MIAMI VICE - Director Michael Mann is an artiste of the highest order. He shows his technical brilliance once again in this digital video police drama. I wouldn't be surprised if this film scores well with the critics but bombs at the box office. Whereas the t.v. show was 80s style pop art this is like classic drama. Seeing the gun battles is like watching a war film. You will no doubt get a little bored in this virtually humorless movie but it is very impressive on so many accounts. Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx imbue the characterizations of Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs with style and grace but oh so little emotion. Gong Li only adds to the chilly proceedings. Overall, it is a stellar film but a bit of chore to get through. Rated R for ultra violence, language, and sexual content.
The Grade: B+

LADY IN THE WATER - Director M. Night Shyamalan returns with a film that will once again delight his fans and confirm his detractors' opinions. What we have here is a fairy tale of sorts that starts off rather slow but over time builds into an intriguing tale of fantasy. Overall I enjoyed it but find it hard to recommend without reservation because it is so weird. It is about a mermaid creature (played with very little personality, unfortunately, by the usually talented Bryce Dallas Howard) who is befriended by an apartment superintendant (Paul Giamatti who gives a fine performance). From that premise we are propelled into a story about trying to get this mermaid creature (she is a "Narf") to safety. Are you still with me? It is actually a pretty cool film. Although Mr. Shyamalan's decision to cast himself in a key role is a problem because he isn't a very good actor. Also I could have done without his heavy handed two-dimensional response to film criticism. All that said. If you're into bizarre fairy tales this is the movie for you. Rated PG-13.
The Grade: B+/B

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - Wow! This movie is like a hurricane on the high seas. Constant action and a visual smorgasbord with incredible special effects and costumes. So yes, it is like a wild, entertaining ride that goes on too long and you start to get nauseous. If you liked the first installment you should be happy with this one except for the ending which is nonexistent. Johnny Depp takes Jake Sparrow to new heights and kudos for the screenwriters for incorporating more elements of the ride into the film. While not a very focused adventure this flick has some extremely memorable set piece scenes and the tentacle faced Davey Jones will never be forgotten.
The Grade: C+
Captain E.Flo (Left) Hook

Guest Review: By Captain Greaser
For anyone who knows me, and for those of you who don't, know that I'm a HUGE Disneyland and pirate fan. When I first heard they were making a movie based on the best theme park ride ever i was a little bummed. Once the movie hit the big screen I went and watched just as everyone else did. As soon as the film was done I wanted there to be more and could not wait to see if they were making a second installment of Pirates of the Caribbean. After all the build up that this film had I must say I was a bit disappointed in a few things. As a whole I LOVED the film, but would of liked to have seen some parts cut a down a bit. Like E.Flo pointed out there was too much of a good thing. I also agree with E.Flo on the amazing visuals, mostly Davey Jones. There were times where you can't tell if it's all digital or actual makeup. I personally think it's a good transitional film and set up a lot for the next installment. I did feel ripped off with the ending though for one reason and one reason only, the fact that I now have to wait till Memorial Day of next year for the 3rd film.
The Grade: B/B+

The Devil Wears Prada - This is such a girls film. That said, it is mostly filmed with beautiful girls so it is quite watchable. Based on a disposable novel of the same name it tells the story of a young lady working as an assistant to a editor of a fashion magazine. Anne Hathaway plays the innocent assistant and she is very likeable. Meryl Streep is incredible as the vicious editor. A bit romantic comedy a bit satire. Funny but predictable.
The Grade: B-

Superman Returns - And I was a bit disappointed. The plotline has some nice touches but is rather typical for a comic book film. The special effects are spectacular but it isn't enough to overcome the normal stuff going on. Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey are both solid as Superman/Clark Kent and Lex Luther respectively. Unfortunately, everyone else lacks charisma or is just recycled (case in point, Parker Posey wasted playing a dingbat woman much like Valerie Perrin did in the original movie).
The Grade: C+/C