"The Hunter"

Willem Defoe plays a bounty hunter who's hired by a pharmaceutical company to tract down an animal that's believed to be extinct. He goes to Tasmania in search of the Tasmanian Tiger. Wile there, he stays with a family, who's father has been missing for over a year, who also believed the Tiger to still be alive. The movie is a slow paced, psychological thriller. Did this film ever make it to the theaters? I'd never heard of it before and I can understand if it went direct to dvd. Some may find it boring, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The acting and scenery are both outstanding. And the ending makes the movie worth watching.
4 stars out of 5

"Surrogate Valentine"

A struggling musician, played by guitarist Goh Nakamura, is asked to teach an actor how to play the guitar for a movie he's starring in. The mismatched couple strike up an unlikely friendship. Goh is quiet and contemplative while the knucklehead actor is one of those guys who's talking and can't shut up. It's part road movie, part romance. The dialogue is well written and the two characters are instantly likable. It was one of those movies you didn't want to end. A real indie gem.
4 1/2 stars out of 5

"The Good Heart"

This is what indie films are all about. A low budget, quirky story, great acting and dialogue. Jacques (Brian Cox) is a cranky old bar owner who's just had his fifth heart attack. He realizes that there isn't anyone to take over the bar when he dies. So he befriends a young homeless person (Paul Dano) and teaches him the ropes of running a bar. The movie is a bit depressing at times since the main character is such a bitter, caustic old fart. But overall, it's an interesting story. Pay attention to the dialogue of the bar patron's-- they deliver some great lines.

4 stars out of 5

"Pope Dreams"

19-year old Andy is somewhat of a slacker. If fact, one of his only goals in life is to send his ailing mom to Rome for an audience with the Pope. Along the way, he falls in love with a beautiful girl, and is approached by her musician father to help write a Broadway musical. It's a sweet movie that isn't full of cliches. The acting and storyline were great. It's a nice, feel-good movie.

4 stars out of 5

"Here"

Will, an American mapping engineer travels around Armenia to take measurements to update the country's maps. He meets an attractive Armenian photographer who volunteers to travel with him. The couple start an intimate relationship as they roam the country together. There is very little action and there are long moments of silence. Definitely not an action film. But the pace, scenery, and their encounters are quite moving. Some people may find this film boring, but I really enjoyed it.
4 out of 5 stars

"Detachment"

When I read the description of this movie I thought, "Oh, another film about a well-meaning, innocent teacher goes into a tough, ghetto school and turns the kids around." well, this is far from it. The teacher, played by Adrien Brody, is a disillusioned sub who gets a long term job in a rough school. He get's involved with the students and does earn their respect. He also gives shelter to a young prostitute. Meanwhile, he's looking after his grandfather who's in a nursing home. The film deals with the angst the teachers have in failing the students. Brody gives an an absolutely amazing performance.In fact, all the actors are excellent. This is definitely not a feel good movie. But it's quite powerful.

5 stars out of 5.

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

This is not your typical coming-of-age film. It's about Charlie who's starting his freshman year in high school. He dreads it because he recently has had to deal with depression, which is due to the suicide of his best friend. He's terribly shy and introverted. But he soon befriends several oddball seniors who take him in and make him feel accepted. The movie has its comedic moments, but there are also some darker parts to it as well. The acting by Logan Lerman and Emma Watson is outstanding and very believable. This is a movie warranting more than one viewing.
5 stars out of 5