"Sweeny Todd (The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)" ** 1/2

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp: together again for film #6 as they team for the perfect Christmas movie. This one is getting great advance reviews. Unfortunately, I kept looking at my watch for it’s nearly 2 hour running time. The production values are typical Burtonesque and, in that vein, top notch. It kind of reminded me of his "Nightmare Before Christmas" with humans: perpetually dark (the only vivid color is blood red, of course) and the 19th century English sets are wonderful-existing somewhere between a stage and real life. The music, is, well, plentiful (it seems that only about 10% is spoken word). And while the gore is just as plentiful (I keep squeezing my neck trying to stop the flow of blood from squirting out) as Sweeney gleefully cuts the throat of patron after patron sitting in his barber chair, the corresponding action throughout is surprisingly listless. Depp is in his usual element, playing the intense demon barber to the nth degree as he goes about trying to avenge the wrong done by the corrupt judge, the smarmy Alan Rickman, who sent him into exile while simultaneously stealing his beautiful wife and child. And Helena Bonham-Carter (Burton's love in real life) does a nice turn in the Angela Lansbury role as Depp's longing lover who turns the barber's victims into meat pies. Although both actors do not have the operatic voices one usually associates with the roles, both are more than capable in this adaptation. And, newcomer child actor Edward Sanders will probably get a best supporting actor nod as he is wonderful as a helper in Mrs. Lovett's meat pie establishment. Alas, something about it left me, pardon the pun, cold-and bored.

"The Savages" ****

After a 9 year hiatus, writer/director Tamara Jenkins ("Slums Of Beverly Hills") tackles the heady topics of dysfunctional family and dementia and delivers one of the best, if not THE best, film I've seen in 2007! Proving once again that Oscar is clearly on his horizon, Philip Seymour Hoffman, so pitch perfect in the current "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead", shows once again why he is one of the best thespians around. Along with the always wonderful Laura Linney, they portray distant siblings who suddenly, together, must deal with the placement of their abusive mentally disintegrating father (wonderfully played by Philip Bosco) in a nursing home. The film succeeds in the reality of its script and acting where so many such films fail ("Away From Her" comes immediately to mind). Although many people might avoid it thinking that it hits too close to home and would be too painful to watch, the script is surprisingly humorous and human in its dealing with family dynamics and circumstances that are all too real in today's society. Tremendous!!!

"Juno" * 1/2

I sincerely wanted to love this movie-I mean, as of this writing, it had gotten 19 out of 20 positive Rotten Tomatoes (RT) reviews. A writer to Roger Ebert's answer man column even mentioned that it received a long standing ovation at the end at the Toronto Film Festival screening. So, the only negative review so far on RT is by a "cream-of-the-crop" reviewer Kyle Smith (film critic for The New York Post). After screening it last night, I was extremely curious as to what he had to say, because, I absolutely HATED THIS MOVIE-and for all the reasons he, Christian, and EB (who posted comments to Kyle's review-as did I) have expounded. Their points are totally, excuse the archaic expression, right-on. And, to mention this film in the same breath as "Knocked-up" is ludicrous beyond words. Wow, I didn't know that the subject of a 16 year old pregnant girl could be so light and frivolous! Besides that, nothing in this film is real or funny. I've never seen so many annoying characters in one film. I was literally cringing when it appeared that the 30ish Jason Bateman character was possibly making a play for the very pregnant and very young Juno. Oh, and how about ditching Jennifer Garner to live out his dream of being a comic loving rock star? PULLEEESE!!! A very disappointing 2nd film by Jason Reitman, after his brilliant debut with "Thank You For Smoking". Also, another annoying aspect of this mess is the promotional tactic dreamed up by Fox Searchlight. In order to drum up support they are offering a contest to all who attended the screening by offering additional free screenings and the person who obtains the most "points" receives their own private screening with cast members and a free guitar. They even gave away free t-shirts to everyone (different collector t-shirts given away at each screening). I asked one of the helpers there why the promotion was so ambitious and I was told the studio wanted to create another "Napoleon Dynamite". Good luck! That film at least made it on its own without the in-your-face promotion this one is attempting. I can't imagine sitting through this one again. I want those 96 minutes back!!!

"The Walker" **

Writer/director Paul Schrader's tackles Washington DC intrigue with this mess of a story involving a gay Southern gentleman (Woody Harrelson?!) whose main task in life is to occupy the time of wives of well-to-to political bigwigs while they themselves are doing the business of whatever they do in that perpetual lurid town. Add to this strange mix a murder, and Woody's desire to help cover up for one of his ladies (Kristin Scott Thomas)-a desire which ends up implicating him as the prime suspect. What could have been a success in the hands of a Hitchcock, turns into a lame attempt at mystery by the usually interesting Schrader. Nice turns by the distinguished case including Lauren Bacall, Ned Beatty, Lily Tomlin, and William Defoe, however, fail to save the lame script and premise.

"P.S. I Love You" ***

I screened the latest entry by writer/director Richard LaGravenese (screenwriter for the awful "Monster-In-Law" and the uncredited screenwriter for "Erin Brockovich") and it appears he is back on track with this better than average 100% bona fide chick flick (yes-even I can appreciate this genre as long as the script, acting, and direction are worthy). Based on the best-selling Cecelia Ahern novel, the movie opens with Hillary Swank and her Irish husband, played by Gerard Butler, in the midst of a typical spousal spat. And, before you can even settle into your chair, you are present at his wake. (I think the movie holds the record for the longest time it takes for the opening credits to roll after the start of the movie-probably about 15 minutes). Then, you are presented with the premise: Gerard had time to prepare for his demise and, from the grave, he helps direct his wife to better prepare for the rest of her life. How? Well, if you aren't aware of the plot, it's better to go into this one cold to see how he leads Hillary out of her depression and transform her from being a depressed widow to a hopeful person. Although it is bit predictable, and a tad too long in some scenes, the film delivers with an outstanding script and acting by the terrific ensemble cast comprising of Lisa Kudrow (who gets to deliver the majority of the one-liners-of which there are many), Gina Gershon, Harry Connick, Jr., and, the always wonderful, Kathy Bates. You might end up booking your next trip to Ireland after witnessing the gorgeous cinematography. Bring multiple hankies!

"Before The Devil Knows You're Dead" *** 1/2

Got a chance to see another masterpiece Sunday by The Master, Sidney Lumet ("The Pawnbroker", "Network", "Serpico", "Dog Day Afternoon, etc. etc. etc.!). The story of one very dysfunctional family and how the perfect crime turns horribly wrong is an amazing achievement for the elder director and first time screenwriter Kelly Masterson. The story and its technique (think "Pulp Fiction" without the timeframe confusions) will hold you spellbound and the acting by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, and Marisa Tomei are top notch. Not surprisingly, "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead" is receiving GREAT reviews (88% and 92% on RT). Seeing this, "Lars & The Real Girl, "American Gangster", and "Michael Clayton" within the last couple of weeks is almost too much to ask! I'm in true cinema heaven. Only the 25th anniversary of "Blade Runner" awaits!!

"No Country For Old Men" ***

I screened the latest from the Coen Brothers Wednesday night (currently getting a whooping 95/85% on Rotten Tomatoes). Let's call this one "Blood Simple" on steroids! Javier Bardem enters cinema legend as one of the biggest badasses ever portrayed on the silver screen. However, I'm not prepared to give it the "best movie of the year" tag a lot of critics are handing out. Suspenseful, humorous (in the classic Coen Brothers tradition), and utterly gory, the film will have you gripping the handles of your seat (or the hand of the person next to you)-especially when Bardem is around. However, ultimately, the ending left me baffled. Definitely worth seeing-but not if violence is not your cup of tea. Powerful!!

"Lars & The Real Girl *** 1/2

Outstanding quirky movie that pulls off the premise. Written by Nancy Oliver (who wrote five "6 Feet Under" episodes) is clearly one to watch. And what can you say about Ryan Gosling? He can act with a plastic doll better than most actors with real people. He and Crowe are becoming the premier actors of their generation!

"American Gangster" ****

And speaking of Crowe, "American Gangster" may garner over 6 AA's before all is said and done. I predict best acting noms for Crowe and Washington as well as best picture and direction. Tour de force by Ridley!

"Dan In Real Life" **

Finally, a verrrry disappointing "Dan In Real Life" (2 stars) by Peter Hedges who scored a home run with his indie gem "Pieces of April". Lame script and totally predictable premise drowns this stinker. What a waste of talent!