Rize

This joint was good but I will preface my review with the following caveat: You have to actually be interested in the subject matter before you go see this movie. It's a documentary, so it is what it is: kids from the hood dancing. For like 80 minutes. I went with a friend and probably wouldn't have gone to see this flick independently. I just wasn't sure I wanted to watch them dance the whole time, and I was skeptical about whether or not "krumping" is worthy of a film. Krumping is the name given to the frenetic dancing featured in the movie. The movie was directed by David La Chapelle, who is renowned for a bunch of stuff, I guess -- but I recognize his name from directing videos. Anyway, this art form basically saves the lives of the people who do it by serving as an alternative to gang banging and other hood activities which spell the downfall for so many black youth. So, props to La Chapelle for showcasing it. And the dancing was off the hook, why can't I shake my ass like that? By the way, don't try to practice "krumping" when you get home like I did. You'll probably look like an a$$hole.


Mr. & Mrs. Smith
By now you've probably seen this movie if you're inclined to do so. I thought it was good. You have to check your brain at the door, but I mean really -- is that a problem? LOL. If you want an intellectual movie-going experience, check out the Crash review below. Back to the topic at hand. Pitt and Jolie do their thing as a married pair of assassins, assigned the task of killing each other. The first half of the movie may seem plodding to some, but it shows how a marriage can deteriorate into a mundane routine. The ending is totally implausible, but you have fun getting there. Arguably the best scene in the movie is a knock-down (literally) drag out fight between the two leads. I hate when women and men fight in the movies, and the viewer is really expected to believe that some chick is kicking a guy's ass...but Jolie actually pulls it off and the two actors seem to be having fun doing it. The fight winds up serving as foreplay as the two make up the old-fashioned way. 2 pretty people kickin' ass and blowin' stuff up? Works for me.


Crash
These movie reviews aren't exactly hot-off-the press, so again--if you really wanted to see Crash you probably would have done so by now...if not SHAME ON YOU! This is the hands-down best movie of the year. Some people thought it was heavy-handed, but I thought it was dead on. I've even heard that some moviegoers felt compelled to walk out...can't handle the truth!!! The movie is in the vein of other intersecting lives/ensemble movies like Magnolia, 21 Grams etc. The cast is stellar and the acting superb. Expect nothing less from the likes of Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton, Terrence Howard and Larenz Tate. Howard and Tate are pretty underrated outside of the black community, but take my word for it, these guys are some powerful actors. Howard's reputation may get a boost from the upcoming Hustle & Flow, stay tuned. Anyhoo, Crash examines contemporary racism in L.A. It was written by Paul Haggis, the man who penned Million Dollar Baby--and like Million Dollar Baby, Crash gets under your skin and settles there long after you've left the theater. Just when you've decided that you absolutely detest a character they go and do something that flips your whole perspective. When you decide that you've finally found a character with some redeeming qualities, an event happens that ruins even that! This is an Oscar-worthy flick that should not be overlooked. Check it out.

Batman Begins
I'll keep this one short. This movie is worth checking out, as it explores the darker side of the Caped Crusader and shows the psychological demons that shape his existence. We know that Bruce Wayne's parents are killed in front of him as a child. The movie accurately depicts a child's guilt and despair, and we can see how witnessing this tragic event stays with Bruce essentially forever. Christian Bale stars as Batman, and does an excellent job. He's dark and tormented and looks good without a shirt. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine are always effective, and they bring a level of dignity and refinement to any role. Katie Holmes? Umm, wasn't really feelin' her. Any actress could've played the role, it really wasn't a big deal. Her character is a lawyer in the D.A.'s office and a childhood friend of Bruce. Big whoop. The villains are particular creepy as well. Overall a good movie -- not comparable to Spiderman, but not bad either.