Colossal

A monster lurks within all of us--it's just that most times, it doesn't manifest quite so concretely. Not so here, to the viewers amusement. This one delivers a remarkably deft mix of comedy and drama that hits all the right notes without a misstep. The only thing false, considering the nature of the story, is the fact that the city in danger is not completely evacuated by the end, given all that has happened before then. But that's a quibble. Ultimately, this is a little movie that makes a big impact.

Cherish

How did this movie not make Robin Tunney a grade-A, center of the spotlight hottie? Three years later, and she's still not a big name? Well...there's no accounting for taste. Tunney is very appealing, the film is quirky and engaging, the story--wrongfully accused woman copes with house arrest--overcomes its occasional common sense issues, and the soundtrack is dynamite. Overall, a winner.

Holes

A movie that tries to cover an awful lot of ground. It seems at first like it's bound to fail, but the threads of this artfully constructed story come together in the end for a nice payoff. There's a disquieting note that runs just below the surface--a flicker on the bullshit meter regarding how a young man really would react to such injustice--but it remains buried deep enough that it doesn't spoil the fun. Definitely worth a look.

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Homer for the masses...and I don't mean Simpson. Well-crafted retelling of the old tale, with some great music and good performances by Messrs. Clooney, Turturro and Nelson.