MARIE ANTOINETTE - Super cool soundtrack, fabulous images, but not a very engaging story. Kirsten Dunst does an excellent job in the lead role but it isn't nearly enough to make this a worthwhile viewing experience unless you're a fan of Director Sophia Coppola. Beautifully empty, sadly. Rated PG-13.
The Grade: C+

THE GRUDGE 2 - I've never seen so many good ideas in such a piss-poor horror film. Plenty of great frights but the three pronged story line sucks! Rated PG-13.
The Grade: C-

The Departed - This is a very watchable crime drama that may just get director Martin Scorsese the Oscar he's been long overdue to recieve. It is well acted across the board and has a great plot. It should be noted that it is a remake of an Asian film that came out a couple years back called Infernal Affairs. While the original is a compact, mean, lean thriller, Scorsese has turned his version into an intriguing epic, Greek drama. It is a bit long, nearly two and a half hours, but is truly great filmmaking on all levels. Rated R.
The Grade: A-

Science of Sleep - This is another wild and goofy film from Michel Gondry, the man who directed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It lacks the focus of his previous effort but the visuals are totally fun. Plus, Gabriel Garcia Bernal and Charlotte Gainsbourg are extremely charming. A twisted delight that will leave you pleasantly bewildered. Rated R.
The Grade: B-

School for Scoundrels - This is fairly entertaining film but ends up being sadly formulaic. Billy Bob Thornton could play evil in his sleep and he is by far the best thing here. Jon Heder, finally, transcends, strike that word, distances himself from Napoleon Dynamite but if this is what the future brings it isn't going to be a long career. In the end the show is stolen by the sweet Jacinda Barrett, the sardonic Sarah Silverberg, and the comic David Cross and a not so surprising cameo. Rated PG-13
The Grade: C