Idlewild - (Starring Andre Bengamin & Antwan A. Patton aka the guys from Outkast) - I'd have to say that this music themed film set in the thirties left me mostly cold. Director Bryan Barber has a visually interesting eye and definitely has made a stylish picture. The problems are the plot which is at about the level of a high school play and the mostly sketchy acting. Unfortunately it ends up being a mish-mash of music video, bar-room action, brief Southern landscapes, and bit cameos. The music kept me interested but just barely. Rated R for violence, sexuality, nudity and language.
The Grade: C+

The Illusionist - (Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, and Jessica Biel) - Nifty romantic drama set in turn-of-the-century Vienna about an illusionist and his jaw dropping performances. The visuals are mostly blase but the story is engaging and the acting solid. The special effects are too good to be true but everything manages to come together nicely for a film that is very watchable and at times very chilling. All that said, Snakes on a Plane, it ain't. Rated PG-13.
The Grade: B+

Talladega Nights - The Ballad of Ricky Bobby - Will Ferrell and his comic ways return to the big screen. The subject matter this time: NASCAR! Sure, it is funny, although not as consistently humorous at Anchorman - The Story of Ron Burgundy. And yes, in a lot of ways it is the SAME movie. Good supporting turns from John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron, and Gary Cole. Rated PG-13.
The Grade: C+