No one wants to be the bearer of bad news. You know, the one to tell you your bankcard has been declined, your house is being foreclosed, your STD test results are positive…

But for those sorts of things, either a letter or a phone call will suffice. The worst of it, being fired from your job, must be done in person. So naturally, top companies punk out and hire someone to let you know that your services are no longer needed.

That someone is Ryan Bingham (George Clooney): professional fireman (literally) by day, anti-commitment speaker by night. Ryan lives his life on the move, going from city to city firing workers for top companies. He speaks at conferences on the “backpack” of burden that others inflict, has almost no interaction with his family, and has no significant other to distract him from his lifestyle, living Up In The Air.

Living the high life, literally, fashions itself to be the ideal for the guy who’d rather not deal with the heaviness of human interaction, that is, until young, poised Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), a new addition to the company tries to revolutionize (and ground) the way they deliver the bad news.

George Clooney’s is, well…George Clooney. As the role was seemingly written for him, there’s no other way to explain it. He is charming, he is smooth, and he is attractive- as expected. At times audiences will see Ryan Bingham, and at times they might see the life that George Clooney leads himself. This doesn’t take away from the performance, because when appropriate, Clooney is just as emotional as he is debonair.

Anna Kendrick (Twilight) makes her breakthrough performance as Natalie Keener, at the beginning of what will be a promising career in film. She is uninhibited, and just as captivating to watch as Clooney. Also, a stellar performance by Vera Farmiga brings the chemistry and attraction onscreen between Ryan and Alex Goran, her character. She is heartbreakingly beautiful, exactly as you want her to be.

 It’s a witty, cut and dry film by Jason Rietman (JUNO) that puts life into perspective, in terms of the relationships that give it life, instead of just existence. The beginning of the movie slightly drags, and at times the dialogue exchanges move too quickly to be comprehended, but once it gets going, it gets good, and the story is engaging.

Up In The Air is told in terms of height, a term that can be applied to the new place in which Reitman’s storytelling abilities have elevated since JUNO. His meticulous attention to writing and character interaction speak volumes for his ability as a young director. Though he’s only had two major directing opportunities, more will certainly follow suit.

It may not be the romantic, lifting comedy that you’re looking for, but Up In The Air shows us just how grounding love- between family, between people, and within oneself- can be. 

Rating: 4.3/5

Because Christmas isn’t very eventful after the morning presents and before the evening dinner, might I suggest watching a few flicks to keep the spirit in between? I’ve compiled a list of movies that are sure to bring that Christmas cheer, even if you’re not celebrating the holiday. Some of them are about Christmas specifically, others just tell a story around Christmas time. Either way, they’ll make your season brighter.

Note: The movies are in no particular order.

16 Holiday Films Worth Watching

Photo Credit: Moviegoods.com

The Preacher’s Wife (1996) Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington star in the heartwarming story of a church and a family in need of a little heavenly help around Christmas time.

The Holiday (2006) A film by Nancy Meyers starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black. A brilliant story about two women looking to get away from their realities of unrequited love, switching homes and lives for a few days of fun.

Home Alone (1990, 1992, 1997) The most treasured McCauley Culkin performance as young Kevin, the kid that was forgotten at home while the family went on vacation.

Love Actually (2003) It’s not just a chick flick, it’s the ultimate romantic comedy with a stellar cast. Many different stories of love, at the most loving time of year. “Love… actually is all around.”

The Family Stone (2005) An amazing, emotional film about what makes a family strong, and who holds it together. It’s the craziness of what happens when you bring a new girlfriend home for the holidays, and the precious time with family that makes the holidays the best time to come home.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Jim Carrey in his greenest film to date. A great holiday film adaptation of the Dr. Seuss masterpiece, for any age, reminding us all that Christmas is more than just presents and trees. “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!”

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) The timeless classic about the spirit of Christmas, a man named Kris Kringle, and the reminder of the childlike joy of the season. Redone in 1994 with Mara Wilson’s first major performance.

A Christmas Story (1983) Because sometimes, you just really need that ONE Christmas present. In this case, it’s “an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock”.

Just Friends (2005) Ryan Reynolds is hilarious in this story about being stuck in the Friends Zone. Coming home for the holidays has never been so funny…with Anna Faris and Amy Smart. I guarantee you’ll laugh.

The Santa Clause (1994) Tim Allen kills Santa and has to take his place. Basically. A great movie for the whole family around Christmas (even though my description doesn’t sound so rated G).

Sleepless in Seattle (1993) Ok, who doesn’t love this movie! Tom Hanks is a lonely widower wallowing in his grief, when his son calls in to a local radio station looking to fix his dad up for the holidays. A cute story of finding a way to cope with loss, and finding love in the process.

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) The classic tale of an angel named Clarence sent down to earth, to help a down and out businessman see what life would be like if he had never been born.

Elf (2003) When a tall elf realizes he’s…well…tall, he sets out in search of his true identity. Will Ferrell stars in this raucous comedy.

The Polar Express (2004) The  new Christmas classic. A heartwarming magical ride on a train to the North Pole. Tom Hanks stars in animated form. Complete with a must have Christmas soundtrack!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Tim Burton puts a signature scare on Christmas with this claymation classic. The king of Halloweentown Jack Skellington finds out that there’s such a thing as a Christmas Town, even though he’s never heard of the holiday.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – Ok, so it’s not really a feature length film…but it’s an unforgettable TV Special!  When Charlie Brown loses his Christmas spirit and cheer, it takes his beloved Peanut Gang to get him in the mood and remind him what the holiday is all about.

And If That’s Not Enough…

Babes in Toyland (1934/1986)

A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Deck the Halls (2006)

Jingle All The Way (1996).

A Very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all!

With Love & Popcorn,

C.A.M.

In the colorful, elaborate creation of Pandora, a world intriguing to humans and exulted by its inhabitants, we find the story of oneness with nature as told by director James Cameron- an experience years in the making called Avatar.

Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is a paraplegic, eager-spirited and feisty addition to the human mission to Pandora, a far away world inhabited by a species of aliens called the Na’vi. He becomes the key infiltrator of the Na’vi people via an avatar (mind controlled) version of himself, in a plan to gain their trust so that the humans can take over the land for mining purposes. Jake instead finds comfort in the Na’vi world and the leader’s daughter Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and learns to appreciate the natural way that they live and respect their world. When the humans decide to attack, Jake must decide which side he’s on, and what he’s willing to fight for.

James Cameron (Titanic) is a true pioneer of the cinematic arts, and producer of quality films, both with Titanic and his smaller contributions to the Sci-Fi genre. Instead of quickly throwing out box-office hits and/or misses, Cameron takes his time, crosses boundaries, and delivers. Avatar, a formulation of thought almost 30 years in the making (and 5 years in production), features unprecedented crafting of detail, making the plants and scenery that is Pandora. It is visually orgasmic, and that is what makes this movie worth seeing.

The storyline follows suit to many other eco-preservation, technology-slamming messages we’ve seen before, and the love story is not as forbidden and as conflicted as we would hope, but both work in this context, being as the main focus is the aesthetic capacity of Pandora.

Sam Worthington (Terminator: Salvation) is becoming a Sci-Fi bad boy, fitting and complimenting his rough-around-the-edges demeanor. Though mostly an avatar for this film, the few scenes delivered as a human do show a firm comprehension of the character’s disposition.

Sigourney Weaver delivers an impressive performance as the botanist Dr. Grace Augustine, a resiliant woman dedicated to her work and appreciation for nature. Zoe Saldana is never actually seen in this movie apart from as her 10-foot Na’vi counterpart, but her presence is felt, and her believability reflects careful training to accurately portray Neytiri. Other great performances from Laz Alonzo (Stomp The Yard, Miracle At St. Anna), Stephen Lang (The Men Who Stare At Goats, Public Enemies) and Michelle Rodriguez (The Fast And The Furious, Resident Evil) round out the powerhouse cast, either as Na’vi people or humans.

Avatar is the manifestation of where the industry currently stand in cinematic arts, and is a shining example of the future of well done films. Though also presented in 3D, the extra few bucks isn’t necessary to capture the essence of this movie. James Cameron’s Avatar is much more than a movie that must be seen, it is simply a visual experience that must be had by everyone.

Rating: 4.7/5

“I am the master of my fate…I am the captain of my soul.”

Clint Eastwood’s Invictus allows us to observe the strength of the human spirit, and the courage of a world leader as he uses sports as a unifying and forgiving force.

As the newly elected president of South Africa after spending 27 years in jail, Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) takes interest in strengthening the country’s rugby team, which he is certain will serve as the unifying force for the racially segregated millions. Most of the black South Africans detest the Springbok team, as it was a symbol of the Apartheid, and Afrikaner, or white South African, people that supported the segregation. Mandela invests in Springbok captain François Pienaar (Matt Damon), hoping that by motivating the team to a 1995 World Cup win, the South African people will use pride in their rugby team as the grounds for unification.

Director Clint Eastwood hits the cinematic nail right on the head with his understanding of story telling techniques. He presents this theatrical true political message in a way that flows, capturing both Mandela’s and Pienaar’s courage, paralleling the political message with the heart and energy that only a sports’ story can bring.  His directing holds true to fashion, and his wisdom as a veteran director and actor resonates loudly.

Morgan Freeman is simply enthralling as Mandela, a role some say will define his career as an actor. Never once seeking the spotlight, always- and totally portraying the political figure, he immerses himself in the role completely. Although the South African/Mandela accent isn’t spot on, Freeman gets as close as he can, effectively.

Matt Damon makes a victorious leap back into deep movie material, and hasn’t missed a beat. His dedication to the role of Pienaar is evident. He is convincing, conflicted, and never strays far from the Springbok captain he embodies.

This movie is powerful, unyielding, and as triumphant as the team it highlights. It gives voice to rugby, and the international appreciation of such sports many of us in and out of Hollywood know little about. It divulges a leader’s ambitious plan to bring his country together, and redefines the strength and courage of the human spirit, tested and tried by political conflict.

Invictus is a sports fairytale, a political proclamation, and an overall winning film. 

Rating: 4.5/5

As we say goodbye to the single digit years, there’s no more fitting way to pay our respects to the decade than by compiling a list of the movies that made it so epic. Some of these movies were the first of their kind, others the last. They traverse every genre, from action to comedy, and include movies that have won Oscars, along with some that deserved more attention.

So, upon request, I have compiled a list of movies released in the last 10 years (2000-2009), that are certainly worth honoring, seeing, and owning. 

A little user guide:

1. This list does NOT include movies that open from this week and on (i.e. -Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, Invictus). I’ll consider them 2010 since they’ll run into it. 

2. This list is NOT in any order. Picking 35 “best” movies was hard enough, I wouldn’t even know how/where to start numbering.

3. If I didn’t add your favorite movie, that’s probably because it’s not good. (Kidding) Remember, one woman’s trash is another man’s treasure. There are thousands of movies out there, too many deserving of our time and attention. After reading, feel free to compile your own top 35 if you don’t agree with mine. 

The Best Movies of the Decade (2000-2009).

Hotel Rwanda (2004) -The mass genocide in Rwanda barely broke news in most other countries around the world, but this movie tells the true story of one courageous man who gave shelter to thousands of refugees by taking them in to his hotel during the country’s people war. Award worthy performances by Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo. 

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)- A serious Jim Carrey and a spunky Kate Winslet deliver steller performances in this story about how memories of love are just as precious and fragile as love itself. 

The Dark Knight (2008)- Why So Serious? Because Heath Ledger’s epic performance, joined by Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, and Gary Oldman, made up one of the most financially and cinematically successful movies of all time. 

A Beautiful Mind (2001)- An unbelievable and unforgettable story about a man whose genius mind is questioned and compromised by his schizophrenic tendencies. Starring Russell Crowe, and including Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer. From director Ron Howard.

The Departed (2006)- Scorsese and DiCaprio’s bromance at its best. An amazing cast, epic performances from several of  Hollywood’s leading men DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, Jack Nicholson and Martin Sheen.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)- This movie is godfather of an entire sub-genre of comedy, including movies like The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad, and many more with cast members that stemmed from writer Will Ferrell’s afternoon delight. 

The Last King of Scotland (2006)- when a Scottish doctor  moves to Uganda to do mission work, he soon finds himself in the company, and testing the loyalty of  despotic President Idi Amin. Forrest Whitaker and James McAvoy, along with Kerry Washington, are unbelievable in this true story of the corrupt Ugandan government. 

Remember The Titans (2000)- Possibly the greatest sports story ever set to screen. Denzel Washington is Herman Boone, a head football coach set on uniting his team in the midst of segregated Virginia. 

Crash (2004)- Racial stereotypes are confronted head on in this interweaving movie about everyday people emotionally crashing into each other. A genius concept with an even bigger cast including Don Cheadle, Jennifer Esposito, Sandra Bullock, Terrence Howard, Thandie Newton, Matt Dillon, and Ludacris.

Chicago (2002) – This movie adaptation of the award winning Broadway musical couldn’t have had a more fine tuned cast. Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta Jones, Renee Zelleweger, Queen Latifah…all at career highs during and after Chicago hit the screen. 

Gladiator (2000)- The Greek and Roman thing has been done several times, in more ways than necessary. But Ridley Scott did it best. With outstanding performances from Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and another breakthrough role for Djimon Hounsou

Shrek (2001)- Come on, everybody knows at least one quote and/or song from this movie. (singing) “Shine your shoes, wipe your…face”. Mike Myers and the big green guy revolutionized the meaning of “fairy tale”. 

Scary Movie 1 & 2 (2000/2001)- I’ll just say it. The Scary Movie franchise just wasn’t as funny without the Wayans Brothers.  

August Rush (2007)- The tagline says it best: “An incredible journey, moving at the speed of sound”. Freddy Highmore, Robin Williams, Terrence Howard, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Keri Russell all showcase their talent in this melodic movie.

Spiderman 3 (2007) – Second highest grossing film. Most successful Spiderman film. Tobey McGuire. ‘Nuff said.

Babel (2006)- A movie about challenging language barriers, full of emotion, simply captivating. Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt lead an equally notable cast of unknown actors. 

Ray (2004)- Jamie Foxx’s award winning performance as the music legend Ray Charles in this movie catapulted him from sitcoms to screen busters. 

Wall-E (2008) -Disney and Pixar’s creation of a robot romance is more than just an animated fun time, it’s a heart warming, finger-waving (at humans and their disregard for the Earth), incredibly good movie for all ages. 

X-Men (2000) – the beginning of Marvel’s movie reign, second to only Blade. X-Men is one of the longest running successful comic book movie franchises, with 3 X-Men movies, and the Origins series still going. 

Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003)- Here comes The Bride! One of the bloodiest movies ever, with a relentless Uma Thurman looking for revenge. Tarantino struck gold with this one. 

Brokeback Mountain (2005)- It’s not about sexual preference. And if you can get past that, you’ll see the movie for what it truly is. It’s a movie about love- the tragedy, the reality and the complexity of it. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal both give a performance beyond words in Ang Lee’s drama. 

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001/2002/2003)- Peter Jackson’s gripping trilogy that was, and still is, larger than life. 

Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)- an underrated, hilarious and free-spirited stoner comedy, complete with White Castle burgers and Neil Patrick Harris. Kal Penn and John Cho are perfect. 

The Incredibles (2004)- Because I’ve never met a person that didn’t like this movie. If it’s not the best Disney/Pixar collaboration film overall, it is their best animated action movie. 

Love & Basketball (2000)- Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps are the perfect couple in this romantic sports story. One of the most quiet screen successes, but a DVD hit (accompanied by an amazing soundtrack), and certainly the turning point in Lathan’s stand-out career. 

Children of Men (2006)- One of Clive Owen’s best performances. A race against time, a look into the future, a well done award winner by Alfonso Cuaron.  

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)- If you haven’t heard about this movie, you’ve been living under a rock. Slumdog Millionaire was the 2008 Little Engine That Could. 

The Reader (2008)- Kate Winslet is perhaps the most versatile actress in all of Hollywood. She does it again in this award winning  movie about a woman in post World War II Germany whose love affair with a teenager changes both of their lives. 

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)- an amazing movie adaptation of the first book from the cherished C.S. Lewis 7 story classic. With four leading young actors, and supporting strength from Tilda Swinton and James McAvoy. 

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)- A career defining performance by Brad Pitt, a breakout performance by Taraji Henson. A romance for any age. 

Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire (2005)- Out of all of the Harry Potter movies to date, Goblet of Fire was the most exciting and adventurous movie adaptation of the beloved book series.

Pursuit of Happyness (2006)- Will Smith is flawless in this movie. This is the one that justifies his talent and versatility as an actor. It’s emotional, dramatic, and inspiring. Pursuit of Happyness also introduces Will’s son Jaden Syre Smith as an actor, who does exceptionally well in his first film role. 

Closer (2004)- An intense look at the lives of two couples, whose lives  become complicated when the man from one couple gets involved with the woman from the other. Exceptional cast of Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Natalie Portman and Jude Law. 

The Hangover (2009)- I don’t think anyone expected it to be that funny. Shotgun weddings, tigers, and babies named Carlos…The Hangover is the ultimate bachelor film. Career highlight for Bradley Cooper, launch pad for Zach Galifianakis. 

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)- Wes Anderson’s most succesful film to date, with an amazing cast including Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Danny Glover, Bill Murray, and all 3 Wilson brothers. The Royal Tenenbaums defines the phrase ‘dysfunctional family’. 

And the best movie year of the decade is….. 2004! With hits like Eternal Sunshine, Closer, The Incredibles, Crash and Anchorman, 2004- we salute you for being the year that kept on giving. Closely followed by 2006.

Let’s hope that 2010-2019 produces enough quality films to fill another top 35. 

C.A.M. 

Brothers presents the family structure, broken apart by war, and the lasting effects it can have on the psyche of soldiers.

Major Sam Cahill (Tobey McGuire) of the United States Marines lives happily with his wife Grace (Natalie Portman) and their two daughters. When the time comes for his deployment back to Afghanistan, and word gets back that  he had been captured and killed by Taliban forces, Grace learns to cope with the death of her husband, and the unexpected help from his rogue younger brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal). Slowly, Tommy becomes a vital part of Grace’s recovery, spending time with her daughter and filling the empty hole that Sam’s death left in the family.

But when it turns out that Sam didn’t die, his return to the family changes everything for both the relationship with his wife, and his relationship with his brother. 

In Jim Sheridan’s adaptation of the Danish movie “Brodre”, the strong point of the film isn’t that Sam returns alive from Afghanistan. It focuses on the change in a man who has been affected by the things war has shown him, made him, and forced him to learn about himself. 

Tobey McGuire is completely frightening, as the serious and tormented Sam Cahill- whose awful experience in Afghanistan haunts him and distances him from the people that love him. A lot of McGuire’s performance is found in his eyes. They’re watchful, telling, and lethal. McGuire’s delivery of Sam Cahill may just be his best performance to date. 

Natalie Portman portrays the aptly named Grace, a wife on an emotional roller-coaster, with accuracy and depth. Although Portman generally sticks to the emotionally tormented characters, she’s sweet and maternal in this movie, and has great onscreen chemistry with both McGuire and Jake Gyllenhaal. And as expected, Gyllenhaal continues to prove his high value and versatility in Hollywood. He is initially unrecognizable as the character Tommy Cahill, but completely believable. 

Another notable performance is given by Bailee Madison, the 10 year old who plays Isabelle Cahill, Sam and Grace’s daughter. Madison does well dealing with subject matter and emotional issues that children normally don’t understand. 

Sheridan’s Brothers is a movie that hits and misses. Some loose ends remain by the time the credits roll, but overall, audiences leave with the inclination to parallel the fragility of the family structure, with that of a soldier’s psyche. 

Rating: 3.8/5