Mr. & Mrs. Smith - A very entertaining action comedy about a married couple of assassins. This wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that neither knows that their spouse is an assassin and their new targets are each other. This film really surprised me. The only reason i went to see it this summer was because I had seen everything else. I am very glad I went. It was one of the best and funniest action-comedies I have ever seen.

March of the Penguins - A fantastic documentary about the mating habits of Penguins. I know it doesn't sound very exciting, but the penguins truly are a riot to watch and Morgan Freeman's narration adds a certain effect to the movie that makes it an over-all great film.

The Muppet Movies! Finally all of the muppet movies are on DVD! My personal favorite is 'Muppet Treasure Island,' however they are all supremely entertaining.

Also available: Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo

NEXT WEEK DVD RELEASES:

Cinderella Man = An amazing film

Dukes of Hazzard = I hate car chases and they were the most entertaining part of this film.

Amazingly filmed with a fantastic soundtrack, RENT is a must see film for any fan of musicals. Directed by Chris Columbus (Harry Potter 1 & 2) RENT delivers over two hours of entertainment that doesn't leave you feeling bored or tired. Though not all of the songs were my taste of music, most of the songs left me feeling as though I should go out and buy the soundtrack.

The cinematography was what amazed me the most. As a film maker I observed how difficult it must have been to film these elaborate dance numbers, edit the appropriate shots together, and line up the music and lyrics with the singing and dancing.

The film also raised many thought provoking subjects such as AIDS, gay relationships, and what people must do to be able to pay the rent. I was very impressed by the way the film was put together. Definitely check out this film. If you have already seen it what did you think?

Cheesy, Unoriginal, and Unfunny "Yours, Mine, and Ours" leaves you with the feeling of De ja Vu. Wasn't there a funnier version of this last year with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt? Though this film is a remake of the 1968 film "Yours, Mine, and Ours," having it come out this shortly after "Cheaper By the Dozen" is an absolutely dumb idea. Especially when "Cheaper by the Dozen Two" comes out this December! The film wasn't funny, so older kids will not find the film entertaining at all and the corny one-liners between Rene Russo and Dennis Quaid will leave younger kids, as well as the older ones, rolling their eyes. This film is not worth the time and money. Go see "Walk the Line" or "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire".

Coming Sunday: Review of the new movie-musical "RENT."

Though my favorite film this year was "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Walk the Line" has come in a close second. This film was all around fantastic and beats any other movie out there right now. Joaquin Phoenix did an amazing job portraying Johnny Cash, and Reese Witherspoons role as June Carter was almost, if not equally good. The music was also great and the actors did all their own singing! Though Harry Potter is the 'must see' film in theaters right now, this movie can not be passed up. I know I said i loved 'Potter' but this is even better.

During Harry Potter I saw trailers for three films that look very interesting.

The first was for the new Superman movie. The preview didn't show much. Just a mailbox, a shot of Superman's ear, his kneecap, and the logo on his chest. So I pretty much have NO idea what the new movie is about.

The second was for M. Night Shyamalan's "Lady of the Water." This stars Paul Giamati as the Super intendant of a hotel, who lives on hotel grounds by the swimming pool. The trailer then tells us that his life would soon change and we see a shot of the pool water rippling. Giamati then asks someone "Are there more of you?" After further research I found that sea nymphs (or something of that nature) are living in his pool. Though the plot looks a little strange M. Night Shyamalan is a great writer/director and I love Paul Giamati in anything.

The third is for a film called "Happy Feet." This movie is about penguins who sing and dance to attract a mate. Though this film looks absolutely stupid, I am dying to see it. I love penguins and anything to do with them. This movie almost looks like a cross between "March of the Penguins" and "The Pebble and the Penguin." Oh, and did I mention that Robin Williams is in it? That's always a plus!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

The lines at the movie theater for Harry Potter are bound to be enormous, but the wait is much worth seeing this film. Unlike the first three Harry Potter films, the fourth was nearly able to include every aspect of the book in the movie. Some scenes were abbreviated, and others were slightly altered from the original text, however the story line is almost perfect.

I strongly believe that the first Harry Potter film was the best; however “Goblet of Fire” is the best made Potter film. Everything from the humor to the darkness is perfect. The actors were able to pull everything off wonderfully making you believe you were watching the real thing.

One of the many reasons the movie was so dazzling to watch was because of the special effects. Special effects were inserted in the appropriate spots and were not overdone. This film was more about the characters than about CGI villains and fiery explosions.

The casting was nearly perfect. Though I much preferred Richard Harris (Gladiator) to Michael Gambon (Sleepy Hollow) in the role of Albus Dumbledore, Gambon was able to play a kind, yet intense headmaster of Hogwarts. My personal favorite actor in the film was Alan Rickman (Dogma, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) who portrays potions master Severus Snape. His character is the teacher that every student hates. His punishments are unorthodox, he favors students from his own house, and because he hates his job he takes out his frustration on his students. The kids also did a great job. Danielle Radcliffe plays a great Harry and Rupert Grint does a phenomenal job at playing red haired Ron Weasley. I did find Emma Watson’s portrayal of Hermione to be a bit emotional and over the top; however she still played the part well.

There are a few things that Potter fans will complain about, however these are things that people who haven’t read the books will never notice.

*Barty Crouch Jr. is in the opening scene, where he should not be.
*The Quidditch World Cup Game is never actually seen in the film.
*The Labyrinth Scene leaves out many important traps
*The Graveyard Scene at the end is much shorter than it was written to be in the book.

Other than this the film was fantastic. This film was definitely worth the five and a half hour wait, and should be seen as soon as possible.

It is now 2:39 AM and I am just returning home from the midnight showing of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." I will post a full review for the film later today, however I will say a few things about the film now. I still believe that the first two Harry Potter films are the best, however this follows behind them closely. I think out of all the movies, this film was most accurate to the book, even though the fourth book was twice as long as the first, second, or third book. The film is definitely worth seeing. I will give more details later, but for now, Good Night.

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” opens at midnight tonight and the following theaters are hosting a special midnight showing.

The Bangor Mall

Flagship Cinemas 10

Narrow Gauge Cinemas

Cinemagic, Saco

Smitty’s Cinema in Sanford

Smitty’s Cinema Biddeford

Smitty’s Cinema Windham

Smitty’s Cinema Tilton

All showings start at exactly 12:01 AM

My Review will be posted first thing tomorrow morning. Enjoy the show!

In honor of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" here is a list of my fifteen all time favorite films that were based on books.

15. Million Dollar Baby - Based on the stories by F.X. Toole

14. Mrs. Doubtfire - Based on the novel by Anne Fine.

13. Forrest Gump - based on the novel "Forrest Gump" by Winston Groom.

12. Simon Birch - Based on the novel by John Irving.

11. Shrek - Based on the story by William Steig.

10. Schindler's List - Based on the book by Thomas Keneally.

9. A Christmas Story - Based on the novel "In God We trust, All Others Pay Cash" by Jean Shepherd.

8. What's Eating Gilbert Grape? - Based on the novel by Peter Hedges, who also wrote the screenplay for the film.

7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Based on the novel "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" by J.K. Rowling.

6. Muppet Treasure Island - Based on the novel "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson.

5. Stand by Me - Based on the novel "The Body" by Stephen King.

4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Based on "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl.

3. Jurassic Park - Based on "Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton, who also wrote the screenplay for the film.

2. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Based on "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkein.

1. The Godfather - based on "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo, who also wrote the screenplay for the film.

Do you have a list of your own? Let's hear it!

On DVD today

MADAGASCAR

Usually when Dreamworks advertises a movie as “A film from the people who brought you Shrek” this is a way to draw viewers in to see a movie that isn’t very good. This was not the case. Madagascar was a smart and witty comedy that keeps you entertained for most of the film, with great voices from Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinket Smith, David Schwimmer, and Cedric the Entertainer. There is a point in the film when the plot line is kind of slow, however it picks itself up again for a strong ending.

Special features on the DVD include

Behind-The-Crates, Penguin Commentary, Meet The Cast Of "Madagascar", Enchanted Island, Mad Mishaps, The Tech Of "Madagascar", Previews, Set Top Games (Interactive Trivia Game, Learn To Draw, Matching Lemurs, Marty's Birthday Wish, "Madagascar" Symphony, Foosa Whack).Audio Commentary, Biographies, Director Commentary, Featurette, Music Videos, Photo Gallery, Trivia Quiz

Also included on the DVD is the animated short “The Penguins in A Christmas Caper” which is an absolutely hilarious short film.

STEALTH

One of the year’s worst moves is now on DVD! This film is not only a total rip off of ‘I, Robot,’ but is also incredibly predictable and unentertaining. The acting was pretty good, but I still wonder what drove Jamie Foxx to be in this film. Luckily he was able to redeem himself with “Jarhead.”

THE SKELETON KEY

Though the film wasn’t scary “The Skeleton Key” provides viewers with a very well made psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. There is also a great twist at the end (though I figured it out about half way through the movie).

Special features on the DVD include

"Behind The Locked Door - Making 'The Skeleton Key'"; "Exploring Voodoo/Hoodoo"; "Recipe & Ritual:: Making The Perfect Gumbo"; "Blues In The Bayou"; "Kate Hudson's Ghost Story"; "Plantation Life"; "Casting 'The Skeleton Key'"; "John Hurt's Story"; "A House Called Felicity"; "Gena's Love Spell.", Deleted Scenes, Director Commentary, Featurette, Dual Layer, Single Sided

DVD Special feature information from www.walmart.com

The fourth installment of the Harry Potter series opens in theaters this Friday and I believe this is going to be the best film yet. The PG-13 rating is what makes me believe that Potter fans are in for a big treat. with a PG-13 rating filmmakers do not need to worry about the length of the film. When the films were PG, the intent was to keep the films shorter so that younger viewers wouldn't lose interest in the film as it neared the end. The filmmakers will also be able to create a scarier, darker world for Harry since they don't need to worry as much about frightening younger kids.

OPENS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18th!

ZATHURA

As I predicted Zathura proved to be a very well made film. Though the acting could have been a little better everyone in the theater was entertained form the start of the movie until the end. There were certain parts of the film that seemed to have been taken right out of Jumanji, however enough of the plot was original to keep you from getting bored. Though this film is labeled as a kids movie I found teenagers and adults to enjoy the film more than the younger kids. This film falls right into place with Jumanji and The Polar Express.

THE LEGEND OF ZORRO

When the first Zorro film came out I was dying for there to be a sequel, but after five or six years I wasn't expecting or anticipating one. This was a sequel that didn't necessarily have to be released, however follows up the first film pretty well. The plot line was typical and reminded me a lot of Spider-Man 2, in which the main character has to decide between the woman he loves and whether or not he continues fighting for justice. I found the film to be more true to the television show, than the original Zorro film was, however the first movie was definitely better. I think "The Legend of Zorro" is worth seeing, but there are better things out there to see.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18th I WILL POST MY REVIEW FOR "HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE."

Zathura is the third film based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg. Though the trailer doesn’t make this film appear to be an Academy Award winner I think that this film could turn out to be very good. I think this because I have never liked Van Allsburg as an author. Jumanji bored me and The Polar Express is, in my opinion, one of the worst children’s books ever written.

When Jumanji came out in theaters I was still very young, but I thought it looked looked like a waste of time. The film turned out to be absolutely fantastic. I also had no desire to see “The Polar Express” when it was released in theaters last November, but I saw it nonetheless. It has to have been one of the best CGI films I have ever seen. I could not believe that this was a film version of the Van Allsburg book. So because of past experiences I have high hopes for “Zathura.”

“Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is on DVD today! This film was the best film this year and I was excited to learn that there is a Two-disc Collectors edition DVD that can be purchased. Walmart.com posted an advertisement that says the Special Edition DVD has a PG-13 rated version of the film. If this is true I expect to see the extended “River Boat” scene that was cut out of the film, because it was too scary for younger viewers, on the extended cut of the movie.

“Christmas with the Kranks” is also available on DVD today. This is based off of the John Grisham novel “Skipping Christmas” and stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Jar Head is the story of Marine Corps troops who served in Operation Desert Storm from 1989 - 1990. Unlike other war films, this movie does not focus on heroic feats and enormous battles. This film focuses on the lifestyle of Marine Corps troops through training and the time of their service.

The acting in this film was very good and the characters helped you understand what these people must go through to make an attempt to protect our country. Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, The Day AFter Tomorrow) plays Swoff, who starts out as someone eager to serve their country. But as the film goes on we see his character change and adjust to the harsh environment that he is placed in. Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx (Ray) gives a great performance as Sergeant Siek.

This movie is intense, but is definitely worth seeing.

Disney's Chicken Little

Though this CGI film does not live up to those such as Shrek or Toy Story, this film is a very funny family film that will not leave you disappointed.

When Chicken Little mistakes an acorn for a piece of the sky, he send the town into a panic because he believes the sky is falling. This frenzy caused a significant amount of damage to their town. One year after this incident Chicken Little is still being teased about it, and though he is able to redeem his good name by hitting the winning home run for his baseball team, he is once again hit on the head by a piece of the sky.

Though the plot is some what complicated, the humor holds the film together. The characters in the film are also very strong and you can identify with why Chicken Little, the Ugly Duckling, Runt of the Litter, and Fish out of Water are friends. Foxy Loxy, the school bully, is also a fantastic character. After only a short time of watching this film you come to hate her.

This film features the voice talents of Joan Cusack, Steve Zahn, and Don Knotts, and is a very witty family film.

A note about this film: The entertainment section of Mainetoday posted a summery for this film that read "Chicken Little's tendency to overreact land her in Camp-Yes-U-Can where she discovers a plot." I'm not exactly sure why this was posted, because Chicken Little is a boy and Camp-Yes-U-Can does not exhist in this film.

There are so many sequels coming out in the next few years. Some may be okay, but most will probably flop. Here is a list of some of these sequels.

- Die Hard 4.0

- Indiana Jones 4 (Harrison Ford will return...wow)

- Rambo IV

- Rocky VI (Sylvester Stalone will return...wow again...)

- Terminator 4

- Big Mommas House 2 (Martin lawrence will return)

- Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt will return)

- National Treasure 2 (Nicolas Cage will return)

- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Opens November 8th)

- Shrek 3

- Scary Movie 4

- The Bourne Ultimatum

- Final Fantasy 3 (This is supposed to be the FINAL film in this series)

- X-Men 3

- Ice Age 2: Meltdown

- 28 Weeks Later

- AMerican Pie 4: Band Camp (Direct to DVD)

- The Pink Panther (This is the TENTH Pink Panther film!)

- The Butterfly Effect 2

- Daddy Day Camp

- Daredevil 2 (Nooooooooo!)

- Deep Blue Sea 2

- Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat Comes Back

Do you think they'll be good or will they fail to live up to the originals? Did I leave out any upcomign sequels? Let me know! I will peridocially repost this list with new additions.

The movies I will be reviewing this weekend are:

Disney’s Chicken Little – Chicken Little may be a little bit of a hypochondriac, but this time the sky really may really be falling! This film features the voices of Steve Zahn (National Security, Super Troopers) and Joan Cusack (Toys, School of Rock). This film looks very funny, however Disney has the tendency to show all of the funny parts in the trailers. - REVIEW WILL BE AVAILABLE SATURDAY

Jarhead – A film that shows the experiences that a soldier in the middle-east must go through. This film stars Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, The Day After Tomorrow) and Oscar Winner Jamie Foxx (Ray, Stealth). This film looks excellent, but depressing. - REVIEW WILL BE AVAILABLE MONDAY

“The Weather Man”

This year’s most deceiving film is “The Weather Man” starring Nicolas Cage. The trailer displays the film as a feel-good movie that will resolve itself at the end. Instead you find yourself in the middle of an intense and disturbing series of events that leave you feeling depressed and questioning yourself.

This film is not a comedy! Do not let yourself be fooled by the uplifting trailers and commercials. If you let yourself expect a funny and heartwarming movie, you will leave thinking the movie was terrible. When I saw the film, a few people didn’t like the movie at all, because it was not what they expected. If you don’t expect anything and take the film for what it is it is a great film. Though I found the film to be great, it was none the less, disturbing.

The acting in this movie was fantastic. Nicolas Cage is one of my favorite actors in Hollywood for a few reasons. The first is that he rarely makes a bad movie. His last film “Lord of War” was one of the best films this year, and before that he was in the blockbuster hit “National Treasure.” Michael Caine played Nicolas Cage’s father and as always did a fantastic job. Even the secondary actors did a great job. The man playing Michael’s (The Weather Man’s son) rehab counselor did an excellent job playing a very sketchy and strange character.

Overall this movie was very good. It was just deceiving. The most important thing to do is keep an open mind when seeing “The Weather Man,” because the film's tagline was absolutely right: "Bring an Umbrella"