three and a half stars

Reviewed by Daniel E. Jennis

Great philosophers say that to laugh at something is to completely eviscerate its meaning, to destroy its ability to be taken seriously. “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay”, the highly anticipated sequel to 2004’s “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”, completely embodies this principle. This film is an acerbic and mean-spirited comedy about governmental injustice and bigotry. The humor is barbed, bitter, and delivers on its intentions. This new “Harold and Kumar” chronicle is far from your average stoner romp.

three stars

Reviewed by Daniel E. Jennis

“Leatherheads” just screams period piece. From its jazzy score, to its old-fashioned sets, to its decidedly 1920’s costume selection, this movie really wants to let you know that it takes place in the past. For better or worse, this is the picture’s defining characteristic, and it absolutely conditions the way in which audiences will perceive the film.

four and a half stars

Reviewed by Daniel E. Jennis

The winner of the 2007 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, “The Counterfeiters” is a deftly crafted and deeply moving tale of survival and responsibility. Set during the height of Nazi power and exploring the reality of the horrific Eastern European death camps, “The Counterfeiters” examines a group of Jewish prisoners who are employed making counterfeit pounds and dollars for the Nazi regime.

four and a half stars

Reviewed by Daniel E. Jennis

Reminiscent of the classic thrillers of the 1970’s in its superior execution, “The Bank Job” is a riveting jolt of a film. With perfect pacing and a taught yet imaginative storyline, this movie is not to be missed.

two and a half stars

Reviewed by Daniel E. Jennis

Before the high-flying dunkers and ball-handling wizards came to the NBA, they played in the American Basketball Association (ABA), a makeshift league supported by a loyal fan base and the promise of flashy and stylized basketball. Due to a lack of profitability, the ABA eventually folded and several ABA franchises merged into the NBA, while others were left out.

one and a half stars

Reviewed by Daniel E. Jennis

“Jumper” is the perfect film for today’s caffeinated generation of hyperactive teenagers. Hayden Christensen (of “Star Wars” fame) stars as David Rice, a moping social outcast with teleportation abilities. David is called a “jumper” because he can move from one location to next with almost dizzying speed. Upon discovering this talent, David decides to rob a bank and flee to New York, embarking upon a life of luxury and impulsive romance.

four stars

Reviewed by Daniel E. Jennis

“Untraceable” may be the first crime drama to feature millions of killers. In the age of internet voyeurism, when American society has developed a sickly fascination with the misery of others, this competent thriller considers the theoretical implications of a murder in which everyone can participate.

By Daniel E. Jennis

The Best:

1. Gone Baby Gone
I never thought Ben Affleck was capable of directing this ethically stimulating masterpiece. Drawing the year’s best performance from his brother Casey, Ben masterfully crafts a sad fable of loss and responsibility that is designed to generate critical thought and discussion.

2. Zodiac

four and a half stars

Reviewed by Daniel E. Jennis

Johnny Cash’s older brother, Jack, died in 1944 when he was nearly cut in half by a table saw. “Walk Hard”, a parody of recent musical biopics, begins with the death of Dewey Cox’s older brother. This time, the poor kid is literally chopped in half when a friendly machete battle turns deadly. And just like that, “Walk Hard” boldly and hilariously ridicules and overcomes every genre cliché imaginable, creating a rich and over-the-top narrative that encourages both comedic and dramatic success.

three and a half stars

Reviewed by Daniel E. Jennis

In “I Am Legend”, a dark and disturbing end-of-the-world extravaganza, Will Smith stars as Robert Neville, the supposed only survivor of a virus that has killed off most of the human race, and turned the rest into blood thirsty beasts.