Movie Review: Tangled

Release Date: November 24, 2010 (3D/2D theaters) 
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures 
Director: Byron Howard, Nathan Greno 
Screenwriter: Dan Fogelman 
Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman, M.C. Gainey, Jeffrey Tambor, Brad Garrett, Paul F. Tompkins 
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Family, Musical 
MPAA Rating: PG (for brief mild violence) 
Official Website: Disney.com/Tangled 

So Here’s What The Film Is About…

With the healing power a ray of sunshine embedded deep within her golden hair, Rapunzel is stolen from the King and Queen by an evil woman who wishes to remain young for the rest of her life.  As Rapunzel stays locked in the tower, with the frequent visits from her adopted mother, she dreams of a life outside the tower walls where she can live her dream.

Now enters the love interest, Flynn Rider, who has stolen the precious crown of the long lost princess finds refuge within the mysterious tower hidden away in the woods.  Out of fear, having never seen a real man before, takes Flynn hostage and offers him a trade…take her out into the world to see the glistening lanterns that appear every year on her birthday in return for the crown.

And thus starts the adventure where the unlikely duo sets out towards the castle where both will come face to face with their future.  But they will have to avoid the over-protective and selfish mother as well as a few of Flynn’s enemies along the way.

And Here’s What I Thought About It…

As with most Disney animated films which are based on very dark and twisted stories, Rapunzel is given a very rich, animated look filled with happy butterflies and gumdrop smiles.  This is not a negative criticism as things obviously need to be changed in order to meet the “family film” criteria and keep that rating of PG or lower.  I don’t think any of us will really want to see Flynn’s eye scratched out by the villain now do we?  But with any change in a film adaptation also comes with it a fear that something drastic will change in the story, causing fans to rip the film to shreds in how “inaccurate” the story is.  Whether you are one of those types of fans or not, rest assured there is something for everyone within Tangled.

Tangled is, of course, a shout out to the Roy Disney and Michael Eisner days of Disney; giving fans storylines involving a princess in distress who is rescued by the handsome prince (or in this case, thief) and running away from the evil mother.  It is the story of a free spirited young girl who yearns for something more than what her current life provides; with the random array of animals who seem to understand English and the folkish feel to the story, Tangled screams to the 30 – 40 year olds of today to travel back in time to when they were all just finishing elementary school and remember their filmatic childhood.  (Yes, I made up a word.  My blog, my rules…deal with it!) 

However, with this countries retelling (Yes, America is not the only country that tells these types of stories) of the famous folk story, Disney took a chance and strayed away from the popular title and slapped a much more modern and creative title across the movie posters streaming the internet.  And like most of the animated feature films of today, Tangled is filled with silly attempts at appealing to today’s youth, such as Flynn surfing down the dam and Rapunzel’s highly clever and athletic way of using her hair. 

But with the steadily declining interest in musicals in American culture these days, Disney markets this film as a simple animated film with very few musical numbers.  Quite the contrary as the film holds up to just as many songs as you would find in the Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast.  And Tangled is arguably the most musical animated film Disney has produced since Ariel’s adventure to the surface world.  (Just sit through all of the credits and you’ll see what I mean.)

Disney goes through different stages within their animation quality.  Once Walt died, brother Roy took it in a different direction.  As he left, Don Bluth came in and gave Disney a new artistic direction that changed the way animation was done.  Years later after Disney’s “let’s-make-our-movies-cheaply” faze, Michael Eisner took the helm and began giving us animated films to the quality of the Lion King. Now, Robert Iger is forcing Disney into a new era that has been bench marked by that of Pixar Animation Studios.  Tangled maintains that classic, Disney style but balloons the film into much more rich, fuller and life-like animation than in the companies past.  The landscaping of the woods and the chase scenes within them were perfectly done while the collapsing dam within the dried up canyon could have been mistaken for a live action, on location shot.

But most impressive is the detail in not only Rapunzel’s hair, but the hair of each and every character.  Mother Gothel’s mid-length curls had the sturdiness of any black-haired temptress, while Flynn’s thin and wavy brown locks were a sight for sore eyes.  And obviously, Rapunzel’s hair was given an extra amount of care as it was needed to maintain its golden grace despite the many trials and tribulations both her and Flynn would meet along the way.  This is all thanks to the 10 year research project and thesis by Xinmin Zhao and Kelly Ward, whose expertise aided in this films top notch animation quality.

The film’s story does take a little bit to find its footing.  But it isn’t helped by Flynn’s beginning narration and the montage of introductory set-up for the main plot.  It was a necessary thing given the starting point Disney decided to go with, but for about a half hour I was wondering what kind of film I was about to see; A cute and funny story with a Disney twist, or a seemingly contrived plot that was trying way to hard to be cool.  But after that first half hour, the film takes off into a fantastic adventure filled with laughs, action and adventure.

Casting was exceptional, especially the surprising singing talents given by Donna Murphy as the evil mother Gothel.  (I should stop being surprised by the musical excellence of most actors and actresses shouldn’t I?)  Donna Murphy, who’s made some brief appearances in films such as Star Trek: Insurrection and Spider-Man 2, went outside her normal, mellow acting role and pulled out all the stops, giving us one of the sexiest temptress voices to ever hit the recording studio.  Mandy Moore gives an excellent performance as does the unknown actor (at least unknown to me) Zachery Levi. The two make that classic connection of opposites attract very well.  Oh! And see if you can figure out who directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard are doing the voices of!

For those of you who read my reviews consistently, you’ll know of my distaste for the storylines which are very predictable and purposefully pulled from the Hollywood script vault. While I understand why this is done, I find myself still having trouble accepting the fact that nothing original can come from a regurgitated storyline.  But, from time to time, I can allow myself to enjoy a film with a predictable script, especially when it comes to Disney animated films.  And with Tangled’s obvious shout out to its Eisner glory days, I take no real issue with the story’s plot base as its progression.  And with the upgrade in the quality of animation, Disney has given audiences an animated family film that anyone can enjoy.

Rating 9 out of 10

Cinematic Excursions: Film Releases For The May 21st Weekend

Here we are, another big movie opening weekend.  The two big name films out this weekend is the 4th installment in the Shrek franchise and the Saturday Night Live hit short, MacGruber.  I'll be on the road this weekend to see my brother-in-law graduate from high school so there won't be any trips to the movies for me this weekend.  But everyone else should enjoy the end of school and take a trip to the movies, there's something for everyone...

Release Date: May 21, 2010 (3D/2D theaters and IMAX 3D) 
Studio: DreamWorks Animation 
Director: Mike Mitchell 
Screenwriter: Josh Klausner, Darren Lemke 
Starring: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Jon Hamm, Kathy Griffin, Kristen Schaal Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy 
MPAA Rating: PG (for mild action, some rude humor and brief language) 
Official Website: Shrek.com 
Review: 7/10 rating | 6/10 rating 


Plot Summary: Shrek is feeling over-domesticated in the fourth installment. He has lost his roar. It used to send villagers running away in terror. Now they run to him and ask him to sign their pitchforks and torches. To regain his ogre mojo, he strikes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. The pact goes awry and Shrek must confront what life would be like in Far Far Away if he had never existed. That translates into Donkey being forced into cart-pulling duty, fat and lazy Puss in Boots trading his sword for a pink bow and the underhanded Rumpelstiltskin ruling the kingdom. 
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Release Date: May 21, 2010 
Studio: Rogue Pictures (Universal) 
Director: Jorma Taccone Screenwriter: Will Forte, John Solomon, Jorma Taccone Starring: Will Forte, Ryan Phillippe, Kristen Wiig, Val Kilmer, Powers Boothe,Maya Rudolph Genre: Action, Comedy 
MPAA Rating: R (for strong crude and sexual content, violence, language and some nudity) 
Official Website: IAmRogue.com/MacGruber 


Plot Summary: Only one American hero has earned the rank of Green Beret, Navy SEAL and Army Ranger. Just one operative has been awarded 16 purple hearts, 3 Congressional Medals of Honor and 7 presidential medals of bravery. And only one guy is man enough to still sport a mullet. In 2010, Will Forte brings "Saturday Night Live's" clueless soldier of fortune to the big screen in the action comedy "MacGruber."

In the 10 years since his fiancée was killed, special op MacGruber has sworn off a life of fighting crime with his bare hands. But when he learns that his country needs him to find a nuclear warhead that's been stolen by his sworn enemy, Dieter Von Cunth (Val Kilmer), MacGruber figures he's the only one tough enough for the job.

Assembling an elite team of experts--Lt. Dixon Piper (Ryan Phillippe) and Vicki St. Elmo (Kristen Wiig)--MacGruber will navigate an army of assassins to hunt down Cunth and bring him to justice. His methods may be unorthodox. His crime scenes may get messy. But if you want the world saved right, you call in MacGruber. 

Other Film Releases
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Click on the film title for more information

180 South: Conquerors of the Useless

After The Cup

Holy Rollers

John Rabe

Kites

Perrier's Bounty

Racing Dreams

Solitary man

Cinematic Excursions: Film Releases For March 31st

This is kind of an odd movie weekend seeing as how there are films coming out today, tomorrow and Friday.  So listed are the films being released for Wednesday, March 31st.....

The Last Song
Release Date: March 31, 2010 
Studio: Touchstone Pictures (Disney) 
Director: Julie Anne Robinson 
Screenwriter: Nicholas Sparks, Jeff Van Wie 
Starring: Miley Cyrus, Bobby Coleman, Liam Hemsworth, Hallock Beals, Nick Lashaway, Carly Chaikin, Nick Searcy, Kate Vernon, Kelly Preston, Greg Kinnear 
Genre: Drama 
MPAA Rating: PG (for thematic material, some violence, sensuality and mild language) 
Plot Summary: Based on best-selling novelist Nicholas Sparks' ("A Walk to Remember," "The Notebook") forthcoming novel, "The Last Song" is set in a small Southern beach town where an estranged father (Greg Kinnear) gets a chance to spend the summer with his reluctant teenaged daughter (Miley Cyrus), who'd rather be home in New York. He tries to reconnect with her through the only thing they have in common—music—in a story of family, friendship, secrets and salvation, along with first loves and second chances. 
Watch The Trailer!

The Sun Behind The Clouds
Release Date: March 31, 2010 (NY) 
Studio: White Crane Films 
Director: Ritu Sarin, Tenzing Sonam 
Screenwriter: Tenzing Sonam 
Starring: The Dalai Lama, Woeser, Lhadon Tethong, Tsering Shakya, Tenzin Tsundue, Jamyang Norbu 
Genre: Documentary ***
MPAA Rating: Not Available 
Plot Summary: "The Sun Behind the Clouds" updates the struggle for Tibetan independence, focusing upon the March 2008 demonstration against Chinese rule, the largest ever since the 1959 take-over of that nation. The Dalai Lama, living in exile in Northern India, is interviewed extensively and given the opportunity to explicate his "middle way," a compromise position he has to date been unsuccessful in getting the Chinese to accept. Supporters of Tibetan independence who are devoted to the Dalai Lama, but who nonetheless feel "the middle way" is an ineffective solution, appear in the film, detailing their more militant position.  Watch The Trailer!!!

Movie Review: How To Train Your Dragon

Directed by Dean Debois & Chris Sanders

Screenplay by Dean Debois

Based on the children’s story by Cressida Cowell

Duration 90 Minutes 

Rated PG

My Wonderfully Majestic Opinion

When it comes to animated films, my unacceptability of predictable plotlines diminishes about 50%.  The target audience is obviously children, but with the current popularity of animated films among adults, a secondary audience is kept in mind during the screenwriting process.  To write a completely predictable script is good for the kids, but not so good for the adults. (Unless you like that sort of thing) In turn, something else must be added in order to meet the adult’s entertainment needs.  How to Train Your Dragon combines children and adult appeal for a unique and interesting approach to the typical dragon adventure tale.

The set up isn’t anything we are unfamiliar with.  We have our main character, Hiccup (who’s probably the same age as your middle school child who sat next to you) who doesn’t quite fit in much to the dismay of his father, Stoick who indecently is the leader of this Viking tribe.  Within a mere ten minute segment, we are shown Hiccup’s desire to achieve his father’s approval and to win over the acceptance of the whole tribe through a blood thirsty dragon battle in the village.  Hiccup’s adventure begins as he accidentally takes down the most feared dragon of all, a Night Furry.  Hiccup develops a relationship with this beast and begins to realize that the Viking hatred towards dragons is unfounded and begins his self-appointed task to show the rest of his Viking comrades the error of their ways.  Thus we have the tale of the outsider taking a stance against the norm and becoming the hero at the climax of the story.

Somewhere in the middle of the film, Hiccup claims to see a lot of himself in his new found dragon friend, whom he has named Toothless.  A series of events occurs to help support this claim where, ultimately, both characters have lost something which is essential to their mobility.  I wasn’t convinced in the actuality of Toothless and Hiccup being connected in this way; rather I saw it as Hiccup looking for something within the Night Fury that he could relate too.  Whether it be an actual relatable trait or something Hiccup unconsciously made up in his own mind is what I question.  Never the less, the point is still made clear that this film is all about facing yourself, or to coin the phrase “to face your dragons.”  Since Hiccup saw a lot of himself in Toothless, he sought a way to help the injured creature, which in turn gave him an unconscious reason to help himself.  The title, “How to Train your Dragon,” does not actually refer to the literal and the obvious.  This film is all about facing oneself and holding true to your moral convictions and your goals in life, despite the fact that everyone around you holds no faith in what you wish to achieve.  While this concept is quite over played in the cartoon movie world, it is portrayed better in this film than any animated film I’ve seen to date.

The animation quality in this film could be compared to that of Pixar. There was a definite attention to detail that DreamWorks Animation Studios has lacked in previous films.  The variety in atmospheres and landscapes was incredibly impressive as we went from a small hometown Viking village, to falling through forest landscapes,  flying through cloudy blue skies, sailing across beautiful oceanic scenery, and finally battling at a fiery volcanic island where plant life is replaced by rubble and ash.  The attention to those specific details went above and beyond what I’ve come to expect from a DreamWorks animated film.  But even on the much smaller scale, the attempt at making each and every dragon uniquely different was fantastically achieved.  There were dragons that resembled, fish, dogs, cats, insects and amphibians and this cannot be thrown out as an easy task, giving every featured dragon its own defining features and recognizable attributes, including specific voice inflections.  These detail oriented aspects of the dragons are clear cut reminders that each animal species is very diversified and unique in every way, while at the same time maintaining a unified set of instincts.

Now with all the greatness that this film brought to the screen, there was one minor distractions that made me chuckle.  Take for instance that no one had ever seen a Night Fury, yet for some reason the Vikings knew exactly what the creature looked like once Toothless appeared to them for the first time.  I thought back to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast during this moment, how in the world did they know the Beast lived up in the castle on the dark and gothic hill when that moment when Belle returned was the first they had heard of the Beast?  I can only assume that, like most fantasy tales, this is one of its unexplainable attributes that the audience is supposed to accept and forget about…but I can’t.

There was, of course, the very formulaic plot progression that I actually laid out for my wife prior to seeing the film, it’s that predictable.  This led to a conversation about the predictability of all feel-good, family oriented animated films which caused me to ask myself why I go see cartoon movies when I know exactly what’s going to happen.  The answer…it’s the animation.  Having grown up wanting to be a Disney or a Pixar artist/animation technician, the artistry of animated films is what grabs me.  This film did a masterful job at creating visually likeable characters, emotional and recognizable faces, beautiful sceneries, and amazing special effects.  The story itself was applied very well to the film, but the events throughout the story were annoyingly predictable.  It’s the artwork that is worth its weight in gold here.

My Awe-Struck Conclusion

Most dragon films have to deal with the simple fact that, due to their size, demeanor, and unrelatable characteristics, they aren’t the most successful films to be made.  Human characters have to be brought in that serve no purpose accept to be there for the climatic final battle with the “ultimate” dragon.  Even in the film “Dragon Heart,” there is an ineffective message due to the exceptionally difficult task of making a film about dragons.  “How to Train your Dragon” does something that no other dragon film has done before.  Despite the fact that the dragons cannot speak, this film gives the dragons a voice in the story.

Rating 8.5 out of 10 stars

Cinematic Excursions: Movie Releases For 3/19/10

The Bounty Hunter
Director: Andy Tennant 
Screenwriter: Sarah Thorp 
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Gerard Butler, Jason Sudeikis, Dorian Missick,Joel Marsh Garland, Christine Baranski 
Genre: Action, Comedy 
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sexual content including suggestive comments, language and some violence)
Plot Summary: Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler), a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, gets his dream job when he is assigned to track down his bail-jumping ex-wife, reporter Nicole Hurly (Jennifer Aniston). He thinks all that's ahead is an easy payday, but when Nicole gives him the slip so she can chase a lead on a murder cover-up, Milo realizes that nothing ever goes simply with him and Nicole. The exes continually one-up each other – until they find themselves on the run for their lives. They thought their promise to love, honor and obey was tough – staying alive is going to be a whole lot tougher. Andy Tennant ("Hitch," "Sweet Home Alabama") directs. 

City Island
Director: Raymond De Felitta 
Screenwriter: Raymond De Felitta 
Starring: Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Steven Strait, Emily Mortimer, Alan Arkin 
Genre: Comedy, Drama 
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sexual content, smoking and language) 
Plot Summary: Set in a quaint fishing community on the outskirts of New York City, City Island is a hilarious and touching tale about a family whose comfortable co-existence is upended by surprising revelations of past secrets and present day lies. Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) is a lifelong resident of the tiny, tradition-steeped Bronx enclave of City Island. A family man who makes his living as a corrections officer, Vince longs to become an actor. Ashamed to admit his aspirations to his family, Vince would rather let his fiery wife Joyce (Julianna Margulies) believe his weekly poker games are a cover for an extramarital affair than admit he's secretly taking acting classes in Manhattan. When Vince is asked to reveal his biggest secret in class, he inadvertently sets off a chaotic chain of events that turns his mundane suburban life upside down. Inspired by the exercise, he decides to bring his long-lost ex-con son Tony (Steven Strait) home to meet the family, and it soon becomes clear that everyone—including his college student daughter (Dominik García-Lorido), teenaged son Vinnie, Jr. (Ezra Miller), charismatic acting partner (Emily Mortimer) and drama coach (Alan Arkin)— has something to hide. A perfect storm of deception, half truths and confusion makes Vince and his family members realize that the truth may not set them free, but it is easier to keep track of than all their well-intentioned white lies. 

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid
Director: Thor Freudenthal 
Screenwriter: Jeff Filgo, Jackie Filgo, Jeff Judah, Gabe Sachs 
Starring: Zachary Gordon, Chloe Moretz, Steve Zahn, Rachael Harris, Robert Capron, Devon Bostick, Grayson Russell 
Genre: Comedy, Family 
MPAA Rating: PG (for some rude humor and language) 
Plot Summary: Meet the kid who made "wimpy" cool, in a family comedy based on the best-selling illustrated novel "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney, the first in a series that has thus far sold 24 million copies. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" chronicles the adventures of wise-cracking middle school student Greg Heffley, who must somehow survive the scariest time of anyone's life: middle school. 
View The Trailer!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Director: Niels Arden Oplev 
Screenwriter: Nikolaj Arcel, Rasmus Heisterberg 
Starring: Michael Nyqvis, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Peter Haber, Sven-Bertil Taube, Peter Andersson, Ingvar Hirdwall, Marika Lagercrantz, Björn Granath,Ewa Fröling 
Genre: Crime, Thriller 
MPAA Rating: Not Available 
Plot Summary: Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared from a family gathering on the island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger clan. Her body was never found, yet her uncle is convinced it was murder and that the killer is a member of his own tightly knit but dysfunctional family. He employs disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the tattooed, ruthless computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to investigate. When the pair link Harriet's disappearance to a number of grotesque murders from almost forty years ago, they begin to unravel a dark and appalling family history. But the Vanger's are a secretive clan, and Blomkvist and Salander are about to find out just how far they are prepared to go to protect themselves. "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" is based on the trilogy of books by Stieg Larsson and has sold over 7 million copies worldwide. Tragically, Larsson did not live to see the phenomenon his work has become as he died suddenly in 2004 soon after delivering the manuscripts to his Swedish publisher. 

Greenberg
Director: Noah Baumbach 
Screenwriter: Noah Baumbach 
Starring: Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig, Rhys Ifans, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Chris Messina, Brie Larson, Juno Temple 
Genre: Comedy, Drama 
MPAA Rating: R (for some strong sexuality, drug use, and language) 
Plot Summary: Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller), single, fortyish and at a crossroads in his life, finds himself in Los Angeles, house-sitting for six weeks for his more successful/married-with-children brother. In search of a place to restart his life, Greenberg tries to reconnect with old friends including his former bandmate Ivan (Rhys Ifans). But old friends aren't necessarily still best friends, and Greenberg soon finds himself spending more and more time with his brother's personal assistant Florence (Greta Gerwig), an aspiring singer and also something of a lost soul. Despite his best attempts not to be drawn in, Greenberg and Florence manage to forge a connection, and Greenberg realizes he may at last have found a reason to be happy. 

Hubble
Director: Toni Myers 
Screenwriter: Toni Myers 
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio 
Genre: Adventure, Documentary 
MPAA Rating: G 
Plot Summary: Through the power of IMAX® 3D, "Hubble 3D" will enable moviegoers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA's history. The seventh film from the award-winning IMAX® Space Team, "Hubble 3D" will offer an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope's legacy and highlight its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves. 

The Killing Jar
Director: Mark Young 
Screenwriter: Mark Young 
Starring: Michael Madsen, Harold Perrineau, Amber Benson, Danny Trejo, Kevin Gage, Lew Temple, Lindsey Axelsson, Talan Torriero 
Genre: Thriller 
MPAA Rating: Not Available 
Plot Summary: Seven people are passing time one late evening at a small roadside diner in the middle of nowhere. Among them are Noreen (Amber Benson), a waitress trapped in a loveless marriage; John (Harold Perrineau), a melancholy salesman; Hank (Kevin Gage), a quiet with a secret; Lonnie (Lew Temple), a small-town cop; and Jimmy (Danny Trejo), the ill-tempered owner.

When a radio reports the disturbing murders of a family in a nearby county, the patrons immediately suspect new arrival Doe (Michael Madsen) as the killer. A bloody confrontation ensues, and the patrons become hostages as the troubled Doe decides their fates. As secrets are revealed, the desperate survivors slowly realize that one of the hostages may be even more dangerous than their captor. 

Kimjongila
Director: N.C. Heikin 
Screenwriter: N.C. Heikin 
Starring: Not Available 
Genre: Documentary 
MPAA Rating: Not Available 
Plot Summary: N.C. Heikin's unblinking indictment of life in North Korea under the dictatorship of Kim Jong Il. This searing examination of the communist dictatorship established by Kim Il-sung and continued today by his son Kim Jong-il dispels the illusion of a Worker's Paradise peddled by the North Korean government and exposes the injustice, tragedy and famine that has prevailed over the past forty years.

Heikin compiles a series of testimonies – and daring escape stories – from concentration camp refugees, to defectors to former Korean Army officers. The result is a collage of firsthand witnesses to the unrepentant pain caused by a tyrannical leadership. The courageous individuals documented here have risked everything in the hope of exposing the truth about this cloistered, xenophobic territory. Their testimonies are supplemented by interpretive dance and a riveting score, indicative of the filmmakers keen interest in Korean art – both the propagandistic genre sanctioned by the government and the forbidden artistic expression that can result in execution. Footage of cheery government agitprop is juxtaposed with survivor testimonies and cold, hard facts. The film's practice of exposing the truth through ironic exhibition extends to its title, "Kimjongilia," being the name of the gorgeous red flower symbol created to celebrate Kim Jong Il's 46th birthday. This feature-length documentary is a damning condemnation of a regime founded upon total oppression of its people. 

Repo Men
Director: Miguel Sapochnik 
Screenwriter: Eric Garcia, Garrett Lerner 
Starring: Jude Law, Forest Whitaker, Liev Schreiber, RZA, Alice Braga, Carice van Houten 
Genre: Action, Thriller 
MPAA Rating: R (for strong bloody violence, grisly images, language and some sexuality/nudity) 
Plot Summary: In the futuristic action-thriller "Repo Men," humans have extended and improved our lives through highly sophisticated and expensive mechanical organs created by a company called The Union. The dark side of these medical breakthroughs is that if you don't pay your bill, The Union sends its highly skilled repo men to take back its property... with no concern for your comfort or survival.

Jude Law plays Remy, one of the best organ repo men in the business. But when he suffers a cardiac failure on the job, he awakens to find himself fitted with the company's top-of-the-line heart-replacement... as well as a hefty debt. But a side effect of the procedure is that his heart's no longer in the job. When he can't make the payments, The Union sends its toughest enforcer, Remy's former partner Jake (Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker), to track him down.

Now that the hunter has become the hunted, Remy joins Beth (Alice Braga), another debtor who teaches him how to vanish from the system. And as he and Jake embark on a chase across a landscape populated by maniacal friends and foes, one man will become a reluctant champion for thousands on the run.

The film is based on the novel "The Repossession Mambo" by Eric Garcia. 

The Runaways
Director: Floria Sigismondi 
Screenwriter: Floria Sigismondi 
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon, Danielle Riley Keough, Scout Taylor-Compton, Stella Maeve, Tatum O'Neal 
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music 
MPAA Rating: R (for language, drug use and sexual content - all involving teens) 
Plot Summary: Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning star in this music-fueled story of the ground-breaking, all girl, teenage rock band of the 1970s: The Runaways. The film follows two friends, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, as they rise from rebellious Southern California kids to rock stars of the now legendary group that paved the way for future generations of girl bands. Joan and Cherie fall under the Svengali-like influence of rock impresario Kim Fowley, played by Michael Shannon, who turns the group into an outrageous success and a family of misfits. With its tough-chick image and raw talent, the band quickly earns a name for itself—and so do its two leads: Joan is the band’s pure rock 'n' roll heart, while Cherie, with her Bowie-Bardot looks, is the sex kitten. Written and directed by Floria Sigismondi, the film chronicles Joan and Cherie's tumultuous relationship on and off stage, as the band starts to break out. 

Vincere
Director: Marco Bellocchio 
Screenwriter: Marco Bellocchio 
Starring: Filippo Timi, Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Corrado Invernizzi, Fausto Russo Alesi, Michela Cescon, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio 
Genre: Drama 
MPAA Rating: Not Available 
Plot Summary: A cinematic tour—de—force, "Vincere" is Italian master Marco Bellocchio's ("Fists in the Pocket") portrait of Benito Mussolini (Filippo Timi), and the fiery woman who was his secret wife and the mother of his abandoned child (Giovanna Mezzogiorno). The film was a standout selection of the 2009 Cannes, Telluride, Toronto, New York, AFI film festivals, and received awards for Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Actor at the Chicago IFF. In "Vincere," the closely guarded story of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's secret lover and son is revealed in fittingly operatic proportions. Thunderstruck by the young Mussolini's charisma, Ida Dalser gives up everything to help champion his revolutionary ideas. When he disappears during World War I and later resurfaces with a new wife, the scorned Dalser and her son are locked away in separate asylums for more than a decade. But Ida will not disappear without a fight...