Sally Kline

'The Blind Side' a predictable, feel-good kind of movie

If you go 'The Blind Side' 2 out of 5 Stars Stars: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron Director: John Lee Hancock Rated PG-13 for one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references Running Time: 126 minutes "The Blind Side" is about as subtle as a tackle by a 6-foot-4-inch, 309-pound offensive lineman. So it only makes sense this conventional crowd-pleaser is about one. Sort of. It's being billed as a truthful account about the rise from ghetto castoff to gridiron prodigy of star Baltimore Ravens rookie Michael Oher, based on a section of Michael Lewis' 2006 book "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game." But this tolerable sports...

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'Precious' a beautiful, touching American story

If you go "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" 5 out of 5 stars Stars: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey Director: Lee Daniels Rated R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language Running time: 109 minutes "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" isn't a movie. It's an experience. And this beautifully transformative experience shouldn't be missed, even though the repulsing subject matter comes out of harsh reality. Lee Daniels ("Monster's Ball") produces and directs a Damien Paul screenplay taken from educator Sapphire's fictionalized amalgam about a disadvantaged child's life in the late 1980s...

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The world doesn't end soon enough in '2012'

If you go "2012" 2 out of 5 stars Stars: John Cusack, Chjwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton Director: Roland Emmerich Rated PG-13 for intense disaster sequences and some language. Running time: 158 minutes Surf's up, Tibet! The submerging by tsunami of the Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world, is the big climax of the apocalyptic preposterousness also known as "2012." You only wish the world would end to permanently terminate the suffering after spending more than 2 1/2 hours watching cities crumble and John Cusack's fake earnestness. It's hard to decide which of these two recurring motifs becomes more annoying...

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'Men Who Stare at Goats' a fun, yet fuzzy, story

If you go "Men Who Stare At Goats" 3 out of 5 stars Stars: George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey Director: Grant Heslov Rated R for language, some drug content and brief nudity. Running time: 93 minutes A funny thing happened on the way to Iraq ... or did it? True or not, "The Men Who Stare At Goats" mashes up "Dr. Strangelove" and "X-Files" in an ideologically equitable ridicule of modern American credos. New Age spirituality, the gullible media, paranormal superstition, Reagan-Bush administration paranoia, military folly and war contractor corruption get skewered with wit. In fact, everybody, from left and...

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Disney's 'A Christmas Carol' a darkly touching story

If you go 'Disney's A Christmas Carol' 3 out of 5 Stars Stars: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth Director: Robert Zemeckis Rated PG for scary sequences and images. Running Time: 96 minutes It's more ominous than any specter haunting Scrooge. Director-writer-producer Robert Zemeckis gives us the Ghost of Movies Yet to Come: his motion-capture version of the classic Charles Dickens 1843 novella about holiday redemption. "Disney's A Christmas Carol" turns out to be a surprisingly faithful and still relatable retelling. Though in order to show off the technology's eye-popping potential, combined with an inherent Victorian darkness preserved from the original...

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Young ingenue Carey Mulligan shines in 'An Education'

If you go "An Education" 4 out of 5 stars Stars: Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina Director: Lone Scherfig Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving sexual content, and for smoking Running time: 100 minutes "An Education" is a small art house picture with a big performance. Deservedly, its unfamiliar star Carey Mulligan is generating much of the attention for this witty coming-of-age slice of life. She imparts a memorable duality of personality strength and girlish adorability to Jenny, the precocious ingenue she plays. Her Oxford-bound 16-year-old in early 1960s England gets an education of an altogether different kind when she is seduced...

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'This Is It' a fascinating, poignant look at the King of Pop

If you go 'This Is It' 3 out of 5 Stars Star: Michael Jackson Director: Kenny Ortega Rated PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images. Running Time: 112 minutes One thing we know for sure: This isn't it. The documentary chronicling his final rehearsals ever, "This is It," isn't the last we'll be seeing of the late Michael Jackson. Studios, promoters, his family and many others will continue to exploit his legend and premature passing for money in perpetuity. The famous perfectionist -- a notoriously private master of hype -- might have been appalled. Here we spy behind the curtain of his Oz at the master entertainer at age 50 in something less than...

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Director outdoes himself with 'Antichrist' -- and not in a good way

If you go 'Antichrist' 2 out of 5 Stars Stars: Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg Director: Lars von Trier Not Rated. Running Time: 104 minutes It's torture! I refer both to what happens in "Antichrist" and to the experience of watching it. The most controversial film to come out of the major film festivals this year, the latest from highly skilled sicko Lars von Trier may be his most off-putting exercise in deliberate outrageousness yet -- and that's saying something. Ever since his best film, "Breaking the Waves," the flamethrowing Danish writer-director has been devising ever more deviant/explicit ways to make actresses like Bjork and Nicole...

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'Amelia' never really quite soars

Hilary Swank gives decent performance, but not enough to carry the weak film If you go 'Amelia' 2 out of 5 Stars Stars: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor Director: Mira Nair Rated PG for some sensuality, language, thematic elements and smoking Running Time: 111 minutes There's something about "Amelia." But it's not enough. Although today's biopic is about history's most legendary aviatrix and boasts gorgeous production values, the Hilary Swank star vehicle never really takes off. It's not like the raw material of Amelia Earhart's life doesn't provide sufficient cinematic fodder for director Mira Nair ("The Namesake," "Monsoon...

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'Law Abiding Citizen' has a lot of action thrills, but little else

If you go 'Law Abiding Citizen' 1 out of 5 Stars Stars: Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler, Viola Davis Director: F. Gary Gray Rated R for strong bloody brutal violence and torture, a scene of rape, and pervasive language. Running Time: 108 minutes Give this "Citizen" a rest. That bad pun may ruin my chances for a Pulitzer Prize. But only smirking ridicule is deserved of this big-name revenge thriller that begins as nastily violent exploitation and ends as laughably bad mess. On the surface, "Law Abiding Citizen" has a lot going for it. The commercial genre piece boasts plenty of action and graphic thrills. It stars macho hottie Gerard Butler (who also...

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A movie to go 'Wild' for

'Where the Wild Things Are' brings the children's book to life in unusual, outstanding way If you go "Where the Wild Things Are" 4 out of 5 stars Stars:ÊMax Records, Catherine Keener with voices by James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Dano Director: Spike Jonze Rated PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language Running time: 98 minutes Maybe the wildest thing about "Wild Things" is that it got released like this. Instead of ruining another beloved children's book with the usual kids movie compromises -- cliche plotlines, broad comedy and overadrenalized spectacle -- Bethesda native filmmaker Spike Jonze was...

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You won't want to go on this 'Couples Retreat'

It's not clear why you would want to watch fat, hostile married men and their incompatibly more attractive, but equally daft, spouses on the verge of divorce. But if you would, forget "Couples Retreat." Save yourself the 10 bucks, stay home in front of the TV and view Jon and Kate immolate themselves and their "Plus 8" on just about every channel instead. But don't be fooled by "Couples' " incessant ad campaign, which emphasizes the cool setting and familiar Hollywood faces like Vince Vaughn in farcical sight gags. Just because the lavishly mounted ensemble comedy comes along with fabulous postcard vistas of saturated sunshine in a tropical paradise, it...

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'A Serious Man' a deliciously twisted delight

If you go 'A Serious Man' 4 out of 5 Stars Stars:ÊMichael Stuhlbarg, Fred Melamed, Richard Kind Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen Rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and brief violence. Running Time: 104 minutes When the end credits roll for the Coen Brothers' new black comedy, there's a droll disclaimer: "No Jews were harmed in the making of this motion picture." While it may be true that none of its mostly Jewish cast of lesser-known actors was physically injured during filming, the fictional hero of "A Serious Man" is seriously tormented for our amusement. And, as it happens, for our bemusement too. In their first overtly Jewish film...

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Owen gives charming performance in 'The Boys Are Back'

Here, the "Boys" just want to have fun. And that's the problem. In Clive Owen's engaging "The Boys Are Back," from "Shine" director Scott Hicks, a recent widower and his sons have trouble facing their emotions. Until they are eventually forced to do that, they turn a remote Aussie homestead into a blokes-only clubhouse of filth and frolic. Roughly based on the memoir "The Boys Are Back in Town" by Simon Carr, Allan Cubitt's screenplay follows a British sports journalist living down under with his stunning young wife, Katy (Laura Fraser), and their precocious 6-year-old, Artie (played by irresistible Nicholas McAnulty). Within a few minutes of the...

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'Whip It' an enjoyable coming-of-age, gal-pal kind of movie

If you go 'Whip It' 3 out of 5 Stars Stars:ÊEllen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore Director: Drew Barrymore Rated PG-13 for sexual content including crude dialogue, language and drug material. Running Time: 111 minutes "Whip It" is a frothy treat. Although the promotional campaign plays up this roller derby romp as Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, most of the flavor comes from its jocular, endearing leading lady. Ellen Page proves here that her career-rocking star turn in "Juno" was no fluke. She continues to embody a laid-back but subversive brand of young, modern female strength. Her small-town Texas protagonist Bliss Cavendar makes...

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No 'Love' for the free market in Michael Moore documentary

If you go "Capitalism: A Love Story"Ê 4 out of 5 stars Director: Michael Moore Rated R for some language. Running time: 127 minutes What's "Love" got to do with it? When it comes to Michael Moore's target in "Capitalism: A Love Story," not much. He dumps on our relationship with that system in his customarily droll and incisive way, meaning the facetiously titled documentary is no mere flirtation. The leftie crusader hammers Wall Street villains, omnipotent lobbyists, every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan, and even Democrats -- including Sen. Christopher Dodd and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Corruption, hypocrisy, callousness, personal and...

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'Jennifer's Body' good for cheap B-movie thrills, but little else

If you go "Jennifer's Body" 2 out of 5 stars Stars: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody Director Karyn Kusama Rated R for sexuality, bloody violence, language and brief drug use. Running time: 101 minutes "Jennifer's Body" is undeveloped. Naturally, I'm not referring to the bodacious assets of the sexy actress who inhabits the title physique. "Transformers" eye candy Megan Fox looks fabulous and proves she can deliver lines with sufficient credibility in her first real, uh, stab at doing so on the big screen. No, disappointingly, it's the nervy feminist concept behind today's horror flick that is flat. More than three decades after...

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Matt Damon steals the show in 'The Informant!'

If you go 'The Informant!' 3 out of 5 Stars Stars: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale, Melanie Lynskey Director: Steven Soderbergh Rated R for language Running Time: 108 minutes Though it uses a timely topic for fodder, "The Informant!" fails to inform. It does, however, entertain. That's thanks to a droll lead performance by an unflinching Matt Damon. An able supporting cast and some other clever style choices by big-time director Steven Soderbergh ("Traffic," the "Oceans" franchise) also contribute. But in the end, an incompatibly satiric tone and lack of substantive context make this a flippant and hollow black comedy that only...

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'September Issue' a decadent look into world of high-fashion

If you go "The September Issue" 4 out of 5 stars Director: R. J. Cutler Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. Running time: 89 minutes In or out of Prada, she's definitely the devil. But her hell sure is a hoot. The tiny tyrant who inspired Meryl Streep's deliciously nasty editor character in the 2006 fictional movie gets her own, director R.J. Cutler's "The September Issue." The highly entertaining documentary ostensibly illustrates the ruthless behind-the-scenes process by which Anna Wintour, czarina of the industry bible Vogue, and her staff put out their pivotal fall fashion issue. We get to watch the infighting, egotism, disproportionate...

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'9' is a dark, unique animated adventure

Characters are cleverly conceived in this good-versus-evil story If you go '9' 3 out of 5 Stars Vocal Stars: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer Director: Shane Acker Rated PG-13 for violence and scary images Running Time: 79 minutes At least when it comes to the quality and originality of its CGI animation, the movie "9" is a singular sensation. If only the good-versus-evil, sci-fi action story line wasn't so by-the-numbers. Creatively dark filmmakers Tim Burton (the prolific master) and Timur Bekmambetov ("Wanted") produce director Shane Acker's feature-length adaptation of his...

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Robin Williams brings depth to 'World's Greatest Dad'

If you go "World's Greatest Dad" 2 out of 5 Stars Stars: Robin Williams, Danielle Barnum, Steve Anderson Director: Bobcat Goldthwait Rated R for language, crude and sexual content, some drug use and disturbing images Running Time: 99 minutes Because Bobcat Goldthwait is behind the lens and Robin Williams is in front of it, you already know that the title "World's Greatest Dad" involves irony. And, sure enough. They team up to twist that heartwarming label into a button-pushing comedy referencing everything from autoerotic asphyxiation and compulsive teenage obnoxiousness to groupthink, hypocrisy and the irresistible lure of personal ambition. The filmmaker who...

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'Extract' more of a low-simmer style kind of comedy

If you go "Extract" 3 out of 5 stars: Jason Bateman Ben Affleck, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig Director: Mike Judge Rated R for language, sexual references and some drug use. Running time: 91 minutes "Extract" isn't exactly vanilla. But Mike Judge's new comedy, about the hapless boss of a food-flavoring factory, doesn't have quite as much zing or generate enough out-loud laughs to fully exploit its irresistibly quirky ensemble. Despite the project's obviously modest size and laid-back rhythms, its cult-favorite director-writer attracts a terrifically funny cast down even to the smallest parts. With deadpan facial reactions and unforced joke-line...

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The next blockbuster is ...

George Clooney hangs out with an outlaw psychic! Hilary Swank vanishes in the less-than-friendly skies! Matt Damon blows the whistle! Unless you’ve been living where the wild things are, you’ve probably guessed that it’s fall, which means Hollywood’s cool kids have begun their grab for gold. The unofficial awards season launches with the more “serious,” adult-minded material that rolls out after the summer blockbuster period wanes. But for the masses, there will still be plenty of fun flicks — if on a more modest scale — to whet appetites for popcorn. Here’s what’s coming; dates are subject to change. Oscar bait The Informant!...

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'Play the Game' a contrived love story for the older generation

If you go 'Play the Game' 1 out of 5 Stars Stars: Andy Griffith, Paul Campbell, Liz Sheridan, Doris Roberts, Marla Sokoloff Director: Marc Fienberg Rated PG-13 for sexual content and language Running Time: 103 minutes We sure aren't in Mayberry anymore. The dowager who portrayed Seinfeld's mother does something to Sheriff Andy Taylor in "Play the Game" that would give Aunt Bee the vapors. Thankfully, the act -- one that Monica Lewinsky made famous -- isn't graphically shown. But the implication is clear enough to make you blush, if not nauseous. Consider yourself warned. That ignominious incident isn't the only thing that trifles with the dignity of a beloved...

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'Taking Woodstock' never really takes flight

Ang Lee's historical comedy-drama finds itself lagging in places If you go 'Taking Woodstock' 3 out of 5 Stars Stars: Demetri Martin, Emile Hirsch, Liev Schreiber Director: Ang Lee Rated PG-13 for graphic nudity, some sexual content, drug use and language. Running Time: 110 minutes By the time we get to Woodstock in the new movie "Taking Woodstock," we have had to sit through a long opening act. That's because Ang Lee's historical comedy-drama is less about the landmark 1969 festival itself and more about how an unassuming local entrepreneur in upstate New York accidentally came to save it and was saved by it. There really is no larger point, no metaphors or...

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'Post Grad' fails to make the grade

If you go "Post Grad" 1 out of 5 Stars Stars: Alexis Bledel, Michael Keaton, Carol Burnett Director: Vicky Jenson Rated PG-13 for sexual situations and brief strong language Running Time: 89 minutes "Post Grad" is mostly bad. Unless you're an unrepentant "Gilmore Girls" groupie, still roused by All Things Rory, there's not much to recommend in this trite, wasteful and astonishingly regressive chick flick starring the late show's Alexis Bledel. She plays Ryden Malby, an idealistic recent college graduate whose great expectations get dashed by an unexpected failure to launch. The sweet, book-loving 22-year-old has a wacky interfering...

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'Basterds' weaves classic Tarantino elements into strong story

If you go 'Inglourious Basterds' 4 out of 5 Stars Stars: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Melanie Laurent, Diane Kruger Director: Quentin Tarantino Rated R for strong graphic violence, language and brief sexuality. Running Time: 153 minutes "Inglourious Basterds" is as idiosyncratic and attention-grabbing as its title. The intentional misspelling is the sort of gimmicky flourish from Quentin Tarantino that polarizes opinion about him. The writer-director often goes overboard with eccentricity, but that also is the source of his originality. The ultimate film geek, he worships the medium and abhors banality even as he reworks motifs from previous movies in his...

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Documentary 'Soul Power' gives music element short shrift

If you go "Soul Power" 3 out of 5 Stars Director: Jeffrey Levy-Hinte Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and brief strong language Running Time: 93 minutes The soul is powerful in "Soul Power." Unfortunately, there's not enough of it. James Brown, B.B. King, Bill Withers, the Spinners, salsa queen Celia Cruz and its other artists only perform during about half the length of this documentary about "Zaire '74." The three-day concert in Kinshasa, Zaire, preceded the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and heavyweight champ George Foreman. The other half of the film consists of behind-the-scenes wrangling about...

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Streep, Adams make 'Julie & Julia' a tasty treat

If you go "Julie & Julia" 4 out of 5 Stars Stars: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci Director: Nora Ephron Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and some sensuality. Running time: 123 minutes It has Meryl Streep and Paris and food -- all divinely rendered. So what's not to savor in "Julie & Julia,Ó a comedy of female redemption through victual ritual? The worst thing that you can say: Some straight men and children might not get it. But, ah, for the rest of us! Though it goes down more as indulgent mousse au chocolat than as rib-sticking boeuf bourguignon, this bill of fare ultimately satisfies. Before director-writer Nora Ephron...

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'The Ugly Truth' isn't pretty at all

Not even the lead characters of Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler can save this romantic comedy "The Ugly Truth" wastes two pretty actors. Why bother casting tall, dark and roguish Gerard Butler with luscious blonde Katherine Heigl in your formulaic, overstated R-rated romantic comedy if you aren't even going to show us the goods? This cliché-ridden battle-of-the-sexes earns its "R" for cursing and a few very dirty double entendres, not for the sweaty grappling or even partial nudity of its comely leads. And that is a shame. If you go "The Ugly Truth" 2 out of 5 Stars Stars: Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler, Eric Winter Director: Robert...

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'In the Loop' a biting, witty satire of war and politics

If you go "In the Loop" 4 out of 5 Stars Stars: Tom Hollander, Peter Capaldi, James Gandolfini, Anna Chlumsky Director: Armando Iannucci Not Rated. Running Time: 106 minutes From across the pond to inside the Beltway, "In the Loop" skewers wonks without mercy. The Brit-made satire is a barely veiled slap at the shamelessly manipulated Anglo-American policy that precipitated the Iraqi War. There's nothing funny about the deadly predicament that has been wrought by that real-life scheme since 2003. But you can't help but chortle at this absurdist fiction of batty bureaucrats who bicker, backbite and literally bonk each other in the sack and figuratively...

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'(500) Days of Summer' a unique girl-meets-boy tale

If you go '(500) Days of Summer' 3 out of 5 Stars Stars: Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt Director: Marc Webb Rated PG-13 for sexual material and language. Running Time: 96 minutes For once, she's just not that into him. In this season's role-reversing romantic dramedy "(500) Days of Summer," Zooey Deschanel as the aloof Summer Finn resists commitment to Joseph Gordon-Levitt's lovesick Tom Hanson. This fresh twist may not be exactly believable in real-world applications. C'mon, how many times have you heard of the girl being afraid of meaningful conversation and feelings!?!? But that premise is just one idiosyncrasy that distinguishes today's clever and...

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Everybody's favorite wizard is back with a bang

'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' another outstanding installment in the series If you go "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" 3 out of 5 Stars Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson Director: David Yates Rated PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality. Running Time: 153 minutes "Half-Blood" is a full-blooded installment in the Harry Potter movie canon. Meaning, it shares the traits of the previous blockbusters, based on the insanely bestselling J.K. Rowling fantasy-adventure novels. Like its five big screen precursors, which have earned a collective $4.5 billion (!) worldwide, "Harry Potter...

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'Bruno' will make you laugh, once the shock wears off

Sacha Baron Cohen makes everybody a target in a movie that lampoons prejudice, celebrity worship If you go 'BrŸno' 3 out of 5 Stars Star: Sacha Baron Cohen, Gustaf Hammarsten Director: Larry Charles Rated R for pervasive strong and crude sexual content, graphic nudity and language Running Time: 82 minutes Throughout "BrŸno," today's raunch-a-thon from "Borat's" Sacha Baron Cohen, his new gay fashionista alter ego is obsessed with that area of the human anatomy that involves sitting and other more private bodily functions. Some of you will laugh yours off and some of you will be offended by his latest button-pushing mockumentary. But it's hard to...

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There's nothing to love about 'I Love You, Beth Cooper'

It's an "edgy" summer comedy about the night two geeky graduating seniors have their last hurrah. It is characterized by gleeful underage substance abuse, outrageous physical damage and latent homosexuality. But "I Love You, Beth Cooper" isn't "Superbad." It's just super bad. Why the witty 2007 romp worked and this one does not is a mystery for the ages. Or, maybe, it's just that the actors in "Cooper" are unlikable and the characters they play are stupid; the direction is ham-fisted; and, the script isn't funny. Originally, the distributor wasn't going to show today's farce to critics. That was a good first instinct. Because it's hard to imagine...

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'Whatever Works' works, but mostly for Woody Allen fans

If you go "Whatever Works" 3 out of 5 Stars Stars: Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson Director: Woody Allen Rated PG-13 for sexual situations including dialogue, brief nude images and thematic material. Running Time: 92 minutes "Whatever Works" does work, at least to a minor extent. The same way that last month's "The Proposal" was an average Sandra Bullock romp, meant mostly for her particular fans, the latest Woody Allen comedy may be only best appreciated by devotees of his trademark brand of sardonic, urban wit. This time, his kindred misanthrope Larry David plays the protagonist who somehow manages to bag a barely legal...

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'Public Enemies' is simple, artistic and awesome

No high-tech CGI is needed to make this summer movie a blockbuster If you go "Public Enemies" 5 out of 5 Stars Stars: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard Director: Michael Mann Rated R for gangster violence and some language. Running Time: 140 minutes John Dillinger was deemed America's first Public Enemy No. 1. In "Public Enemies," Johnny Depp revives the legendary criminal with both control and charisma in the No. 1 studio drama of 2009 so far. But the star of this show is director-producer-writer Michael Mann ("Heat"). Combining intricate storytelling, historical interest, visual mastery and heartrending romance...

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'Cheri' doesn't rise to the level of it's namesake novel

If you go "Cheri" 3 out of 5 Stars Stars: Michelle Pfeiffer, Rupert Friend, Kathy Bates Director: Stephen Frears Rated R for some sexual content and brief drug use Running Time: 92 minutes The makers of today's period drama of risky romantic gamesmanship, as adapted from famous French literature, did the same thing better together in 1988. But even though "Cheri" doesn't have nearly the biting wit, narrative intrigue or emotional punch as their "Dangerous Liaisons" -- a grand enacting of 18th century lust/love that became one of the best films of the last 25 years -- this one still provides some visual delights and tender...

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'My Sister's Keeper' explores some tough questions

If you go "My Sister's Keeper" 2 out of 5 Stars Stars: Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Sofia Vassilieva Director: Nick Cassavetes Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, sensuality, language and brief teen drinking. Running Time: 108 minutes It's not about living with cancer. It's about dying from cancer. Worse yet, "My Sister's Keeper" is about a nubile teenage girl with bee-stung lips dying from cancer -- and the toll it takes on her family. Brought to you by the flagrant manipulator who jerked your tears through "The Notebook," director-co-writer Nick Cassavetes adapts Jodi Picoult' novel for more chick-aimed...

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‘Management’ quirky, yet predictable, indie comedy

“Management” is one of those accessible independent films that quirky clown Steve Zahn is best known for and Hollywood personality Jennifer Aniston does occasionally to try to prove she can act. You can always tell when Aniston is doing this, but not by any unique thespian skill on her part. Aside from the obvious pay cut she must be taking in a mildly diverting romantic comedy with cheap production values and a tiny B-level ensemble, the commercial blonde seems to think that she’s really emoting when she has dyed her hair darker, is wearing less makeup and sulks. Eh, voila! The cute, charismatic movie star smiles less and thus turns “actress” portraying...

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‘Angels and Demons’ fits the summer movie bill

Judging by the disproportionate box office success of “The Da Vinci Code,” audiences won’t fear to tread to “Angels.” But this sequel to the 2006 blockbuster — based on a Dan Brown novel that was actually written before his more emblematic best-seller — isn’t all that much better. “Angels and Demons” is a thriller set in and around the Vatican, which is about to be blown up by a bomb fashioned from the latest technology in “antimatter.” And only the guy who proved that Jesus was a daddy can save the day! Today’s piece has all the same marketable elements that made the rambling, arcane and slow...

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Summer movie preview » Escape to the movies

Meryl cooks! Spock beams up! Brad sports a really bad mustache! That can only mean one thing: It’s summer at the multiplex again. Time to turn off your cerebral cortex and pony up for the popcorn because — in keeping with the custom of this season and the public’s need to escape the reality of recession — Hollywood is offering a plethora of mostly frivolous fodder to entice us into the air conditioning. Bon appetit! (Opening dates are subject to change.) Star Trek Expect a Vulcan death grip to seize the box office They’ve boldly been there before -- many times. But after innumerable TV installments and feature films, the franchise reintroduces the original...

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'X-Men Origins: Wolverine': At least the effects are special

For a movie about a dude with razorlike claws, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” sure is dull. If only this very earnest fourth installment in the franchise, based on the Marvel comic book series, could have been as ironic as that unfortunate fact. But it’s not just irony, humor or sheer entertainment value that is lacking in this basic revenge fantasy, a “prequel” designed to explain how a little boy named Jimmy from the Northwest Territory in 19th century America would become the part-lupine, adamantium-infused killing machine renamed Logan, aka Wolverine. Although the popcorn picture is mitigated by some cool special effects action and the pervasive presence of...

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‘17 Again’ a tired, cliche-ridden story

You won’t remember “17 Again” again after you’ve seen it. The sweet but banal fantasy comedy has one noteworthy claim, at least to a segment of his young female fan base: It’s the first time cutie Zac Efron has gotten to carry a picture. The undeniably charismatic “High School Musical” alumnus shows potential as a movie star. He’s the best thing here. If only he had picked richer material than this derivative take on the already worn premise about the adult who gets the chance — by means of far-fetched plot device — to relive his or her youth. It was done with more wit in “Peggy Sue Got Married,” more heart in...

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