being "Seasons of Love". Of course, that is the first song, and the rest of the songs are lesser in comparison, so it is all downhill song-wise from there. The story is maddening, as these lazy people struggle to live rent-free so that they can just enjoy life. While I appreciate their desire to enjoy the time they have, I hated the characters for doing it at the expense of others.

I did not like this movie. I suppose to see it live is more impressive, and that may be enough to overshadow the dumb story, but that does not work in movie form. This is for die hard fans of the musical only. Otherwis, stay away!

Walk the Line ***
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts, Dan John Miller, Larry Bagby, Shelby Lynne
Director: James Mangold
Running Length: 2:16
MPAA Classification: PG-13

"Walk the Line" is the story of Johnny Cash from his childhood in 1944 to the late 1960s. As a child, we see two people that shaped his life: his brother and his father. Skip ahead ten years, and Johnny Cash (Phoenix) is married to his wife, Viv (Goodwin), and has started a band. After getting a record deal, he finds himself on tour with Jerry Lee Lewis and June Carter (Witherspoon). Along the way he finds drugs, which threaten his newfound popularity, and he falls in love with June, which just may save him.

Both Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon give excellent performances, sounding and acting just like the stars that they are portraying. Phoenix is as good, if not better than Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles in last year's "Ray". The story is well told, and it is interesting to see the events that shaped Cash's life, and made him who he is. Whether you are a Johnny Cash fan or not, "Walk the Line" is a highly entertaining and well made movie that is worth seeing.