"The End Begins"

Terminator Salvation (2009)
Directed by McG, rated PG-13, 115 minutes

Terminator Salvation is a loud, explosive and gaudy action film about a John Connor's struggle to lead the resistance against Skynet in a post-apocalyptic future. Sam Worthington offers a solid performance as the most interesting character in the movie, a new type of cyborg, but the rest of the acting is unimpressive, like Christian Bale, who screams his way through most of the movie. The story isn't really engaging, and everything is a little over the top, but most of the action scenes are entertaining. Terminator Salvation is a letdown when compared to the earlier Terminator films, and this sequel finds it's place among a rash of recent, poorly executed action sequels. You'll like it if: You like post-apocalyptic movies, Christian Bale, The Matrix, Live Free or Die Hard or Rambo.

"Three relationships. Three disasters. One last chance."

Definitetly, Maybe (2008)
Directed by Adam Brooks, rated PG-13, 112 minutes

Definitetly, Maybe is a delightful and sincere romantic comedy about a political consultant who tries to explain his divorce and past relationships to his eleven year old daughter. The acting is all around terrific, as Ryan Reynolds never fails to be convincing, Kevin Kline provides a slew of funny lines and Rachel Wiesz is perfect. The story is thankfully not as predictable as it seems, and the characters are all intriguing in their own way. Definitely, Maybe isn't the funniest romantic comedy around, but it's refreshingly uncliched and surprisingly realistic. You'll like it if: You like romantic films, Ryan Reynolds, Adventureland, Broken Flowers or Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

"Every family has a secret."

The Celebration (1998)
Directed by Thomas Vinterberg, rated R, 105 minutes

The Celebration is a brutally dark and unbelievably absorbing Danish film about a dysfunctional family that gets together to celebrate their patriarch's 60th birthday, but the party takes a turn when some disturbing family secrets come out. The acting is bitingly naturalistic, and the complex, but likable characters don't hurt. The film is a "Dogme 95" film, which makes the whole style take a little while to get used to, but this unique style adds to the realism and effect of the film. The Celebration is an unforgettable experience, with a painfully real story and some truly savage dark humor. You'll like it if: You like films about dysfunctional families, dark foreign films, 90's cinema, A Woman Under the Influence, American Beauty or Primal Fear.

Apatow Does it Again

Funny People (2009)
Directed by Judd Apatow, rated R, 146 minutes

Funny People is a cleverly funny, decidedly mature and fascinating film about a washed-up comedian who finds out he's dying of a blood disease, and in his desire for friendship during his hard times he takes a young, struggling comedian under his wing. Adam Sandler proves again that he can handle drama, and the supporting cast, including Seth Rogen, Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman and Jonah Hill, provide a ton of hysterically funny moments. The story is quite different from Judd Apatow's other romantic comedies, as the film dips into some dark topics in refreshingly uncliched ways. Funny People is not just thoroughly hilarious, it has some surprisingly powerful drama: a huge step forward by Apatow, and a wonderfully entertaining film. You'll like it if: You like dramedies, raunchy comedies, Judd Apatow's films, American Beauty, Bad Santa or Punch Drunk Love.

"I shot my wife... prove it."

Fracture (2007)
Directed by Gregory Hoblit, rated R, 113 minutes

Fracture is a flawed, but devilishly interesting and engrossing crime thriller about a successful young attorney who believes he has an easy case of a man attempting to kill his wife. But the husband proves to be intelligent and manipulative foe. Anthony Hopkins is simply fun to watch as he channels a bit of Hannibal Lecter, and Ryan Gosling proves he's one of the better young actors. The story is always exciting, and watching Hopkins' character toy with the prosecution never gets old. Fracture isn't a groundbreaking film, but it hits all its marks and ends up being a very fun cat and mouse thriller. You'll like it if: You like cat and mouse stories, courtroom dramas, neo-noir thrillers, The Silence of the Lambs, Primal Fear or Seven.

"...When love can come as a complete surprise"

Before Sunrise (1995)
Directed by Richard Linklater, rated R, 105 minutes

Before Sunrise is beautiful and wonderfully offbeat romantic film about a young American on his way to the airport who meets a French girl on a train in Europe, and they spend the day together in Vienna knowing it will probably be their only day together. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have incredible chemistry and really seem as though they truly are in love. The film has a very simple story, but the dialogue between the two main characters is effortlessly interesting and relatable. Before Sunrise is one of the most amazing love stories ever put on film: it captures the simple beauty and passion of two people in love. You'll like it if: You like love stories, 90's cinema, Punch Drunk Love, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Dazed and Confused.

"No *#@!!* Navy's going to give some poor **!!@* kid eight years in the #@!* brig without me taking him out for the time of his *#@!!* life."

The Last Detail (1973)
Directed by Hal Ashby, rated R, 103 minutes

The Last Detail is a brutally funny and touching dark comedy about two Navy "lifers" who are forced to escort a young Navy man across the country to prison for eight years. But, they decide to show him a good time before he goes. Jack Nicholson creates a ridiculously likable and wonderfully hard shelled character, and even Randy Quaid offers a strong but melancholy performance. The story is fast paced and thoroughly enjoyable, but the films keeps a tragic edge that adds to the dark humor. The Last Detail's greatest strength is the raw human emotion in each of the characters, that makes their journey so intensely interesting. You'll like it if: You like films about the Navy, Hal Ashby's films, Jack Nicholson, Midnight Run, M*A*S*H or Harold and Maude.

"In a world where criminals make the rules an innocent boy is out to beat them at their own game"

Fresh (1994)
Directed by Boaz Yakin, rated R, 114 minutes

Fresh is a complex and refreshing crime film about Michael "Fresh," a poor twelve year old boy who works for a drug dealer, but after he witnesses a tragedy, he decides he wants out and he wants revenge. Sean Nelson delivers one of the most powerful and grave child performances in recent memory, and all of the characters in the film are realistic, flawed and interesting. The story is compelling and the cinematography gets the best out of the depressing setting. Fresh is a thought provoking and clever thriller with plenty of twists and turns, and truly human characters. You'll like it if: You like crime thrillers, films set in the ghetto, films with a child protagonist, Boyz n the Hood, City of God or Leon.

"Borat was so 2006"

Bruno (2009)
Directed by Larry Charles, rated R, 81 minutes

Bruno is a shocking and uproariously funny mockumentary about Bruno, a flamboyantly gay, Austrian fashionista, who comes to America to bring his fashion sense to the people. Sascha Baron Cohen is in top form and totally outrageous as Bruno, as he provokes people all across America, and even at times seems in legitimate danger. The film certainly doesn't shy away from Bruno's sexuality, and has some of the most over the top gross out humor you'll ever see. Bruno isn't quite the groundbreaking film Borat was, but it is preposterously hilarious and fun to watch. You'll like it if: You like mockumentaries, gross out humor, Sascha Baron Cohen, Borat, Religulous or Ali G Indahouse.

"Growing up has nothing to do with age."

About a Boy (2002)
Directed by Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz, rated PG-13, 101 minutes

About a Boy is charming and satisfying romantic comedy about a ladies' man that lives off inheritance money who starts dating single moms because they're easy, and ends up accidentally befriending a young boy. Hugh Grant is surprisingly good in what may be a part tailor made for him, as he captures everything about the role and manages to be charming despite his character. However, the film succeeds because of some terrific and really funny writing. About a Boy is not the most original film around, but the characters are so likable and the dialogue is so well written, that you'll find yourself lost in the film. You'll like it if: You like romantic comedies, movies with kids High Fidelity, Ghost World or Millions.