Land of the Dead - Wait, excuse me, this film is called George A. Romero's Land of the Dead. I think this is George's way of reminding us that he pretty much invented the Zombie film. Sure, you can find a few earlier examples but his The Night of the Living Dead is a movie classic that transcends genres and established Zombie films as a genre in itself. So yeah, George started it all and followed Night of with Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead. Okay, he knows how to make these films and he's good at it. I want to give him his props but at the same time I want to say c'mon George, this is your fourth Zombie flick, how 'bout getting a new trick. This is supposed to be a review so let me sum it up this way: Romero's latest is solid and has some good ideas as far as Zombie films goes. The cast might be B-list but it is the best B-list cast he has ever had. So yeah, I liked it. However, it certainly isn't as intriguing as 28 Days Later or as funny as Shawn of the Dead. Support these zombies if you get the chance. Rated R for nudity and violence. The Grade: B-/C+

Bewitched - Oh, how cute. Yikes! In some ways this film was scarier than the Zombie film. But seriously, yes it is smarmy but funny in a goofy way. Some people will think it totally sucks but considering its source material (sorry-I don't consider Bewitched a classic, a popular "gimmick" but not a classic t.v. show) there is no way they could have really made a "good" movie. So if you liked the show or are a fan of Will Ferrell or Nicole Kidman you'll like it. It is a creatively odd mixture of t.v. homage and romantic comedy. The supporting cast of Michael Caine and Shirley MacLaine is a hoot! (Did I really use the word hoot?) Rated PG-13. The Grade: C+/C.

Batman Begins - So the Batman is back and he's leaner and meaner now and in the process the best one we've had yet. Yes, Director Christopher Nolan (MEMENTO) and co-screenwriter David S. Goyer have reinvented the Batman mythos and in the process have come up with some great ideas and a few thorougly average ones. This film is thoroughly engaging, especially for one over two hours long. The visuals are strong although vary rarely are they jaw-dropping. The problems slowly creep in over time with the storyline, though. To be precise, the film lacks a good villian. Sort of prerequisite if you want to make a great comic book film. In the end, we get a trite final thirty film minutes. So close, but yet so far away. The movie has a solid big name cast featuring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, and Katie Holmes. Directed by Christopher Nolan (MEMENTO). - Rated PG-13 for Intense Action Violence, Disturbing Images and Some Thematic Elements. The Grade: B

Mr. & Mrs. Smith - (Starring Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Vince Vaughn. Directed by Doug Liman) - This qualifies as a very "cool" film in the vein of say Ocean's Eleven. Everyone is beautiful in this cinematic world of spies and there are great special effects and nifty set pieces and it is fun but oh so superficial. The story (what story?) barely holds together but it sure looks great. Rated PG-13 for Violence, Intense Action, Sexual Content and Brief Strong Language. The Grade: B-

Cinderella Man - (Starring Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger. Directed by Ron Howard.)- This is a crowd pleasingly good film based on the life of heavy weight boxer Jim Braddock. It is well acted and the fight scenes are well shot. Sometimes it makes the mistake of glossing over some important details and doesn't do a good job with showing the passage of time. However, despite the narrative problems it will no doubt receive a number of Oscar nominations. Paul Giamatti will hopefully be recognized for his supporting role as Braddock's trainer. The film is rated PG-13 for violence. The Grade: B

Lords of Dogtown - (Starring Emile Hirsh, Victor Rasuk, and John Robinson) - What could have been a disaster ends up being rather good. This story is an interesting look at America and its consumer/celebrity culture. It is based on the legendary Z-Boys who were featured in a documentary a few years back. Sure, some of the skateboard moves shown here weren't invented yet but this flick is informative and entertaining. It probably helps that is was written by Z-Boy, Stacy Peralta, and acted nicely by all involved. Rated PG-13 for drug and alcohol use, violence, and sexuality. The Grade: B