Ratatouille

Strange. None of the characters are particularly likeable, at least at first; much of the physical comedy is overdone; some parts of the Pixar template have become too familiar (including the usual, almost banal-at-this-point technical brilliance); and the distracting Familiar Voice Problem is present. And yet, when viewed in its totality, the movie still works better than it should. This is a film that is more than the sum of its parts, and by pulling off that trick, it earns a worthiness that otherwise would not be there. Go ahead and have this one for dinner some night.

Clay Pigeons

Vince Vaughn: charming psychopath? Hmm, maybe this one's a docudrama. Vaughn is a little too convincing as a Montana ladykiller, with able backup from Joaquin Phoenix as the hapless schlub who almost takes the rap. The black comedy keeps moving and stays interesting throughout, but it is most entertaining when Vaughn is doing his nutty thing. A decent rental.

The Matchmaker

This should have put to rest once and for all any ideas about Janeane Garafolo's supposed unattractiveness. That's a cute girl, no matter what she might say. Unfortunately, that's not really enough to carry this movie. It isn't bad, just not particularly memorable. There are a few funny moments, but not enough. The romance is all standard issue. And the subplot, about bringing some integrity to an otherwise dissolute politician, never really develops. Not terrible, but you're not missing anything, either.

The Laramie Project

Gut-wrenching, but, I think, necessary. If for no other reason than to ask once again--in the wake of the Matthew Shepard murder--the question, why does this country (or all of humanity, for that matter) have to be like this? Maybe watching movies like this could help some people find some meaningful answers.

Cop Land

Yes, there really is such a thing as a good Sylvester Stallone movie (at least since the original Rocky).